The Best Rivers for Rafting in Croatia

Croatia is not known as a rafting destination, but a number of wild and exciting rivers that pass through enchanting landscapes make it very attractive for the fans of this sport.

Rafting in Croatia is a wonderful way to experience the untouched nature of Croatia. The riverbanks are covered with greenery and karsts canyons. The levels of difficulty for most rivers are 3 but rises to 4 in the river Dobra and Una.  Once you experience the excitement of rafting in Croatia, you’ll want to come back again.

The Most Popular Places for Rafting in Croatia

Rafting on Cetina

“Green” Dalmatian river and its magnificent canyon, dense forests that adorn the coast of Cetina, mills on the river and the cave will delight you and shows the magic of this beautiful river. Rafting on Cetina is suitable for a wide range of visitors, from children 12 years old to demanding adventurer, but a requirement is that all are swimmers. What is special in this excitement is what you will be able to explore the caves, you will be able to jump from the rocks, splatter below the falls and drink spring water. The proximity of Makarska and Split provides high attendance to Pensice, where the tour starts.

Rafting on Kupa

Kupa in its flow adorns Gorski Kotar. Rafting on the river Kupa is adapted to everyone, from families with children to demanding adventurers. Rafting starts from Brod on Kupa, which is located an hour’s drive from Rijeka. Rafting takes you rowing through the clear green river to the nearby sand and pebble beaches and there you can also enjoy swimming and sunbathing.

Kupa flows through the National Park Risnjak, and there you can see the entire park and the entire flow of the meandering river. Unfortunately, the water level of the river Kupa is high enough for rafting only in the spring.

Rafting on Dobra

70 km from Zagreb, on the road Zagreb – Karlovac – Duga Resa, near Zvecaj you can get the unique adventure of rafting. The professional rafting boats can accommodate ten people, each boat has skipper which is responsible for the safety of the crew.

Dobra is the first river in Croatia, which has a commercial rafting trip and with the rapids is one of the most popular places. Lush forests and mountains surrounding the river inside, Dobra has surface and underground streams and offers first-class rafting conditions at all times because dams and accumulation lakes permit a sufficient flow of water.

Rafting on Zrmanja

This beautiful karsts river has travertine barriers, beautiful waterfalls, magnificent canyons (there was filmed the movie “Winnetou”) and clear clean water ideal for a compelling adventure rafting. River Zrmanja in the spring and autumn overflows, rafting then provides a special experience, and in the summer the river is calm, but not less interesting. You can come from Pakostan, Zadar, Biograd na Moru and Kastela Zegarski near Obrovac to Zrmanja. River Zrmanja abounds with water in springtime, while in summer, must use smaller canoes and kayaks to travel this, one of the most beautiful Croatian canyons.

Rafting on Mreznica

River Mreznica except rafting offers kayaking and canoeing. To decide what suits you the best, advise you to try to run all three offers. Swimming in the clear green water of Mreznica is an integral part of the trip. River Mreznica will delight you with its beautiful nature and forever be etched in your memory. Mreznica abounds with waterfalls, but between them, the water flows calmly. Rafting on the upper canyon flow involves elements of canoeing.

Rafting on Una

Rafting on the river Una is a special experience. Una offers waterfalls up to 20m for adventurers and all who need adventure, but also a peaceful section for families with children or those who want to enjoy the beautiful nature. On Una are available three stages of rafting, for beginners – rafting stage R2 Kostela, the adrenaline demanding – rafting stage Strbacki Buk and adrenalin fun – rafting stage R3 Kostela. The beautiful nature and clean blue waters will leave you breathless. Una, which forms the border between the Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, offers excellent rafting conditions downstream from the 20-meter high waterfall Strbacki Buk, when the water level is high, although the experience a little less exciting when water levels are lower.

Rafting on Krka

You can sail river Krka through the upper part of the Krka National Park due to the inflow of its tributaries, the river Butusnica, which is controlled by a dam. Rafting is the only way to meet this untouched area of the park, and the only place where you have to move by land is 12-meter high waterfall Bilusica Buk.

Rafting on Korana