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Travel bucket list idea:

Last updated: 21 March, 2024
Expert travel writer: Jane Foster

The picturesque Cetina River, which lies south east of Split, runs through a spectacular high-sided rocky canyon – the Cetina Gorge – descending over a series of waterfalls and light-moderate rapids to meet the sea at Omis.

Half-day white-water rafting excursions tackle a 10km stretch of the river; during summer it’s a fairly gentle descent (grade I-II rapids), with time to take stock of the beautiful scenery. Spring and autumn see slightly more exhilarating rapids, but even then, it’s never more than an occasional grade III. You’re really coming for the setting and to escape into the great outdoors – hence why it’s such a popular day trip from Split.

If you don’t fancy rafting, there are kayaking and full-day canyoning options too. It’s also possible to try free climbing on the steep-sided rocky cliffs in the Cetina valley.

Logistics

Price from: £35
Minimum age: 8
Age suitable: 8+
When: All year around
Duration: 3-4 hours

Getting there & doing it

Organised rafting, canyoning and kayaking tour depart from either Omis or Split. You can self-drive to get there independently, and in summer, regular taxi-boats run up and down the Cetina River from the bridge in Omis.When you’ve built up an appetite, Radmanove Mlinice is a popular, informal restaurant in an old mill on the banks of the Cetina River, specialising in local freshwater species, including eel.

When to do it

White-water rafting and canyoning are available May to September. The river is too dangerous for at other times of the year.

Who to go with: organised tours

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Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

Zipline Croatia: Cetina Canyon Zipline Adventure from Omis

Split

Zipline Croatia: Cetina Canyon Zipline Adventure from Omis
The adrenalin infused ZIPLINE polygon is located in the canyon of the River Cetina, 3 km from Omiš. It consists of eight (8) steel cables across which participants, sitting in a belt, descend down the canyon. The total length of the cables is 2,100 m, the longest of which is 700 m and is 150 m above ground level. To cross the entire polygon accompanied by two guides, a group of 10 persons requires two and a half hours. Transport to the starting point and back is organised with our vehicles. Before the start, there is a training session during which time each participant receives their equipment. There are 2 short cables, 25 m long, on which the guides demonstrate how to behave on the ZIPLINE. This is followed by a short stroll to the first cable through stunning scenery. At each cable, one of the guides demonstrates the descent while the second guide attaches the participants onto the cable and provides instructions.

Price: €65

Min age: 7

Rating 4.91 / 5 [1050 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Half-Day Rafting Experience on Cetina River with Cliff Jumping and more

Split

Half-Day Rafting Experience on Cetina River with Cliff Jumping and more
You want more fun, more adventure and more adrenaline. 10 kilometers and 3-4 hours through the magical nature of the Cetina canyon. Go for the adrenaline rush of paddling down the beautiful rapids, learn to jump off 5 meters high rocks, take a shower under a beautiful waterfall and feel like Indiana Jones exploring a beautiful cave. Further downstream awaits you the “Island of Love” and its inhabitants, together with the most beautiful green river and the magnificent Cetina canyon.

Price: €40

Min age: 6

Rating 4.94 / 5 [689 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Rafting on Cetina River Departure from Split or Blato na Cetini village

Split

Rafting on Cetina River Departure from Split or Blato na Cetini village
Rafting through crystal green waters of Cetina river. Adventure and relaxation river experience. Daily departures from Split city center.

Price: €40

Min age: 8

Rating 4.94 / 5 [619 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Canyoning on Cetina River Adventure from Split or Zadvarje

Split

Canyoning on Cetina River Adventure from Split or Zadvarje
Walking through the river and the rapids, going through the subterranean tunnels, swimming in natural pools, going around waterfalls and lakes - all this is canyoning.

Price: €50

Min age: 8

Rating 4.92 / 5 [488 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Cetina River Extreme Canyoning Adventure from Split or Zadvarje

Split

Cetina River Extreme Canyoning Adventure from Split or Zadvarje
If you are looking for a full adventure package this tour is for you. The best adventure trip in Croatia. Extreme canyoning is a combination of walking, hiking, sliding down the rapids, swimming in crystal clear natural water pools, walking through the tunnels, and rappelling near the 55m waterfall. Also, includes some cliff jumps up to 10 meters high and one more 20m rappelling. We provide you with wetsuits, life vests, climbing harnesses, and helmets. All you need for this trip is a swimsuit, some kind of sports shoes, an adventurous spirit and you are ready for the extreme canyoning expedition!

Price: €75

Min age: 14

Rating 4.98 / 5 [368 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Destination guides

1

Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

Split

Dalmatia, Croatia

View up the open-roofed tower of palace

With ancient architecture, Adriatic island-hopping and adventure sports galore, Split makes a superb seaside base.