Top 15 Rijeka & Opatija Tours in Kvarner

1.Opatija/Lovran: Boat Trip to Secluded Beaches on Island Cres

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 114 reviews · 7 hours - 450 minutes · from $104Our pick

Marlin Boat Tours takes you from Opatija or Lovran to Brseč Beach and quiet coves along northern Cres. Expect four swim stops, snorkeling, soft drinks, wine, sandwiches, and fruit, with Croatian, English, or German-speaking crew. Bring lunch, since the wild beaches have no cafés or shops.

“Ballade agréable...que pour de la baignade et plongee. Un tres gros bémol : panne des horodateurs le matin ...amende au retour alors que le capitaine du bateau nous assurait qu il n y avait aucun problème au retour le soir..”

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2.Cliffs and caves kayak adventure

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 78 reviews · 3h 30m · from $82

Meet guides Andy, Micky, Ilona, or Dora at Slatina Beach for a 210-minute coastal kayak trip. Paddle to Grotta del Diavolo, walk into one cave, swim beneath the sea into another, and stop at a beach for swimming and snorkeling. No kayak experience is needed, but you must be able to swim.

“This was a super fun activity and the guides were very nice and accommodating”

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3.Sunset or Swim Ride Opatija on Madonnina Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 72 reviews · 75 - 100 minutes · from $40

Join Vladimir on Madonnina, a lovingly restored Croatian wooden boat limited to seven people. Sip local Malvazija, hear stories of Opatija and Volosko in English, German, or Croatian, stop for a 30-minute swim on the swimming option, and take home a Polaroid photo per couple.

“Brilliant tour! Vladamir made everyone feel at ease and is a charismatic and humorous storyteller - coped with ease at our mixed group involving Germans, an Austrian, a Swiss and an English! Thank you for you insights Vladamir :)”

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4.Sunset Ride Opatija on Madonnina Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 45 reviews · 1 hour 20 minutes (approx.) · from $38Top rated

See Opatija from the water on a small traditional wooden boat limited to seven people. Your guide covers St. Jacob’s Church, Villa Angiolina, the Lungomare, Volosko, and the Maiden with the Seagull statue, with local Malvazija wine and one Polaroid photo per couple included.

“We had a wonderful time with Vladimir tonight. He's local, and had so many interesting stories about Opatija and the history of this area. Excellent wine as well!”

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5.Šmrika (near Rijeka/Krk/Crikvenica) Donkey Farm Family Fun

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 26 reviews · from $9Best value

Spend family time at a small donkey farm near Šmrika, between Rijeka, Krk, and Crikvenica. Children up to 35 kg get two donkey-riding rounds, while adults and children can take two cart-drive rounds. You can feed and groom the animals, learn about endangered Croatian donkeys and donkey milk, and enjoy Kvarner Bay views.

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6.Lovran/Opatija: Swimming on Cres Island with Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 18 reviews · 8 hours · from $135

Set out with Marlin Boat Tours from Opatija or Lovran for an eight-hour Cres Island trip. Captain Tomy may guide you through clear bays, cliff views, Smrdeća Beach, Badnjev Beach, and the swim-access Little Blue Cave. A grilled fish, meat, or vegetarian lunch, drinks, fruit, and a small group of up to 15 are included.

“A program változatos, pontos indulás, érkezés, ebéd, program vezetés kiváló.”

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7.Painting party at Art Bottega – Paint & Wine Studio in Rijeka

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 17 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $45

Spend about two and a half hours at Art Bottega in Rijeka painting step by step with a friendly host such as Maja or Laura. No art skills are needed. Your $45.66 includes supplies, a finished canvas to take home, and unlimited wine or other refreshments. The group is capped at 10 people.

“This was an amazing experience for me. The hosts were fantastic and the entire organization was excellent. The wine was sooo delicious! I highly recommend this to anyone looking to have a great time!”

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8.Explore kayak adventure

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 15 reviews · 5 hours · from $64

Paddle from Slatina Beach to Volosko with an English- or Croatian-speaking guide. You’ll receive a kayak, safety vest, snorkeling gear, waterproof bag, phone case, and photos. Expect a relaxed 2.5 to 3-hour outing with swimming stops, seaside views, and stories about Opatija.

“Très sympathique balade en mer accompagné d’une guide très sympathique (dont j’ai oublié le nom, pardon 😉). Une chouette après midi, relaxante. Au top. Merci 🙏”

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9.Guided SUP Paddleboarding Adventure at Night

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 11 reviews · 2h 30m · from $75

Meet your guide at Slatina Beach for a relaxed 150-minute SUP lesson and night paddle. You’ll practice in shallow water, then explore a nearby bay on boards with underwater lights while hearing about Opatija’s churches, hotels, beaches, and parks. No SUP experience is needed, but you must know how to swim.

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10.Istria Highlights Tour from Rijeka or Pula

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 6 reviews · 7 hours · from $134

Travel from Rijeka or Pula into central Istria for a guided day among Hum, Motovun, and Labin. Expect medieval lanes, hilltop views, local food and wine tastings, and stories about truffles, Biska brandy, art, and Istrian history. Guides including Dean, Dejan, and Greg have led past departures.

“Dejan was great! Wonderful sightseeing and local color and commentary.”

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11.Panoramic Flight over the city of Rijeka

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 6 reviews · 30 minutes (approx.)

Fly above Rijeka in a private Cessna 172 with Panoramic Flights Croatia. Pilot Ivan has sometimes added a small route change, such as passing over a guest’s holiday town. Up to three people can share the 30-minute flight, with English service and bottled water provided.

“We highly enjoyed our flight and all those beautiful views we've got to experience. Croatia from above is just stunning! Our pilot was very professional and kind and he made us feel is safe. It was really fun and I would recommend it to anyone! Plus, the price is very affordable.”

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12.Kvarner Bay Tour with Opatija, Lovran and Local Specialties

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 6 reviews · 7 hours (approx.) · from $91

Travel by air-conditioned coach from Poreč, Pula, Rovinj, Novigrad, or Umag to Lovran and Opatija, then continue toward Mošćenice and Plomin. You’ll see old streets, grand villas, gardens, the Lungomare promenade, and Kvarner Bay views, with guides such as Josip or Mauro adding local context.

“This is a gorgeous part of the Istrian coast…not to be missed! Mauro was a wonderful guide with tons of interesting facts about the area. It was an 8 hour day so not really a half day tour. I would bring snacks or lunch next time!”

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13.Opatija, Rijeka & Kastav Mediterranean Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 3 reviews

Travel privately from Zagreb to Croatia’s Kvarner coast with an English-speaking guide. Visit Trsat Castle and the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Trsat in Rijeka, stroll medieval Kastav, then follow Opatija’s Lungomare to Villa Angiolina. Guides including Stjepan Klarić and Bo bring local insight, while food and drinks remain your responsibility.

“Unforgettable Experience – Thank You, Stjepan! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ This day trip from Zagreb to Opatija, Rijeka, and Kastav was absolutely amazing! Our tour guide, Stjepan Klarić, made the experience unforgettable. He was incredibly welcoming, attentive, and kind. Throughout the entire tour, he made sure my brother and I felt safe, comfortable, and included, going above and beyond in every way. We’ve done many tours with other companies before, but this one was truly the best. The destinations were stunning, and the personal touch from Stjepan made it that much more special. We will absolutely be coming back and recommending this tour to everyone we know! 5 starRead more”

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14.Opatija Be Charmed Half Day Tour with a Local

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 3 reviews · 2 hours

Walk Opatija with local guide Ivana on a private two-hour tour for up to seven people. See Angiolina Park, Villa Angiolina, Hotel Kvarner, St. James Church, Lungomare, Lady with the Seagull, and the city market. Add coffee or chocolate tasting at your own cost.

“Ivana was a wonderful guide, and this walking tour was just right for our family. Her passion and knowledge really came through, and the pace worked beautifully for our group. She clearly enjoys what she does and where she lives, and has a gift for making history and place come alive. We learned a lot and truly enjoyed the experience.”

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15.Private Cres Island Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 3 reviews · 210 minutes - 7 hours

Set out from Lovran on a private boat with captain David or another English-speaking captain. Cruise to Cres for a wild-lagoon swim, beach time, and a possible lunch stop in a fisherman village. Your boat carries wine, water, juice, an aperitif, fruit, and a cold platter. The route can change with weather and your wishes.

“We hebben een geweldige leuke dag gehad! David was onze kapitein en bracht ons naar mooie snorkel plekjes, hij gaf ons ook interesse feitjes uit de buurt. Ook kregen we tussendoor wat lekkere hapjes, vers fruit en konden we zelf drinken pakken (water, sap, wijn). Echt super geregeld! David gaf ons ook nog tips voor leuke bezienswaardigheden in de buurt.”

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