Zrmanja in 1 Day for Families - Two-person sit-on-top kayaks (rafts used if water levels are high)
In Collaboration with Raftrek Travel d.o.o.. Updated on February 13, 2026.
Half-day guided canoeing and rafting on the Zrmanja River. Meet at the Raftrek base in Kaštel Žegarski for a safety briefing, then paddle through the Zrmanja canyon with swimming and a riverside picnic break. Suitable for beginners and families (children from 6 years). Equipment, guide, insurance and Velebit Nature Park entrance included. Start and end times follow the daily schedule below.
This itinerary was created in collaboration with Raftrek Travel d.o.o., inspired by the tour Zrmanja Canoe Safari / Rafting. Please check the tour information during your booking process.
Highlights
- Two-person sit-on-top kayaks (rafts used if water levels are high)
- Paddle through Zrmanja canyon and see travertine waterfalls
- Family-friendly departures (children from 6 years)
- English-speaking professional guide
- Return transfer from endpoint to parked cars and Velebit Nature Park entrance included
Itinerary
Day 1
Full schedule for the half-day Zrmanja canoe/raft trip. Times below follow the standard daily departure that runs in summer.
Meeting at the starting point – Kaštel Žegarski
Arrival and check-in at the Raftrek / Zrmanja rafting base in Kaštel Žegarski. Sign waivers, store personal items in waterproof containers if needed, and prepare gear.
Tips from local experts:
- Arrive 10–15 minutes early to complete check-in and paperwork; secure parking is available at the base.
- Bring a photo ID for check-in and any necessary medical information for children.
- Use the base restroom and change facilities before the briefing — once on the river access is limited.
Trip leader briefing: safety instruction and trip description
Safety briefing covering paddle technique, use of life jackets and helmets, signals, and the day’s route. Guides explain what to expect on the river and how children are supervised.
Tips from local experts:
- Pay close attention to the guide’s instructions on re-entering kayaks and basic rescue procedures.
- Ensure children understand and keep their life jackets fastened at all times on the water.
- Place phones/cameras in the waterproof containers provided by the operator before launching.
Start of the tour — paddle into the canyon
Launch from the base and begin paddling along the Zrmanja River, entering the canyon and enjoying river scenery. Kayaks are used in normal conditions; rafts are used if water levels are high.
Tips from local experts:
- Wear water shoes or sturdy sandals with straps — riverbed can be rocky when entering/exiting kayaks.
- Apply reef-safe sunscreen before launch and bring a hat secured with a strap; guide breaks for reapplication.
- Keep a lightweight long-sleeve layer in the waterproof container if weather is cool or windy on the river.
Swimming and picnic break
Stop at a calm stretch of river for a supervised swim and riverside picnic break. Time to rest, hydrate and enjoy the water. (Bring your own snacks/drinks if you prefer — check with guide.)
Tips from local experts:
- Bring your own water and snacks if you have dietary needs; the operator provides secure storage but not necessarily meals.
- Supervise children closely when entering the water; use provided life jackets in deep or flowing sections.
- Rinse off with fresh water if possible and keep a towel and dry change of clothes in a dry bag for after the break.
The tour continues — downstream to the endpoint
Resume paddling through the canyon after the break, enjoying waterfalls and scenic sections until reaching the designated endpoint near Bilišane.
Tips from local experts:
- Keep personal items secured in the waterproof containers provided; guides will confirm locations for photos.
- Follow the guide’s positioning advice to navigate narrow or faster sections safely, especially for less experienced paddlers.
- If water levels are high and a raft is used, follow raft-specific safety instructions and seating assignments from the guide.
End of the tour and transfer back to the start (Kaštel Žegarski)
Arrive at the end point near Bilišane. Guides assist with unloading and changing. Return transfer is provided to bring participants back to parked cars at the start in Kaštel Žegarski.
Tips from local experts:
- Collect all personal items and check waterproof containers before leaving the endpoint; the guide will confirm a lost-and-found procedure.
- Have a dry change of clothes ready in your vehicle — it can be cooler after paddling and a towel may still be wet.
- Children may need help with changing; allow time for everyone to change and pack gear before boarding the transfer vehicle.
Departure
Arrival back at the Raftrek base / parking area in Kaštel Žegarski; final goodbyes and trip close-out.
Tips from local experts:
- Allow a few extra minutes after arrival for the guide to file any necessary paperwork or to confirm lost items.
- If you parked at the start, check your vehicle, retrieve stored items, and confirm you have any photos taken by guides.
- If traveling onward, plan at least 10–15 minutes buffer before your next appointment or transfer to account for drying/packing time.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 1 |
| Highlights | 5 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Families |
| Transfers | 2 |
| Restaurants | - |
| Total Activities | 5 |
| Total Places | 7 |
| Activities Types | Neighborhood, Experience, Outdoor, Break, Transfer |