Vis and Hvar Islands Kayaking Adventure, Croatia

  Croatia

Split

Dates: June - October

Description: A 1-week kayak exploration of the islands of Vis and Hvar accompanied by traditional Dalmatian wooden fishing boats.

Vis Island was the first part of former-Yugoslavia to be liberated by Tito's partisans during WWII. Following the War, it was home to a large army base and was thus saved from unsympathetic attempts to attract tourists. Vis is now using tourism to complement its local industries without letting the new visitors overwhelm what is special about the island. Its clear waters and abundant sunshine are natural magnets for the yachtsmen of the Adriatic Sea and divers from around the world. The dialect of the locals reflects the islands close to the historical Mediterranean maritime community.

A specific form of gajeta, the typical Dalmatian fishing boat, falkuse were used exclusively by the fishermen of Komiza on Vis Island to catch vast amount of sardines for hundreds of years. These vessels supported not only the community of Komiza but also the whole of Vis Island and Hvar Island as well. On this tour, our falkusa, or our leut, will act as a support vessel, providing not only a sleeping platform but a vehicle through which to teach guests about Dalmatian maritime culture - its history, its gastronomy, and even its ropework.

Highlights: Circumnavigate remote Vis Island and visit 'ile du jour' Hvar by sea-kayak, with a traditional Dalmatian fishing boat in support.

Cost in US$: $1400

This Program is open to American, Australian, Canadian, European, Kiwi, South African and Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel to Croatia in Groups

Typically Participants Work in Groups of 8

Application Process Involves:

• Online Application plus Application Assessment

Lifejacket Adventures - Adriatic Kayak Expeditions's Mission Statement: Lifejacket Adventures offer unique expeditions of the Adriatic Sea Coast of Croatia designed around the region's traditional wooden boats. Sea-kayak on the turquoise waters surrounding Vis Island. Paddle under the UNESCO heritage-listed walls of Dubrovnik. Explore the retirement palace of Emperor Diocletian at Split with an experienced art historian. The combination of natural scenery and cultural history makes this coastline one of Europe's premiere active destinations. The maritime heritage of Dalmatia is tied to the wooden boats that used to sail the coast - but little is being done to preserve the skills of the old fishermen and boat-builders. We hope to share their knowledge during our tours.

Year Founded: 2003