Rafting and kayaking
The Tara River, known for its exceptionally clean and crystal-clear water, offers unforgettable experiences for everyone looking for rafting and kayaking in Montenegro. Flowing through the spectacular Tara Canyon, the river combines adventure, pristine nature, and some of the most impressive landscapes in the region.
A journey through Tara Canyon reveals untouched nature at every turn. Along the way, you can discover traditional houses, remains of old watermills and monasteries, meet local shepherds and, with a little luck, spot deer approaching the river to drink.
Crystal-clear springs, mountain meadows, authentic villages, and rich flora and fauna create a remarkable setting for exploring Tara. Along the river are numerous places where rafters and kayakers can stop, rest, and experience the tranquillity of the canyon.
Whether you choose rafting or kayaking on Tara, the journey offers a unique opportunity to experience the wild landscapes surrounding Durmitor and Žabljak and discover one of Montenegro's most remarkable natural attractions.
Starting point https://maps.app.goo.gl/VmXkD1JrSHExyyVN9
Rafting on the Tara River is one of the most renowned tourist experiences of Durmitor. Descending the Tara in inflatable rafts offers an unforgettable adventure, combining the excitement of a fast-flowing river, rapids, and narrow gorges with the spectacular scenery of the surrounding landscape.
Some of the most remarkable attractions along the route include Ljutica, the bridge at Đurđevića Tara, Bajlovića sige, the waterfalls of Draga, and Tepački bukovi.
Rafting and traditional river rafting are safest during the summer months, from 1 July to 15 September, when the water level of the Tara is suitable for these activities. Numerous travel agencies organize rafting tours, with one-day, two-day, and three-day options available.
Depending on the route, visitors can stay at Radovan luka, as well as in bungalows, camps, and tents along the river.
Recommended Rafting Tours
Splavište (II logor) – Žugića luka
Distance: 14 km | Duration: 3–4 hours | One-day tour
Highlights of this route include the mouth of Ljutica and the bridge at Đurđevića Tara.
Splavište (II logor) – Žugića luka – Radovan luka
Distance: 24 km | Duration: 5–6 hours | One- or two-day tour
Highlights along the route include Trešnjački bukovi, Manastir Arhangela Mihaila, Aranđel, Neviđen, Zeleni virovi, Mušova vrela, Bijela vrela, Crna ploča, Obodina, Lazin kamen, Bobovske sige, and the mouth of Draga.
Splavište (II logor) – Žugića luka – Radovan luka – Brštanovica – Šćepan polje
Distance: 60 km | Duration: 10–11 hours | Two- or three-day tour
This longer rafting route passes Tepački bukovi, Bajlovića sige, the mouth of Sušica, Gornji Nozdruć, Donji Nozdruć, Jovovića sige, numerous mountain streams, Skakavac, Brštanovica, Varda, Ćelije, Mladački bukovi, Uzlup, and Mahnito vrelo.
Kayaking on the Tara River offers an exciting way to experience its pristine beauty, spectacular waterfalls, white-water rapids, narrow gorges, and dramatic bends. Kayaking tours are organized along designated sections of the Tara by local operators.
The summer months provide the most suitable conditions for kayaking, when the water level of the Tara is generally favourable for this type of activity.
Recommended Kayaking Tours
Bistrica – Kulina – Splavište (II logor)
Distance: 20 km | Duration: 3–4 hours | Difficulty: III–V
This challenging section offers impressive views of the Crna poda primeval black pine forest, Đavolji lazi, dramatic cliffs, river bends, and the untouched landscapes of the canyon. Between Kulina and Splavište, kayakers encounter Strugovi, a section that is often not navigable during the summer. Kayaks may therefore need to be carried for approximately 15 metres.
Splavište (II logor) – Radovan luka
Distance: 25 km | Duration: 4–5 hours | Difficulty: I–III
Highlights along this route include Trešnjački bukovi, Manastir Arhangela Mihaila, Aranđel, Neviđen, Zeleni virovi, Mušova vrela, Bijela vrela, Crna ploča, Obodina, Lazin kamen, Bobovske sige, and the mouth of Draga.
Radovan luka – Brštanovica
Distance: 25 km | Duration: 5–6 hours | Difficulty: I–II
Attractions along this section include Đurasica, Tepački bukovi, Siljevački buk, Lizavica, Bajlovića sige, Zamosten, the mouth of Sušica, and rapids Nozdruć.
Enjoy a peaceful boat ride or kayaking on Crno jezero, one of the most beautiful glacial lakes in Montenegro and one of the most recognisable natural landmarks of Durmitor.
Surrounded by dense coniferous forests and the impressive mountain peaks of Međed, Savin Kuk, and Crvena Greda, Crno jezero offers a remarkable setting for exploring the natural beauty of Durmitor from the water.
Located at an altitude of 1,416 metres, Crno jezero consists of two connected lakes, Veliko jezero and Malo jezero, joined by a narrow channel when the water level is high enough.
Wooden boats can be rented at Crno jezero through the National Park staff, offering visitors a relaxing way to experience the lake and its mountain surroundings from a completely different perspective.
Tara Canyon is one of the most impressive natural features of Montenegro – a spectacular gorge deeply carved between high mountain ranges by the waters of Tara. Stretching for approximately 78 kilometres, with sections rising more than 1,300 metres above the river, the canyon is among the deepest in Europe.
The Tara is 144 kilometres long. It originates from Opasnica and Veruša, while at Šćepan polje, the Tara meets the Piva to form the Drina.
Experiencing these landscapes first-hand means discovering something rare and deeply memorable. The silence of the mountains, the depth of the canyon, and the pristine waters of the Tara create images and experiences that remain with you long after your journey through Durmitor has ended.
TARA AWAITS YOU.