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The Best Cetina Rafting Tours in 2023
Cetina rafting tours, where adventure meets nature in Croatia!
If you’re a traveler looking for an exhilarating experience during your vacation in Croatia, then you need to add Cetina River rafting to your itinerary. As someone who has been living in Croatia since 2014 and has traveled the country extensively, I can confidently say that rafting on the Cetina River is one of the most exciting day trips you can take while in Dalmatia!
Flowing from the Cetina River Spring in the heart of Dalmatia, this river is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking unique and unforgettable outdoor activities. With its thrilling rapids, icy cold water, and stunning natural surroundings, the Cetina River offers a heart pounding adventure and memories to last a lifetime.
There are numerous Cetina rafting tours to choose from, including half-day experiences, rafting with an instructor, and even trips that include canyoning. In this post, I’ve rounded up the best Cetina rafting tours to help you select the one that suits your travel preferences.
No matter which tour you choose, I always recommend booking online as tours tend to book out quickly during high season in Croatia, so you’ll want to make sure you secure your spot as soon as you know your travel dates.
Without further ado, let’s jump into the best Cetina rafting tours!
The Best Cetina Rafting Tours in 2023
Most Cetina River rafting tours start from OmiÅ”, just 25 kilometers (15 miles) south of Split, which makes this the perfect activity to switch it up from lounging on Split’s beaches. Plus, if you’re on a budget and don’t want to splurge on a boat tour from Split, rafting can be an awesome (and equally fun) alternative!
Omis is known for offering the best rafting experience in all of Croatia, with rapids suitable for all types of rafters. All of the tours listed below offer transportation to Omis from Split.
If you’d like to explore Omis before or after your tour (which I highly recommend if you have time), you can easily take the bus from Split to Omis on your own. Bus line No. 60 from Split takes a little over an hour to get to Omis due to the many stops along the way. To go directly to Omis from Split, the best option is to take Flixbus. This is the fastest trip and tickets start from ā¬3.30 each way.
1. Rafting Experience on Cetina River with Cliff Jumping
āļø RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars | ā³ TOUR LENGTH: 4 hours | Book this tour!
Why choose this tour? This rafting adventure is affordable, includes pickup, and is absolutely suitable for non-swimmers and beginners!
The Rafting Experience on Cetina River with Cliff Jumping includes:
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Helmet
- Safety vest
- Paddle
Add some adventure to your Croatia itinerary and embark on an epic excursion as you take on the rushing waters of the Cetina River. If you spending a few days in Split, this day trip is a great option to get out of the city and into nature. You’ll spend a total of three hours on the river, paddling through impressive canyons, exploring caves, and cliff jumping (optional). The scenery is absolutely breathtaking and will give you a totally different perspective on what Croatia is all about.
Getting to the Cetina River is easy as this tour operator offers pickup from Split (view pickup details here). For this tour, it is recommended to wear a T-shirt, your swimsuit, and suitable footwear (I’d recommend flip flops or water shoes). Also, don’t forget to bring dry clothes for the transfer back to Split!
Out guide Joseph was amazing! The whole trip is fantastic but we loved travelling through the cave and cliff jumping at the end! It was the best trip out of everything we have done this holiday!
Heather t. (read more reviews)
2. Cetina River Rafting Tour with Instructor
āļø RATING: 4.4 out of 5 Stars | ā³ TOUR LENGTH: 4 hours | Book this tour!
Why choose this tour? Learn from professional instructors that will guide you through each stage of rafting down the Cetina River. This trip begins just a few kilometers upstream from the mouth of the Cetina River in Omis and lasts about three hours. You’ll cut through picturesque scenery, slide down rushing waterfalls, and glide through peaceful clear waters surrounded by dense forests.
The Cetina River Rafting Tour with Instructor includes:
- Transfers
- Professional instructor
- Equipment
- Safety vest
- Insurance
At the end of the 16 kilometer (10 mile) route, you’ll get to spend some time in the gorgeous town of Radmanove Mlinice. This darling spot is surrounded by lush greenery and looks like something out of a fairytale. It really is the perfect way to end your day!
Other reviews described this as ālight rapidsā so I was expecting more of a river cruise, which was not the case. There were rapids throughout and it was so beautiful and fun. It was a highlight of our trip.
(read more reviews)
3. Rafting Cetina River Half Day Trip
āļø RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars | ā³ TOUR LENGTH: 4 hours | Book this tour!
Why choose this tour? This tour includes SNACKS! But that’s not the only reason you should book it. This half day tour will take you on a thrilling ride along Class 2 and Class 3 rapids, beneath dramatic canyons, and alongside breathtaking scenery. It is also suitable for first-time rafters with instructions provided.
The Rafting Cetina River Half Day Trip includes:
- Paddle
- Life vest, helmet, raft/boat
- Guide in every boat
- Banana + energy bars (chocolate)
- River tax
This tour prioritizes small groups, with a maximum of 8 people in each raft. You’ll spend a full 3 hours on the river with breaks for swimming, jumping from rocks along the river, and snacking.
The rafting was really fun and such a refreshing activity in the heat of the summer! The rafting itself was pretty easy and the little stops for swims, cliff jumping and the waterfall made it diverse and extra fun! Our guide Franky was really funny and helped us break the ice with the other girls on the raft. With his high energy and funny stories he kept us entertained the whole time! Thank you!
Wai Yi (read more reviews)
4. Tubing on the River Cetina
āļø RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars | ā³ TOUR LENGTH: 6 hours | Book this tour!
Why choose this tour? This tour is a great option if you’d rather go tubing than classic white water rafting. If you (or some of the members of your group) aren’t super comfortable with the idea of rafting, then this adventure is the perfect alternative. This tour is ideal for all ages, especially kids, as they will certainly have a blast on this day trip.
The Tubing on the River Cetina Tour includes:
- All taxes, fees and handling charges
- Environmental Management Charge (Reef Tax)
- Professional local guide
- Round-trip shared transfer when booking option with transfer
Tubing on the Cetina River is one of the most unique ways to enjoy the beautiful natural scenery of the Dalmatian hinterland. Unlike rafting, this tour will allow you to relax and let go as you float downstream through crystal green waters surrounded by lush vegetation. Along the way, you’ll encounter small rapids and have the opportunity to swim in the refreshing waters of the river.
Wow our guides were amazing, and the river was so pristine and gorgeous to be on. The tour was professionally run, safe but also a thrilling experience. I highly recommend this trip and this company.
(Read more reviews)
BONUS: Basic Canyoning on the Cetina River
āļø RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars | ā³ TOUR LENGTH: 6 hours | Book this tour!
Okay I know you’re here for the rafting tours, but I had to include this canyoning adventure through the majestic Cetina River gorge.
Why choose this tour? If you’re an outdoor adventure lover, then you’ll definitely want to book this canyoning day trip! While rafting down the Cetina River is exhilarating, canyoning takes things to the next level. On this tour, you’ll get to move through the river system using a combination of hiking, sliding, swimming, and cliff jumping.
The Basic Canyoning on the Cetina River includes:
- Transfer from Split and back
- Professional licensed guide
- Insurance
- Wetsuites, Helmet, Life jacket,
- Driver/guide
On this trip, your professional guide will take you to explore hidden waterfalls, pools, and caves while traversing through narrow canyons and rapids. This is such a fun and exciting way to experience the mesmerizing natural beauty of Croatia while getting an adrenaline rush at the same time!
My family of 4 did this tour and had the best time. We all rated it one of our favorite things we did on vacation!
Kim (Read more reviews)
What to Know and Pack Before Going on a Cetina Rafting Tour
If you’re planning on going on a Cetina River rafting tour, there are a few things to consider before you set off. This adventure is one that will be full of thrills and excitement, but it’s important to be prepared. Here are some tips to make sure your Cetina rafting experience is as safe and enjoyable as possible!
The river is icy cold, even in the summer
Depending on the season, the river temperature fluctuates between 15Ā°C and 19Ā°C
Bring sunscreen
The sun can get quite hot, especially during summer in Croatia. The cool river water and breeze while rafting can make it easy to forget about the strong UV rays, which is exactly why you should put some sunscreen on before you head out on the river. You can’t go wrong with Banana Boat, and I personally love this one from Biore for my face and neck and use it daily. (it’s the perfect size for sticking in your carryon too!).
Bring swimwear and dry clothes
Many tours will allow time for jumping off of rocks and swimming in the river, so you’ll want to make sure you bring (and wear) your swimsuit! It is also recommended to bring a change of dry clothes for the ride back to your accommodation after the tour.
Pack a towel
You’ll definitely want a towel for drying off after the tour!
Wear proper footwear
Since you will be inside the raft (or perhaps tubing), flipflops are a good choice since you’ll be wet most of the time and swimming. These are my all-time favorite flip flops! They are exceptionally high quality, sturdy, and come in a variety of colors. My first pair of gold ones lasted me for 5 years (which is a lifetime in flip flop years), and I just got my second pair last year.
Water shoes are also quite popular among travelers in Croatia. They can be worn for activities like rafting on the Cetina River, but also on many of Croatia’s pebbled and rocky beaches.
If you choose to go on a canyoning tour, you will want to wear sturdy footwear like tennis shoes, since you will be hiking and climbing. These Vessi sneakers would be perfect since they are waterproof!
Have some snacks on hand
Unless stated, most tours do not include meals and there are no options in the area to purchase food. It’s important to eat before you go or bring snacks in case you get hungry.
Bring a reusable water bottle
A reusable water bottle is great for day trips but also using throughout your time in Croatia. The tap water in Croatia is clean, full of minerals, and completely safe to drink. Some cities and towns even have public fountains where you can fill up your water bottle, including Onofrio’s Fountain in Dubrovnik (this is a great hack for saving a bit of money as Dubrovnik can be expensive).
Do not bring valuable items
Leave important belongings like electronics, jewelry, etc. in a safe place at your accommodation.
Make sure you have travel insurance
I cannot stress this enough, but in the unlikely event of an accident, it’s important to have travel insurance (this goes for any destination and whether or not you choose to participate in outdoor adventure activities!). I recommend and personally use SafetyWing for all of my travels. It is affordable, offers excellent coverage, they have great customer service, and you have the option to turn your policy on or off whenever you want. See how much it would cost you here.
Frequently Asked Questions
What grade is Cetina River rafting?
Rafting on the Cetina River is grade 3, which is suitable for beginners and children.
Can you swim in Cetina?
Absolutely! The river is exceptionally clean and its source (the Cetina River Spring) supplies drinking water for much of Dalmatia.
Final Thoughts: Best Cetina Rafting Tours
That concludes our list of the best Cetina rafting tours! Hopefully this list has helped you narrow down the best day trips to get your adrenaline pumping while on vacation in Croatia. Whether you want to spend all day rafting or break it up with canyoning and cliff jumping, you can’t go wrong with any of these Cetina River rafting trips.
Rafting Experience on Cetina River with Cliff Jumping
- Suitable for non-swimmers & beginners
- Affordable
- Pick-up included
Have questions about traveling to Croatia? Ask me anything you want to know or get help with your itinerary in a one-on-one Croatia trip consultation.
Before you go…
Don’t forget to add a few of the best beaches in Split to your itinerary!
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- Cetina River (Izvor Cetine) Ultimate Guide
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Croatia Travel Planning Guide
šø What is the currency in Croatia?
As of January 1st, 2023, the official currency of Croatia is the Euro and NOT the Kuna (which is also the name of the national animal of Croatia).
šš· What language do they speak in Croatia?
Croatian is the official language of Croatia. Learn some phrases in Croatian before your trip with the Ling app!
š Should I buy Croatia travel insurance?
10000% YES – Seriously, don’t leave home without it. You never know what can happen on the road. I like SafetyWing because they provide excellent coverage for as little as $1.50 a day.
š± Will my phone work in Croatia?
Maybe – check with your provider to see if you’ll have service while traveling Croatia. If you don’t have service (or it’s too expensive) I recommend getting an eSIM like Airalo. Airalo allows you to have data while traveling without the high costs of roaming. They have super affordable plans available for 190+ countries, including Croatia. Download the app and get your plan before you leave home so that you have data as soon as you touch down in Croatia!
šØ What’s the best way to book my Croatia accommodations?
For Croatia hotels, Booking is by far the best site.
š« What’s the best site to buy Croatia flights?
I always use Skyscanner to find the cheapest flights.
šĀ Is it safe to rent a Car in Croatia?
Yes! – In fact, renting a car in Croatia is one of the best ways to see the country! I recommend Discover Cars because they check both local and international rental companies to ensure you get the best deal. (Get your Croatia road trip itinerary here)
š¦ Is it safe to drink the water in Croatia?
Tap water in Croatia is completely safe to drink, so bring your reusable water bottle and fill up!
šŖŖ Do I need a visa for Croatia?
Depending on where you are coming from you may or may not need a visa to enter Croatia. Check the official Republic of Croatia Ministry of Foreign Affairs website for more information on who should apply for a visa.
