emaitija National Park: Full-Day Canoe Tour with Picnic

Imagine gliding across crystal-clear waters surrounded by lush islands, learning about historic sites, and ending the day with a gourmet picnic on a deserted island. That’s exactly what this Emaitija National Park canoe tour offers—an authentic way to connect with Lithuania’s natural beauty and history. While the tour is highly praised for its serene setting and knowledgeable guides, it’s best suited for those comfortable with swimming and a bit of physical activity.

What we love most? The stunning views of Plateliai Lake, paddling in handmade cedar strip canoes, and the experience of enjoying a delicious picnic in a remote, peaceful spot. One potential consideration? The tour is limited to ages 16 and above and requires swimmers to participate, so it’s not ideal for families with young children or non-swimmers. This adventure appeals most to outdoorsy travelers who appreciate scenic, mindful journeys with a touch of history and gourmet indulgence.

Good To Know

• Scenic Beauty: You’ll paddle through an exceptionally clear and tranquil lake, with views that are truly postcard-worthy.
• Authentic Equipment: The tour features handmade cedar strip canoes, adding a rustic charm and uniqueness to your experience.
• Knowledgeable Guides: Guides like Janis, who speak fluent English, Lithuanian, and Russian, ensure a friendly, informative journey.
• Cultural Highlights: The visit to Castle Island offers a glimpse into Lithuanian history, making the trip educational as well as scenic.
• Gourmet Picnic: The lunch on a deserted island, complete with wine, coffee, and fresh goodies, elevates the experience.
• Small Group Feel: Limited to 8 participants, guaranteeing personalized attention and a relaxed atmosphere.

You can check if your dates are available here:

An In-Depth Look at the Canoe Tour Experience

The Itinerary Breakdown

This full-day tour lasts approximately 7 hours, but the pace remains relaxed and unhurried, allowing you to truly enjoy each stop. The day begins with a pickup from your hotel, setting a smooth, stress-free tone. Once at the launch site on a quiet lagoon, the instructor will help everyone get comfortable with the canoeing basics—strokes, handling, and safety. Even if you’re new to paddling, the guides are attentive, ensuring everyone feels confident before hitting the water.

After the initial instruction, you’ll move to the central part of Lake Plateliai, paddling through the archipelago of islands. The water here is notably crystal clear, and the scenery is panoramic: lush green islands, remote shores, and the serenity of nature. The guides often capture moments with a drone, providing spectacular aerial photos, which many reviews praise—one guest highlighted how Janis, the guide, even personally checked in on their preferences, ensuring a private tour.

Exploring Castle Island

A notable highlight is the visit to Castle Island, the site of a 15th-century castle once belonging to Lithuanian Dukes. The guide shares insights into its history, giving a tangible sense of Lithuania’s past amid the natural surroundings. The ruins are accessible and add a layer of storytelling that enriches the experience.

The Gourmet Picnic

After exploring, it’s time for a delicious picnic on a deserted island. You’ll sit back on a set of chairs (included in the tour) and indulge in a basket full of local goodies, perhaps enjoying a glass of wine, coffee, or tea. One reviewer described this moment as “the perfect pause,” noting the incredible view and the relaxing atmosphere.

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The Return and Sunset

As the day winds down, your paddling journey continues back across the lake, leading to a spectacular sunset. The views at this time are often described as “mind-blowing,” and they create a perfect closing scene for your Lithuanian adventure.

What’s Included and Why It Matters

The tour cost covers handmade cedar strip canoes, paddles, safety gear, dry bags to protect your belongings, chairs, and the picnic basket filled with local goodies. The transfer from and back to your hotel simplifies logistics, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the area.

Guides are fluent in English, Lithuanian, and Russian, ensuring clear communication and engaging storytelling. The small group size—up to 8 people—ensures a more intimate, personalized experience, avoiding the crowded feeling of larger tours.

Practical Details

The tour operates with flexibility in mind—you can reserve now and pay later, and cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. This flexibility makes it easier to plan without any stress. Because the tour is designed for participants at least 16 years old and who are swimmers, it’s best suited for active teens and adults comfortable in water.

Travelers should bring essentials like sunscreen, sunglasses, a sun hat, and a full change of clothes. The inclusion of waterproof jackets and dry bags means you can handle weather variations without worry.

Authentic Experiences from Reviews

Multiple reviews lock in the value of this tour. Hannes, who called it a “beautiful lakescape with a great guide,” appreciated the personal touch of Janis, the guide, who is praised for being kind, attentive, and fluent in English. Another guest, Adelheid, shared how Janis swiftly coordinated pick-up and made the experience feel private and tailored, with drone photography adding a special flair.

Annabelle highlighted the peacefulness of the area, with enough time to truly relax and enjoy. She also mentioned the cultural aspect of visiting the castle site, which added historical depth to the day.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for nature lovers, history buffs, and gourmet enthusiasts looking for a peaceful yet engaging day in Lithuania. It’s ideal for those who enjoy water activities, have a basic swimming ability, and value small-group settings. If you’re after a relaxing pace, stunning scenery, and authentic local highlights, this trip checks all those boxes.

Who Might Not Be the Best Fit?

If you’re not comfortable swimming, or traveling with young children, this tour might not suit you. The age limit of 16+ and the physical nature of paddling mean it’s geared toward active, outdoor-minded travelers.

Final Words

This full-day canoe adventure through Zemaitija National Park offers a rare blend of scenic beauty, cultural insight, and gourmet leisure. The personalized guidance, combined with the handcrafted equipment and beautiful surroundings, makes it a truly memorable experience. Whether you’re seeking tranquility, a touch of history, or just a chance to paddle in pristine waters, this tour delivers.

If you value authenticity, small-group intimacy, and a peaceful escape into nature, you’ll find this a worthwhile addition to your Lithuanian itinerary.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for beginners?
Yes, the guide provides basic canoeing lessons and safety instructions, so beginners can feel confident.

What should I bring for the day?
Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, sunscreen, a full change of clothes, waterproof jacket, water bottle, and your ID.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is the tour suitable for non-swimmers?
No, swimming skills are required, and participants must be comfortable in water to join.

Are there any age restrictions?
Yes, guests need to be at least 16 years old.

What makes this tour unique?
The handmade cedar strip canoes, personalized guides like Janis, and the combination of scenic paddling with a gourmet picnic make it stand out.

How many people are in each group?
Groups are limited to 8 participants for a more intimate experience.

This full-day canoe trip in Zemaitija offers more than just paddling—it’s a chance to connect with Lithuania’s natural and cultural treasures in a relaxed, scenic setting.

You can check if your dates are available here: