Tara River Rafting Review: Your Wild Ride From Kotor
So, you are dreaming of swapping Kotor’s gorgeous coastal views for a thrilling escapade? Maybe whitewater rafting on the Tara River in Montenegro has caught your attention, too it’s almost a perfect way to spend your holiday, right? I get that. Actually, making that choice to break away from the usual tourist spots can really lead to unforgettable experiences. This review gives you all the details about a rafting trip from Kotor. I’ll cover what to expect, offer a few suggestions, and just maybe help you figure out if it’s just right for you.
What Makes Tara River Rafting Unique
That Tara River, sometimes called “The Tear of Europe,” has some extremely scenic beauty, carving its way through the deepest canyon in Europe. Picture that: crystal-clear, turquoise water surrounded by this scenery. More or less, that kind of trip is an adventure. Also, rafting isn’t just a sport; it’s just about experiencing the pure, untouched wilderness, isn’t it? When you raft, you can watch landscapes from totally different perspectives. Seeing that canyon’s scale really hits differently from the water.
The whitewater sections offer a range of rapids for that rush if you want it. Arguably, they could provide fun for people of all skill levels. Trips from Kotor will usually include getting to those spots and back, typically by way of scenic drives so you see so much on your way. A typical trip goes a little something like this: Getting picked up early from Kotor. Then a very, very scenic drive toward the rafting launch point (expect amazing views). Getting a safety briefing and gear. Hours of fun navigating those rapids, and that could also mean having lunch right by the river itself. That day closes with your return trip back to Kotor, probably with a lot of pictures, too it’s almost guaranteed.
Planning Your Rafting Trip From Kotor
When you are planning, you really have to pick the right operator. See if their rafting guides are experienced and if that gear is up-to-date. As a matter of fact, safety should be your number one thing to consider, okay? Have a look at what their itineraries offer. Do they have short or long rafting options, or even ones that have other activities added on, like ziplining and hiking? Also, it’s important that you look into the trip’s total length, which has that travel time from Kotor and back. Check, also, what meals they are including. Are they providing just a little snack or a complete lunch? Also think of that time of year you plan to go. Those conditions on the river could totally vary quite a bit from spring to autumn.
A little planning can make your adventure much more enjoyable and without too many unwanted surprises. First, you will want to book ahead of time, particularly if your traveling is in the peak summer season. Also, read reviews from previous participants to get an idea about that company’s service and how well-run they are. I was just checking and those rafting tours vary quite a bit, sometimes based on inclusions and how long that trip takes, but that range usually is around €80 to €150 for that day-long experience. Usually that includes that transfer from Kotor, gear rentals, food, and of course all guiding services. Just be aware if that tour company has any extra charges that aren’t super clear from the start, such as that park entrance fee.
What To Expect On the River: A Rafting Day
Prepare to begin early. It’s a fairly lengthy trip from Kotor up to that Tara River, typically around 3 to 4 hours by car. Arguably, that drive can be really nice, winding you through these cool parts of Montenegro that could even involve a border crossing depending which route they are taking. A lot of that adventure is reaching that put-in point. Wear layers because that weather could change rapidly, right? Even in summertime, you might want a fleece, too it’s almost better to have too much and not need it, than be freezing the entire trip, you know? That sunscreen and a hat are musts, right, to keep you guarded from that sun. Those water shoes or just old sneakers that you don’t mind getting drenched would be just great, instead of sandals, which could slide off. And that waterproof bag for that camera (if that’s something that would be important to you), along with your phone and just about anything that really can’t get damp.
When you get on the river, be aware that your guide will steer that raft. That guide will also give directions, which you definitely need to pay attention to! Depending which sections they pick, you’ll find parts that really are just calm, slow stretches and those really bouncy rapid ones. That water’s icy cold! The sensation might feel almost shockingly so. That does make it invigorating on any day when that sun really is blasting. During those calmer spots, enjoy that beauty around you. As I was saying, be ready to paddle hard when told to by that guide in the rapids. Most of the rafting companies provide a lunch on that riverside, right after you’re finished. Usually it is grilled meats, cheese, bread, some salad. Don’t expect any fancy cuisine, very far from it! That said, after spending that time paddling on that river, food really does taste extremely amazing.
Tips for a Safe and Fun Experience
Following those safety instructions that that guide provides seems really obvious, still I must emphasize it. So, being aware is incredibly critical for your safety, I can assure you. Just do a check that any life jacket you wear has a pretty snug fit. If there’s something that feels too loose or just not right, have your guide give you a different one. As I was saying, paying close attention when they describe what you must do if that raft flips and what the different hand signals mean is definitely crucial, instead of you chatting it up with your friend. Look, don’t do any showing off. Obey all your guide’s directions.
When you are thinking of participating, just be practical when weighing if you are ready for that kind of physical exertion rafting demands. Arguably, that doesn’t require marathon-runner conditioning, you see, it can be somewhat strenuous, so maybe assess your health prior to, you know? Stay very hydrated all day. That physical exertion and also that sun really can drain you, right? That is that sun, even if that air seems pretty cool. Oh and apply more sunscreen regularly. Being that that sun reflects right off that water multiplies just how much sun you get. By the way, bring sunglasses (make sure you have a retainer strap), instead of missing them after that first rapid hits!
Is Tara River Rafting From Kotor Right for You?
Are you an adventure person who loves gorgeous scenery and isn’t daunted by a little cold water? Does that idea of a really physical day sound just amazing to you? If yes, this could be fantastic for you, you know. Do remember, if you would rather sip drinks by that pool, it’s really not what you’d enjoy all that much. That day will involve time in a car, potentially some somewhat challenging physical work, and definitely getting splashed, basically it means it really does take some effort.
When weighing the “should I go?”, just really think of how comfy you are with those longer day trips. Factor in just how much driving there is. Also think how okay you might be giving up a chill beach day for a totally different thing. Still, that rafting adventure from Kotor, at the end of the day, is a memorable, adventurous excursion from Montenegro. So, I hope that this review gives a clearer sense of that, okay? Maybe some useful stuff to consider when you are deciding what that perfect thing is for your holiday!