Rafting in Bosnia and Herzegovina is an amazing way to get to know the main thing this country has to offer – mesmerizing, untouched nature.
Although it does seem difficult in pictures, rafting connects young people, looking for adventure – and families with kids, that want to spend quality time in the fresh air.
Before every tour, which is led by a licensed instructor, you’ll get detailed instructions on how to work as a team.Fun is guaranteed – swimming, eating traditional food, exploring canyons and waterfalls – this is just a drop in the ocean of activities you can expect in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Rafting on the Tara
Tara River, also known as the ‘Tear of Europe’ because of how pure the water is, is a 144km long river.
From April to mid-October, you can go on an adventure full of adrenaline-rushes – rafting on Tara.
In springtime, the rafting experience is about 2 hours long, whereas in summer, it’s 4 hours.
The most popular tour is 20km long. It starts at Brstanovica and ends at the rafting center of your choice.
You can also go rafting along the whole navigable part of the Tara Canyon – from Sljivansko to Bastasi. This one is 80km long, and the excursion takes 3 days.
In the Drina-Tara Rafting Center, you can sleep in cute bungalows, eat organic food, go hiking, or on a jeep safari.
If you’d prefer to avoid the careless drinking, that rafting sometimes can turn into, opt for the Rafting Center Tara-raft. They guarantee safety with a 0% alcohol policy. They organize canyoning, kayaking, and horseback riding.
At the DMD Camp, you can relax in your bungalow, eat homemade food, and go hiking and canyoning.
Rafting on the Una
The one and only Una River is one of many beauties of the Una National Park. This river is a natural border between two Balkan countries: Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Rafting on Una is, on one hand, great for experienced swimmers and thrill-seekers, and on the other, a good choice for parents with younger kids. Here are the two options explained.
The most popular route is the one from Strbacki Buk to Loskun. It’s ideal for adventure-seekers: this tour starts under a 24 m-high waterfall!
It’s 7.5km long and you’ll get to spend about 2.5 hours on water. You can book it at the Una Aquarius.
To learn more about the Strbacki Buk Waterfall, read our guide on the 5 most beautiful waterfalls in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Perfect for families is the 14km route from Kostela to Grmusa. On this tour, you can swim in the Una River, since it’s a bit warmer.
On top of that, imagine sleeping in a treehouse before heading out for an epic adventure! You can do this on Una, thanks to the Una Aqua Rafting Centre.
Rafting on the Neretva
The emerald-green Neretva River is the beauty of Herzegovina. Untouched nature and cold, crystal-clear waters are what you can expect if you opt for rafting on Neretva.
The route from the village of Glavaticevo to the village of Dzajici is 18km long, and it takes between 5 and 6 hours.
If you book this tour at the Neretva Rafting, you can expect to enjoy a barbeque in the middle of the trip.
The case is similar at RaftKor – they organize a lunch in the midst of a canyon. However, their route is 25 km long and starts at Konjic.
Mostar, the jewel of Bosnia and Herzegovina, is situated on Neretva. Many say it’s one of the most memorable towns they’ve visited. If you want to find out whether that’d be true for you, read our Mostar and Trebinje guide.
Rafting on the Vrbas
If Banja Luka is on your Balkan trip itinerary, add an exclamation mark next to it and write – Vrbas!
The rafting centers on Vrbas are only 11km away from the center of Banja Luka.
The Vrbas River is famous for its deep-green color and the phenomenal canyon, rich in flora and fauna.
One of the routes available at the RC Vrbas starts at the rafting center and ends 15km away at the Krupa Waterfalls. This mesmerizing spot may be small, but it’s like from a fairy tale.
Since the website isn’t in English, here’s their email address: info@guidelinebl.com.
Confident and experienced rafters may dare to try night rafting at the Argonaut Rafting. Email address: kontakt@argonaut-bl.com
Rafting on the Drina
Although easily overlooked because of the rising popularity of rafting on Tara, Drina is equally beautiful, and it has much to offer. Stray off the beaten path, avoid the crowds, and enjoy unspoiled nature.
Piva and Tara flow in together, forming the Drina River. Right by their meeting spot is the Divlja Reka Camp.
The route by Divlja Reka is 26km long. In springtime, this tour is 3 hours long, and in the summer 4 hours.
They’ll drive you from Foca to the camp, and later give you a ride back.
You’ll get to enjoy lunch on the beach, made from fresh, local produce. Sounds ideal, doesn’t it?