Packrafting multiday adventure from Zadar

Minimum age: 12

Highlights

• Packrafting on Mrežnica River
• Packrafting on Zrmanja River
• Zvečaj village
• Kaštel Žegarski village
• Velebit nature park

All about the trip

The packrafting adventure trip is specially designed for up to 10 people. Being small, the packrafts are able to go where other vessels cannot, which gives you more freedom to explore the narrow river canyons of Mrežnica and Zrmanja river. Mrežnica and Zrmanja are perfectly clear rivers set in spectacular canyons with magnificent waterfalls. They are easy and safe enough for beginner packrafters. Our daily program is a combination of packrafting, swimming, and looking for hidden gems along the way. It is perfect for experienced kayakers and rafters, but also for beginners, trying out on the river for the first time. Therefore a great opportunity to explore unexplored parts of Croatia while on our packrafting adventure.

DAY 1

Arrival to destination

Your guide will meet you at the airport in Zagreb or Rijeka and drive you to the small village of Zvečaj. You will be staying in a hotel right next to the Mrežnica river itself. The trip begins with the gathering of the group and the first dinner where the guide will give you all the necessary information for the trip ahead.

Zeleni Kut; Meals: dinner. Van transfer from airport – Zagreb 1,5 hour, Rijeka 1,5 hour

DAY 2

Starting your adventure on Mrežnica’s lower part

Your adventure starts in the morning after breakfast and a short safety brief. You will have a chance to ease into your role as an independent packrafter paddling on a relatively flat and easy section of the river. Enjoy the beautiful nature and relaxed atmosphere of Mrežnica’s lower part paddling, swimming, and admiring the scenery. If you’re lucky you might be able to see some of the rare and protected plant and animal species native to this area. After the trip, you can take some time to relax by the river, swim, or play beach volleyball close to your hotel.

Zeleni Kut; Meals: breakfast, dinner

DAY 3

Continue exploring Mrežnica’s exciting upper part

As you spent the first day getting used to the river, get ready for some action on Mrežnica’s upper part! Here you will go through many exciting rapids, you will get a chance to jump down a 6 m high waterfall and go down a 3 m waterfall. After the trip takes some time to pack up and get ready for your next destination – Kaštel Žegarski. Arrive in the small village of Kaštel Žegarski which is right in the heart of the wild and unspoiled Velebit nature park. Relive your cub scouting days by setting up camp right next to the Zrmanja river and get ready for a dinner home-made by your host.

Camp; Meals: breakfast, dinner. Van drive 2,5 hours

DAY 4

Get acquainted with the magnificent Zrmanja river

Wake up to the sound of the river in our secluded camp and enjoy a locally grown, home-made breakfast. Prepare for the trip and get briefed on safety before you start packrafting down the river. Enjoy the calm and pristine nature this beautiful nature park has to offer before reaching the second half of the river the real adventure awaits! Remember to pack a snack to take with you because about mid-way down the river we stop for a break and a swim under a beautiful waterfall in a secret location. After the break, get ready for the exciting second part of the river where you will enjoy going through rapids and an occasional waterfall. After the tour, come back to the camp to relax before enjoying a traditional home-made dinner made by your host.

Camp; Meals: breakfast, dinner. Van drive: 30 min

DAY 5

Departure

On the final morning of your packraft tour, allow yourself to be wakened up by birds and enjoy your last breakfast by the river. If your departure time allows, use it to take another dip in the river or take a walk in the wilderness around the camp. If you are flying home, we will arrange your transfer to the airport. However, if you are staying, our guides will be happy to give you recommendations. Ask them about other places you want to visit and the things you want to do.

Camp; Meals: breakfast. Van drive to the airport: Split 1:45 min, or Zadar 1 hour

What is included in the price

• 2 nights at the hotel
• 2 nights at the campsite (tent and sleeping mat included)
• 3 days of organized activities
• Meals as noted in the itinerary
• Use of packrafts, paddles, life jackets, helmets
• Neoprene shorts and booties or sandals in case of cold weather
• Skilled guide and assistance
• Pick-up and drop-off from Zadar airport, town or bus station
• Ground transportation (private transport throughout)
• Local taxes
• Insurance

What is not included in the price

• Personal expenses

Instructions

Single-use tents are available upon request, with a 20% surcharge.

Please note that rafting boats are used in case of high water levels.

Equipment:

We use professional ALPACKA pack rafts that are high in performance, ultralight, and durable. You will get a life jacket, a paddle, a helmet, plus long neoprene suits and rain jackets in case of cold weather. Waterproof containers are available for personal items. Don’t forget to bring shorts or a bathing suit, T-shirt, a towel, sun cream, picnic lunch, and water. In the case of colder weather, please take a long-sleeved shirt.

Accommodation:

For the first two nights, you will be accommodated in a friendly, family-run, 3*** hotel on the bank of the Mreznica River, approximately one hour drive from Zagreb and Rijeka airports. The restaurant overlooks an old mill close to a small waterfall and serves freshly caught fish, as well as home-grown vegetables. Barbecues are also a specialty of the house. All rooms are equipped with en suite bathrooms, TV, mini bar, telephone and have Internet access.

The last 2 nights you will be accommodated in our campsite in Kaštel Žegarski and in a camp next to one of Zrmanja river’s waterfalls, a perfect place for swimming and diving. Located in the heart of beautifully preserved nature, this unique canyon attracts the attention and admiration of all visitors. It’s a perfect harmony between man and nature. We will provide tents and sleeping mats. There is no better place to relax and enjoy but in a beautifully preserved nature of the river bank.

Meals:

Meals tend to be fairly heavy on the meats and sausages, bread and pastries, pasta and dumplings. If you have special dietary needs, please let us know as soon as possible. Vegetarian diets can be accommodated but we recommend that you bring along with you some of your favorite protein snacks.