Croatia: Dolphins & Islands Expedition

8 days
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4.9/5 Excellent
87 reviews  
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Small Group Tour
While Croatia may be known for its beauty on land, the Adriatic Sea is home to a vast array of marine animals that need protecting, including sea turtles, giant devil rays, and the Adriatic dolphin. Recognizing their invaluable role in the ecosystem, researchers at The Blue World Institute of Marine Research and Conservation work to educate the public and lau...
$5,258
From$3,895
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Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

    • Go dolphin-spotting in the Adriatic Sea with staff from a leading dolphin conservation organization
    • Stari Grad Plains, a UNESCO World Heritage Site on
    • Hike through the the Island of Hvar
    • Bask in the crystal-clear waters and majestic blue light of the Blue Cave
    • Get creative with a three-course Croatian cooking class with a local chef
    • Kayak alongside charming Hvar Island to the Pakleni Islands

What's this trip about?

    While Croatia may be known for its beauty on land, the Adriatic Sea is home to a vast array of marine animals that need protecting, including sea turtles, giant devil rays, and the Adriatic dolphin. Recognizing their invaluable role in the ecosystem, researchers at The Blue World Institute of Marine Research and Conservation work to educate the public and launch conservation initiatives across Northern Croatia. Through their efforts, the Institute has led several national and international conservation projects, including declaring the first Dolphin Reserve in the Mediterranean Sea! Travelers will go behind-the-scenes and aid in these dolphin monitoring expeditions with the The Blue World Institute collecting data on environmental conditions, locations and sightings, numbers of encountered dolphins, photographs of dorsal fins for photo-ID analysis, and data about dolphin behavior. In addition to collecting this data, get a taste of life as a marine biologist and learn how to read the information you collected and why it is important for the well-being of the dolphins. Additionally, we'll learn more about other marine wildlife on the island including loggerhead turtles. Beyond your time participating in dolphin conservation on the island of Lošinj, travel to the Southern islands of Croatia by boat. Experience the breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage Site, Stari Grad, a three-course cooking class from a local chef as you learn to make a Croatian speciality, peka, and kayaking to the Pakleni Islands. Hike through the old stone town, marvel at the rolling green hills, and have plenty of time to take in the natural beauty that is Croatia

Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeSmall Group - max of 16 people
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transportAll internal ground transport included
Start CityLošinj
End CityDubrovnik

Travel Themes

  • Cultural
  • Nature & Wildlife
  • National Parks
  • High Adventure
  • Rafting, Kayaking, Canoeing

Destinations

Activities

  • Caving
  • Culture
  • Dolphin Swim
  • Educational/ Learning
  • Hiking
  • Historic Sightseeing
  • Kayaking
  • Nature
  • Whale Watching
  • Wildlife Viewing

Max Group Size

  • Max Group Size: 16

Trip includes

    • 7 nights lodging in standard level hotels along the water
    • All meals include one drink (soft drink or local wine/beer)
    • Volunteer project with the Blue World Institute
    • English-speaking local guide that is there to support, guide, and inform you throughout the trip
    • Reliable in-country transportation with experienced drivers.
    • Airport transfers
    • Admissions and entrance fees to national parks, historic sites and other scheduled events throughout the trip
    • All land and water transportation during the trip
    • $50,000 emergency medical evacuation insurance
    • All gratuities for hotels and meals
    • Turnkey customer support from preparing for your trip to arrival back home

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1: Arrive and Enjoy Beautiful Views on the Way to Lošinj

Meals: Dinner

Touch down in the Croatian Capital Zagreb, where you’ll meet your Discover Corps guide and get to know your fellow travelers. Together, we’ll travel about five hours to the island of Lošinj, taking in gorgeous views along the way – including from the deck of a ferry. On Lošinj, unwind over a delicious welcome dinner.

Day 2: Track Dolphins with the Blue World Institute Team

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

On the morning of our first day of volunteering with the Blue World Institute, we’ll meet the expert team and learn about the fundamentals of dolphin biology and conservation. Then it’s time to head out into the Adriatic Sea o...

Day 3: Expand Your Marine Conservation knowledge and Explore the Blue Cave

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Today will be split into two distinct parts. We’ll begin by hopping on a boat to explore the incredible Blue Cave. In the afternoon, return to the Blue World Institute for another interactive conservation learning session, this time focused on biodiversity and sea turtles.

Day 4: Take a Final Dolphin-Tracking Trip and Explore Veli Lošinj

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

It’s the last morning at the Blue World Institute, and you’ll spend it putting your newly gained marine biology knowledge to good use on one final dolphin-tracking trip on the water. Afterwards, you’ll have free time to explore the postcard-perfect village of Veli Lošinj and its lovely beach at your own pace.

Day 5: Marvel at the Natural Splendor of Croatia En Route to Hvar

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Today will be spent passing through some of Croatia’s most striking landscapes as we make our way to the island of Hvar. Keep your camera on hand to capture the sweeping sea and land panoramas along the way as we travel by catamaran, van and boat.

Day 6: Learn to Cook the Croatian Way and Hike the Stari Grad Plains

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Wake up in the historic village of Stari Grad, our base for the next two days. After breakfast, we’ll head to the neighboring village of Vrisnik for a lesson in traditional Croatian cooking. Our optional hike back to the hotel will lead through the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Stari Grad Plains.

Day 7: Go Kayaking and Sample Local Wine

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

After breakfast, venture out on a kayaking excursion through the turquoise waters of the Pakleni Islands before the choice to either tour two local wineries, or take a free afternoon to lounge by the hotel pool or explore the village.

Day 8: Fly Home or Continue on to Mljet for the Dubrovnik Extension

Meals: Breakfast

It’s time to say farewell to those on the eight-day program. If you’re in this group, you'll return to Split International Airport for your flight home. If you’re continuing on to the Dubrovnik extension (next page), you’ll board the boat to the island of Mljet.

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Dates & Availability

Price From $3,895
Price per day$487
Single supplement (single occupancy)$795
Last Updated: 12/16/2021

You will only be charged the single supplement if we cannot find you a suitable roommate

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Discover Corps.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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Logistics

What's excluded

    • International airfare
    • Alcoholic beverages
    • One dinner
    • Tips for Discover Corps guide
    • Laundry services, phone calls, and Internet service

Accommodation

Standard Lodging

Stay in a cozy, comfortable hotel in the heart of the small island of Lošinj. Complete with all of your basic amenities and a pool, it is the sweeping views of the sea all around that make this hotel one to remember. In Hvar, experience true Croatian charm in a hotel with old stone walls, restaurants overlooking the water, and a central location making it easy to explore. Each room is different than the next, but each will make you feel right at home.

Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Meals Included

7 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches and 6 Dinners

Age Requirements
No age restrictions
Optional Activities
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Additional Information
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Trip ID
discov1-CroDolDis

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