Rovinj Kayak Tour: St. Catherine Island & Snorkeling with Photos

Paddle past Rovinj's painted houses, then jump off cliffs into the Adriatic

You paddle 30 minutes along Rovinj's waterfront to St. Catherine Island, where you swim and snorkel in clear Adriatic water, with optional cliff jumping from 1 to 10 meters. The tour includes professional photos, snorkeling gear, life jacket, drinks, and a guide who knows the local stories. Small groups, no experience needed, and you're back on the beach before evening.

Step-by-step itinerary

Kayak to St. Catherine Island

• Receive safety briefing and instructions
• Kayak along Rovinj coastline
• Admire Old Town and waterfront houses
• Arrive at St. Catherine Island
• Swim and snorkel in clear water
• Walk to cliffs for views and cliff jumping
• Explore hidden spots around the island
• Return to beach and kayaks

The experience

The Old Town rises from the water in layers of terracotta and cream, church spire cutting the sky, and you're moving toward it slowly in a kayak, paddle dripping salt. Rovinj from the sea is different: the waterfront houses that look postcard-flat from the street become real, their reflections wavering, and you hear the actual sound of water against stone instead of the tourist noise from the promenade. After a safety briefing and paddling instructions on the beach, the group pushes off, usually no more than a dozen people, and the guide points out details about the town's maritime past as you glide along the coast toward St. Catherine Island.

The paddle takes about 30 minutes. It's not strenuous: beginners manage it fine, and the pace lets you actually look around instead of just surviving. Once you reach the island, the water is so clear you can see the seabed, and most people spend time swimming and snorkeling right there, mask and snorkel provided. The island has hidden spots worth exploring on foot, and if you want the adrenaline part, there are cliffs ranging from 1 to 10 meters where you can jump if the mood takes you. It's optional, guided, and you choose the height. Some people do it, some don't, and nobody makes it weird either way.

The whole thing is run by Buba Kayak Tours, and they handle the details that usually make you book three separate things: photos are shot throughout and included, so you're not paddling one-handed trying to get your own shots; they bring ice tea and bottled water so you're not thirsty halfway through; and the dry bag keeps your phone safe. There's also a sunset tour at 18:00 if you want golden-hour light and the chance to spot dolphins, though that's less guaranteed. You leave with the photos on your phone, salt in your hair, and the kind of tired that feels good.

What’s included

• Your kayak tour includes high-quality photos taken throughout the day, a life jacket, mask and snorkel equipment, a dry bag for your belongings, ice tea, and bottled water.
• The guide leads you along Rovinj's coastline, shares stories about the town's maritime heritage, and supervises all activities on St.
• Catherine Island, including optional cliff jumping.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 10:00 and 14:00

Book up to2d before

AgesAdult (18 to 75 years) · Senior (76 and older) · Youth (12 to 17 years) · Child (4 to 11 years) · Infant (2 to 3 years)

GroupUp to 16

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 or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

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

Operated by Kayak Tours Rovinj

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to see Rovinj from the water without arranging separate photo sessions, snorkeling gear, or transport to a quieter beach: the tour bundles all three and handles the logistics so you just show up and paddle.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (12 to 17 years); Child (4 to 11 years); Infant (2 to 3 years).

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.

How long is the kayak tour?

The full tour is roughly 2 to 3 hours, with about 30 minutes of paddling to reach St. Catherine Island.

Do I need kayaking experience?

No. The tour is designed for beginners and experienced paddlers alike. You get a full safety briefing and paddling instructions before you start.

Is cliff jumping mandatory?

No, it's optional. You can choose whether to try it, and you pick the height from 1 to 10 meters based on your comfort level.

What's included in the tour?

Tour photos, life jacket, mask and snorkel, dry bag, ice tea, and bottled water are all included.

Can I do the sunset tour?

Yes. The sunset tour runs at 18:00 and offers golden-hour paddling with a chance to see dolphins.

Is this tour suitable for beginners?

Yes, it's designed for all levels. The guide provides full instruction and the pace is manageable for first-time kayakers.

What should I bring?

Bring a swimsuit, sunscreen, and a towel. Your phone can go in the dry bag. Water and drinks are provided.

Are there any restrictions?

The tour is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, pregnant travelers, or those with poor cardiovascular health. Moderate physical fitness is needed.