Dubrovnik & Islands activity vacation
“A week of outdoor activities on the exquisite Elaphiti Islands, starting and ending in Dubrvonik, and exploring Sipan, Lopud and Kolocep Island using Sipan as a base. ”
Highlights
Dubrovnik | Sipan Island | Sea kayaking on Croatia’s Dalmatian coast | Lopud Island | Kolocep Island
Travel Team
If you'd like to chat about this vacation or need help finding one we're very happy to help. The Travel Team.
Toll free 1-866-821-6866 Calling from outside the US? rosy@responsibletravel.comCheck dates
2021: 24 Apr, 1 May, 8 May, 15 May, 22 May, 29 May, 5 Jun, 12 Jun, 19 Jun, 26 Jun, 3 Jul, 10 Jul, 17 Jul, 24 Jul, 31 Jul, 7 Aug, 14 Aug, 21 Aug, 28 Aug, 4 Sep, 11 Sep, 18 Sep, 25 Sep, 2 Oct, 9 Oct, 16 Oct
Accessible overview:
We work closely with local communities and individuals throughout Croatia with whom we share a mutual passion for outdoors, adventure, sports and travel. We know our country well, we love it and we want to share it with you. We will therefore do our best to accommodate a traveler's individual needs as much as possible. We may suggest that you bring someone with you but we will do all we can on the ground to help.
Blind or limited sight:
We have experience in accommodating blind and limited vision guests on our multisport trips that are slightly moderated to suit them better. This usually means substituting the cycling activity with another walking or kayaking activity and this can be arranged during the booking process. Blind or limited vision guests need to be accompanied by another full sighted person. We are open to organizing private departures for mixed groups of blind, partially blind and fully sighted guests who would accompany them.
Deaf or limited hearing:
This tours are available for deaf or limited hearing guests who are accompanied by another fully hearing person. We are happy to offer our trips to as many guests as possible and will do our best to offer them a suitable vacation option.
Cognitive conditions:
Guests with different cognitive conditions are welcome on these two trips if they are accompanied by close friends or family members. We have experience with accommodating guests with autism and have had good feedback from these guests. It is best to contact us via the 'inquire' button with questions to see what trip would be most suitable for each guest.
'Free from' food:
We can cater for vegetarians, vegans, and gluten-free travelers.
LGBT:
We welcome LGBT guests on all our trips.
Vouchers
Accepted
Responsible tourism
As the pioneers of responsible tourism, we screen every trip so you can travel knowing your vacation will help support conservation and local people.
We travel by kayaks, bikes and on foot and reduce the use of motorized vehicles to the minimum. Our guides make sure not to leave anything behind or disturb the local flora and fauna. Croatia is still lucky enough to have supplies of clean, clear water and we take this seriously - we never use motorboats on our rivers. Traveling on bike produces no carbon footprint, unlike using all-terrain-vehicles, moto-cross bikes, or other modes of industrial transportation. Also traveling on bike slows your pace down so you take in more of the nature that surrounds you.
By buying local products you are supporting this country's economy and helping Croatia stand on its feet again! We consider it our responsibility to lead efforts to maintain and preserve the integrity of this fledgling sector by petitioning the introduction of tighter controls over the use of the country’s natural resources.
The Peljesac peninsula has not yet become a big tourist destination, although more and more people discover it every year. We have hiked, cycled, sailed and paddled this area and found the most beautiful spots. We will steer you away for the crowds and show you the special places only a few get to visit.
Our moto is: take only pictures, leave only footprints. (Or not even that - paddle!)
The Impacts of this Trip
The 1990-ies war in Croatia has left many communities without infrastructure, jobs and even job opportunities. People were reluctant to move back to their areas because lack of prospects. We are very proud that we have seen the opportunity in these places and started working with the locals helping them rebuild and find use of the buildings. Some of the areas we visit are off the beaten track and have kept their authenticity. Other than that we buy food from small farms and work on developing responsible waste management by stimulating waste recycling.
We try to use private accommodation in local communities wherever possible and are proud to say that we have brought jobs and business to many places where they were needed. Our guides and drivers are local, which benefits both the community and our guests, as they are offered unique insight into the area where they are traveling. The families who will be your hosts during this vacation proudly serve home grown vegetables and wine from their vineyards.
By booking this trip you bring much needed income to the people who are still recovering from the war-torn years as this was the area severely affected by war. This trip ensures that the local people benefit as much as possible in the form of jobs and provision of accommodation, and most of all that negative environmental impacts are kept to the minimum.
Environment
We travel by kayaks, bikes and on foot and reduce the use of motorized vehicles to the minimum. Our guides make sure not to leave anything behind or disturb the local flora and fauna. Croatia is still lucky enough to have supplies of clean, clear water and we take this seriously - we never use motorboats on our rivers. Traveling on bike produces no carbon footprint, unlike using all-terrain-vehicles, moto-cross bikes, or other modes of industrial transportation. Also traveling on bike slows your pace down so you take in more of the nature that surrounds you.
By buying local products you are supporting this country's economy and helping Croatia stand on its feet again! We consider it our responsibility to lead efforts to maintain and preserve the integrity of this fledgling sector by petitioning the introduction of tighter controls over the use of the country’s natural resources.
The Peljesac peninsula has not yet become a big tourist destination, although more and more people discover it every year. We have hiked, cycled, sailed and paddled this area and found the most beautiful spots. We will steer you away for the crowds and show you the special places only a few get to visit.
Our moto is: take only pictures, leave only footprints. (Or not even that - paddle!)
Community
The Impacts of this Trip
The 1990-ies war in Croatia has left many communities without infrastructure, jobs and even job opportunities. People were reluctant to move back to their areas because lack of prospects. We are very proud that we have seen the opportunity in these places and started working with the locals helping them rebuild and find use of the buildings. Some of the areas we visit are off the beaten track and have kept their authenticity. Other than that we buy food from small farms and work on developing responsible waste management by stimulating waste recycling.
We try to use private accommodation in local communities wherever possible and are proud to say that we have brought jobs and business to many places where they were needed. Our guides and drivers are local, which benefits both the community and our guests, as they are offered unique insight into the area where they are traveling. The families who will be your hosts during this vacation proudly serve home grown vegetables and wine from their vineyards.
By booking this trip you bring much needed income to the people who are still recovering from the war-torn years as this was the area severely affected by war. This trip ensures that the local people benefit as much as possible in the form of jobs and provision of accommodation, and most of all that negative environmental impacts are kept to the minimum.
Climate
15 Reviews of Dubrovnik & Islands activity vacation
4.5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed on 01 Sep 2019 by David Keniston
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Hike in LoPud island
2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Supported local restaurants. Lots of non-motor based activities inc. bike, paddle board and kayaks
4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Excellent, but maybe breakfast could improve choice and quality.
Reviewed on 19 Aug 2019 by Kate Bettjeman
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The sunset cruise was memorable and comes in at a tie with the optional day which we chose to visit Mljet.
2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
The clothing suggestions the operator give are excellent, and in particular
the swim shoes as a lot of the beaches are stoney.
Also booking evening dinners at restaurants is recommended
3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
I think it probably benefited local businesses, yes.
4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Just loved it, and we are all very pleased we participated. The other group members were all so positive, interesting and easy going. The entire experience was fantastic.
Reviewed on 04 Aug 2019 by Ruth Bailey
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Highlights of this vacation were exploring the stunning coastline by kayak, bike and foot and through the beautiful sunset sail on a catamaran.
2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
It's a really good balance between being active and having time for relaxation away from the group.
3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
I liked the fact it used local guides, and we visited local restaurants. We collected plastic waste when we visited an island on a kayak trip.
4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
It was brilliant. Our guide Toni was excellent and I would certainly book with this operator again.
Reviewed on 27 May 2019 by Siobhan Holloway
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Reviewed on 20 Oct 2019 by Don Lavictoire
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The kayaking swimming , cycling and beautiful views were all great
2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Be prepared to be flexible, The plans will be adjusted due to weather. (What makes sense.)
3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes
4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Great, I would of liked more meals included in the package (even if price were a little higher) being on a vacation, I didn’t want to worry about arranging and paying for meals.**they did not have need people for walking tour, so we did the Multisport tour and enjoyed it.
Reviewed on 15 Jul 2019 by Ruth Lorimer
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Sunset cruise on catamaran
2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Make sure your guide tells you what's going to happen & when in advance - so you have everything you need. Beware there may be extras - not everything is
included. Research before you go if there are other things you would like to do as there will be plenty spare time
3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
The local people will have benefited. We were taken to an abandoned island (not deserted as advertised) where the beach was in a bad state - covered in
rubbish and we saw blood vials - there was no evidence of anyone trying to clean it up, I am not sure the tour company should be taking groups there when it's
in this condition.
4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Beautiful place. We enjoyed ourselves. Tour guide was inexperienced so lack of information available, activities were rushed and seemed to be more of a way
to get the group to place to place than to appreciate the activity and the countryside. It has the potential to be a better trip but think the way it's currently run could be improved upon.
Reviewed on 27 Jun 2018 by Anna Fairclough
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
It was all amazing! Such a fab setting, the views were just spectacular. Sea Kayaking was amazing fun. The suggested restaurants for lunch were also a massive
highlight - really local and great f ood!
2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Definitely give it a go, such an amazing week!
3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
We went to lots of local restaurants and shops, and the guesthouses we stayed in were all small local ones so that was a real bonus!
4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Absolutely amazing!!
Reviewed on 13 Aug 2018 by Jo Jo Cox
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The boat trips to the island in the speed boats and the Catamaran
2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
There are a lot of added extra costs in this trip. Lunch in different places suggested by the guides which are good but expensive.
The breakfast and meals that are included are very limited. The menu had 3 choices of main course and we were eating in the same place for the 3 dinners. Breakfast was really poor, no selection at all.
The daily activities are not very long for the price that we paid.
Be prepared to be flexible as they change the plans quite a lot which is not weather dependent its to work around the different group requests etc.
3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes local people benifited quite a lot as the guides used their restaurants for lunch/dinners etc where local produce was used.
As our mode of transport was on Foot, by sea, or cycling very little carbon footprint left on the islands
4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Overall good but expensive
Reviewed on 04 Sep 2017 by Joy Baker
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Team spirit, excellent guide and organisation. The group of people I met (my first solo vacation). The island of Sipan, so beautiful and unspoilt.
2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Good walking shoes and wet shoes. A travel kettle (if you want hot drinks in your room).
3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
We supported the environment by reducing plastic bottles (take own and refill with one 7l water bottle) and supporting local trade.
4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Amazing! Beautiful landscapes, well planned activities, excellent guide. My first solo trip and made to feel very welcome.
Reviewed on 03 Sep 2017 by Clare Whitney
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Highly professional guides who were a lot of fun, highly engaging and who really made the vacation, with their personality and character and knowledge. Good accommodation and nice people in the group. Lots of adventures.
2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Our group was made up of one large family, one smaller family and 3 single people. The larger family were very 'self contained' and did not really engage
with the rest of the group. Had the other single people not been on the vacation, we would not have had all of the friendly interaction and laughs. Booking a
group vacation is a risk. We also went for whitewater rafting and kayaking: the water was particularly low and our trips were more like canyoning. The tour
operator were reluctant to give too much information about water levels, so do your own research before you book. In low water, the trips were still great
fun, but manage your own expectations.
3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Low impact, adventure travel of this nature should strongly encourage Croatia to preserve its pristine natural environment.
4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Great fun.
Reviewed on 03 Sep 2017 by Sandie Fensom
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
All of the vacation was memorable. We had a really good time. Our guide Una was lovely and organised everything. All the activities were as described. Would recommend our vacation provider to travel with...
2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
I think the vacation did benefite the local people.
4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
For us the vacation was just what we were looking for and will visit Croatia again..
Reviewed on 20 Aug 2017 by Sandie Fensom
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
All of the vacation was memorable. We had a really good time. Our guide Una was lovely and organised everything. All the activities were as described. Would recommend our vacation operator to travel with ..
2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
I think the vacation did benefite the local people.
4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
For us the vacation was just what we were looking for and will visit Croatia again..
Reviewed on 21 Jul 2017 by Juliet Lowe
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
We had a very enjoyable vacation on the Island of Sipan near Dubrovnik. The guide was great fun and very enthusiastic, he worked our group out quickly, seeing that we all liked walking, cycling and swimming and were not so keen on big lunches and crowded places. So we had some fabulous days exploring the Islands near Dubrovnik kayaking, swimming, walking and cycling. Although it was very hot we still went out on some great adventures and felt we had really covered all the lesser known local places. When ever we came back from other Islands and places we realised how lucky we were to be staying at Luka Sipanska, by far the most beautiful and unspoilt bay in the Dubrovnik area, wonderful views, clean sea, great little beach and fabulous restaurants and cafes. The Guest house in Luka Sipanska was nice and clean (the air conditioning was a bit temperamental), but the food served to us was rather monotonous so we were grateful that we only had 4 evening meals there and could sample all the other wonderful local restaurants on the other nights. When my husband and myself did not go with the others to Dubrovnik as we had already visited it we were given bicycles to go exploring Sipan. The optional excursion day turned out not to be so successful as our group was too small for a choice to be offered and as we did not all want to go on the one excursion offered we were given no other alternatives.
2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
On the whole it was a lovely week with the right proportion of healthy exercise and exploration with relaxing and down time.
Reviewed on 03 Sep 2017 by Juzar Jeevanjee
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The sunset sailing on the catermeran ( after kayaking around the Island) this was my favourite day of the trip.
2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Pay attention to detail
3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes all of the above
4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Overall I had an enjoyable vacation with my daughter and with the company of other guests on the trip.
There were a few disappointments however which I believe your company should address immediately. Although my daughter & I were given a lovely room on the top floor of the apartment block above the office; not once was it cleaned for the entire duration of out trip.
By the second day we had no toilet tissue; and I had to hunt around local shops to find some. I eventually managed to find one of your reps that was napping outside the office. He had some stocked in the office. By the fifth day our small bath towels were so soiled that I had to again request that our towels were replaced. I did not query why the rooms were not being cleaned.
As I presumed that was the level of service you offered. It only became a topic of discussion on the last day when I discovered that none of the other guests had this experience. They're rooms were cleaned daily; I was annoyed to say the least.
As you can imagine we tolerated overflowing bins, sand on the bathroom floor, dirty sheets and soiled towels. So I would like to know why our rooms were overlooked.
On a different point we had included , four nights dinner ( which is fine) except it was at the same restaurant with the same limited set menu. Which meant that we had repeated meals as not all options suited our pallets. I think given the diversity of cuisine available there should have been a better choice of meals available. The food itself was fine.
Reviewed on 28 Aug 2016 by Leah Chamberlain
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
So much of this trip was memorable--I lucked out with a great tour group and a wonderful guide (Danny). The scenery was beautiful and most places we went
were (happily) not overrun with people. Kayaking was definitely my favorite activity, while the most memorable day was when we had lunch at the hilltop
farm. I really enjoyed meeting the owners, and knowing that they shared a meal with us that was wholly produced on their land made it that much more
special.
2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Be ready to be active. There is plenty of time to lounge on the beach, but if that is all you want to do this isn't the trip for you!
3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes--the local places on Sipan definitely got our support, most of the activities (hiking, biking, kayaking) were very environmentally friendly, and the trip to
the farm gave a view into local lifestyles outside the towns.
4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Very good! The accommodations were very comfortable, our guide was great, and the activities were just what I was looking for.
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