White Water Rafting near Zadar

White Water Rafting near Zadar Photo: Pixabay / licence-free

Zrmanja River - The Hidden Beauty of Dalmatia

Zrmanja, a hidden beauty in the hinterland of Dalmatia (one hour drive from Zadar), is one of Croatia's most beautiful rivers: wild and unpolluted. The 200-meter-deep canyon with many rapids and a 12-meter-high waterfall named "Veliki Buk" provides an exciting river-rafting adventure. The river springs below the mountain Poštak in the southern part of the Lika region, in the hinterland of Zadar, and flows into the Novigrad Sea, 11 km from the town of Obrovac.

Zrmanja is, thanks to the Adriatic Sea, suitable for rafting all year round when the water level is high enough. Rafting is not possible when it blows a strong wind (Bura).

During the summer, the rapids are category I-II and easy to cross. But, please note that in the summer months, rafting at Zrmanja River may not be possible due to lower water levels, but you can join a kayaking trip.

In spring and fall (April to May, September to November), the rapids are mostly category II-III. May is the most attractive month. The rafting is still exciting, and nature is beautiful.

But if you are looking to rev up your adrenaline levels, you have to catch the rafting on Zrmanja after heavy rains. During this period, Zrmanja reaches the water level category V, and in several places, the rapids offer extreme challenges even for the most experienced rafters.

Zrmanja rafting route Kaštel Žegarski - Muškovci:

The Zrmanja rafting trip usually starts at the village of Kaštel Žegarski towards the Muškovci village. The route is about 15 km long and takes about 4 hours, but the whole trip depends on the water level. This route passes across the waterfall Veliki Buk, which you must bypass on foot (a 5-minute walk). After the rafting trip, you will be transferred back to Kaštel Žegarski.

  • Difficulty levels II and III. 
  • Duration: 4 hours.
  • Min. persons per boat: 4

PRICE: 55 € per person

The price includes VAT, equipment, skipper, and insurance. If the group has less than four persons, and the client wants the trip to be held anyway, the price increases by a percentage depending on the final number of participants.


LICENSED RAFTING GUIDES are experienced skippers who have an excellent knowledge of techniques and tactics for riding wild waters. They are ready to guide complete beginners as well as those more experienced. These trips don't require previous rafting/kayaking experience.

EQUIPMENT: helmet, life jacket, paddle, one waterproof container per boat for personal items, plus long neoprene suit & rain jacket in case of cold weather. 

What to bring: Wet shirt, rash guard, or a basic T-shirt (under the lifejacket) | Swimming suit | Water shoes, sandals or sport shoes that can get wet | Towel | Sun cream | Water | Optional snacks | Clothes to change after the trip | If you have sun glasses don’t forget to tie them.

Inlandia.com is not responsible for loss or damage of your personal items. 


The best time for rafting on the Zrmanja River is in spring and fall when the river has the highest water level. In summer, the river is ideal for kayaking/canoeing.


*NOTE: the two-person sit-on-top kayaks will be used in case of lower water levels.

  • Detailed itinerary on request.
  • Return transfer Zadar - Zrmanja River - Zadar: on request. 

SEND US  your inquiry for the individual Zrmanja River rafting trip, inclusive equipment and certified rafting guide. Don't miss an unforgettable experience! 

Zrmanja Rafting - Key Facts

In the period after heavy rains, the Zrmanja  River reaches difficulty level V. The huge waves and rapids offer extreme challenges even for most experienced rafters.

  • Price: 55 € per person
  • Children discount is valid for children 6-12 years of age if accompanied by an adult.
  • Inclusive certified guide & equipment & insurance
  • Routes: II – III difficulty level
  • Length: 15 km
  • Duration: 4-5 hours
  • Minimum of persons for the trip: 4 persons
  • Group size: 4 - 16 per group (larger groups on request)
  • Age: 6+
  • Departures: April - October, every Saturday
  • Weekdays on request (min. 4 persons)
  • Starting & Ending point: Kaštel Žegarski Village (1 h drive from Zadar)
  • Return transfer from/to Zadar on request

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