Hidden ibenik – Kayaking

Exploring Ibenik from the water offers a fresh perspective on this coastal Croatian city. For just $53.95 per person, you can paddle around St. Peters Bay and through St. Anthony Channel, where the HBO series “Game of Thrones” filmed scenes representing Braavos. This 4-hour tour combines adventure, history, and stunning scenery, making it a great choice for active travelers eager to see Ibenik from a unique vantage point.

The tour includes use of kayaks, a guide (for groups of five or more), and complimentary water, ensuring a smooth experience. While the minimum number of participants for guided tours is five, smaller groups can still enjoy kayaking independently. The tour is flexible enough for morning or sunset options, appealing to different types of travelers.

For those interested in Croatia’s film connections and historical sights, this tour provides an engaging way to explore Ibenik’s hidden corners. It’s particularly suited to those comfortable with medium physical activity, as paddling and walking are involved. With high praise for friendly guides and beautiful vistas, this kayaking trip offers both adventure and insight into the city’s well-preserved spots.

Key Points

• Price and Duration: The tour costs $53.95 per person and lasts about 4 hours.
• Main Activities: Paddling through St. Peters Bay and St. Anthony Channel—a site from “Game of Thrones”—plus a land visit to a historic stone church.
• Guided and Independent Options: A local guide is available if minimum five travelers sign up; otherwise, kayaking proceeds without a guide.
• Included Amenities: Use of kayaks, complimentary water, and pick-up and drop-off from Sibenik.
• Highlights: Passing the UNESCO-listed St. Nicholas Fortress, exploring a hidden tunnel, and enjoying the viewpoints of Ibenik from the water.
• Flexibility: Offers both morning and sunset tour options for different preferences.

Starting Point and Tour Schedule in Ibenik

The tour begins at St. Peters Bay in Ibenik, with the initial launch around 8:00 am. The itinerary includes a kayak ride through St. Anthony’s Channel at 9:00 am, where the filming for “Game of Thrones” took place. At approximately 9:30 am, travelers disembark near a hidden tunnel and explore a stone church, with opportunities to enjoy scenic viewpoints.

By 10:00 am, the group re-embarks in kayaks toward the St. Nicholas Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Kayaking around the fortress provides close-up views of its impressive walls, with sightseeing from the water at 10:15 am. The tour concludes with a return to St. Peters Bay around 12:30 pm.

Sunset tours are also available, departing at 4 pm or 5 pm, maintaining the same itinerary but providing a different light and atmosphere for paddling and sightseeing.

What Makes the “Hidden Ibenik” Kayaking Tour Special

The tour’s main draw is the chance to see Ibenik’s secret spots from the water, an experience often missed by land-based visitors. Paddling from St. Peters Bay to St. Anthony Channel offers stunning vantage points of the city’s coastline and historical sites. The Game of Thrones filming location adds a touch of pop culture, appealing to fans eager to visit the fictional city of Braavos in real life.

The tour also takes you past the walls of the UNESCO-listed St. Nicholas Fortress, giving close-up views of its historic ramparts. The visit to the hidden tunnel and the stone church gives a tangible sense of Ibenik’s past, all accessible during the water-based adventure. The viewpoints at various stops provide excellent photo opportunities and a chance to soak in the atmosphere of this scenic Croatian city.

Logistics: Meeting Point, Group Size, and Equipment

The tour departs from Sibenik at 8:00 am with pickup and drop-off included. The experience is designed for groups of at least two participants for kayaking, and five or more for a guided experience. For guided tours, a local guide leads the group, sharing insights about Ibenik’s history and filming spots.

Participants should have medium sport shape, as paddling and walking are involved, but no advanced skills are required. The use of kayaks and complimentary bottled water are included, making this a convenient and comfortable outdoor activity.

The tour is private, meaning only your group participates, ensuring a personalized experience. It’s also near public transportation options, making access straightforward.

The Physical and Safety Aspects of the Tour

This kayaking experience requires a medium level of physical fitness, suitable for those comfortable with paddling and light walking. The use of kayaks is straightforward, and the guides are known for their friendliness and attentiveness, as reflected in reviews praising Marin’s knowledge and considerate attitude.

Weather conditions are a key factor; the tour requires good weather, and if canceled due to poor conditions, a full refund or alternative date is offered. The equipment provided is well-maintained, and water is supplied to stay hydrated during the trip.

The History and Film Connection: Exploring Ibenik’s Films and Landmarks

While paddling through St. Anthony Channel, travelers get a close-up view of a site that became Braavos in “Game of Thrones”. This filming location is a highlight, especially for fans of the series, as it features scenes of the fictional city’s canal system.

Beyond the film sites, the tour includes a visit to a historic stone church, which adds a layer of cultural depth. The hidden tunnel further enhances the sense of discovery, revealing parts of Ibenik’s past that are usually out of sight from land.

Sunset Kayaking: An Alternative to Morning Tours

The sunset kayaking option offers a different experience, with the same itinerary but under evening light. Departing at 4 pm or 5 pm, this option allows travelers to enjoy Ibenik’s scenery as the sun dips, creating a memorable backdrop for photographs and quieter paddling.

This flexible timing is perfect for those who prefer a more relaxed pace or want to combine the tour with other daytime activities.

The Experience of the Guides and Personal Touches

Based on positive reviews, guides like Marin are praised for their friendliness, knowledge, and attentiveness. They make an effort to introduce travelers to Ibenik’s history and film connections, adding value to the experience.

During the tour, guides lead the group through scenic stops and share insights into local landmarks, making the activity both enjoyable and educational. The personalized approach ensures that even smaller groups receive attentive service.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour the Most

This kayaking tour appeals most to active travelers, those interested in history, culture, and film locations, and fans of “Game of Thrones”. It’s ideal for people comfortable with moderate physical activity and looking for a unique outdoor adventure.

It’s perfect for families with older children, given the 4-hour duration and physical requirements, and for travelers who want a personalized experience with private group options.

Summary of the Tour’s Value

The Hidden Ibenik – Kayaking experience offers an affordable, engaging way to explore the city’s secrets from the water. With stunning views, close-up encounters with UNESCO sites, and a chance to visit famous filming locations, this tour balances activity and sightseeing effectively.

The friendly guides and flexible schedule—morning or sunset—enhance its appeal. While requiring medium physical fitness, it remains accessible to most travelers looking for an active day out.

If you value scenic routes, cultural insights, and a touch of Hollywood, this kayaking adventure in Ibenik is a memorable choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need previous kayaking experience?
No, previous experience isn’t required. The tour involves paddling in straightforward kayaks, suitable for those with medium fitness.

What should I bring on the tour?
Bring comfortable clothing suitable for outdoor activity, and be prepared for the weather. Water is provided, and the equipment is supplied.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Children must be accompanied by an adult and are eligible for child rates only when sharing with two paying adults.

What if the weather isn’t good on my planned day?
The experience requires good weather. If canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Can I join a guided tour with fewer than five participants?
Guided tours require at least five travelers; smaller groups can still kayak independently without a guide.

How do I book the tour?
Booking is confirmed within 48 hours and is based on seat availability. The tour is private, so your group will be the only participants.