Sea Kayaking and Snorkeling in Dubrovnik: Paddle to Betina Cave

Paddle past the old town walls, then dive into a sea cave.

A 2-hour guided sea kayaking and snorkeling tour from Pile Bay in Dubrovnik takes you paddling past the city's fortified walls and Lokrum island to reach Betina cave for a snorkeling break. The tour includes a professional guide, double kayak with paddles, snorkeling equipment, water, and insurance. You arrive 15 minutes early so you're paddling by the advertised start time. Children from age 5 are welcome, though those 8 and older paddle alongside an adult.

The experience

You start at Pile Bay near the old town, and the guide gets you into a sit-on-top double kayak with a paddle and a clear route: past the forts and city walls that ring Dubrovnik, over the blue Adriatic, by Lokrum island, and out to Betina cave. The whole paddle takes about 2 hours, and you're moving the whole time. This is not a drift. Your guide provides commentary on what you're passing, but the work is yours: you paddle.

At Betina cave, you stop to snorkel. The cave sits at the water's edge, and you slip in with the snorkeling gear provided. This is the break in the paddle, and it's the reason most people book this tour. After you surface, it's back to Pile Bay the way you came. Snorkeling equipment, a waterproof barrel for your phone and keys, bottled water, and a professional guide are all included. You bring a swimsuit, water shoes (the beach is pebbles), sunscreen, and a towel.

Two things matter before you book. First: arrive 15 minutes before the advertised time so you're actually paddling by the hour listed. Second: you need at least a moderate level of fitness and comfort in the water. The tour runs with a minimum of 6 people, so there's a small chance of cancellation after confirmation if the group doesn't fill. If that happens, you get an alternative time or a full refund. The operator offers both daytime and sunset departures, so you can choose the light you want.

What’s included

• A professional kayak guide leading the paddle.
• a sit-on-top double kayak and paddles.
• snorkeling equipment for the Betina cave stop.
• bottled water.
• a waterproof barrel to keep your phone and keys dry.
• and insurance covering the activity.

Options for this experience

2 options

Daytime Sea KayakingGuide in English · 10:30, 10:45, 11:45 and 13:15Lasts 2 hours

2h Sunset KayakingGuide in English · 14:45Runs for 2 hours. Sunset Kayaking: the same route and length, just held at a different point in the day, and includes a glass of wine.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day5 departure times: the first at 10:30, the last at 14:45Last departure this season: 15 Nov

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (18 and older) · Youth (12 to 17 years) · Child (8 to 11 years) · Infant (5 to 7 years): free · Under 5: can't be booked

GroupUp to 50

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Dubrovnik Walks

Is this one for you?Book this if you have a free afternoon in Dubrovnik and want to move under your own paddle instead of sitting on a tour bus: the snorkeling stop at Betina cave breaks up the paddle and gives you a reason to get in the water, so the day feels like two activities instead of one.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (12 to 17 years); Child (8 to 11 years); Infant (5 to 7 years): free. Children under 5 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What exactly is Betina cave and what do I do when I get there?

Betina cave is a sea cave at the water's edge near Lokrum island where the tour stops for a snorkeling break. You enter the water with your snorkeling gear and explore the cave opening and the surrounding seabed before paddling back.

Do I need to know how to kayak or swim before I book?

You don't need kayaking experience, but you do need at least a moderate level of physical fitness and comfort in the water. The tour is not recommended for non-swimmers, and children under 8 sit in the kayak while adults paddle. Children 8 and older paddle alongside an adult.

What happens if I arrive late to the meeting point?

The tour departs from Pile Bay, and you're asked to arrive 15 minutes before the advertised start time so you're in the kayak and paddling by the listed hour. If you miss the departure, refunds are not issued for late arrival.

Is there a choice between daytime and sunset times?

Yes. The tour is offered as a daytime sea kayaking option and as a 2-hour sunset kayaking option. You choose which one suits your schedule at checkout.

What's included in the price and what do I need to bring?

The tour includes a professional guide, double kayak and paddles, snorkeling equipment, bottled water, waterproof barrel for personal items, and insurance. Bring a swimsuit, water shoes or flip-flops, a towel, sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses.