Some ten years ago, I trained to be an adventure guide on the Zrmanja River in Central Croatia. The training was intense, and it lasted for 2 months with many hours spent in the raft on rivers all across Croatia. Finally, I spent a whole season on the Zrmanja River as the rafting/kayaking guide and paddled down this magnificent river at least 50 times that summer. This article will be all about Zrmanja rafting, a unique activity and one of the best ways to enjoy this river.
Rafting on the Zrmanja River is one of the rare rafting experiences in Croatia. There are many rivers in our beautiful country, but just a few of them are good for rafting tours. And Zrmanja is one of them. This river is famous for its turquoise waters, stunning canyons, and beautiful waterfalls that can be enjoyed on the route. However, rafting season doesn’t last long on this river, and as the summer approaches, kayaks (or mini rafts as we used to call them) replace rafts, and you can experience this river only by kayaking. Still, it’s the adventure to remember.
Let’s row down the Zrmanja River!
Where is the Zrmanja River? First things first, let’s discuss the location of this remarkable river. Zrmanja is our favorite river in Croatia. Period. It’s simply the marvel of nature, and some of the most untouched landscapes can be found here. We hope that it will stay like this for a long, long time.
The Zrmanja River flows through northern Dalmatia , with the source near Gračac, deep in the inland part of Dalmatia. This river winds through deep canyons before reaching the Adriatic Sea near Novigrad .
Zrmanja is located about an hour of driving from Zadar , and as such, it’s a perfect day trip from this famous Croatian tourist destination.
You can split Zrmanja into the upper and lower parts. The upper part is where kayaking and rafting tours are being organized, while the lower part features a monumental canyon, perfect for all kinds of boat tours. The lower part is also the place where the popular Winnetou movie series was filmed.
Why Choose Zrmanja for Rafting? We already mentioned that Zrmanja is one of the rare rivers in Croatia on which you can enjoy the thrills of rafting. That already is one of the main reasons to try rafting on the Zrmanja River. This river is also one of the cleanest and well-preserved rivers in Croatia, which means that through the Zrmanja Rafting tour, you have the chance to enjoy unspoiled nature and magnificent landscapes. Here are a few other reasons if you’re still not sure whether to book this activity or not:
Spectacular Scenery: The Zrmanja River made a deep limestone canyon through time, and it has many waterfalls and numerous crystal-clear pools .Unspoiled Nature: Zrmanja is part of a protected natural area , which means that there are almost no human interventions in its landscape.Diverse Experience: The Zrmanja rafting route combines gentle rowing and moderate rapids , and as such, it’s a perfect activity for families, beginners, and anyone looking for a scenic adventure in Croatia.Friendly for All Skill Levels: The river usually features Class II and III rapids , which means an easy, but still thrilling activity you’ll remember for a long time. It might even become a highlight of your vacation in Croatia.
Highest-Rated Zrmanja rafting Tour:
The perfect rafting alternative for summer months:
When is the Best Time for Rafting on Zrmanja? Now here is the thing, rafting on the Zrmanja River can be done only in a small portion of the year, which makes it even more unique. Because rafts are a bit larger boats, they can only be used when the water level is high enough, so here’s when you can enjoy it:
Spring (April to early June): This is the main season for rafting on Zrmanja , when snow melts from the Velebit Mountain and raises the water levels, which makes the rapids more dynamic and exciting.Summer (late June to September): The river’s water level drops significantly at these periods, making it unsuitable for rafting but perfect for activities like kayaking, canoeing, packrafting, and swimming .Autumn: Water levels can vary in this season. Rafting is sometimes possible, but this depends on recent rainfall.
Important Note: Rafting tours on the Zrmanja River are mostly only available in spring when conditions are optimal. If you are visiting Croatia in spring and want to enjoy one of the best activities, put Zrmanja rafting on your bucket list.
What to Expect on a Zrmanja Rafting Tour As you can see by now, we have put links to the best rafting tours on Zrmanja in this article so you can easily access them and explore their offer. Here’s what to expect out of the usual rafting tour:
Duration: Most tours last about 4 to 5 hours , including safety briefings and transport from the ending point to the starting point.Distance Covered: Approximately 12 kilometers of the Zrmanja River.Starting Point: In Kaštel Žegarski .Highlights:
Row through a narrow canyon with high cliffs
Pass near waterfalls and natural springs
Option to climb and jump from rocks into the river
Visit the beautiful Krupa River confluence during the break
End Point: In the village of Muškovci . From there, the drivers are transported back to the starting point to pick up cars and return for the rest of the group waiting in Muškovci.
What to Bring and Wear When it comes to what to bring on a rafting tour on Zrmanja, there really aren’t many things. You’ll be provided with all necessary rafting equipment before the start. Here’s what we suggest you bring:
Quick-dry clothing or swimsuit Sunscreen and hat (spring sun can still be strong, so it’s better to protect your skin)Dry clothes and a towel to change into after the tourWaterproof camera or GoPro (optional)
Tour operators will provide:
Wetsuits and life jackets Helmets and paddles Professional guides accompany each rafting tour, and there is one guide in each raft
Is It Safe? Shortly, yes! Zrmanja rafting tours are run by licensed guides, and you get all the safety equipment before the tour starts. Rapids on the Zrmanja River are exciting when the water level is higher, but they are generally considered safe for children aged 6+ and adults of all fitness levels. There you go, nothing is stopping you from having some real fun on this Croatian river.
Other Activities on the Zrmanja River Apart from the rafting adventures, there are many other things you can do on and near the Zrmanja River. Here are just a few of the ideas:
Kayaking and Canoeing: Perfect activities for the hot summer months when rafting is not possible.Hiking: Trails in the canyon and near it offer breathtaking views.Swimming: The clear water of the Zrmanja River is refreshing and perfectly safe for swimming.Photography: The landscape of this river is very photogenic, especially its lower, barren part of the canyon.
Before You Venture Rafting on the Zrmanja River Ready to try one of the best rafting tours in Croatia ? Rafting on the Zrmanja River is a must-do activity for anyone visiting this part of Croatia in the preseason periods. It’s the only time you can enjoy the Zrmanja rafting adventure, so make sure to put it on your itinerary if you’re into such activities. Zrmanja is truly a beautiful river, and I often think about my time spent there. The season of adventure guiding I did there paved the road to many future experiences and resulted in opening our own adventure agency in Croatia. I hope you’ll fall in love with Zrmanja just like I did.
Enjoy this rafting experience in Croatia!
