Packrafting Adventure in Croatia
The ultimate pack light journey down two beautiful rivers in a wild corner of Croatia
What's Included?
Activities & Certified Guides
All itinerary activities with expert, local, English-speaking guidesHotel & Camping
2 nights in a hotel, 2 nights campingMeals
All breakfasts and dinners each dayTransfers
To and from the airport and everything in betweenEquipment
All your packrafting and camping equipmentSmall Like-minded Groups
Solo-friendly by design, join our small n’ sociable groups of up to 8 like-minded, active and outdoorsy people…
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What's it like?
Paddle down narrow canyons, run rapids and jump waterfalls on the Mrežnica and Zrmanja Rivers
Hike through the wild Krupa River Canyon and past the Devertac Waterfalls - a series of nine cascades
Wild swim the emerald waters of the Velebit National Park and camp on the riverbank
Deemed one of the '25 best holidays to Croatia' by The Times
Key Information
Day 1
Welcome to Croatia
Touch down in Zagreb and meet your host at the airport before driving over to the small village of Zvecaj, right on the bank of the Mrežnica River. Check into your hotel and enjoy the surroundings before grabbing dinner and a run through the adventure with your guide.
Day 2
Packraft bootcamp and first taste of paddling
Packrafting
Your guide will run you through a packrafting bootcamp - teaching you about the history of packrafting, how to pump and pack your raft, paddling and self-rescue techniques and hydrology. Ease into life as a solo packrafter on a flat and easy section of the Mrežnica River, stopping for swims and admiring the spectacular scenery of the Mrežnica River Canyon. Late afternoon you'll head back to the hotel for some time to relax by the river, swim, or grab a game of beach volleyball before dinner.
Day 3
Time for rapids and waterfalls
Packrafting
The fun is ramped up today as you put your new-found packrafting skills to the test on the livelier upper section of the Mrežnica. Weaving through the channels of the river canyon, you'll tackle a bunch of exciting rapids and even jump down a waterfall. After a day of high fives and permanent smiles, you'll pack up the rafts, dry off and hop back in the van to head on to the next leg of your adventure. Arriving at the small village of Kaštel Žegarski in the heart of the wild Velebit National Park you'll set up camp right on the banks of the Zrmanja River and tuck into dinner.
Day 4
Hike the Krupa River Canyon and raft the Zrmanja
Packrafting
Hiking
Wake up to the sound of the river in your secluded camp and enjoy a homemade breakfast to fuel you up for a big day. Carrying your packraft on your back, you'll hike through the Krupa River Canyon - a protected area where kayaking and rafting are prohibited. Stomp past the Devertac waterfalls - a series of nine cascades -before reaching a secret spot for a riverside lunch. Blow up the packraft again and put in on the Zrmanja River to tackle a stretch of multiple rapids and the occasional waterfall as you navigate your way down. Finishing at Muskovci, head back to the same camp (Kaštel Žegarski) to relax beside the river before dinner.
Day 5
Final dip and transfer to the airport
Soak up the last of your time by the river with some breakfast and a bit of free time for a final dip in the river or a mini-hike into the wilderness around the camp before your host transfers you to Zadar in time for your onward flight.
The Area
Logistics
Starts
Zagreb Airport
17:30 on Day 1
Ends
Zadar Airport
12:45 on Day 5
Transfers
This trip starts in Zagreb and finishes in Zadar.
Your host will meet you at Zagreb Airport at 17:30 on Day 1 and transfer you to your hotel at the start of the adventure. On Day 5 you will be dropped off at Zadar Airport at 12:45 in time to catch flights that depart after 15:00.
If you are already in Zagreb or are arriving by train or bus, your host can meet you at the parking area behind the main train station in Zagreb at 17:00. The pickup point is behind the main train station, in front of the Vatroslav Lisinski Concert Hall.
If you are staying longer in Croatia after your adventure, you can be dropped off at Zadar Coach Station at 13:00 on Day 5. There are frequent bus connections between Zadar and Zagreb. Check out the Getbybus website for bus times and tickets.
Travel options
There are regular flights to Zagreb from airports across the UK and Europe. Flights to Zagreb from North America generally transit through Brussels, Paris or Amsterdam. There are direct flights between Zadar and London Gatwick for those looking to return to the UK after the adventure.
For those wishing to avoid flying, there is an excellent Croatian sleeper train overnight from Munich to Zagreb which you can take to arrive in Zagreb on the morning of Day 1.
What about all the carbon?
We partner with the World Land Trust to ensure this trip achieves Net-Zero emissions. We also support their Buy an Acre programme, helping local communities to buy and protect natural habitats in perpetuity.
Day 1
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 2
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 3 – Day 4
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 5
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
What is the food like?
Dinners at the hotel on Days 1 and 2 will have a menu with three different options each day. Dinners on Day 3 and 4 at the campgrounds will be cooked by your host. They will use local produce and traditional Croatian cooking based, around a meat element such as local sausages, bread, pastries, pasta and dumplings. In the event of heavy rain, your hosts may book local restaurants instead. Breakfasts at the hotel and campgrounds are continental and buffet-style, with some local products thrown in for good measure. You'll need to buy a packed lunch each morning to take with you; please budget €7-10 per lunch.
Vegetarians, vegans and other dietary requirements and allergies can be catered for – please just request this on your passenger info form. We also recommend that you bring some of your favourite protein snacks along with you.
What is the accommodation like?
Mrežnica River
You'll stay at Zeleni Kut Hotel during the first two nights of your trip. This family-owned hotel is located in Zvecaj, on the bank of the Mrežnica River, with its own private beach area. You'll stay in a twin-share room with a private bathroom. Double rooms can be requested.
Zrmanja River
You'll camp in a wild and beautiful location beside the Zrmanja River, in the lovely village of Kaštel Žegarski – perfect for swimming, diving and relaxing. You'll normally participate in setting up camp on arrival and sometimes packing down the camp at the end of your trip (although if you are tight on time, then your guides may do this after your departure). There are some basic facilities at the camp such as a large wooden table, some benches, and pillows. A cold shower and toilets are available a short walk away. Your host will provide a tent and sleeping mat as well as all communal equipment for eating, but please remember to bring your own sleeping bag (or contact your host if you would prefer to rent one for a charge). Solo travellers get their own tent at no additional cost.
This trip has been rated as Moderate
You need to have a reasonable level of fitness and an adventurous nature for this trip, but no previous experience is required as you'll be given full instruction on how to packraft. You should be comfortable being in water - you are going to get wet! - and ideally be able to swim a short distance, though full safety gear is provided and you'll be wearing a life vest while on the packrafts. There are plenty of swim spots at the lunch stops, by the camp in the evening, and during the secret waterfall visits where you can swim without life vests. On the Mrežnica and Zrmanja Rivers you will be rafting through grade 2 and 3 rapids.
Spring and autumn temperatures range from 9 – 21 °C with roughly 10 days of rain per month. Summer temperatures range from 16 – 30 °C with just 6 days of rain each month. The water temperature will be between 16°C and 19°C - on trip dates where the water is colder your host will provide wetsuits.
Last trio of the season
Rene was a great guide but it was disappointing to only 2 out of 3 days rafting. It was much cooler than expected but stunning landscape.
Great adventure in beautiful locations
Great adventure in beautiful locations with a great guide! Our accommodation was very good, with two nights spent under canvas in tents that were comfortable even when the weather turned wet then windy on different nights? The food was also very good in all 3 locations we stayed in, with the highlight being the breakfast at the campsite we stayed on- wholesome local fare!
Lemons v Cherries with little Lizard on the River
I know your thinking strange title, but these were the colours of our safety helmets we decided we would have teams during the trip for some added fun in the kayaks. Little Lizard was our instructor & guide Peter who was in a little green Kayak. Well what can I say 7 x lads from UK out on the Rivers in Croatia, what an experience AMAZING.. from Natural water falls to some white water rafting that pushes your abilities, but in a fun safe environment. Peter our instructor was just the best he showed us everything and kept us all safe at all times what a great guy. Zagreb and Zadar architectural & picturesque, transfers punctual, Food good and accommodation good, with a few cold beers and memories along the way with all my friends.. see you next year for another adventure who knows where!
5* Packrafting Adventure
A great introduction to packaging, by great hosts in a stunning country. Accommodation, equipment & organisation of the trip was top quality. A great experience, lots of fun with a group of epic like minded people. Thankyou for another great adventure MBA!
Brilliant and Well Planned
5 days full of white water, canyoning, great food and great people. Couldn't recommend more!
Phenomenal Time with Excellent People
This trip was an amazing way to get off the beaten path and see Croatian nature/wilderness. The rivers were clean, clear and cool with frequent waterfalls and cliff jump opportunities. It was a wonderful group of people who made fast friends. And hats off to our guide Pero who ensured safety, fun and great documentation throughout!
An unforgettable way too see an unbelievable country
Activity: The rafting, hiking and jumping was incredible. There wasn’t a moment when we were bored between the things we were doing and the place we were doing it. It was jam packed!
Food and accommodation: The food was good. Dietary needs were considered and foodwas homemade on the camp site. The accommodation was the same, very good and high quality for an expedition of this type.
People and staff: The group was really friendly, a mix of ages and styles but a shared interest in travel. Was a real bonding experience. As for our guide, Pero was amazing. He did everything for us on his own and was never found lacking. Funny and knowledgeable guy.
I recently had Croatia's most
I recently had Croatia's most amazing packrafting holiday, and I can't recommend it enough! Every moment was an adventure, from the stunning landscapes to the thrilling waterfalls. But what made this trip unforgettable was our guide, Pero, and the fantastic group of people I enjoyed sharing this experience with.
Pero was patient and encouraging, ensuring that everyone, regardless of skill level, felt comfortable and confident on the water. We all felt safe under his guidance.
The camaraderie within our group added another layer of enjoyment to the trip. It felt like we were a team, supporting each other through challenges and celebrating each achievement together.
Incredible experience
This was an excellent introduction to pack rafting. Pero was a great guide who went the extra mile to look after us. Beautiful scenery, countless opportunities for swims/jumps and some thrills going down rapids and waterfalls (wish we were there outside of summer when the water level is higher).
A couple tips - worth bringing long sleeves and a cap to protect you from the sun, dry bag is provided, you will be taken to the supermarket on day 1 and 3 to buy lunches and snacks for the days ahead.
Awesome trip
This was a great intro to packrafting. The trip was comfortable as a beginner but there were some challenging optional waterfalls and rock jumps. Beautiful scenery. Pero was a great guide who accommodated everyone. Cheers
Great trip
We had an amazing time pack rafting. The trip was really fun and our guide Kris was really helpful.