Cliff Jumping

You’ll enjoy cliff jumping if you’re looking for something a little less high but just as fun. I’m no stranger to heights and adored exploring Dubrovnik’s hidden cliff jumping and beautiful swimming spots.

The most well-known cliff-jumping nook is Buza Bar, located on the outskirts of Old Town Dubrovnik. To enter, I stepped through a hole in the wall and found a bar atop a rocky outcropping with seating overlooking the ocean. It was amusing to watch visitors sipping cocktails and yelling every time someone jumped in the sea, evident by the splashing sound. I passed the bar and found the jump-off points further down the cliff. The smallest point is a 15-feet jump. I climbed the side of a large, round boulder, using rocky outcropping as steps like a ladder, and reached the top in no time. Although it was the smallest of the jumps, I was still mesmerized by the incredible ocean view shining from the sunlight.

If you’re feeling brave, you can climb higher to where the city wall meets the cliff and jump from over 20 feet into the ocean. However, I’d recommend practicing a few jumps before taking this leap, as only experienced jumpers should attempt this.

At the bottom of the cliff is a concrete patio perfect for getting those Instagram-worthy pictures and videos. After you jump and grab photos, head back upstairs and enjoy a drink and a show as more people take the plunge. This is a spot you don’t want to miss, and it was a highlight of my trip to Dubrovnik.

Danče Beach, also located close to Old Town, is a “secret” spot that attracts more locals than tourists. The rocky beach and cerulean ocean form a uniquely beautiful cove you’ll love. On the south side, cliffs rise above the sea, reaching 30-40 meters high. The cliffs have various jump-off points that suit all experience levels. As you jump, enjoy a fantastic view of Lokrum Island and a breathtaking sunset if you’re there in the evening. On the beach, you’ll also find a concrete terrace with a ladder for easy access.

Cliff jumping doesn’t cost a cent, so it’s the perfect way to get that extreme activity in if you’re on a budget. As always, cliff jumps at your own risk, but here are my tips on how to stay safe:

1. Don’t go alone! Always have a buddy or two, or at the very least, go when other jumpers are there, which will likely be late afternoon. Jumpers take care of jumpers!

2. Check the tide. Depending on the time of day, that rip current makes resurfacing, swimming, and hauling yourself out of the water difficult. Check the weather, ask locals and other jumpers, and trust your gut. If the tide is too strong, better to come back another day!

3. Jump far! You don’t want to snag the cliff on your way down, so make sure you leap!

ATVing

Explore the Dubrovnik countryside via the dirt and stony roads on an ATV of your choice. Fly past villages characterized by white and coral cottages, friendly locals your guide probably knows, and goats munching grass in rippling fields as you journey to an incredible view of Dubrovnik.

ATV Arboretum provides a guide, six ATVs, taste-testing at a local olive oil farm, stops for viewpoints and photo-taking, and wine and cheese tasting at the end the 30-mile ride for $114.38. But the larger your group, the more likely you are to get a fantastic discount – a group of 15 could possibly ride for only $90 per adult. The ATVs are safe to drive, and no driver’s license is needed. But you can reach speeds of 40-50 kilometers per hour.

Thrill-seekers will love zooming through rural Dubrovnik and discovering the authentic Croatian lifestyle. Trevor Anderson, who had little experience on an ATV, said that although he was scared, he had a lot of fun. “It was a unique way to see the city outside Old Town [Dubrovnik] and learn about the local lifestyle.”

Omis

1. Omis, Croatia, a coastal town surrounded by mountains and split by the Cetina River, is halfway between Dubrovnik and Split, March 2023.

2. Semester at Sea students prepare to zipline over the Cetina River near Omis, Croatia, March 2023.

3. A zipline guide prepares to zip near Omis, Croatia, March 2023.

Ziplining

Ziplining fans are in luck, as TripAdvisor and Viator rated Omis among the best places to zipline in Croatia. Omis Zipline Co. features eight ziplines, where you’ll sit in the harness and brake with the assistance of two guides. The company provides equipment and instruction for $56.82. You’ll reach speeds of 30-40 kilometers per hour, and the longest zipline is nearly .5 miles (700 meters) and 492 feet (150 meters) high.

Ziplining in Omis was my favorite part of my Croatia trip. The excitement and anticipation I felt hiking to that first zipline was unmatched. The starting point is a small wooden balcony overlooking the valley where the first zipline dives into the canyon. To my right, there was a gray cliff towered above me. To my left, I saw a striking view of the Croatian countryside: viridescent green hills dotted with sparkling rivers. I want to take photos, but the energy coursing through my veins makes me feel like my phone will slip out of my hands. So, I spend every moment drinking in the sight until it’s my turn to zip. I clutch the brake with my gloved hands and slowly sink into the harness. I feel the breeze beckoning me to go. I look towards my guide, and he nods and smiles. I take a deep breath and release the brake. Nothing compares to that trip down the first zipline, and I won’t spoil it for you – see for yourself.

Whitewater Rafting

Enjoy a fast-moving escapade by whitewater rafting the Cetina rapids in late spring and summer. Bounce and spin through the gorgeous blue Cetina surrounded by towering mountains and lush greenery. One participant said, “the surroundings were stunning, especially the canyon, and we were lucky to see rain, sun, and mist, which made it a very atmospheric experience.” The ice-cold water is a welcome refreshment from the spring and summer heat in Croatia that you don’t want to skip. Rafting Vukasovic provides equipment, a guide, and a great time for $39.22 per adult.

Canyoning

Try canyoning/canyoneering for a high-intensity expedition through the Cetina during warmer weather. Canyoning involves navigating the river rapids in a gorge using abseiling (ascending down a rock face by tying a coiled rope around the waist), climbing, sliding, and jumping. For $40-$60 per person, Adventure Omis will provide you with equipment and a guide. Swim in the swift Cetina rapids, jump from cliffs, climb rocks, and see beautiful nature and wildlife. There are beginner-friendly and advanced tours, so all skill levels can join the adventure. A participant said, “it was a beautiful and exciting trip” for her and her husband.