Watersports activity vacation in Croatia
“Budget but beautiful small group vacation. Starting in Zagreb, this water activity trip is inland rather than coastal, including Plitvice Lakes NP - just one of Croatia's inland idylls.”
Highlights
Zagreb | Mreznica River | Plitvice Lakes National Park |Una river in Bosnia | White water raftingDescription of Watersports activity vacation in Croatia
This week long watersports activity vacation in Croatia starts on the water and ends on the water. Our base is a beautiful hotel located right on the Mreznica River where we will spend a week kayaking, rafting, swimming and jumping into waterfalls. Because the Mreznica River is over sixty kilometres long and has over ninety waterfalls, with emerald pools and canyons along the way, making itjust perfect for water adventures. During the week we will also raft on the nearby Una River, where water levels are high enough to do so all year round. This adventure vacation takes in some of our wonderful inland landscapes on foot and by bike, such as the Plitvice Lakes National Park, famous for its 16 magnificent lakes linked by waterfalls, rivers and limestone pools. Here we will spend some time hiking through its rich beech forests, as well as taking a boat trip out on Lake Kozjak.Our base on the river, a three star family owned hotel, is just an hours journey from both
Zagreb and Rijeka airports. Overlooking the river, as well as an ancient mill and waterfall, the sound of water is omnipresent as you dine in the waterfront restaurant, where you can savour their daily catch served with local produce, much of it home grown by your hosts. A very friendly and popular hotel, the family that owns it loves nothing more than serving up a big barbeque by the river.
Please note that our itinerary is flexible. We work with small groups of adventurous vacation makers, but we can alter it according to experience and abilities. We also need to be flexible when weather affects water levels, conditions and so on, as safety is at the core of everything we do. We reserve the right, therefore, to change the itinerary at any time during the trip.
Please feel free to email the Help Desk team if you need any advice on your vacation plans. We're always happy to help!
rosy@responsiblevacation.comCheck dates, prices & availability
Date
Price per adult
Basis
Status
01 Jul 2017
790
excluding flights
Available
08 Jul 2017
790
excluding flights
Departure Guaranteed
15 Jul 2017
790
excluding flights
Full
22 Jul 2017
790
excluding flights
Full
29 Jul 2017
790
excluding flights
1 space left
05 Aug 2017
790
excluding flights
Departure Guaranteed
12 Aug 2017
790
excluding flights
Departure Guaranteed
19 Aug 2017
790
excluding flights
4 spaces left
26 Aug 2017
710
excluding flights
Departure Guaranteed
02 Sep 2017
710
excluding flights
3 spaces left
09 Sep 2017
710
excluding flights
Available
16 Sep 2017
620
excluding flights
Available
23 Sep 2017
620
excluding flights
Available
Our top tip:
Three good things to pack. Rash vest layers, waterproof camera and neoprene gloves.
Trip type:
Small group, max. 16 people, min. age 8
Activity level:
Moderate.
Accomm:
3 * family run, riverfront hotel.
Included:
Accommodation, all equipment, Plitvice Lakes NP entrance fee, airport transfers transfers from Zagreb or Rijeka airport, transport, guide.
Meals:
Half board. Picnics are extra.
Solos:
Solo travelers welcome. 20% surcharge for own room.
Vouchers
Accepted
Vacation type
Small group family vacation
This is a 'small group family adventure' - typically you will join several other families and travel in a group of approx. 16 people. The trips are great value and a great way for you and your children to meet new people! While itineraries are pre-planned there is some flexibility and you'll have plenty of time to yourselves. Please check with the operator to confirm the minimum age for this tripResponsible tourism
Responsible tourism: Watersports activity vacation in Croatia
Environment
On our trips we bike on pawed roads only, walk and hike on bitten paths and admonish our guests not to feed, fish, hunt and disturb animals. In our office we minimize printing actions and recycle paper. Most of all, we ensure that negative environmental impacts are drawn to a minimum.By booking this trip you get to see a whole new perspective of this beautiful part of Croatia by kayaking on the hidden and best preserved parts of the clearest rivers in Croatia.
A visit to National Park Plitvice Lakes is included in the program - the fees that we pay to the National Park contribute to the conservation of that area.
Community
By booking this trip you bring much needed income to the people who are still recovering from the war-torn years, as this was the area severely affected by war. This trip ensures that the local people benefit as much as possible in the form of jobs (we employ local guides and drivers) and provision of accommodation (we use family owned hotels or home stays with local family). We also use local transfer services, buy food from the small farms and work on developing responsible waste management by stimulating waste recycle.By buying local products you are supporting this countries economy and helping Croatia to stand on her feet again! We consider it our responsibility to lead efforts to maintain and preserve the integrity of this fledgling sector by petitioning the introduction of tighter controls over the use of the countrys natural resources.
As a company, we support the local communities by building camps in partnership with local families, building bridges and accesses to the rivers. In order to preserve traventine barriers on Zrmanja River we have built wooden detour bridges. We also support an orphan bear shelter in Kutarevo.
Zeleni kut is a small family hotel that directly or indirectly employes many local people and in that way is irreplaceable in the community. Our hosts in that small family restaurant prepare breakfasts and barbecue dinners with their own home grown food and fish from their own pond.
15 Reviews of Watersports activity vacation in Croatia
4.5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed on 27 Aug 2016 by Ellen Dhawan
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Having a different activity planned each day was a luxury for us, especially with the knowledgeable guides who took care of all the equipment & logistics as
well. The rivers were really beautiful and all the activities were a pleasure to do. The hotel was better than we expected, with a generous sized room and lovely
food. The guides were excellent and nothing was too much trouble for them, everything was well planned they worked really hard to give guests the best
experience.
2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Highly recommended! The hotel is in a rural location so don't expect shopping or nightlife. If you like to be in a beautiful location by the river, with a variety of
activities planned for you, then it's a great vacation.
3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
We stayed at a locally owned hotel & used local shops. Some of the activities were low impact, such as walking, kayaking & cycling. We did do quite a lot of
driving as well, but overall it probably had a lower environmental impact than a regular 'package' vacation.
4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Having read previous reviews for this trip I had quite high expectations! Happy to say the trip was still even better than I had hoped.
Reviewed on 17 Aug 2015 by Emma Brehony
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The Croatian country side is unspoilt and stunningly beautiful. The Mreznica River was lovely and clean. We kayaked and swam in the River which was brilliant fun.
2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
If you enjoy being outdoors and in water then this is the vacation for you.
3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes - the local people were responsible about their impact on the environment.
4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Fantastic. A great travel company and I would highly recommend them.
Reviewed on 21 Aug 2013 by Julie Stolyarchuk
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Everything about the vacation was mesmerising. The location is perfect, the view impeccable: an azure, crystal-clear river with hidden alcoves and a waterfall, rolling hills, fantastically huge stars against an ink-black sky... It's absolutely off the beaten track and the sports activities immerse you in the essense of the nature of mainland Croatia.
2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Bring clothes for different kinds of weather. It can get unexpectedly chilly or rainy on occasion. And water shoes. Otherwise an innocent dip in the sea will turn into torture.
3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Sure. The operator takes good care of their clients and the environment.
4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
It was simply the best vacation I have ever been on. I used to think the city was the best place in the world. My world was turned upside down.
Reviewed on 15 Jul 2013 by maria falgoust
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Kayaking down waterfalls! Seeing a snake eating a snake.
2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Trust the guides - they know what they are doing and enjoy the ride.
3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes! Everyone stays in local homes which benefits the families and all of our meals are cooked by a local woman. Although we saw very little litter, when we did see it, the guides made every effort to reach it and bring it back home to dispose of it properly.
4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Amazing! The perfect combination of activities and challenges in pristine settings. Our guides, Nikola and Mario are passionate, knowledgeable guys who spoke openly and honestly. I not only enjoyed the activities, but loved learning more about Croatia.
Reviewed on 25 Jul 2013 by Caroline McGregor
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
All the activities were excellent but we really enjoyed the river rafting through clouds of blue dragon flies and our lunch stop at a beautiful pool with a waterfall. And we also enjoyed the hike at the Paklenica National Park with a traditional
lunch cooked "under the bell"
2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Just do it
3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
The companies involved in running the activities were all local - not obvious how we reduced environmental impact or supported conservation
4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Absolutely excellent. Croatia is beautiful
Read the operator's response here:
Dear Caroline,
we are very glad to hear you enjoyed your trip with us.
When it comes to reducing environmental impact, please let me explain. Our company chose our activities with environment preservation in mind - the core of our business are activities such as river and sea kayaking, cycling, rafting, walking, stand up paddling and sailing. These activities do not require motor engines, and in that way cause minimal pollution and impact to
the environment.
I hope this helps! We look forward to seeing you again on one of our trips.
we are very glad to hear you enjoyed your trip with us.
When it comes to reducing environmental impact, please let me explain. Our company chose our activities with environment preservation in mind - the core of our business are activities such as river and sea kayaking, cycling, rafting, walking, stand up paddling and sailing. These activities do not require motor engines, and in that way cause minimal pollution and impact to
the environment.
I hope this helps! We look forward to seeing you again on one of our trips.
Reviewed on 14 Jun 2013 by William Baker
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Lots of memorable experiences: canoeing down waterfalls, rafting down a 2m high waterfall, taking our bikes on a hand-pulled ferry across the river, sea kayaking in spectacular coastal scenery including canoeing over a sunken ship wreck. We had a great hotel room with balcony overlooking a beautiful waterfall.
2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Trust your guide - our one really knew what he was doing. Some of the waterfalls looked quite hairy! The weather was unusually cool when we went (end of May). We regretted not taking synthetic tops to provide extra warmth over our wet suits (the briefing sheet we were sent in advance did advise this, so it was our own fault).
3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes. The operator is a Croatian company employing Croatian guides. Our guide was exceptional - not only expert at canoeing and planning activities around weather, he was great with our 10 year son. They put a lot of emphasis on providing good quality training to their staff. We met a few other guides and they all were very enthusiastic about the company. They also used an independent Croatian family-run hotel for a base and encouraged us to buy our lunches from local shops or cafes. The guide was meticulous in picking up any litter left in countryside.
4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
We really enjoyed it. We loved the activities, Croatian countryside and scenery and people we met. We were at first disappointed that there were not any other families because we had hoped there would be company for our son.
However, our young guide entertained him so expertly it did not matter. The weather was unusually cold and wet for the time of year (late May). However, this didn't matter much for the water based activities. It also allowed us to do the longest cycle tour (45k) - usually it is too hot to do a ride of this length with children. So we saw some great scenery as a result.
Read the operator's response here:
Dear William,
Thank you very much for your feedback. We are glad you enjoyed your vacation with
us and have already passed on your comments to the guide.
We hope to see you again on one of our trips.
Thank you very much for your feedback. We are glad you enjoyed your vacation with
us and have already passed on your comments to the guide.
We hope to see you again on one of our trips.
Reviewed on 17 Jul 2012 by Jenny Eastwood
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Going down waterfalls in the upper part of the Mreznica and jumping off high rocks into deep pools below.
2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Be prepared to eat with the rest of the group each evening. Note the small print about the programme being subject to change as we couldn't go white water rafting due to low water levels.
3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
We stayed in a local hotel, bought lunch at local shops and cleared up litter we found on the river (there wasn't much of it). We also climbed one day so supporting a fledgling outdoor pursuits business set up by local people. We set off from hotel by bike/canoe/kayak on three days thus reducing our carbon footprint.
4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
It was a brilliant vacation. Our group was mixed with familes with teenagers and singles. The programme was very well thought out and activities were a good length each day giving us time to relax at the hotel. The guides, Davor and Zeljka, were excellent; knowledgable, easy-going and careful on the roads and the river. The hotel was comfortable and the food was good.
Reviewed on 15 Aug 2012 by Anna Sorensen
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
This was a great vacation - fabulously clear rivers with swimming places and warm enough to swim for ages! Lots of sun, which was what I needed. Fresh fruit and veggies. Plenty of laughs as we did the activities... Our guides were great fun. I used a bicycle to go for a ride before breakfast several times.
2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
The river level is getting low at this time of year (August) - would be more fun / challenging to do the canoeing and kayaking in May / June or later in the autumn. The activities are moderately challenging, but I am pretty fit and could have done more. To get to some of the activities took up to 2 hours one way, so actual activities don't get started till the heat of the day.
3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Absolutely. We stayed in homes in the Korana village, an important supplementary income to these families, ate locally, bought stuff form the local places, low impact on environment, all was kept clean and tidy. The only thing is the transiting between venues.
4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
9/10 for me! As a solo traveler it ticked the boxes well.
Reviewed on 08 Aug 2012 by Steve Martin
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Swimming into sea caves with sea lit up a brilliant blue when inside.
2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Some of the trips are quite long - much more than 3 hours - and could prove quite arduous even if you're fit. Suggest you do some extra fitness training before the trip. Also if you're an office worker like me gloves are a good idea for the first couple of days to prevent blisters. Finally, bring a water proof cover for your camera so you don't miss all the best shots.
3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
We ended up staying in a large 4* hotel, but lunched out in local family run restaurants - so locals didn't benefit hugely from our stay.
4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Excellent - best vacation I've had for years. The location was excellent, the guide, Robbie, brilliant. Really enjoyed the kayaking and the vacation was over too quickly.
Reviewed on 29 Jul 2012 by Julie Mills
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The beauty of the Mreznice River.
2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Take a waterproof camera!
3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes. This is a rural area with few visitors. It was a family run hotel. The whole trip felt very 'sustainability focused'.
4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
One of the very best adventure vacations we have done, and we have done quite a few in Europe.
Reviewed on 23 Jul 2012 by Andrew Lansdell
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
The crystal clear waters of the national park that we visited and then, a few days later, jumping from a cliff into the cools waters of the Mreznica River!!
2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Don't hesitate to sign-up for this adventure; it is a worthwhile experience with lots of fun! My twelve year old daughter enjoyed having people of her own age on the adventure too.
3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes.
4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
It was excellent!! Our tour guides went beyond the call of duty to ensure, not only our comfort, but our safety too. I certainly would recommend this vacation to my friends.
Reviewed on 09 Jul 2012 by Amy Worthington
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
I enjoyed the hiking trip to the Plitvicka National Park, we went mid week so it wasn't so crowded. Beautiful lakes and well looked after. I also enjoyed the canyoning in the local river, climbing up waterfalls jumping into deep pools with the river nearly to ourselves. We also had a good guide that ensured that everybody joined in and enjoyed themselves.
2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
This is a good vacation for travelers of all ages. The activities are not strenuous. The guide adjusted the activities to suit everyone. The hotel is situated on a beautiful clean river it is locally run and by the end of the week you feel like part of the family. You also get a bit of free time to enjoy the sun go swimming or even explore the local surroundings on bike.
3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
The company hires local guides and supports local business. The guides will go out of their way to accommodate any requests, it was a hot day when we went hiking in the national park so we went swimming afterwards in a local spot off the beaten path. The rivers are beautiful and clean and keep that way by the locals that use them.
4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Great vacation if you want to get away of the crowded cities and enjoy a slice of local Croatia. Relaxing with a bit of adventure.
Reviewed on 11 Jun 2012 by Simon Radley
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
All aspects of the trip were excellent and all the activities came together to form a wonderful experience. The friendliness of the captain and all the people we met made the vacation an unforgettable experience.
2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
Pack lightly as there isn't much room on the boat.
3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
I felt that it benefited the local families that provided wonderful meals and hospitality in their homes and establishments.
4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Excellent. A wonderfully relaxing yet fun filled few days.
Reviewed on 10 Sep 2007 by Angele Abdilla
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Practically all of it however the most exciting part was when we went kayaking on higher waterfalls.
2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
An ideal vacation for those who wish a different vacation, full of activities and adventure, the hotel is very close to the river thus very relaxing, no long distances to travel in coach, good vacation also for grown up kids as they have something exciting to do most of the time, the whole package is great (accommodation, food and activities planned).
3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Yes I think it benefited local people.
4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
We give it a high rate since this was the best vacation we have had, kids loved it as well and we consider re doing it, maybe in a different season.
Reviewed on 05 Aug 2007 by Miranda Orbell
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?
Canoeing through a gorge which involved paddling the canoes over a 4 metre high waterfall.
2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?
If you're going on the Clear Rivers vacation, take a frisbee or badminton rackets. There's lots of space for some informal activities if you aren't worn out by the canoeing and cycling. On your free day, plan your own cycle ride or canoeing rather than bothering to go to Zagreb which is ok but not the most fascinating city in Europe.
3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Yes
4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?
Brilliant except for the rather unmotivated attitude of our guide.
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