Everything you wanted to know about canyoning

You've heard of canyoning, but you're not quite sure what it exactly is? In our offer for an active vacation at the Rafting Center Drina-Tara, there are one-day or multi-day canyoning trips, so we wanted to introduce you to this outdoor activity, which represents a real adventure.

Canyoning (in the USA: canyoneering) is an adrenaline sports activity and the best way to explore the canyon completely and in all its beauty. And how to explore a canyon and all its straits, cliffs, rocks, caves, and the river roaring through it? Various techniques and methods are needed for the sports exploration of wild canyons. Let's see what it all looks like

What does canyoning involve?

Unlike rafting and canoeing, no boats are used for canyoning, but you cross all the obstacles on your feet. Imagine yourself passing through canyons and narrow gorges with numerous slopes, carved canyon walls, waterfalls, and waterfalls of spectacular beauty, sometimes swimming, in some places diving, hiking, and rock climbing, swimming across a river, and even jumping into it from a great height? It is this experience that canyoning brings - in some segments, climbing hooks and ropes are needed to overcome all obstacles. Canyoning offers something for everyone.

History of canyoning

It can be said that canyoning started in the late 1800s or early 1900s, in the desire of adventurers to reach the most hidden places on the planet. It was born from the desire to conquer not only the highest peaks but also less accessible places in the accessible world, so riverbeds were also a very attractive goal. However, due to the fact that most of the steep and unexplored roads were difficult to access, there were large insurmountable obstacles between parts of the river and the cliffs, so due to the lack of modern equipment and lack of knowledge of techniques, it was almost impossible to overcome them. It was only in the 50s and 60s that canyoning started to become a more serious sport. Since then, special equipment has been developed thanks to a specific technology. Only 15-20 years ago, it lured adventurers to explore rivers, gorges, and other parts of nature that are usually considered inaccessible and became an adventure sport that is gaining more and more popularity.

Nevidio Canyon - a wonder of the relief of our region

Nevidio Canyon has been a famous canyoning destination since 1965 and the tour itself is very popular and commercialized. Nevidio is located in Montenegro and is 80 km from our Rafting Center Drina-Tara, so we can reach it by all-terrain vehicles or you can choose to reach it by your own transport. It takes 2-3 hours to complete the entire tour. Nevidio Canyon offers you excellent accessibility, it is characterized by a good type of rock and smooth rocks that you can descend down. It makes a perfect combination of everything needed for exciting canyoning: climbs, jumps, crystal clear water, "water slides", waterfalls, and perfect swimming spots.

Hrcavka Canyon - magnificent and full of adventures

Hrcavka Canyon is one of the most grandiose wild canyons in Europe and much less known and explored, and therefore more demanding than Nevidio Canyon. It is located in the Sutjeska National Park and is full of deep cuts, waterfalls, and natural pools. Here you will be able to experience what it's like to go down natural water slides, jump into the water, walk, climb the cliffs and swim in the turquoise water. The canyon of the Hrčavka river offers countless possibilities and combines many things.

What to expect if you embark on an adventure exploring the Hrčavka canyon? First of all, it should be said that visiting this canyon requires average physical fitness and that canyoning is completely safe thanks to our professional guides. Expect breathtaking nature, lots of sliding into the clearest water you've ever seen, lots of jumping, swimming, walking, climbing steep rocks, and adrenaline. Only guests of our Rafting Center Drina-Tara have an exclusive opportunity to go through the Hrčavka canyon, underexplored and untouched in its natural beauty and wilderness. We can also boast that our guides were the first to mark the routes through the canyon of the Hrcavka River.

Who is canyoning for?

Canyoning is intended for anyone who is in normal physical condition, has no fear of water, narrow spaces, or heights, and is able to overcome obstacles by walking, crawling, jumping, and swimming for several hours.

What are the possible risks of canyoning? When an individual embarks on such an adventure alone, the dangers are numerous, and since the canyons are located in the wilderness and far from civilization, the endangered cannot call for help. The threat is represented by a sudden rise in the water level, a flood, an unforeseen depth of the riverbed, whirlpools, etc. Of course, all this is out of the question in a group and organized canyoning trip arranged by a respectable center such as the Drina Tara Rafting Center, because our guides know when it is good to go, which routes, and possess all the technical knowledge and skills.

What equipment is needed for canyoning?

For canyoning, you need a neoprene suit, a helmet, a safety vest, and special neoprene shoes. You will receive all this state-of-the-art top-quality equipment before going canyoning in our Rafting Center Drina-Tara.

If you are a beginner in canyoning, it is first of all important to have an experienced guide with you who will instruct you on how to slide properly, how to descend, where is the best place to slip between the rocks, and what a proper and safe jump looks like, etc.

What are the advantages of canyoning?

Apart from being in the fresh air and enjoying an adrenaline-pumping physical activity, canyoning will also bring you:

If this sounds like a real adventure for you, take a look at our offers, and you can create an active holiday according to your wishes by combining various activities that we offer, such as rafting, hiking, jeep safaris, riding quads in incredibly beautiful areas, and there is also horse riding, e-bike tours, airsoft and more. Get out of your comfort zone and indulge in an adventure you will remember for a long time. On canyoning and rafting with us, fun and an unforgettable time are guaranteed!