Kayaking In Mljet
Kayaking in Mljet National Park is a great way to see the coastline around these this lovely Lakes. It offers an ideal opportunity for canoeing or kayaking surrounded by calm and beautiful scenery. As these lakes are completely sheltered, sea kayaking here is a great fun for every age and every level of fitness and is a very popular activity here. It allows paddlers of all levels to explore the water part of this National Park at their own pace taking wonderous views of nature at its best.
Kayaking to Sveta Matija Islet
Visiting Sveta Marija islet with its monastery is easy and manageable by kayak or canoe for anyone. This route is very popular and there are numerous people paddling to and from the islet. (See below video)
It will take you about 30 minutes to paddle there from Mali Most or Pristaniste. The sea is almost always calm here and paddling to the islet is doable for most of the times. The very important thing is to make sure you take your sunblock, water and hat with you as sun ray reflections from the water here are very strong. It is due to a calm surface that reflects sun rays very well. In Sveta Marija, you can have coffee or refreshment and get back to your starting point in another 1/2 hour. On your way back you can stop in any location you like to have a swim or just a quick dip if you feel like.
Photo: Kayaking near Sveta Matija Islet
Hiring a kayak:
There are several locations in the Park that you can rent sea kayaks or canoe. Some offer a range of kayaks to hire. Delivery and collection service may also be available upon request. If you are visiting the Park for just one day, the best place is probably Mali Most location (see below photo) as this is the nearest spot to the main Pomena entrance to the Park. If you are staying in Mljet for a longer period, check with your host what is the nearest place to rent a kayak. It may be just around the corner from your accommodation. See info and prices to rent kayaks
Kayak rental location in the Park
Here are some more photos that I took on my recent visit:
The tandem sit on top kayak in the Veliko Jezero Lake
Paddling in two-seater (tandem) canoe
Video:
Here is a short video clip of people paddling around the Large Lake that I also took recently: