Outdoor & Sport Activities in Split

With a growing party reputation, Croatia’s second-largest city has recently become a hot beach getaway. The endless coastline, sandy beaches and hidden coves teeming with sea creatures are a must-see. However, Split sits at the edge of a rugged region perfect for outdoor sports.

Venture into the Adriatic for a snorkeling or kayaking jaunt. Climb mountains, rappel down waterfalls and paddle over rapids in under an hour from Split. Zip along cables over canyons, or absorb your surroundings by horseback. The vast array of outdoor activities in Split cater to every interest.

Boat tours

Including its many islands, Croatia boasts nearly 6,000 kilometers of coastline. Adding mountain rivers and lakes into the equation and you have an abundance of spots to explore by boat. Cruise into the Adriatic to nearby islands in a speedboat or catamaran.

The captain makes stops at irresistible hidden bays and colorful snorkeling destinations. Most sea boat trips provide snorkeling gear and make visits to the most sought-after islands like the Paklenis, Budikovac, Solta and Hvar.

Plan a day of luxury and indulgence on an outing that combines sightseeing and a party on water. Music, unlimited drinks and scenery combine to create a day of excitement. Or, reserve some time to yourself on a private excursion.

Cetina River

Carving a path through Dalmatia to the Adriatic is the Cetina River, winding through limestone gorges and forested mountain sides. At times placid and at others pocked with rapids, Croatia’s longest river offers adventures to appeal to any taste.

Board a raft or kayak, and challenge yourself to some whitewater on half- or full-day paddling trips. Choose a slower pace with a canoe trip. If you’re feeling daring, give canyoning a try.

Stay dry with a heart-pumping zip line ride over the canyon, or keep it calm on a boat tour that provides lunch and sightseeing in Omis. ATV rides are a popular way to see the area, and trips along the river’s edge make seeing this wild region accessible for people with limited mobility.

Jet boat

Make the most of your time on the water with fast travel in a jet boat, a speed boat or rigid inflatable boat. High speeds make short work of the distance between Split and island destinations. See more in a shorter period of time on trips that whisk you to five or more islands as well as offering chances to swim, snorkel or disembark for some sightseeing.

Rafting

Whether you’re an accomplished paddler or a first-timer, there is a whitewater rafting trip for you on the Cetina River. Enjoy a small-group or private outing, or add more to your day on a combo tour. Take a chance to cliff jump, wade under waterfalls or add on a walk along the Biokovo Skywalk for peerless views of the mountains and sea.

Canyoning

The Cetina River’s limestone canyon is riddled with caves and waterfalls that beg to be photographed. Canyoning adventures from Split are an off-beat way to challenge yourself while immersing yourself in Croatia’s wild hinterlands.

Kayaking

Sea and river kayaking opportunities abound in Dalmatia. Head up-river from Omis for a jaunt on the Cetina, or hop into a tandem sea kayak for a paddle to an island or two. For the best of both worlds, book a kayaking tour that spends time in the Adriatic and on the Zrovnica River. Sea kayaking experiences offer snorkeling gear to enrich your explorations.

Quad and buggy tours

See more of Croatia on a quad tour that motors you to remote points in the region. Great for families and groups with mixed ages, half- or full-day quad tours are safe and exciting. Ride along the Cetina or venture into the Imotski area. Join a buggy tour and glimpse Europe’s largest herd of wild horses in Livno. Take a dip in a lake, or opt for a combo quad and horseback riding tour.

Zip lining

Flying through the air while securely attached to a cable is a thrill. Zip lining trips near Split afford you a bird's-eye view of Cetina Canyon, Mount Kozjak, the Makarska River and Tucep Valley. Courses have cables of varying length and height that add up to hundreds of meters to zip along on a 3- to 6-hour adventure.

Bike tours

Split is Croatia’s second-largest city and a bicycle tour is a great way to see its many attractions in an eco-friendly way. Meet at the Riva for a ride through Old Town and Marjan Park. Hear the backstory of sites like Diocletian’s Palace and the hermits’ cave homes while you take in their beauty. E-bike and standard bike tours add options for different ability levels.

Snorkeling

Croatia’s stretch of the Adriatic is rich in underwater life. The limestone sea bed shelters coral reefs and caves that are waiting to be explored. Snorkeling excursions in Split are paired with either a boat or kayak tour that takes you to places that are hard to reach on your own.

Stand up paddleboarding

With the choices of stand-up paddleboarding tours in Split, you may want to book more than one. Beginners can take a lesson, and confident paddlers can float to remote beaches. Many tours include snorkeling gear for you to use. Sunset or “glowing” SUP tours are an enticing way to start your evening.

Canoeing

Grab a buddy and board a canoe for a float down the Cetina River. Canoe tours near Split provide you with a durable and safe inflatable canoe to share with another paddler. Soak in the canyon scenery on the mellow segments, and test your bravery on mild rapids.

Hiking

Split’s Marjan Park and nearby mountains are easy to access on a group hiking tour. Discover hidden paths, ancient structures and mysterious corners of Marjan Park with the help of a guide who will regale you with the park’s legends. Marjan Park hikes start in central Split and pass by some of the town’s highlights on the way.

A guided hike to Mosor Mountain is an ideal way to reach and explore this locale without a car. With included round-trip transportation from Split, relax on the 1-hour drive each way through the countryside. Starting at the village of Sitno Gornje, trek along karst ridges, through pine forests and make your way to alpine huts while enjoying amazing vistas.

Airplane tours

If you’re only staying in Split for a few days, an airplane tour is the perfect way to experience the beauty and history of the area in as little as 30 minutes. Short flights over Split focus on the town’s heritage and highlights and are a breathtaking vantage point over the sea and islands.

Tours of up to 2 hours take you either along the coast or inland over Krka National Park and the Plitvice Lakes. Take the 1,000 islands route to witness the enormity of Croatia’s coastline. In the hinterlands, snap aerial photos of Krka Falls and Visovac Island with its lakeside monastery.

Scuba diving

A scuba diving tour may seem intimidating during a vacation. Booking a scuba diving tour in Split will ease your worries. With gear, transportation and instruction included in the price, it’s easy to plan an excursion you’ll never forget. Even beginners can join! You’ll see underwater rock formations, wrecks and a wealth of marine life.

Jet ski

Rent a jet ski for an exhilarating ride around Split, or join a guided jet ski tour with an expert to lead you to coveted attractions. You can rent jet skis for 4- to 8-hour periods, and you create your own itinerary. Two-hour guided tours take you by jet boat to the island of Ciovo where you’ll hop on a jet ski for an adrenaline-fueled ride.

Horse riding

Follow a Roman road on horseback as a passionate guide fills you in on thousands of years of history. For a full-day outing, choose a horse riding tour combined with an ATV or Jeep ride for a full day of exploration in remote Dalmatia.

Motorbiking

Roar down the roads around Split on a motorbike. Beginner and seasoned bikers alike will thrill at the chance to sightsee on a motorcycle. Experienced guides help make your motorbike tour in Split ride safe, exciting and memorable.

Skydiving

Fall through the sky above one of the world's most beautiful spots. After a lesson and gear fitting, a tandem skydive in Split starts with a stomach-dropping free fall before your guide pulls the chute. Slow your heart rate as you float to earth, taking in a once-in-a-lifetime view of the land and sea.

Wakeboarding

There’s no need for a boat to have fun on a wakeboard. Just outside of Split is a marvel of engineering that leads you through a wakeboarding course by a series of cables. Spend from 1 to 4 hours skipping over the waves, making splashy turns and even trying out some kickers and jumps!

Jeep Tours

Rumble into the Croatian backcountry on a Jeep tour in Split to discover Dinara Mountain, Peruca Lake and the town of Sinj. After a picnic lunch, saddle up a horse for a peaceful horseback ride included in the tour.