Sea Kayaking on the Coast of Rovinj, Croatia

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Sea kayaking is a unique way to see the historic city of Rovinj in Croatia. A paddle along the Rovinj shoreline gives you views of the old city you just can’t get from shore. Rovinj is famous for its sunsets, therefore a sunset sea kayak tour gives you a close-up view of the bright orange splendor. If you are lucky you will see dolphins jumping in the sea from your boat.

Rovinj is on the west coast of the Istrian peninsula. Istria is known for truffles, wine, and olive oil products. Rovinj is revered for its beautiful cobblestone streets, beaches, and active waterfront that attracts tourists from all over. It’s an active fishing port so make sure to sample the delicious fresh seafood.

While there are plenty of tour boats to get you out on the water, nothing is more authentic than a sea kayak tour to see Rovinj. Since tours are geared to all abilities, anyone who wants a close-to-nature experience on the Rovinj coastline will enjoy sea kayaking in the harbor and around nearby islands.

Sea Kayaking Rovinj with Terra Magica Adventures

When I was in Rovinj I enjoyed a half-day sea kayaking trip with Terra Magica Adventures. TJ and Becky Jambrovic run the 5-year-old company. They have created a sustainable adventure company that offers a multitude of tours. Besides sea kayaking, their trips include sailing adventures, cycling, and hiking throughout Croatia. When you add in rock climbing, stand-up paddle boarding, and gourmet tours you have a wide range of choices to see the splendid wilds of Croatia. The multi-day trips combine different outdoor adventures from hiking in the national parks of Croatia to cycling in Isteria to sea kayaking in the Adriatic Sea.

Related post -> Best Sea Kayaking on the Mani Peninsula

Sea Kayaking Tour in Rovinj

The sea kayaking trip starts at a lovely beach tucked into the north arm of the bay. A direct view of the old city beckons across the bay. After TJ went over safety and paddling skills, we headed out in a sturdy double sit-on-top kayak. The gear used such as paddles, lifejackets, dry bags, and kayaks is all good quality, comfortable equipment.

The paddle begins with a journey over to the old historic city. The view from water level is stunning with the different colors of the buildings standing out like cut-outs against the sea. TJ shared some history of the city and pointed out notable structures. I particularly enjoyed paddling inches from the waterfront buildings and peering up to the terraces. TJ said that on his sunset sea kayaking tours, they order drinks at the seaside terrace restaurants from the boats. What fun to sip a drink while floating on the Adriatic with the sun going down.

St. Catherine Island

From the Rovinj old city center waterfront, we headed over to St. Catherine Island, a large island in the bay with many parks, gardens, and beaches. A paddle around the island revealed magnificent cliffs fringing the turquoise water. These high rocks are a great place for cliff jumping. Various levels of height give you a chance to get your courage up.

We stopped to explore the island along its expansive walkways. We marveled at the cliff-jumping spot. I opted to save the jumping for another time. There’s also a chance to swim at the beach during this stop on the tour.

Related post -> Best Sea Kayak Trip on Kefalonia Island in Greece

Dolphins in the harbor

During our sea kayak paddle across the open harbor, we could see dolphins jumping in the distance. These marine mammals are common in the area. It was fun to see their playfulness as they cavorted in the ocean.

Next up was a paddle over to an uninhabited island in the bay. The tiny island was perfect for a stop and some swimming. There was an 8-person standup paddleboard on the island. What fun they were having maneuvering the huge paddleboard. TJ said the locals use the remote island for picnics and barbeques.

After the tour of the entire port of Rovinj, it was time to head back. There were more breathtaking views of the old city’s seafront and the steeple of the hilltop church of St. Euphemia.

I really enjoyed the information TJ shared about the area and his enthusiasm to give his guests an authentic experience rooted in sustainability. If you travel to Rovinj, be sure to look up Terra Magica Adventures for some amazing sea kayaking and other outdoor sports tours.

Related post: Sea Kayak Camping on the Islands of the Maine Coast

Accommodations in Rovinj

While it’s certainly possible (and pricy) to stay in the old city, consider staying just outside the pedestrian zone of Rovinj. I found a place that was a gorgeous 5-minute walk from the city center. Sony Studio is an ultra-clean and spacious apartment with a charming host. There is gated free parking and is in a very nice neighborhood. I could visit the old town and walk back easily when I needed a break. In addition, it was super reasonably priced.

Wrap Up of Sea Kayaking in Rovinj

With the Adriatic Sea at its front door, Rovinj is a gem of the Istrian peninsula. You will marvel at all the beaches in Rovinj. Visiting the old town takes you back all the way to Roman history. The west-facing waterfront begs you to have a glass of local wine while watching the sunset.

Yet to really see the town, take to the water. For a relaxed, authentic experience, slip into a sea kayak in the port of Rovinj. I was glad I did.

Terra Magica Adventures hosted me for the sea kayak trip in Rovinj. However, my opinions are my honest assessment of the experience.

More on my sea kayaking adventures:

Kayaking and Snorkeling with the Amazing Sea Turtles of Tenerife

Amazing Sea Kayaking in Sian Ka’an on the Yucatan Peninsula

Sea Kayaking in the Whitsunday Islands in Australia

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