Neretva River - kayaking guide through Balkan (EP 5)

🏞️ Neretva River – 5th Episode of Balkan Guides with ‪@michalkuthan1998‬ 🌊

Previous episode - Tara:    • Tara river - kayaking guide through Balkan...  

⛰️Epic mountains and white walls everywhere around as you are paddling through canyons of Neretva river. Even the shuttle itself can be very beautiful. Neretva river can provide not only a beautiful and wild section with canyons but you can paddle through the historical city of Mostar. Recent floods (autumn 2024) caused that there is a lot of trash in the water gathered by dam wall just above the city. So water is not exactly safe there. In this guide I will take you to upper gorges where you can experience Winettou vibes.🤠

🚍It’s true that the shuttle is not the easiest one, but on the other hand there are a couple rafting companies willing to help you. At this upper section of Neretva you can find two canyons. First one is a short with a couple nice rapids above. Then it’s wide and shallow again for a couple kilometres. So you have a chance to admire magnificent views. Couple rapids get you to the main canyon. This one is not only beautiful but you can find some nice rapids there as well. So it’s good to stay focused and paddle down carefully.🫡

🫵🏼The moment you get out of these canyons. The river eases out and it looks like it’s over… but it’s actually not. There are two major rapids left. Both are easy to scout or portage. First one is a small drop at a lower level and a nice wave train when the river gets higher. Second one is easily recognisable by light poles on the left side. You have approached the biggest rapid of this section. But don’t be scared. Stay in the middle and you will make it down easily. Now you can take out wherever you want as it’s a roadside again.

🛕If you are not interested in paddling through Mostar it’s more than recommended to stop by at least. It’s a city of many faces. Fancy tourists walking around historical buildings are in contrast with trash in every corner and buildings destroyed by recent war. But it’s worth it to visit this city and make your own opinion about it.

🌊 Neretva river 🌊

Difficulty: WW II-III
Length about 15km depends on the put in and take out you choose.
When to go: Spring snowmelt or rainy season (autumn) - but it looks like it might be doable all year around.
Suitable for kayak/canoe/raft - with a bigger raft it might be a bit more complicated at low water.
Recommended section:
Put-in 43.504449, 18.104487
Take-out 43.631976, 17.998699