Croatian Islands family activity vacation

Planet

CARBON REDUCTION

The island of Lopud where this trip is based is a car free island, apart from the return transfer from Dubrovnik airport to the port we won't use a car or bus at all on this trip; instead we kayak, paddle board, walk and bike our way around the two islands we visit, minimising our carbon footprint and maximising our time to enjoy the beautiful scenery the islands have to offer. On the day we visit Dubrovnik old town, we catch the first public ferry to the port which enables us to visit when cruise passengers aren't present and the streets are quieter.

As a travel company we're acutely aware of our impact on the environment. Each one of our tours displays a carbon footprint, and we're working to reduce our emissions by regularly reviewing our itineraries and embracing lower-impact styles of travel such as trains, public buses or walking – which aren't just better for the planet, but we believe offer a more enjoyable and authentic travel experience too. We're a Certified B Corp that's committed to creating unforgettable adventures while protecting our planet for future generations.


ENVIRONMENT & WILDLIFE

To protect the beauty of the island we have a strict pack in, pack out policy to ensure no rubbish is left behind. The tap water in Croatia is safe to drink and we encourage travelers to take a reusable water bottle to fill up from the hotel taps, rather than adding to the number of plastic bottles used and to be carried. We encourage customers to avoid single-use plastic on tour, and our leaders give advice on refill points each day.

We strive to support nature and biodiversity through protection and regeneration projects, and for every customer that travels with us we make a donation to Rewilding Britain and Cool Earth.

People

LOCAL ECONOMY

Dubrovnik has been in the news for all the wrong reasons recently as a result of the surge of tourists that flock to the city each day. By basing ourselves in the picturesque car free island of Lopud, a short 45 minute away by public ferry we escape the crowds and ensure money spend goes directly to the communities we visit. We use two locally owned guesthouses and eat in a sea front tavern just 100 meters walk from our guesthouse.

Whilst this is a active trip with a focus on sea kayaking and paddle boarding there is still opportunity to visit the local communities on the island including the cafe on Sunj beach on Lopud and paddle to the delightful fishing village of Sudurad on Sipan for a lunch of local delicacies.

We use a local tour leader who have lived in Croatia all their lives and are passionate about their country and showcasing its natural beauty. Throughout this trip the tour leader gives the group options to choose to eat out at local family-run restaurants which is both an opportunity to experience the traditional cuisine and specialities of each country and region, and also helps support the local economy.

Our leaders are the heart of tours. They bring passion and unrivalled knowledge of the destinations and communities that we visit. Their guidance ensures we observe the cultural norms in a destination, they act as a bridge between travelers and the local community and ensure that tourism is a positive experience for both host and guest. We believe in supporting local; staying in locally-run hotels, exploring markets, buying snacks from street vendors, and by doing this we add money to the local economy and enhance our connection with the local community.

EMPLOYMENT, INCLUSIVITY & DIVERSITY

Our ground operations on this vacation are taken care of by a small Croatian company, by contracting directly and collaborating with numerous small, local operators, we ensure that the journey supports and uplifts the local economy. The owner lives in Zagreb and is passionate about his county and outdoor activities, starting his outdoor career as a competitor kayaker.

We understand that each traveler is unique, so the tour leaders will work with each group to cater to skill level and interests, allowing individuals to explore Croatia at their own pace. Although the majority of tour leaders do tend to be male, we are working with the local agent to balance this out, they currently have two trained female tour leaders and will be increasing this over the coming years.

At Explore we believe that diversity is to be celebrated and as a Certified B Corp we're committed to championing equity and inclusion throughout our entire supply chain. We believe that an inclusive approach is essential, and that the best results occur when contributors have different opinions, experiences and backgrounds to bring to the table.