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Kevin Neubeck left Germany via the Danube River, spent more than 7,000 euros on fuel, and turned a jet into a means of travel through rivers, seas, borders, and small European ports
More than 5,000 kilometers on a jet ski, 13 countries on the itinerary, and over 7,000 euros spent on fuel. This is the journey of the German Kevin Neubeck, 33 years old, who left Germany with his girlfriend, Felipa Costilla, and their dog Chick to cross rivers and seas until reaching Croatia, from where he plans to head towards the Atlantic.
Journey started on the Danube and advanced through more than ten countries
The journey began in Germany, via the Danube River, with an unusual plan: to use a jet ski as the main means of transportation. Before that, Neubeck had piloted a jet only three times.
With Google Maps as support, he, Felipa Costilla, 23 years old, and the bull terrier Chick followed the Danube, a river about 2,800 kilometers long, towards the Black Sea.
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The route included Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Romania, Bulgaria, Moldova, and Ukraine. Then, the trio moved on to Turkey, Greece, Albania, and Montenegro.
In six months, the journey covered more than 13 countries, about 5,000 kilometers traveled, and more than 7,000 euros in fuel, equivalent to R$ 41,300 in the June 2026 exchange rate.
Routine on the jet ski includes weather, fuel, and borders
The journey requires daily planning. Before departing, Kevin checks the route, fuel, and weather forecast.
According to what he reported to the Montenegrin portal Vijesti, some stretches were smoother, like Rijeka, in Croatia.
The borders, however, became a frequent challenge. The German recounted that police checkpoints were common and almost always accompanied by surprise from the officers.
“Where are you from? Germany? On a jet ski?” the police would say, according to Neubeck. The confusion led to further explanations about the route, documents, and the purpose of the trip.
Breakdowns, documents, and wear marked the journey
The crossing also brought practical problems. In Slovakia, Kevin needed the help of a fisherman after a motor breakdown.
At the Turkish border, the jet ski was taken by officials due to a misunderstanding with documents.
The equipment was recovered after the situation was clarified. Even so, the episode showed how the trip depends not only on navigation but also on documentation, communication, and adaptation to local rules.
According to Kevin, waves, wind, long distances, and physical wear are part of the routine. On some days, the travel is calm and fast. On others, slow and exhausting. Fuel planning, he says, is always present.
Dolphins and small ports became part of the experience
Despite the challenges, the trip also brought memorable moments. Kevin reported the presence of dolphins accompanying the trio in open sea and the reaction of people in small ports upon seeing the unusual arrival.
For him, the beauty of the journey lies precisely in not following a perfect plan. The trio travels with a passport, laptop, and clothes in a waterproof bag, sleeping in tents and Airbnb accommodations.
The routine, according to Neubeck, mixes navigation, unexpected stops, falls into the water, laughter, and the continuation of the journey. There wasn’t just one big isolated moment, but a sequence of days moving forward.
Next goal is to reach the Atlantic
Currently, Kevin, Felipa, and Chick are in Croatia. The plan is to go through Italy and Malta, before heading to France, Spain, and Morocco.
The boldest goal is to cross the Atlantic. Kevin shares the journey on Instagram, where he has almost 89,000 followers, and receives alerts from internet users about the risks of the next step.
The Atlantic crossing on a jet involves significant limitations, such as short range, need for refueling, fatigue, exposure to weather, and difficulty in locating in open sea, since a jet is smaller than conventional vessels.
This article was prepared based on information from Náutica and Vijesti, with data, numbers, and statements preserved according to the consulted material.
