Top 12 River Kayak Tours in Croatia

1.Zrmanja River: Half-Day Guided Kayaking Tour Near Zadar

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 1,817 reviews · 5 - 7 hours · from $64Our pick

Join Raftrek guides such as Andrea, Julio, or Dudu for a beginner-friendly paddle through the Zrmanja canyon. Expect gentle rapids, a three-meter waterfall, swimming stops, rocky walks, and clear water. Zadar pickup costs extra, while parking and river equipment are included.

“The trip was really fun trip with stop for lunch on the river , we were a family of 4, included collection from zanton. Don’t hesitate to book.”

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2.Kayaking on Upper Mreznica River – Slunj, Croatia

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 178 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $65Top rated

Join Kupa Sports near Tounj for a three-hour beginner-friendly kayak trip on the Upper Mreznica River. Guides such as Denis and Alex lead you through up to 15 travertine waterfalls, with chances to paddle, swim, use natural slides, or jump into lower pools. Equipment and local transfers are included.

“We had a great time, very friendly instructors and we highly recommend to anyone which is looking to have a great time.”

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3.Zrmanja River Kayaking, with optional transfer from Zadar

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 166 reviews · 5 hours (approx.) · from $66

Paddle about 10 kilometers through the Zrmanja gorge, small rapids, clear swimming holes, and waterfall drops. Guides such as Adam, Sarah, Becky, and Matej help with technique and safety. The trip lasts about five hours, with optional pickup from Zadar and equipment included.

“We had such a great time on this tour. The guides were amazing and the scenery was breathtaking. The water was so clear. We got a lovely sunny day for our trip which made the difference. When you arrive you’re greeted by the most welcoming team, you should arrive half an hour before your excursion time as stated in the instructions. This gives you time to get changed, use the bathroom, collect your equipment etc. you are provided with a life jacket, a helmet and some water shorts. I think they had water shoes too if you needed them but we took our own. Take your spare clothes in a…”

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4.Obrovac: Rafting or Kayaking on the Zrmanja River

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 144 reviews · 6 hours · from $64

Meet at Mićanovi dvori for a guided 14.5-kilometer run through the Zrmanja and Krupa canyon. Kayaks are used in summer and rafts during higher water. Expect instruction, about 2.5 to 4 hours on the river, two-person kayaks, and a group of up to 30.

“Esperienza molto bella Guida preparata, gentile ma un po' frettolosa Durata di 4 ore diversamente da quanto indicato”

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5.Canoe Safari on the Cetina River

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 95 reviews · 3 - 6 hours · from $53

Leave Split for a 45-minute ride to the Cetina River, then paddle 11 km through calm stretches and gentle grade II rapids. Your guide, possibly Ivan, Iven, Dan, or Ante, provides gear and instruction. Expect swimming stops, canyon views, and a solid workout.

“We really enjoyed our canoe trip on the Cetina River. The trip was well organised and all the guides were extremely friendly, helpful and professional. Proper safety equipment supplied. Loved the various aspects of the river and the beautiful scenery. Great to see a different perspective rather than just Split.”

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6.Adriatic Sea and River Stand-Up Paddleboard Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 85 reviews · 2h 30m · from $47Best value

Start near Hotel Briig and ride to Stobreč for a beginner-friendly SUP tour through the Žrnovnica River and Adriatic Sea. Guides such as Nikola, Luca, Ivan, and Boris provide instruction, photos, snorkeling, and optional cliff jumps. Kayaks may replace boards if wind makes the sea rough.

“Brilliant time with Nicos, very friendly and great introduction to paddle boarding. Had an amazing time along the river and sea, afterwards we even got to do some rock jumping! Definitely recommend.”

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7.Slunj: Upper Mreznica River Kayaking Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 62 reviews · 4 hours · from $70

Kayak the Upper Mreznica near Slunj for four hours with certified English or Croatian-speaking guides such as Harry and Henry. Expect 15 travertine waterfalls, clear pools, natural slides, optional jumps, quiet paddling, safety gear, and a return transfer to the base.

“Hyvä ohjeistus. Pieni kokoinen ryhmä oli iso plussa. Hintaan kuuluu kaikki tarvittavat varusteet, sekä opas otti valokuvia, jotka hän jakoi myöhemmin ilman veloitusta. Mielettömän kirkasta vettä ja lähde pohjaonen osuus oli mukava lisä.”

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8.Omiš: 5-Hour Kayak on Cetina River Preserved Nature Park

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 43 reviews · 5 hours

Rent a kayak for up to two people in Omiš and paddle at your own pace through the Cetina River Preserved Nature Park. You get paddles, life jackets, and a waterproof barrel, with unlimited use until dark. Stop at riverbank paths and Radman Mills before an easy downstream return.

“Super. Un accueil un peu spécial, un peu livré a nous même mais ça nous a convenu. Il vaut mieux en avoir déjà fait.”

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9.Slunj: River and Waterfalls Kayaking on Mrežnica river

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 34 reviews · 4 hours · from $76

Meet at Hotel Mirjana & Rastoke for a 4-hour guided kayak trip on the Mrežnica River. After a 20-minute transfer, paddle through Primišlje’s turquoise water, small falls, swimming spots, and the 5-meter or 9-meter jumps at Milkovića slap. Guides speak English and Croatian.

“Było wspaniale, przewodnicy bardzo opiekuńczy, wszystko wyjaśniali, wspaniała przygoda, piękne widoki, warto skorzystać, polecam”

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10.Severin na Kupi: Canoeing and Kayaking on the Kupa River

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 22 reviews · 4 hours · from $47

Join a licensed guide on the upper Kupa River near Severin na Kupi for a four-hour canoe or kayak trip. Learn basic paddling, pass old water dams, stop at springs and waterfalls, and enjoy a calm wilderness outing. A family raft for up to 8 people, or 10 with small children, is also available.

“Er was te weinig water en hadden daarom maar 3 stroomversnellingen waar we door konde de rest moest we allemaal te voet doen ... uiteindelijk was het dan een zware dag . Ze zouden mensen beter moeten op de hoogte hiervan moeten brengen. We hebben 4.5 uur gevaren wat wel veel en lang is als je het nog nooit gedaan hebt.”

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11.Rafting/Kayaking adventure river Kupa

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 21 reviews · 4 hours · from $63

You’ll paddle 7 to 10 km on the upper Kupa River with licensed English or Croatian-speaking guides. Spring and autumn bring stronger rapids and rafts; summer usually means two or three-person inflatable kayaks. Expect clear water, a swim stop, cliff jumping, photos, and a van return.

“I called to advise we were arriving 15 minutes late and they said it was okay, upon arrival we were yelled at like little kids for being late and the very rude instructor didnt even give me time to explain that i called to let them know we were being late”

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12.Split/Omiš – Guided River & Sea Kayaking + Snorkeling Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 17 reviews · 2h 30m · from $47

Paddle the Cetina River from Radmanove Mlinice with an English-speaking guide such as Ante, passing canyon walls and clear pools before a 30-minute swim and snorkel stop near Omiš. Equipment, insurance, masks, waterproof storage, and photos or videos are included.

“The kayaking experience was so smooth with Ante who made the whole day entertaining. It was breathtaking at times and the scenery is absolutely stunning. We felt safe with Ante who was a great group leader, would highly recommend to anyone.”

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