Rafting is not frequently included in one’s holiday planning and, yet, it is one of the most fun and entertaining adventures to enjoy, especially when traveling with friends. The briefing and preparation exercises, the refreshing chill of the water, the team effort, and the unexpected whirlpools, all combine into an unforgettable experience and a precious highlight in anyone's vacation.
Rafting activities vary in difficulty depending on the strength of the rapids and the depth of the river. So, here, we share five of our most favorite options, suitable both for beginners and experienced rafters.
1: Bali
Bali is known for its temples, yummy food, picturesque landscapes, and friendly locals. However, don’t leave the island without embarking on a whitewater rafting adventure along the Telaga Waja River. It is the longest rafting track in Bali (16+ km) and requires three hours to complete. Surrounded by green fields, hills, valleys, and cliffs, you will enjoy some strong currents, a waterfall, and a 5-meter rapid towards the end that will take your breath away!
(Note: If you prefer a calmer experience, try Ayung River instead, which is very conveniently locate near Ubud.)
2: Peru
One of the best – and off-the-beaten-track – ways to explore the Sacred Valley of the Incas is to raft along the Urubamba River, passing along the way by ancient monuments that highlight the Incas’ engineering ingenuity.
You will start on tranquil waters surrounded by beautiful mountains and archaeological remains, before heading to Ollantaytambo and its amazing ancient terraces. On the way, you will enjoy class II-III rapids, and you will finish by “El Resbaladero” (“the slide”), a great class III rapid that includes waves and small whirlpools.
3: Montenegro
Enjoy a rafting adventure in the heart of the Durmitor National Park, rafting for at least 12km up on Lever Tara (Žugića Luke), with a visit to River Angry (left tributary of Tara) which holds two records in the Guinness Book: (i) as the strongest European wellspring with 1000 liters per second, and (ii) as the shortest European River with a length of only 170 meters. In the end, you may also wish to visit the monastery of Archangel Michael dating to the 13th century, swim in the green whirlpools called “Paradise Gardens,” and cross the deepest part of the Park’s canyon (1380m).
4: Sri Lanka
Rafting through the white-water sections of the Kelani River, with rapids of a grade 2 to 3+, is a great way to experience the natural landscape of the country following alternative routes. The river’s clear waters spring from the heart of the wilderness reserve and tumble through a rocky gorge just above Kithulgala. The rafting site had a bout of fame as well, as it was chosen for the filming of David Lean's 1957 award-winning movie: Bridge on the River Kwai.
(Pic credit: google.com)
5: Bosnia
A 3-4 hours’ rafting on the Neretva river is considered to be one of the best adventures of its kind in Europe. The river’s waters are emerald, sprouting from Herzegovina and flowing for over 100 kilometers into the Adriatic Sea. Expect deep canyon walls, endemic flora and fauna, and a wild and pristine ambiance that is unique in Neretva. You will finish at Konjic town with great views on the Konjic Old Bridge, dating to the 16th century.
