Although there is no rafting in Makarska , one of the best such experiences in Croatia is organized just a short drive away on the nearby Cetina River . Often referred to as Makarska rafting due to its proximity to this city on Makarska Riviera, rafting on the Cetina River is a must-try adventure if you’re staying in Makarska and want to infuse some adventure in your vacation.
The Cetina River is often considered as the best river for rafting in Croatia. It has all you need for a great adventure – thrilling rapids, stunning canyon scenery, and crystal-clear waters . This article will be about rafting near Makarska, how to get to the place where these tours are organized, and what to expect on such a whitewater experience.
Where is Rafting Near Makarska? The rafting tours near Makarska are organized on the Cetina River, which is located about 30-40 minutes of driving away from this city. Not a long ride for one of the best rafting experiences in Croatia, you will agree. The rafting tours on the Cetina River usually start deep in the canyon and near Šestanovac . Most of them end near the picturesque Radmanove Mlinice , a historic mill-turned-restaurant surrounded by nature. A great place to enjoy after the Makarska rafting adventure.
What to Expect on a Cetina River Rafting Tour First of all, expect a lot of fun. Rafting is known to be an adrenaline-driven and exciting activity. There are not many rivers in Croatia on which you can do rafting tours, especially during the summer months when the water level is lower. This being said, this is a great option to enjoy this activity in Croatia. Here’s what to expect on a rafting tour near Makarska:
Distance Covered: Approximately 10-12 km of pure river adventure.Duration: Most of the Cetina rafting tours last between 3 to 4 hours .Difficulty Level: Expect class II-III rapids , great for beginners and families but still enough exciting for those seeking more adventurous experience.Scenic Views: The rafting route on Cetina takes you through a canyon surrounded by lush forests and high cliffs that are a spectacular natural backdrop for this experience.Swimming and Cliff Jumping: Many of these tours include stops where you can swim in the clear Cetina River or try cliff jumping for an extra bit of adventure.
Guided Rafting Tours from Makarska Many tour operators are organizing different rafting tours on the Cetina River near Makarska. There are several guided tours available directly from Makarska and these include transportation, equipment, and professional guides . Our first rafting adventure on the Cetina River was from Makarska some 10 years ago. Since then, we have visited the Cetina River Canyon many, many times.
What’s Included in a Rafting Tour? If you are looking to go on a rafting tour from Makarska, you’ll get the same experience as someone who books a tour directly at the starting point. The only difference is that the rafting tour from Makarska includes transfer to and back from the rafting experience.
Hotel Pickup & Drop-off – Many rafting tours offer transport from and back to Makarska.Professional Guide – Certified skippers make sure you have a safe and pleasant experience.All Equipment – Includes a helmet, life jacket, and paddle .Optional Extras – Some tours offer photo packages, GoPro rentals, or traditional Dalmatian meals at the end of the trip. Check what a tour includes before making a booking.
Best Time for Rafting Near Makarska Any time you visit Makarska is a great time to go rafting. The great thing about the Cetina River is the fact that it’s good for rafting tours even in the summer when the other rivers in Croatia have lower water levels. The level drops on Cetina too, but rafting tours still can be organized. Here’s what to expect out of each period:
Spring (April – June): The Cetina River is at its strongest and has the most thrilling rapids.Summer (July – August): The water is warmer and swimming is more enjoyable. However, this is also peak tourist season, so we recommend booking as soon as possible.Autumn (September – October): Not as crowded as in summer and moderate water levels are perfect for a fun and relaxing experience.
Who Can Go Rafting on Cetina River? Cetina River rapids are beginners friendly and almost anyone can enjoy one of the best rafting experiences in Croatia. Rafting near Makarska is perfect for:
Beginners & Families: The rapids on Cetina are moderate, and each raft is controlled by a professional skipper.Adventure Seekers: For those looking for a bit more excitement, there are some tours that include optional canyoning or cliff jumping .Groups & Team Building: Rafting is one of the best group activities, perfect for families, friends, and corporate outings .
Essential Tips for Makarska Rafting
Wear a Swimsuit: You will get wet on rafting, so wear appropriate clothing and enjoy the refreshment.Bring Water Shoes or Sneakers: Flip-flops are not recommended for such an activity, you can go in the raft either barefoot or in water shoes.Use Sunscreen: The Croatian sun can be strong, even on the river and in the canyon.Secure Your Belongings: Most rafting tours offer waterproof bags for essentials, but don’t carry what you don’t need on the tour.
Highest rated rafting tours on the Cetina River
Before You Venture on Rafting Adventure Near Makarska And that’s the story of Makarska rafting , one of the best experiences you can try near this city below the Biokovo Mountain. Rafting is a great activity for all kinds of people and being located just 30 minutes away from Makarska, there’s nothing stopping you from making some adventurous memories from your Makarska vacation. Enjoy your stay in Croatia and add some adventure to it.
