The best day I had in Dubrovnik was the day I went Kayaking. I found a recommendation for a tour company in a guide book, and set out to find and book a trip early the second day I was there. It look a while to find the office, but booking a half-day trip to Lokrum island was quick and easy.
The next morning, we met on a rocky beach about a mile from the old town. Here I met the 5 other people on the trip and the guide. We each got simple sit-in sea kayaks (not the sit-on-top type) and pushed off pretty quickly. We paddled up the coast a bit to let everyone get used to the kayaks, and then across the bay to the island. On the back side of the island, we pulled up on a rocky shore, and then we were each off to find our own way for a couple hours.
Not surprisingly, I immediately started walking towards the high-point on the island, where the remains of an old stone fort were still standing. It was quite hot outside, but almost chilly inside. From near the fort, I had a splendid view of the city, and for the first time in a week, I was actually alone for 10 minutes.
Lokrum Island in the background beyond the old town of Dubrovnik
Pulling the boats up on the back side of the island
The sun beating down on the fort atop Lokrum Island
The cool shade inside the fort
Staircases are pretty neat when lit like this…
Looking back at the city from atop Lokrum Island
One of the paths on the island
After admiring the view for a bit, I headed on down to the island’s cafe to grab a sandwich. Just as I finished, I was visited by a giant peacock who walked right up to me. If it wasn’t for the little 3 year old boy who came running along, I probably would have been feeding it out of my hand (for better or worse). Turns out that there’s a whole group of peacocks on the island, including several juveniles… and if you haven’t ever seen a baby peacock… well you ought to.
My lunch-time friend
After walking about the island a bit more, a head back to the kayaks were we pushed off and paddled around the other end of the island and back to shore. All in all is was an easy row and a gentle hike, but both had wonderful scenery. If you find yourself in DBV, be sure to sign up for a kayak trip of some sort.
Click the photos above or visit http://dstovall.org/albums/croatia-2007 for more photos.
Editor’s Note: Image and link URLs updated on 2008.05.26
Tags: Dubrovnik