Zrmanja River Kayak and Wild Camp

1
Croatia
Zrmanja River Kayak and Wild Camp

Paddle down incredible Croatian rivers, to the Adriatic sea.

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Itinerary

Day 1: Introductions & BBQ

Your guide will pick you up at either Zadar bus station at 5:30 pm or Zadar airport at 6 pm.

You'll be transferred to the small village of Kastel Zegarski - it's here that you'll set up camp. Meet your guides and fellow travelers while enjoying a BBQ around the campfire.

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Day 2: Kayak the Zrmanja River

After breakfast, you'll get ready for a day of paddling, swimming, jumping off waterfalls and enjoying the wildlife from the river.

The day starts off with a nice and easy section of the river to help you get used to the kayak. You'll then take a short hike to an 8m waterfall for lunch - It's a really cool spot with great views of the limestone canyons and lush, green vegetation.

In the afternoon you'll paddle down some more challenging rapids to your campsite on the river bank - don't worry, the rapids are suitable for beginners.

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Day 3: Continue to Velebit National Park

After another hearty breakfast, you'll continue down the river, all the way to the Adriatic Sea. The journey meanders through a spectacular deep canyon, through the Velebit National Park. After this long but beautiful day on the river, you'll finish up in Novigrad where you'll have time to change into dry clothes and relax while having lunch.

After lunch, you'll head back to Zadar, where your adventure will come to an end. You'll be dropped back off at Zadar airport at 4:30 pm, or Zadar bus station at 5 pm.

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Have a question?

If you have any questions about this trip or want to speak with an expert, get in touch.

We're ready to help.

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Rated 5.0

1 verified review

Sarah
Sarah

(Aug 2022)

I completed this trip last year and I really enjoyed it. The camp was right next to the river. Dinner was served at a small table on the river bank bathed in the soft glow of the sunset. The first morning of waking up was like being in heaven. The sound of the river, fresh clean air and peacefulness. By 9am there was a healthy bustle of people pulling out their kayaks and helping each other to get onto the water. The teams were staggered to make sure we got to enjoy the natural beauty of the river but there were times in the first 30 mins of the trip that kayaks bumped together & we had to hold back but this was soon resolved by the raftek guys. Its run by a small team and all were friendly and welcoming. In August the river was low and gentle but other times of the year it is said to be more challenging. I liked the slower pace because I got the time to take in the scenery which is breathtaking. It is an absolutely beautiful area. The camp is rugged and basic but that offered a nicer feel as the whole trip felt like getting back to the roots of nature and reminded me of a much simpler time experienced in childhood. I extended my stay to have time in Zadar and met a friend who went to split and I also visited the waterfalls in Krka and the national park. All of which were incredible but my two favourite moments in the 12 day trip were this camping trip and spending time in the old town in Zadar buy there were so many great experiences!!

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FAQs

Included:

  • Guides
  • 2 nights wild camping
  • All kayaking equipment
  • Camping equipment - tent and sleeping mat (not sleeping bag)
  • Meals as described
  • Airport transfers

Excluded:

  • International flights
  • Travel insurance
  • Meals and drinks not described in the itinerary 
  • Visa (if applicable)
  • Tips for guides

You'll need a reasonable level of fitness and an adventurous nature for this trip. No experience of kayaking or paddling is necessary. 

Clothing:

  • Few lightweight, casual, easily washable items for travel and daily wear
  • Swimwear
  • Sun hat with a brim

Outerwear:

  • Lightweight rain jacket, waterproof and breathable

Footwear:

  • Water shoes or other sport shoes you don’t mind getting wet

Travel Accessories:

  • Sleeping bag
  • Water bottle or hydration pack
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunblock and lip balm
  • Personal first aid kit (including any medications you use)
  • Small backpack
  • Dry bag
  • Toiletries
  • Toilet roll

Optional Accessories:

  • Camera, film/memory cards and spare batteries

You'll stay at Kastel Zegarski and in Muskovci campsites, a perfect place for swimming and diving. Located in the heart of a beautiful preserved nature reserve. All tents and sleeping mats are provided, but you will need your own sleeping bag.

You will be camping in the wilderness, with very basic facilities. The first night is a wild camping spot - there are toilets, but no showers. The second night there are toilets and showers available.

Single tents are available if you prefer your own.

Day 1: No kayaking today

Day 2: 4-5 hours, 15km

Day 3: 4-5 hours, 17km 

Absolutely! We get lots of solo travellers - it's a great way to meet like-minded people. 

The groups will be a maximum of 16 people.

Meals are quite hearty. Expect meats, vegetables, bread, pasta, dumplings etc. Most dietary requirements can be catered for - just let us know before you arrive. 

Yes - there's a luggage storage that you will have access to free of charge.

For your comfort we recommend you travel as light as possible. Your bag should preferably be a soft lockable bag, a rucksack or a holdall. Daypack should be between 15 - 25L

Day 1: Dinner

Day 2: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 3: Breakfast

The summers are typically warm and sunny. From April to October temperatures are comfortable for all the activities. Rain is always a possibility in Croatia so it is essential to bring adequate rainwear and a jacket in case of inclement weather.

The official currency in Croatia is Croatian Kuna (KN).

We recommend that you exchange some money into Croatian Kuna before you go, or at the airport when you arrive. At some points, ATM machines will be accessible. For spending money (lunch, optional guide tips, snacks and beverages), we suggest a budget of 50-100€ per person.

Start: Zadar train station at 5:30 pm, or Zadar airport at 6 pm on day 1 of your itinerary.

End: You will be dropped off at Zadar train station at 5 pm, or Zadar airport at 4:30 pm on day 3 of your itinerary

Your head guide is Raftrek

All trips on Skyhook are run by small, hand-picked local guiding companies. For this trip you'll be led by Raftrek and the guiding team based in Hrvatska.

By booking through Skyhook you'll be joining a small-group trip. This can make it nice and sociable (you'll be added to a group chat after booking), and guarantees great value for money!

Raftrek

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