Croatia is truly a dream destination for nature lovers.
But for the adventurous type, they might want something that offers a little more adrenaline and there is no better way to satisfy that desire than to go rafting on the Cetina River.
It’s the perfect place to really get to experience the wild outdoors while enjoying the breathtaking scenery!
With the cascading waterfalls around it, the caves that take you to magical dimensions, and its jungle-like vegetation, it is truly a paradise for those who love nature.
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Plus, the comforting warmth of the climate in this region helps create a setting that is just like in a fairy tale.
The water rapids in Cetina are relatively easy but even extreme sports enthusiasts will have the time of their lives, participating in the rafting activities here.
You don’t need to have previous rafting experience to do it and even older kids can safely enjoy the activity as long as they are accompanied by adults which makes it great for family vacations, too!
You will be traversing clear green waters with the constant view of the jungle-like forests all around you.
It is the most attended and the most popular water adventure in this part of Dalmatia.
So many tourists come to Cetina River during the summer just to take part in this exciting outdoor activity.
Rafting on the Cetina River
Rafting activities in Cetina River take place in a protected area of the river canyon. It is a great location for canyoning, too.
The river’s source goes all the way up to the Dinara mountains about 385 meters high.
It goes down to the town of Omis, the river stretching about 105 kilometers long so there are so many opportunities for locals and tourists alike.
Aside from being an outdoor adventure site in itself, the Cetina River also offers lots of benefits to the city.
It helps their agriculture and it was used to help generate power with the use of water mills as well as hydropower plants.
But recently, it has been focused to help support the development of adventure tourism in Cetina Croatia.
Aside from rafting on the river, tourists can explore the hundred meter-deep canyon and the majestic waterfalls.
The entire area is considered to be one of the most beautiful in the country that is why it is highly protected.
Nature authorities are constantly providing care to the site to preserve its natural beauty.
Interestingly enough, the Cetina River along with its surrounding area is known as an important historical and archeological site.
Scientists have found several tools from the Stone Age on site including axes as well as remains of Roman legionaries’ weapons. These items have significant historical value.
Cetina River is in the southern part of Croatia and is the most water-rich river in Dalmatia.
It also receives a significant amount of water from the Bosnian karst field through underground routes.
The water rushes down into the Adriatic Sea near Split. If Split is your main destination in Croatia, you should not miss a tour of the Cetina River.
Cetina Croatia has become a very popular white-water rafting site for adrenaline junkies across all of Europe.
Rafting Tours
Rafting in Cetina River is a heart-pumping activity and it usually lasts about 3 hours.
You can join a guided rafting tour which ends at the Radmanove Mlinice near an old water mill.
You will be briefed by a professional about safety measures and rafting techniques so you don’t have to worry if you are a beginner or have never done this in your life.
The tours usually start in a relaxed manner, allowing participants to just enjoy and admire the canyon scenery while the waters are still calm.
As you advance, you will catch glimpses of the lush vegetation surrounding the river and pass by the magnificent pounding waterfalls.
This first part goes on for about at least 10 miles.
You should know that the water in Cetina Croatia is legitimately crystal clear and clean so it supplies much of the drinking water all over Dalmatia.
It is also ideal for swimming with the waters going down several natural pools.
Another activities on Cetina river
After a relaxed pace of rafting, the pace will pick up and that is when the adventure starts.
There are several tours that you can join and they may have a different starting and stopping point so make sure to get all the details as to the meeting place and where the tour ends.
Sometimes, the tours end with a picnic or a barbecue which may not be included in the initial fees.
Once the pace picks up, you will get to second and third grade rapids where the real excitement begins!
Be prepared to be pushed up, sideways, and forward as you paddle along so get those arms and muscles warmed up before you go.
Fresh cool water will be splashing against your face but in a good way, so enjoy every bit of it!
You will be in a group of at least three people and you will be equipped with head protection and life jackets.
It will be a good idea to invest in a good pair of shoes that is appropriate for water activities.
Another thing you may want to bring is a waterproof action camera.
This experience comes not so often so it will be amazing to try and capture some of your best moments in the river.
Just make sure that your action camera is wearable and secure because both of your hands will be busy as you navigate through the waters.
As for food, if you are not joining the picnic or the barbecue after the tour, you can buy food from the shops in Zadvarje or eat in one of the restaurants.
Swimming in Cetina river
Along the way, the tours may stop at areas where you will be allowed to swim so make sure that your outfit is suitable for swimming as well.
Rafting Cetina safety measures
When you go rafting on Cetina River, it is required that you wear appropriate clothing and safety gear that can withstand the waters.
You will be responsible for bringing suitable shoes but most of the gear and equipment will be provided as part of the rafting tour.
Helmets must be worn at all times in case of bumps or rocks that you may encounter along the way.
Life jackets will be provided and they are quite secure.
The rafting boat is designed with some rope support where you can safely tuck your feet to prevent people from being tossed away by the strong rapids.
Leave your personal belongings
It is best to leave your valuable items at home or somewhere safe but for some items that you cannot leave such as mobile phones and wallets, you will be provided with a waterproof container to keep your things secure.
Try not to bring larger items that could get lost or damaged such as laptops. Leave those things in your hotel.
You will receive a briefing on how to properly use the boat and the paddles as well as what to do in case of an emergency or if you get into any kind of trouble.
Remember to stay on the official route and do not attempt to wander on your own. The river can be unforgiving so it is best not to take unnecessary risks.
If there happens to be a rainy weather forecast, you will also get rain jackets and if the weather is cold, you could also rent some long neoprene suits if you don’t have one.
Make sure that you bring a change of clothes, towels, and maybe an extra pair of shoes.
If you are going water rafting on Cetina River during the summer, you must apply some sunscreen on your screen and it’s a must that you choose a water resistant brand.
Don’t forget to bring a bottle of water as the rafting activity can get exhausting after some time.
Rafing Cetina best hours and fees
Rafting tours usually start in the morning and finishes around noon. It is not advisable to go rafting late in the afternoon or in the evening when the rapids are harder to predict.
Feed differ depending on tour organizers but typically around 15 euros per person.
Getting to Cetina River
To go rafting in Cetina Croatia, you would have to go to a meet up point to join the tour. Some of them come from Makarska.
Others start in Zadvarje village. If you are coming from Split, there are transfers from Split to Makarska City.
It takes about 45 minutes to get to Makarska from Split and you can either drive or take the bus.
Best Time to Visit Cetina river for rafting
Rafting tours on Cetina River are only available from April to the end of November.
So, if you want to include this activity in your Croatian trip, make sure to schedule it during these times.
The temperature in Cetina Croatia depends on the season but it ranges from 14 degrees to 17 degrees Celsius in the river.