I worked as a kayaking/rafting guide on the Zrmanja River for 1 season before we returned home and started our own adventure travel agency in Croatia. Prior to even starting with these guided tours, I had to pass through 2 months of rigorous training and different scenarios. It was looking just the way I think each adventure travel guide training should look. You can read more about that in some of our other articles on our blog.
This article will be all about Zrmanja River kayaking, something I believe to be one of the best adventure tours in Croatia. During my season on the Zrmanja River, I did around 70 tours down the river in total, and still couldn’t get enough of that beautiful landscape. These were the days I truly lived the life of ventures.
The Zrmanja River is one of Croatia’s most breathtaking rivers, characterized by crystal-clear waters, a stunning canyon, and an exciting untouched nature vibe that you can get out of it. Zrmanja River is a destination for you if you’re looking for an escape right into the heart of nature, straight into some of the most beautiful landscapes in Croatia.
So here’s all to know about Zrmanja River kayaking or rafting tours.
How to Reach the Zrmanja River First things first, let’s get to the Zrmanja River in the first place. It’s located in northern Dalmatia, approximately 50 kilometers northeast of Zadar. Zrmanja is easily accessible by car (at least some of its parts), making it a perfect day trip for anyone staying along the Dalmatian coast. Some of the best places on the river are not accessible by car which is perfect since wherever you have a road, the untouched nature disappears. So the best way to experience these places of Zrmanja is by booking a Zrmanja River kayaking or rafting tour.
If you’re driving toward Zrmanja, follow signs toward Obrovac , the closest town to many popular starting points for Zrmanja kayaking tours. From there, it’s easy to reach Kaštel Žegarski, the starting point of all kayaking tours on the upper part of Zrmanja River.
For those without a car, some organized Zrmanja kayaking tours include transportation from Zadar or Split, which makes planning your visit even easier and you really don’t need to think about anything, just let yourself go and enjoy in perfect nature.
Pro Tip: If you’re coming from Zadar, start early in the morning to be among the first groups on the river avoid the crowds, and fully enjoy the peace and serenity of this landscape.
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About the Zrmanja River The Zrmanja River stretches for about 69 kilometers, making its way through lush landscapes, deep canyons, and rocky terrain before meeting with the Adriatic Sea near Novigrad. Known for its stunning landscape, and emerald waters, the Zrmanja is also known as “Croatia’s most beautiful river.”
What makes the Zrmanja truly special is its diversity. In some parts, the river is calm and peaceful, allowing you to effortlessly paddle and soak in the scenery surrounding you. In other parts, it offers a lot of fun, through a series of rapids that make Zrmanja kayaking both thrilling and beginner-friendly. Most of these rapids are easy and they really add up to the adventure. There are a few larger ones and at these points, you need to exit the kayak and walk around the waterfall while the guides drop the kayaks from the waterfall.
As you paddle down the river, you’ll be surrounded by high cliffs, waterfalls, and occasional sightings of wildlife such as fish, birds, and even turtles (which are rare, but possible to encounter). It’s the perfect mix of adventure and tranquility, all that in one kayak tour.
Why Zrmanja River Kayaking Is So Special Having spent a season guiding kayaking tours on the Zrmanja, I witnessed firsthand what makes this river such a magical place to paddle. It’s one of the most magical places I have kayaked in so far. Regardless of the fact that back then it was my job to safely guide groups down the river, I still managed to enjoy all that this river offers.
You might call me biased, but I believe that the Zrmanja River kayaking tour is the best kayaking tour you can try in Croatia. Here’s what to expect out of it:
The Scenery: The landscape of the Zrmanja Canyon is something you won’t find just anywhere. Rising cliffs, lush greenery, and hidden waterfalls create stunning views wherever you look.The Water: The river’s clear, emerald-green water is absolutely stunning. You can see the bottom in most places, which makes swimming breaks feel like you’re swimming in paradise. And the temperature is just perfect for the hot summer days.Perfect for Beginners and Families: While the rapids are enough to add excitement to the Zrmanja kayaking tours, they’re not too difficult, making the Zrmanja ideal for first-time kayakers, families, and kids. During my season on Zrmanja, we really had people of all ages and backgrounds attending these kayak tours.Hidden Spots: Kayaking down Zrmanja with a guide, you’ll discover smaller waterfalls and secret swimming places that many people miss.Eco-Friendly Adventure: Kayaking is one of the best ways to explore nature while keeping your impact minimal. There are many other benefits of kayaking too, both regarding your mental state and physical wellbeing.
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What to Expect on a Zrmanja Kayaking Tour Most Zrmanja River kayaking tours start at Kaštel Žegarski and cover around 10-15 kilometers of the river. Tours typically last between 3 to 5 hours, depending on the group’s pace, and stops along the way. Tours end in Muškovci, a small place with few restaurants and some nice waterfalls.
Small Rapids and Calm Waters: The Zrmanja kayaking trip is a mix of calm stretches, where you can relax and enjoy the nature surrounding you, and small rapids that are fun but completely safe for beginners.Waterfalls and Swimming Breaks: During the tour, you’ll stop at spots like the beautiful Krupa Waterfall , where you can take a break, swim, or enjoy a snack. Some tours even include cliff-jumping for those who want an extra thrill.Guided Tours: Professional guides provide all necessary equipment (kayaks, paddles, helmets, and life jackets), safety instructions, and interesting facts about the river’s history and ecosystem as you kayak down the river.
Pro Tip: Even though most tours include breaks for swimming, still wear water shoes—they’ll make walking on rocky riverbeds much easier.
Our suggestions of the best Zrmanja kayak tours
How does the usual Zrmanja kayaking tour look like First of all, you reach Kaštel Žegarski, either in your own car or via transfer from cities such as Zadar. You park your car there and the guides greet you and tell you all the basics about preparing for the tour. You then get all the necessary equipment and head toward the riverbank where the kayaks await you. Then there is another 10-minute-long ‘safety talk’ in which kayaking guides tell you about paddling techniques, what to expect on the river, how to behave when you encounter the rapids, and so on.
After that, you board your kayaks and start with the tour. For the next 4 hours, Zrmanja River will be the landscape you’ll enjoy. The kayaks are double seated which means 2 persons go in one kayak. This makes the whole experience even better. There are few places where you’re going to stop on a river and get out of your kayaks. These are usually stops for swimming or lunch breaks.
After approximately 4 hours, you’ll reach Muškovci, the ending point of all Zrmanja kayaking tours. The transfer will wait for you here and take you back to Kaštel Žegarski to get your car. Only the drivers are going back to the car and later return to Muškovci for other passengers if you come as a group. And that’s a simplified view of the Zrmanja River kayaking tour, add a lot of fun in between and you’ve got yourself a perfect day trip.
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Other Activities to Enjoy on the Zrmanja River While kayaking on the Zrmanja is one of the most popular activities, there’s plenty more to enjoy in the Zrmanja River area. We already mentioned that there is a chance to book the Zrmanja rafting tour as well, but these are usually organized in the preseason or postseason periods while the water level is still high enough for these kinds of tours. Also, Zrmanja packrafting is a new experience available on the Zrmanja River in the past years.
Rafting: In spring or after heavy rains, the river’s water levels rise, making it perfect for rafting adventures. The rapids become more intense, offering a bit more adventurous ride perfect for adrenaline seekers.Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP): If you prefer a slower-paced activity, SUP tours are a great way to explore the river’s calm stretches. Do this activity only in calm parts of the river. You can rent a SUP in Muškovci and paddle toward the Ogar waterfall on Zrmanja.Packrafting: Something new and great in the world of water sports. Packrafting on the Zrmanja River is done in a small compact mini raft in which you descend down the river alone.Swimming and Cliff Jumping: Take advantage of the clear water and enjoy a refreshing swim in Zrmanja. If you’re feeling brave enough, there are several safe spots for cliff jumping along the river. But always be extra careful when jumping into the river, you never know if there might be stuck down below. Stay safe.
What to Visit Near the Zrmanja River The area surrounding the Zrmanja River is full of natural wonders and cultural treasures worth exploring. Even the Zrmanja River has many different parts you can explore through different tours or by yourself. Here are some of the most famous places near Zrmanja.
Krupa Monastery: Located near the Krupa River (a tributary of the Zrmanja), this 14th-century Orthodox monastery is a peaceful place with stunning architecture and a deep connection to Croatian history.Obrovac: This small town is a great base for exploring the river, both the lower and calmer parts, as well as the upper faster part. Wander through its quiet streets and enjoy a coffee by the Zrmanja River.Paklenica National Park: Not so far away from the Zrmanja, Paklenica is a paradise for hikers and rock climbers. The park is known for its impressive canyons, scenic trails, and diverse wildlife. It’s also the most popular spot for rock climbing in Croatia . This is the best of all national parks in Croatia if you’re into hiking and more adventurous experiences.Velebit Nature Park: The Zrmanja River runs through the Velebit Mountains, which are part of a protected nature park. If you love hiking or photography, the panoramic views and Velebit hiking trails are the place for you.Tulove Grede: Tulove Grede is one of the most distinctive rocky formations in Croatia. They are very unique high-rising cliffs, perfect for hiking and exploration. We even had an opportunity to document 2 elopements in Croatia with Tulove Grede as the background.
Tours that explore lower part of the Zrmanja River
Tips for Visiting the Zrmanja River Zrmanja kayaking tour is one of the most famous adventure tours in the Zadar area. Here are a few more tips to make your experience of this river even better.
Book Ahead: Zrmanja Kayaking tours can fill up rather quickly, especially during the summer months, so it’s a good idea to book your spot in advance. Many tours have flexible cancellation policies in case you change your mind.Bring the Essentials: Sunscreen, water shoes, glasses, swimming clothes, and a hat are all must-haves. Everything else you’ll get as part of the tour – waterproof container, paddles, neoprene suits (on colder days), neoprene boots…Start Early: The mornings are quieter, and the light is perfect for photos. There are many groups kayaking down the Zrmanja River each day and if you start among the first ones, you’ll have the chance to enjoy a quieter ambiance without meeting with any of the other groups on the river.Follow Your Guide: Trust your guide—they know the river, the best routes, and the safest spots for swimming or cliff-jumping. Ask them anything if you want to get more insights.
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Before You Venture to Zrmanja River Kayaking So what do you think? Are you going to try this tour and see where I spent one of the best adventure seasons in my life? Zrmanja River kayaking is one of the most rewarding adventures in Croatia. No matter what you’re looking for – wilderness, untouched nature, waterfalls, or just a mix of adrenaline and joy.
There are not many similar kayaking tours in Croatia that are being organized on the river. Cetina River near the city of Omiš is somewhat similar to Zrmanja, but there are only rafting tours available there since the rapids are a bit faster there. Then there is the Mrežnica River near Plitvice Lakes National Park. Also, beautiful and stunning landscape and the kayaking tour on Mrežnica lasts for around 2 hours.
Make your stay in Croatia unforgettable and book the Zrmanja kayaking tour. Enjoy!
