Rafting in Croatia - Guide 2022

by Welcome Center Croatia | Last updated Mar 3, 2022 | Published on Mar 3, 2022

Rafting is an incredible way to see the world and experience new cultures. Rafting can be done in various weather conditions, so it's perfect for all types of adventurers. Croatia is an excellent place to raft, with calm waters and diverse scenery. Rafting trips can last from a few hours to several days, and you can find different rafting operators in each city.

The country has a wide range of coastline, including some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. And because the water is so clear, you can see all kinds of fish and coral. Rafting is also a great way to get active and experience nature at its best. This article discusses the best places to go rafting in Croatia.

Where to Go Rafting in Croatia?

Kupa

The Kupa River is home to some of Croatia's best whitewater rafting and kayaking. It's a peaceful, easygoing place where you can experience breathtaking scenery and meet the locals.

Creating the best memories, the river winds through some of the most beautiful shores in Croatia, such as Paklinski Beach and Babin Kuk. It's also an excellent place to see dolphins, sea lions, and other wildlife.

Kupa River is located about 45 minutes from Dubrovnik by car or bus. You can visit by taxi, private chauffeur or on public transportation as well. And for those who want to stay on land, there are many hotels near the river that offer nice amenities like swimming pools and saunas.

There are also plenty of unique souvenirs that you can buy along the river at local shops. If you choose to stay on land, make sure to visit Cvjetni Rizmeni for a delicious meal.

Mreznica

Are you looking for a river rafting adventure that is nothing short of amazing? Then it is time to book a rafting trip on Mreznica. This river is one of the most popular in Croatia as it has easy access and incredible scenery. You will be able to enjoy your trip with family, friends or on your own.

River rafting on the Mreznica starts at Bregana and ends at Udbina, 35 kilometres away from either Plitvice Lakes or Zagreb. The amount of time spent boating may vary depending on how fast the current flows and what level of difficulty you want to experience.

You can get a company that offers two options regarding the type of rafts being used, either handmade whitewater boats or traditional wooden logs. The latter is easier to manoeuvre and faster to ride on.

For example, if you want something more adventurous, you would better go with a whitewater boat for this particular adventure. It includes many elements such as riverside site stays and base camps with beds. If you are looking to relax and have an easy time, you would better choose the traditional logs instead.

Korana

Korana River is a tributary of the Paklenica River, located in northeastern Croatia, and runs along the border between Slovenia and Croatia. It is a beautiful green river that flows through gorgeous forests.

You can enjoy rafting in Krapina-Zagorje County if you are looking for a trip on one of the slow-flowing rivers. They give you plenty of time to soak in all the beautiful scenery along the way.

This white water rafting from Krapina to Paklenica demands more physical strength, training, and skills. It is because this expedition goes at a slower speed than many other rivers that are found in Croatia. If you want to relax and have some fun in the waters, you should choose the whitewater rafters with wooden logs.

They allow you the most beautiful sceneries downstream at a slower pace. The Korana rafting trip starts at Korana River, in Krapina-Zagorje County, and ends at Paklenica or Rijeka or somewhere in Karlovac County.

Zrmanja

Zrmanja River is a nice white water rafting from Croatia that can be found in Knin County. This river has beautiful landscapes, and it is one of the few rivers in this part of Croatia that can be rafted from Krapina to Knin. If you are looking for something that has cabins on it for overnight stays, then Zrmanja can be the choice for you.

The Zrmanja River drops down to the Adriatic Sea through beautiful gorges and forests in Krapina-Zagorje County. While it is suitable for all whitewater rafters, this river is especially great on calm days as it floats down at a slow pace.

It offers you plenty of time to even enjoy some sunbathing along the way. Found in Knin County, the river's location has the highest number of rafters per unit area than any other part of Croatia.

Cetina

Located in southern Croatia, the Cetina River offers a wide range of whitewater rafting options. The river offers everything from whitewater rafting tours to simple day trips.

Rafting runs throughout the year, with a huge increase in water levels during the summer months. The best time to go rafting is in June and July for high water levels, with average water levels during spring, winter, and fall.

The area is also popular for fishing, hiking, and horseback riding. Visiting this area provides the opportunity to experience all the great Croatia offers at once.

Important Things You Need to Know About Rafting

The Ideal Time for Rafting

The best time to go rafting is June through September and October through March, with water levels staying high during this period. However, there are other good times for rafting when the water levels are lower.

For example; July and August with relatively low water levels; September with decent flow from the Cetina River to Knin; Christmas holidays with high seasonal flow from the Mosna River and Rijeka River; and February to March with low seasonal flow from Cetina River and Istrian Riviera rivers for river recreation sports enthusiasts.

Book Your Rafting Trip in Good Time

If you have a good idea of what you want to do on your trip to Croatia, you can book your kayaking or rafting trip online before going to Croatia and make sure that you get what you need to have fun!

Booking a kayaking or rafting trip online means that you will be able to get the exact date and information needed through an expert company that knows what they are doing and knows how to help their customers have a great time in Croatia.

Get a Guided Rafting Tour

A good option for kayaking or rafting in Croatia is getting a guided tour for what is generally one of the best days in Croatia! Take advantage of a guided tour as it means that you will have an expert guide with knowledge so good. Tell them all about your plans and they will take care of everything. You only need to carry the spirit of adventure and fun.

Decide How You Will Raft; Solo or With Friends

If you are looking at kayaking or rafting in Croatia, there are many different ways that you can do it. You can either do it with a group or yourself, and each offers something different.

If you want ample time for chilling out, then book into a group tour, meaning that you won't have to worry about anything except having fun! On the other hand, if all that is needed is a good day and plenty of adrenaline, then book into a private tour. That way you can relax and enjoy yourself.

Don't Forget Your Camera

A great thing about kayaking in Croatia is that the beauty of the coastline is endless. The water is clear and sparkly, the colours are bright, and almost every little island will have a different type of vegetation on it.

When it comes to rafting in Croatia, you can go solo, with your friends or a group. Don't forget to carry your camera so you can capture all the beautiful views as you raft and move around Croatia.

Dress for the Weather

The temperatures in Croatia are pretty much the same throughout the year. The best time to go rafting in Croatia is during the summer as you won't have any problems with the heat and can enjoy your day to its full extent.

In winter, you may have a bit of trouble with being too cold, but there are plenty of thermals to keep you warm, and if it does get too freezing, there will likely be plenty of riversides cafes where you can stop for a coffee or an ice-cream.

On your trip along the coast, make sure that you bring warm clothes so that it doesn't feel too cold and that is there is a breeze as well, just to chill down from all that heat. It's also worth bringing along some sun cream so that your skin won't freeze on those hot days.

Conclusion

Croatia is an excellent choice for a rafting trip, and its rivers and beaches are beautiful. It's a great place to enjoy the peace of nature as well as enjoying some fun with friends, family or even your partner.