Packrafting Montenegro | 7 days

Our first day is spent getting to know each other at the picturesque village of Virpazar on Lake Skadar, only 20 minutes from Podgorica airport. We will then have a brief introduction to our equipment and the paddling sections we will be tackling, along with a group dinner and overnight in simple bungalows.

We has created six kayaking routes to show the very best of this fabulous lake. Our most popular tour sets off from Virpazar, and takes in the former island prison of Grmožur, as well as visits to nearby freshwater beaches. A little further on is the gorgeous Moraca delta, with rope swings and picnic spots, where there is even a monastery visit possible for those interested. Packed lunch included. No paddling experience is required – your guide is a experienced kayak guide, so chat through the variables with them to see what tour suits your group best!

Today we will make the journey up to the north of Montenegro – but first, a quick introduction to your packrafts! Ultra-portable and inflating in just minutes, we will take time out en-route to have an introductory paddle on the beautiful Zeta river, so you can get used to your boat on flat water and run through basic paddlecraft – this will include paddling strokes, re-entering the raft from the water and a full practical safety briefing, including protocols for when paddling white water – and some swimming!

Time to charge up your batteries and explore the area around Žabljak before we embark on our main paddling trip. There are optional hikes available for those with excess energy!

Our main expedition begins! After breakfast, there is short drive through stunning canyon scenery to the starting point near a mountain village, where we will prep the packrafts with everything we’ll need for the next three days. This paddle lasts five to six hours, from the starting point of Sljivansko to Radovan Luka and village of Tepca which is also the deepest point of the canyon – 1300m. On your way you will see the spring “Ljutica” – which is recognisable as one of the most important natural jewels of the Tara River and the most powerful spring in Europe. Later we will pass under the famous bridge on the Djurdjevica Tara. Depending on the wishes of the group, we are able to visit the Monastery of Saint Michael the Archangel from 15th century and bathe in the cold “Green Springs” before continuing downstream through the canyon, ending at Radovan port where we will spend our first night at local homestead. Distance covered: 23km. Duration: 5-6 hours

Awaken to the soothing sounds of the river, grab a cup of coffee or tea, and savour breakfast by the river bank before departing the accommodation to continue the expedition. You’ll venture further into the canyon, surrounded by towering cliffs and waterfalls as you sail downstream. Throughout the day there will be regular stops to stretch your legs, enjoy a snack and the beauty of the waterfalls, with opportunities for a refreshing swim in the calmer sections. Our second night will be spent in comfortable riverside chalets on the Bosnian side of the river. Distance covered: 22km. Duration: 5-6 hours.

The last day of the expedition promises a thrilling and unforgettable experience all the way to the end. You’ll start by hitting the water and preparing for the most intense rapids of the journey, navigating through the river’s fastest segment – a 6km stretch filled with several class III rapids. Experienced guides will be there to assist, and if anyone feels uneasy about tackling certain rapids, there are paths along the riverbank to walk around them. We will conclude the final 8km stretch of the packrafting route as you head towards the Bosnian border, where you’ll be picked up and transported back to riverside chalets on Montenegrin side. Here, you’ll enjoy a well-deserved drink and dinner, celebrating the epic accomplishment of navigating the Tara River canyon. Total distance: 14km. Duration: 4-5 hours.