Packrafting Adventure in Croatia
The ultimate pack light journey down two beautiful rivers in a wild corner of Croatia
What's Included?
Activities & Certified Guides
All itinerary activities with expert, local, English-speaking guidesHotel & Camping
2 nights in a hotel, 2 nights campingMeals
All breakfasts and dinners each dayTransfers
To and from the airport and everything in betweenEquipment
All your packrafting and camping equipmentSmall Like-minded Groups
Solo-friendly by design, join our small n’ sociable groups of up to 8 like-minded, active and outdoorsy people…
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What's it like?
Paddle down narrow canyons, run rapids and jump waterfalls on the Mrežnica and Zrmanja Rivers
Hike through the wild Krupa River Canyon and past the Devertac Waterfalls - a series of nine cascades
Wild swim the emerald waters of the Velebit National Park and camp on the riverbank
Deemed one of the '25 best holidays to Croatia' by The Times
Key Information
Day 1
Welcome to Croatia
Touch down in Zagreb and meet your host at the airport before driving over to the small village of Zvecaj, right on the bank of the Mrežnica River. Check into your hotel and enjoy the surroundings before grabbing dinner and a run through the adventure with your guide.
Day 2
Packraft bootcamp and first taste of paddling
Packrafting
Your guide will run you through a packrafting bootcamp - teaching you about the history of packrafting, how to pump and pack your raft, paddling and self-rescue techniques and hydrology. Ease into life as a solo packrafter on a flat and easy section of the Mrežnica River, stopping for swims and admiring the spectacular scenery of the Mrežnica River Canyon. Late afternoon you'll head back to the hotel for some time to relax by the river, swim, or grab a game of beach volleyball before dinner.
Day 3
Time for rapids and waterfalls
Packrafting
The fun is ramped up today as you put your new-found packrafting skills to the test on the livelier upper section of the Mrežnica. Weaving through the channels of the river canyon, you'll tackle a bunch of exciting rapids and even jump down a waterfall. After a day of high fives and permanent smiles, you'll pack up the rafts, dry off and hop back in the van to head on to the next leg of your adventure. Arriving at the small village of Kaštel Žegarski in the heart of the wild Velebit National Park you'll set up camp right on the banks of the Zrmanja River and tuck into dinner.
Day 4
Hike the Krupa River Canyon and raft the Zrmanja
Packrafting
Hiking
Wake up to the sound of the river in your secluded camp and enjoy a homemade breakfast to fuel you up for a big day. Carrying your packraft on your back, you'll hike through the Krupa River Canyon - a protected area where kayaking and rafting are prohibited. Stomp past the Devertac waterfalls - a series of nine cascades -before reaching a secret spot for a riverside lunch. Blow up the packraft again and put in on the Zrmanja River to tackle a stretch of multiple rapids and the occasional waterfall as you navigate your way down. Finishing at Muskovci, head back to the same camp (Kaštel Žegarski) to relax beside the river before dinner.
Day 5
Final dip and transfer to the airport
Soak up the last of your time by the river with some breakfast and a bit of free time for a final dip in the river or a mini-hike into the wilderness around the camp before your host transfers you to Zadar in time for your onward flight.
The Area
Logistics
Starts
Zagreb Airport
17:30 on Day 1
Ends
Zadar Airport
12:45 on Day 5
Transfers
This trip starts in Zagreb and finishes in Zadar.
Your host will meet you at Zagreb Airport at 17:30 on Day 1 and transfer you to your hotel at the start of the adventure. On Day 5 you will be dropped off at Zadar Airport at 12:45 in time to catch flights that depart after 15:00.
If you are already in Zagreb or are arriving by train or bus, your host can meet you at the parking area behind the main train station in Zagreb at 17:00. The pickup point is behind the main train station, in front of the Vatroslav Lisinski Concert Hall.
If you are staying longer in Croatia after your adventure, you can be dropped off at Zadar Coach Station at 13:00 on Day 5. There are frequent bus connections between Zadar and Zagreb. Check out the Getbybus website for bus times and tickets.
Travel options
There are regular flights to Zagreb from airports across the UK and Europe. Flights to Zagreb from North America generally transit through Brussels, Paris or Amsterdam. There are direct flights between Zadar and London Gatwick for those looking to return to the UK after the adventure.
For those wishing to avoid flying, there is an excellent Croatian sleeper train overnight from Munich to Zagreb which you can take to arrive in Zagreb on the morning of Day 1.
What about all the carbon?
We partner with the World Land Trust to ensure this trip achieves Net-Zero emissions. We also support their Buy an Acre programme, helping local communities to buy and protect natural habitats in perpetuity.
Day 1
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 2
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 3 – Day 4
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 5
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
What is the food like?
Dinners at the hotel on Days 1 and 2 will have a menu with three different options each day. Dinners on Day 3 and 4 at the campgrounds will be cooked by your host. They will use local produce and traditional Croatian cooking based, around a meat element such as local sausages, bread, pastries, pasta and dumplings. In the event of heavy rain, your hosts may book local restaurants instead. Breakfasts at the hotel and campgrounds are continental and buffet-style, with some local products thrown in for good measure. You'll need to buy a packed lunch each morning to take with you; please budget €7-10 per lunch.
Vegetarians, vegans and other dietary requirements and allergies can be catered for – please just request this on your passenger info form. We also recommend that you bring some of your favourite protein snacks along with you.
What is the accommodation like?
Mrežnica River
You'll stay at Zeleni Kut Hotel during the first two nights of your trip. This family-owned hotel is located in Zvecaj, on the bank of the Mrežnica River, with its own private beach area. You'll stay in a twin-share room with a private bathroom. Double rooms can be requested.
Zrmanja River
You'll camp in a wild and beautiful location beside the Zrmanja River, in the lovely village of Kaštel Žegarski – perfect for swimming, diving and relaxing. You'll normally participate in setting up camp on arrival and sometimes packing down the camp at the end of your trip (although if you are tight on time, then your guides may do this after your departure). There are some basic facilities at the camp such as a large wooden table, some benches, and pillows. A cold shower and toilets are available a short walk away. Your host will provide a tent and sleeping mat as well as all communal equipment for eating, but please remember to bring your own sleeping bag (or contact your host if you would prefer to rent one for a charge). Solo travellers get their own tent at no additional cost.
This trip has been rated as Moderate
You need to have a reasonable level of fitness and an adventurous nature for this trip, but no previous experience is required as you'll be given full instruction on how to packraft. You should be comfortable being in water - you are going to get wet! - and ideally be able to swim a short distance, though full safety gear is provided and you'll be wearing a life vest while on the packrafts. There are plenty of swim spots at the lunch stops, by the camp in the evening, and during the secret waterfall visits where you can swim without life vests.
On the Mrežnica and Zrmanja Rivers you will be rafting through Grade 2 and Grade 3 rapids.
Spring and autumn temperatures range from 9 – 21 °C with roughly 10 days of rain per month. Summer temperatures range from 16 – 30 °C with just 6 days of rain each month. The water temperature will be between 16°C and 19°C - on trip dates where the water is colder your host will provide wetsuits.
Last trio of the season
Rene was a great guide but it was disappointing to only 2 out of 3 days rafting. It was much cooler than expected but stunning landscape.
Great adventure in beautiful locations
Great adventure in beautiful locations with a great guide! Our accommodation was very good, with two nights spent under canvas in tents that were comfortable even when the weather turned wet then windy on different nights? The food was also very good in all 3 locations we stayed in, with the highlight being the breakfast at the campsite we stayed on- wholesome local fare!
Lemons v Cherries with little Lizard on the River
I know your thinking strange title, but these were the colours of our safety helmets we decided we would have teams during the trip for some added fun in the kayaks. Little Lizard was our instructor & guide Peter who was in a little green Kayak. Well what can I say 7 x lads from UK out on the Rivers in Croatia, what an experience AMAZING.. from Natural water falls to some white water rafting that pushes your abilities, but in a fun safe environment. Peter our instructor was just the best he showed us everything and kept us all safe at all times what a great guy. Zagreb and Zadar architectural & picturesque, transfers punctual, Food good and accommodation good, with a few cold beers and memories along the way with all my friends.. see you next year for another adventure who knows where!
5* Packrafting Adventure
A great introduction to packaging, by great hosts in a stunning country. Accommodation, equipment & organisation of the trip was top quality. A great experience, lots of fun with a group of epic like minded people. Thankyou for another great adventure MBA!
Brilliant and Well Planned
5 days full of white water, canyoning, great food and great people. Couldn't recommend more!
Phenomenal Time with Excellent People
This trip was an amazing way to get off the beaten path and see Croatian nature/wilderness. The rivers were clean, clear and cool with frequent waterfalls and cliff jump opportunities. It was a wonderful group of people who made fast friends. And hats off to our guide Pero who ensured safety, fun and great documentation throughout!
An unforgettable way too see an unbelievable country
Activity: The rafting, hiking and jumping was incredible. There wasn’t a moment when we were bored between the things we were doing and the place we were doing it. It was jam packed!
Food and accommodation: The food was good. Dietary needs were considered and foodwas homemade on the camp site. The accommodation was the same, very good and high quality for an expedition of this type.
People and staff: The group was really friendly, a mix of ages and styles but a shared interest in travel. Was a real bonding experience. As for our guide, Pero was amazing. He did everything for us on his own and was never found lacking. Funny and knowledgeable guy.
I recently had Croatia's most
I recently had Croatia's most amazing packrafting holiday, and I can't recommend it enough! Every moment was an adventure, from the stunning landscapes to the thrilling waterfalls. But what made this trip unforgettable was our guide, Pero, and the fantastic group of people I enjoyed sharing this experience with.
Pero was patient and encouraging, ensuring that everyone, regardless of skill level, felt comfortable and confident on the water. We all felt safe under his guidance.
The camaraderie within our group added another layer of enjoyment to the trip. It felt like we were a team, supporting each other through challenges and celebrating each achievement together.
Incredible experience
This was an excellent introduction to pack rafting. Pero was a great guide who went the extra mile to look after us. Beautiful scenery, countless opportunities for swims/jumps and some thrills going down rapids and waterfalls (wish we were there outside of summer when the water level is higher).
A couple tips - worth bringing long sleeves and a cap to protect you from the sun, dry bag is provided, you will be taken to the supermarket on day 1 and 3 to buy lunches and snacks for the days ahead.
Awesome trip
This was a great intro to packrafting. The trip was comfortable as a beginner but there were some challenging optional waterfalls and rock jumps. Beautiful scenery. Pero was a great guide who accommodated everyone. Cheers
Great trip
We had an amazing time pack rafting. The trip was really fun and our guide Kris was really helpful.
Stunning and relaxed
Quite a relaxed trip, paddling up and down the river. 1 day of carrying the rafts and a gentle hike, but all very doable.
Stunning scenery, a great group and a top guide (Pero) really made the trip excellent
Croatia Packrafting
This was my first trip with Much Better Adventures and I will definitely be booking another trip as soon as possible! I loved the trip from start to finish! Our guide Pero (Pedro) was brilliant! He was knowledgeable and answered all of our questions! Nothing was too much trouble! I would highly recommend this trip!
Beautiful fun trip
An amazing trip. Wonderfully organised and in stunning locations. The packrafting was really fun and our guide was brilliant - helpful and fun. Lovely food, especially when we were camping. Highly recommend!
Fantastic Packrafting Adventure!!
What an incredible few days on the river, we had a fabulous trip from beginning to end. Very fortunate to have an amazing guide Petr (Pero) who looked after us both on and off the water - couldn't recommend this trip highly enough. If you want thrills and spills, stunning scenery and lots of adrenaline...this trip is for you. Nothing was too much trouble, great food (particularly delicious food in camp by wonderful chef Marina) and accommodation was great - both hotel and camping. We even managed to accommodate an afternoon trip to Plitvice lakes as cherry on top of a delicious cake! Thanks again.
Great fun trip
This trip was fantastic, the first day on the water was relaxing but with some stops to jump in the water and swim. The second day was the most fun with lots of rapids, and jumping from cliffs. The third day was the adrenaline one with bigger rapids and bigger jumps. Overall super well organised, Lovro our guide, was very friendly, helpful and made us feel safe the whole time. Hotel and camping times were also good. Great food all the way. Lovro also managed to adjust our itinerary so we could fit in the Plitvice Lakes.
Great adventure, thanks our guide
Great adventure, thanks our guide Dajn! I recommend to do this trip only if you are fit and ready to climb some rocks a bit (nothing crazy though).
Management team, please highlight that tour starts and ends in different airports because 2 out of 5 people in our group confused Zadar and Zagreb :)
In general trip can be 1-2 days longer: it is only 3 days of action, plus 2 days of gathering and transfer back.
Incredible trip, you won't regret it
Our group of 7 had an amazing time thanks to brilliant host Stjepan. The trip was well-organised and things were clearly communicated. Rafting in the most beautiful locations, with a gentle ramping up of difficulty across the days that always felt well-measured. Decent accom and food too. Superb!
Beautiful part of the world & fantastic guide
Stjepan showed us some of the most beautiful places I've ever seen - a perfect mix of serene nature & adrenaline fun. Three days of kayaking (building up to 3 meter waterfall drops! Surprised how the whole group was doing these so confidently - Stjepan was a great coach and it felt safe still). And some hiking and hanging out by rivers/by campfires/volleyball courts, etc. The guide really went above and beyond to make sure everyone had a good time on the water and on land too - taking us to secret swim spots, beer spots & keeping the good vibes and conversation flowing!
Nice Trip with a really cool guide
I enjoined every day. The hotel was really nice, delicious food, beautiful nature. And we had a great time with the guide
Stunning trip
Had a fantastic time on this trip despite lack of skill/ experience - couldn't have asked for more stunning location/ better guide. Lovro and Raftrek went above and beyond to ensure we had the best experience possible. Loved it!
Amazing 😍
Lovely holiday! Our guide Lovro was simply amazing! He was knowledgeable about the history of the area and was a great guide on the water too!
I would recommend this adventure!
Adventure in Croatia
Had a wonderful packrafting holiday with Raftrek, everything was perfectly arranged and they could not do enough for people in terms of dietary requirements. Our guide Lavro was incredible, kept us safe, informed and was incredibly knowledgeable. Scenery was absolutely amazing and we saw the best that Croatia has to offer, waterfalls, lovey villages, landscapes and wildlife. The itinerary was good and action packed and the waterfall jumping was sensational. Highly recommended for all those looking for a safe, challenging adventure.
This was my first trip
This was my first trip with muchbetteradventures and it far exceeded my expectations. Everything was arranged for us and I did not worry for a second during the whole trip. Our guide Lovro was amazing, his enthusiasm was great for the whole group. I've seen a beautiful part of Croatia whilst having a great time with the group! The hotel was comfortable with good food and kind staff, the campsite came with a lovely fire, nice tents and again good food as well!
The time on the river
The time on the river was great but there was not that much of it. About 3 hours a day. We couldn’t do the hike or the river trip on day 3 as too much rain. We went out on sea kayaks instead which was ok. There could be better communication about lunches.
Had a fantastic time on
Had a fantastic time on this trip. Our guide Lovro was really lovely, very knowledgeable and super friendly. The scenery was beautiful, lots of amazing waterfalls. The rafting was also just so much fun, challenging enough whether you've never rafted before or have had lots of experience. Great food too, I'm a vegetarian and didn't have any issues, everything was lovely. A fantastic trip that I'd recommended to anyone!
Over 50's pack rafting in Croatia!
We had the most amazing time! The adventure was so well organised, challenging and exhilarating. We were so well looked after by our experienced, knowledgeable, fun, accommodating, caring guide Lovro. We felt safe at all time while being pushed if we wanted to. It was just brilliant! The food was amaaaazing. Accommodation was as described and perfect. We were so lucky with the weather! Another great MBA adventure!
Thrilling waterfalls and stunning views!
A fantastic trip from start to finish. Packrafted along the Mrežnica, Zramanja and Krupa rivers, which offered stunning scenery, thrilling waterfalls and pristine waters. Really enjoyed camping, especially the campsite dinner and sitting around the campfire with the group. Our guide Lovro was knowledgeable and great throughout! Would highly recommend this trip if you enjoy being on and in the water.
Clear Water, Great Food, Happy Times
The Packrafting Croatia adventure was incredible, and our guide (Lovro) was experienced, friendly, and knowledgeable. This is a great tour for those that want a fun adventure and want to contribute to a mini expedition, while getting a great sense of accomplishment. The Packrafting routes offer superb picturesque scenery. An awesome trip for those who love being on (and sometimes in) the water.
Absolutely amazing trip! Our guide, Lovlo, was super friendly and is an expert at both making you feel welcome and helping you with your packrafting. The packrafting was super fun, the scenery was gorgeous, the accommodation was great, the food was lovely (even as a vegetarian).
Itinerary Activities
- Packrafting bootcamp
- Intro packrafting along the Mrežnica River
- Packrafting along the rapids and waterfalls of the Mrežnica River
- Guided hike through the Krupa River Canyon
- Packrafting along the Zrmanja River
Guides
- Expert, local, English speaking guides
Accommodation
- 2 nights in a family-owned hotel
- 2 nights camping on the banks of the Zrmanja River
Meals
- All (4) continental breakfasts
- All (4) traditional Croatian dinners
Transfers
- Group arrival transfer from Zagreb Airport on Day 1
- Group departure transfer to Zadar Airport on Day 5
- All transfers during the trip
Equipment
- All packrafting equipment
- All camping equipment
Our trips are hassle-free by design. We include all the activities and equipment, as well as many of the meals, so you can simply rock up with your rucksack and share the adventure with your new pals.
Travel to and from the trip
Our trips do not include flights, trains or other travel to the start point and back from the end point.
Tips
Tips are not included in the trip cost; these are entirely at your discretion. If you would like to tip, the amount should be reflective of your perception of service and quality.
Travel insurance
Travel insurance is compulsory for all of our adventures and you are required to provide your policy information before departing. Your insurance should include adequate protection for overseas medical treatment, evacuation/repatriation, your baggage and equipment and the specific activities involved on your adventure. We also strongly recommend it includes cancellation and curtailment insurance, should you be unable to join your trip for specific reasons such as illness. Our recommended travel insurance provider is Campbell Irvine, as their insurance offers all of the above.
Visas
Visa requirements often change, and you are responsible for obtaining any required visas for this trip. Please check with your nearest embassy or consulate for up-to-date advice.
Personal Expenses
You know your own spending habits best, so please budget an appropriate amount for things like optional meals and drinks, shopping, optional activities, and laundry.
Enjoy 12.5% Off Outdoor Gear
In need of a few more items? All bookings receive a 12.5% discount to use at Cotswold Outdoor, Snow + Rock and Runner's Need.
What's included?
- Tents
- Sleeping mat and pillow
- Custom made Robfin pack rafts
- Life jacket
- Paddle
- Helmet
- Neoprene wetsuit
- Rain jacket
- Waterproof container for shared group use
What do I need to bring?
- Lightweight easily washable items for travel and daily wear
- Swimwear
- Towel
- Sun hat with brim and sunglasses
- Thin trousers and long sleeve for the evenings (just in case)
- Lightweight rain jacket (waterproof and breathable)
- Trainers or lightweight adventure shoes for the hike
- Water shoes or other sport shoes that you don’t mind getting wet
- Sleeping bag - season 2 (if you prefer to rent one, please refer to prices below in 'Optional Extras' and contact your host)
- Water bottle or hydration pack
- Sunblock and lip balm
- Personal first aid kit (including any medications you use)
- Camera, film/memory cards and spare batteries
- Head torch
- Bug spray
Sleeping bag hire: 2 nights
Payable Before Departure
Sleeping bag hire: 2 nights
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Optional Private Room & Tent Upgrade
Payable Before Departure
Optional Private Room & Tent Upgrade
…
Zadar to Zagreb Private Transfer
Payable Before Departure
Zadar to Zagreb Private Transfer
… Per Person
Packrafting involves paddling in light inflatable boats, then packing them up and hiking with them to access new areas. Originating from wilderness travel in Alaska, packrafting is a bit of a niche sport but rapidly gaining popularity. The whole paddling kit (raft, paddle, PFD and helmet) weighs around 5kg and packs down really small so it’s easy to carry, yet it's also durable, stable, easy to paddle and certainly not to be mistaken for a pool toy.
Remember that you will add the weight of the packraft to your personal items when hiking, so you will have to be prepared to carry around 10kg on your back.
Yes, anything that you don't need for the trip itself can be kept securely ready to pick up at the end of the trip. Your main luggage will be transferred between the hotel and the two campgrounds while you are enjoying your time packrafting down the rivers.
The local tap water is safe to drink. Please bring along your own reusable water bottles (at least 1.5L) to fill up to avoid buying single-use plastic bottles.
This trip visits locations where daytime temperatures can be extremely high during the times of year when this trip operates. High humidity and limited access to shade can also be factors, and warm temperatures can continue into the nighttime, which additionally influence the body’s ability to cool down. Personal care should be taken to keep cool as best possible in the conditions, such as wearing appropriate clothing and proper hydration. Very high temperatures can impair an individual’s physical abilities to perform an activity that they may otherwise be able to do competently at cooler temperatures. People may experience symptoms associated with dehydration and Heat Stroke. Your guide(s) are trained to mitigate the risks associated with high temperatures, by carefully managing the intensity of the activity, and to provide the appropriate support response should someone feel ill during the trip. Should you experience health issues during your trip you should inform your guide immediately so the proper care can be provided.
Sure can! Over 70% of our travellers travel solo, it’s a great way to meet like-minded people.
Our team of Adventure Hunters co-create exclusive adventures which are run by highly vetted, specialist hosts. The trip is run by our trusted host partner in the destination. We only work with independent, local, in-destination experts who know the very best places to explore and how to stay safe. Read more information about the local teams we partner with. You’ll be introduced to the host straight after making a booking via the Much Better Adventures platform.
Much Better Adventures refer to the UK Government’s official travel advice when designing trips and monitoring trip operations. We recommend that all customers are familiar with the practical information provided on the Government’s FCDO website, where current travel advice can be found by searching for the applicable destination(s).
For customers joining this trip from other international destinations – please also read the official travel advice applicable to your country of residence/origin, as this may differ.
We recommend checking out the country-specific information and also talking to a travel nurse.
We automatically convert prices from the local currency that a host receives to your chosen currency. We update our exchange rates on a daily basis so this does mean that prices displayed on the site are subject to currency fluctuations, which is why you may see them change over time.
If you wish to change the currency you pay in, head to the bottom of the page.
All of our group adventures are specially designed for adults to enjoy (18+) as we want these adventures to bring together outdoorsy people who are truly like-minded. Children can be accommodated on some private departures.
You're always in good company on one of our adventures.
Our trips are typically made up of a mixture of solo travellers and small groups of 2 or 3 friends, with most in their 30s-50s.
Our sociable adventures are solo-friendly by design and naturally attract outdoorsy people with a shared mindset; a love for adventure, a desire to push themselves and meet awesome, like-minded people along the way.
It’s this camaraderie that has so often turned a great adventure into a life-changing one.
Don't just take our word for it:
- 95% of people rate the group dynamics on our trips 5/5
- 90% of people recommend joining a trip to make new friends
- 75% of people have met people on our trips that they would now consider friends
See here for more info about the Much Better Adventures tribe.
Interested in a more exclusive experience? Opt for a 'Private Group' through the dates and prices tab to book this adventure for just you and your chosen companions.
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DEPARTURE DATES
Saturday 10th May 2025
to Wednesday 14th May 2025
Early Bird Offer - Next 3 spots available at 5% off
Saturday 17th May 2025
to Wednesday 21st May 2025
Early Bird Offer - Next 3 spots available at 5% off
Saturday 24th May 2025
to Wednesday 28th May 2025
Saturday 31st May 2025
to Wednesday 4th June 2025
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