Korčula Kayak Tour: Island Quarries, Monastery & Grk Wine

Summary

Kayaking Korčula’s islands for quarry ruins, monastery calm and local wine

You’ll paddle between Korčula’s islands with a local guide, tasting homemade pastries on Gubavac before tracing quarry walls on Vrnik. Watch deer roam Badija’s monastery grounds and end your day with Grk wine on a quiet beach. Expect laughter, crumbly cake, sun-warmed stone — and maybe a new story or two to bring home.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect the water to be that clear — like glass, honestly. We started paddling from Lumbarda, and after a few minutes my arms were already feeling it (I’m not exactly sporty). Our guide, Marko, was patient and kept things light; he joked about how even locals sometimes drift off course. The first stop was Gubavac island — tiny and quiet except for the soft slap of waves against the kayak. We sipped homemade sage juice while Marko handed out Klašun pastries. I’m still thinking about that crumbly texture and the way the filling tasted faintly of lemon.

Vrnik was next, with its old stone quarries. You could run your hand along the rough walls and feel centuries of work in every groove — I tried to imagine what it sounded like back then, all those hammers echoing across the water. There’s a sleepy little village there too; we passed an old man tending his tomatoes who nodded but didn’t say much. The sun felt stronger here, bouncing off pale stone everywhere you looked.

Badija island surprised me most. We walked up to the Franciscan monastery (the bell tower’s shadow stretched long over the grass) and then just… watched these deer wandering around like they owned the place. One came right up to us — I froze, but Marko just laughed and told me they’re always this chill. On our last stop, he poured us a glass of Grk wine from Lumbarda while we sat on a deserted beach. Salty skin, sweet wine, crumbs in my lap — not glamorous but perfect in its own way.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Kayak tour exploring islands and history

• Kayak from Korčula Island
• Stop at Gubavac for coffee and snacks
• Explore stone quarries on Vrnik Island
• Visit Franciscan monastery on Badija Island
• Relax and swim at remote beaches
• Enjoy homemade Grk wine and Klašun cake

Top questions

How long is the kayak tour from Korčula?

The tour is a half-day activity exploring several islands near Korčula.

Is lunch included on this kayak tour?

The tour includes traditional homemade pastries called Klašun and a glass of local Grk wine.

Are there stops for swimming during the tour?

Yes, there are stops at small remote beaches where you can relax or swim if you want.

Do I need kayaking experience for this trip?

No prior experience is needed; guides adjust to group abilities and provide instruction.

What islands do we visit on this kayak day trip?

You’ll visit Gubavac, Vrnik (with its old quarries), and Badija island with its monastery and deer.

Is this suitable for kids or families?

Yes; homemade sage juice is provided for kids and guides adapt pace to group needs.

What equipment is provided for kayaking?

You get a double or single sit-in kayak, paddle, life jacket, dry bags, and spray skirt included.

How big are the groups on this kayak tour?

The maximum group size is 10 people to keep things personal and flexible.

What’s included

Your half-day includes all kayaking equipment (single or double kayak options), life jacket, dry bags for your stuff, plus homemade Klašun pastries and a glass of local Grk wine from Lumbarda. Kids get fresh sage juice too — all led by a local guide who adjusts pace based on your group before returning you back to Korčula or Lumbarda.