What to do · Dubrovnik
Sea Kayaking under the Walls to Betina Cave
Information
- From
- €40 per person
- Duration
- 2 h
- Distance
- 4.5 km
- Who it's for
- No experience, from age 4
What it is
A two-hour guided sea-kayak outing that leaves from the little bay of Pile, below the city's west gate, and has you paddling at the foot of the wall. From the water you see it as the ships saw it: the wall rises straight out of the rock and Lovrijenac is above your head. Halfway you stop at the beach of Betina cave, reachable only by sea, to swim and snorkel.
Who runs it
Adventure Dalmatia, an activities company from Split with an office in Dubrovnik. Its guides speak Croatian and English and, according to the company, are registered with the Croatian mountain rescue service. In Pile bay several companies sell the same outing: look for their stand with the name painted on it, on the beach, going down through the park below the Pile gate.
The route
- Departure from Pile. You are given a life jacket, a kayak and a safety briefing on the beach.
- Towards Betina. You paddle to the cove of Betina cave, where you stop to swim and snorkel with mask and tube.
- Under the walls. On the way back you follow the coast, among beaches, palm trees, villas and hotels, and pass hard against the rock on which the wall stands, the most impressive stretch.
- Return to Pile. Out and back it is 4 to 5 km.
Duration, times and price
It lasts about two hours. There are two departures, at 9:30 and 12:30, and you must be at the meeting point 10 or 15 minutes beforehand. It costs €40 per person and includes the kayak, mask and snorkel, insurance, the guide and a half-litre bottle of water.
Book at least a day ahead, by email, message or in person, so they can confirm the exact time and places.
Who can go
No experience is needed and low fitness is enough. The minimum age is 4. The kayaks are double sit-on-top ones, so an adult can paddle with a child in front. Everyone wears a life jacket throughout the outing.
What to bring
Swimming costume, T-shirt, hat, sunglasses and sun cream. Water shoes are not essential but help when getting out on the rocks. Valuables in the waterproof barrel they give you or at your accommodation. During the outing there are no toilets: only the public ones in Pile square, before you start.
When to go
The 9:30 departure has the calmest sea, less heat and less boat traffic in the bay. The midday one catches the sun higher: more sun cream and a hat. The guides may cancel without notice in bad weather, and may change the route if the sea does not allow you to reach Betina.
Getting there
The meeting point is in Pile bay, next to the west entrance of the old town. The Libertas bus stops at Pile, and the Ilijina glavica car park is about ten minutes' walk downhill.
If you want to complete the day, afterwards climb to the Lovrijenac fortress, which you have just seen from below, or the walls.
Tips
- Book the day before The company asks for at least a day's notice to confirm time and place.
- Choose the 9:30 one Calmer sea, fewer boats and softer sun.
- Use the toilet beforehand There is none on the water; the only ones are in Pile square.
Frequently asked questions
How much does kayaking under the walls cost?
€40 per person with Adventure Dalmatia, with kayak, snorkelling gear, insurance, guide and water.
Can children go?
Yes, from age 4, in a double kayak with an adult. No experience is needed.
What happens if the weather is bad?
The guides may cancel the outing or change the route. Ask when booking how they let you know.
As a familyWith teenagersWith friends
Who runs it
- Adventure DalmatiaSea kayaking in Dubrovnik with a stop at Betina cave Visit their website
