Summer holidays sea kayaking in Croatia

For water babies and parents alike activities such as kayaking, sailing and rafting can be lots of fun at a hot and sunny summer holiday destination.

Croatia's Adriatic Sea boasts some of southern Europe's clearest waters and offers plenty of opportunities to try different water sports.

Families looking for active holidays also benefit from the country's great climate, and the calm waters that make it ideal for holidaymakers who want to try sea kayaking or snorkelling.

The historic walled city of Dubrovnik, on Croatia's Dalmatian coast, is a popular destination where these water sports can be tried out as part of a day-trip.

The Elaphite Islands are one of the best places to head for from Dubrovnik, which include Jakljan, Sipan, Ruda, Lopud, Kolocep, Daksa, and Lokrum.

The islands are all worth visiting by sea kayak, offering a combination of fancy Renaissance summer homes, small churches and no cars.

As they run parallel to the coastline and are elongated in shape, the islands shelter kayakers from the rougher seas of the open coastline.

It is also worth taking a snorkel with you as there is plenty of underwater wildlife to take in.

Lokrum in particular is worth stopping at for its forest reserve and peacock population.

The tourist board advises holidaymakers to opt for polyethylene kayaks that are made by well-known European brands, which are available for hire, and to avoid laminated or collapsible kayaks which are more at risk to the sharp rocks by the coastline.

For more information see the official tourist board website at www.croatia.hr

Among the tour operators with holidays to Dubrovnik are WhyDontYou.com, Hidden Croatia and Thomson.