Posts

New River Kayaking Tours with Narona Kayaking

The Neretva Valley region of Croatia is – get this! – a greatly overlooked part of the country, one that visitors often miss. That can’t be right, you must be thinking…surely all parts of Croatia are very much “looked” at these days? Not so! Blessed with beautiful nature and a rich cultural heritage, it’s another truly gorgeous part of Croatia. The Neretva Valley, north of Dubrovnik and slightly inland from the Peljesac Peninsula, is also a great place for activity holiday – and new company Narona Kayaking have just launched their “safari” river kayaking tours here.

Narona Kayaking - Aerial view of kayakers paddling on Norin river in Neretva valley. Situated near the city of Metković in Dalmatia, Croatia.
Aerial view of kayakers paddling on the River Norin in the Neretva Valley.
Situated near the city of Metković in Dalmatia, Croatia.

Guided Kayaking Tours on the River Norin

Led by licensed guides, Narona Kayaking’s tours set forth on the River Norin in the Neretva Valley, fully taking in all the beautiful nature the area has to offer.

All are welcome on the tours, with children as young as three years old even being able to join. That makes Narona Kayaking’s tours an excellent family activity, and young and old (and all those in between) will thoroughly enjoy them. Likewise, kayakers of all ability levels are welcome, whether you’re an experienced kayaking pro or a complete beginner.

The tours are led by licensed and experienced guides, who are present throughout the duration of each tour. Prior to setting off, all kayakers receive a safety briefing as well as a short lesson on kayaking to ensure that everyone can set off and enjoy their kayaking tour with confidence.

Narona Kayaking
Narona Kayaking

All necessary kayaking equipment is provided – this includes life jackets, waterproof bags, paddles and…kayaks!

The number of participants of each tour is limited, to ensure maximum safety and a personal touch for each guest.

Narona Kayaking Tour Route

Each tour starts in the idyllic village of Vid which, although small these days, has an amazing history. Vid was founded by the Greeks – as Narona – in the 5th/4th centuries BC, soon experiencing rapid growth and continuing to flourish when the Romans took control in the 1st century BC. (Alongside Salona/Solin, which is near Split, Narona was at one point the largest city in the Eastern Adriatic.) As you can imagine, Vid is home to some amazing archeological finds, many of which can be seen in the Narona Archeological Museum.

From Vid, the tour will see kayakers paddle downstream on the River Norin towards Momici and just beyond to the Restaurant Lopoc, which is the final destination.

Aerial view of kayakers paddling on the River Norin in the Neretva Valley.
Situated near the city of Metković in Dalmatia, Croatia.

The River Norin, one of the tributries of the larger Neretva River, is an excellent setting for a kayak tour as it’s a calm and gentle river, making it a breese to paddle on. Additionally, the river is in a gorgeous natural site with plenty of rich flora and fauna all around, part of the river flowing through an ornithological site. Just take a look at the images in this post to see the gorgeous nature that’s here!

The tour will offer you the opportunity to stop in a green oasis – the perfect place for taking a break, enjoying the natural beauty all around and even going for a swim. When in the kayak, you’ll be passing along several branches of the river and through reed fields.

All of the above provides the perfect backdrop to learn more about the history, cultural and traditions of the Neretva Valley, which you’ll be able to do through the stories of your talented and knowledgeable guide.

Tours are 4 hours in total (over a course of 6 kilometres). Additionally, Narona Kayaking can organise tours that include pick up from Dubrovnik or Makarska, and which also include an additional trip (not by kayak!) to Kravice Waterfalls in Bosnia.

Discovering the Neretva Valley

These kayaking tours are the perfect place to explore a part of Croatia that’s lesser-known – to some visitors, at least. The Neretva Valley is actually well known for its mandarin orchards and its rich gastronic offering. And these days, adventure tourism is putting a spotlight on the region – with Narona Kayaking undertaking such tours in a way that’s sustainable and respectful of the environment and the local community. These kayaking tours are a wonderful experience that combine recreation, an educational aspect, and contact with nature.

What better way to relax on holiday than a tour set in gorgeous nature? One which the whole family will enjoy, kids and adults alike. Spending quality time together – your whole group will be exceedinly happy!

Booking Narona Kayaking Tours

You can find out more about the tours that Narona Kayaking offer on their website naronakayaking.com.

Tours are held daily during the summer months, and during pre- and post-season depending on weather conditions.

All photos credit – Narona Kayaking