FAQ
General Questions
- Register for a rafting tour if you can swim, or at least dare to jump into the pool without reservations.
- During the spring snowmelt and after rains, the water flow of the rivers increases. At this time, rafting is more exciting, the waves are bigger, the current is stronger. Less recommended for children.
- In summer, the lower water level is favorable for families with small children. At this time, the chance of capsizing is lower.
- The use of mind-altering substances is prohibited before and during a rafting tour. Being under the influence of alcohol or drugs will result in exclusion from the tour.
- You can participate in a rafting tour with slightly limited mobility or other health complaints, but ask the organizer's opinion before registering, and be sure to inform your tour guide before the tour!
- Don't forget your essential medications at home! Give them to your tour guide on the tour and inform him/her about your illness.
- Most tours take photos. Don't risk your phone or camera, which can easily break, get lost in the water, or get wet. When registering, ask if photos are taken.
- All you need to bring is a swimsuit/swimsuit for the tour. Neoprene clothing and shoes are usually provided by the organizing company. After the tour – especially in spring and autumn – warm clothes are good.
- The difficulty of whitewater rivers is classified from 1 to 6. Levels 2-3 are a good adventure – even with children – and level 4 is exciting whitewater, where you have to hold on or paddle hard. Level 5 is a dangerous, rapid, organized rafting tour on whitewater of this difficulty is only organized in very few places. Only the most daring extreme athletes dare to go on the 6th. Find out about the difficulty level of the selected river and choose a tour according to your abilities / needs.
- Rafting is an extreme sport. While rafting, you can get drowned, float, or get injured. Of course, this is not typical, but it cannot be ruled out 100 percent. Never go rafting without extended travel insurance.
HungaroRaft organizes whitewater rafting on the Soča River in Slovenia, the Salza River in Austria, and the Tara River in Montenegro. The three rivers are completely different in character.
The Soča is 560km from Budapest, and can be reached by highway in about 6 hours. It awaits visitors with a well-developed infrastructure, a wide range of accommodations, restaurants, bars, a supermarket, a bakery, a pastry shop, a playground, and in addition to rafting, it offers a variety of different adventure programs. HungaroRaft has a permanent base in Bovec, open every day of the week. We recommend the Soča in the summer season for families with small children, while the entire season is ideal for company programs and for those who want intense weekend experiences after the weekday drive.
Getting to the Tara River is already a challenge. It takes at least 10 hours to cover the approximately 700km. However, it is definitely worth the strenuous journey. You should set aside at least 5 days for this program. The Tara Canyon is the deepest canyon in Europe, reaching 1300 meters in places. The area is a national park under UNESCO protection. The river is 86km long and can be paddled with a ww 2-4 strength, which ideally takes 3 days to cover. A real tourist atmosphere, a wild and romantic environment, and waterfalls make the rafting tour unique. In connection with the program, it is worth planning a trip to Durmitor or visiting the enchanting and very exciting Nevidió Canyon for a canyoning tour.
In Austria, the Salza is the citadel of 2-3 person whitewater canoe / miniraft tours. This river is the closest to Hungary. 420km, which can be reached by car in 4.5 hours. The Salza ww is a white water of strength 2-3, which can be completed individually under the supervision of professional tour guides, thus providing a great sense of achievement. Two sections of the river can be paddled, which divides the entire distance into two half-day tours. The settlements are quiet alpine villages, with few opportunities for entertainment.
In Slovenia, rafting on the Soča is allowed from March 15 to October 31. You can combine the very early start with skiing, which is a truly special experience. However, the real rafting season starts at the end of April, as the weather warms up. At this time, the snow begins to melt and the water level gradually rises. In May, the current is usually stronger, the waves are bigger, and rafting is more exciting. From the second half of June, the river becomes quieter, providing ideal conditions for families and children. The summer period is usually more crowded, so it is worth booking both accommodation and the program months in advance. Autumn usually presents our guests with calm, atmospheric whitewater tours and beautiful nature.
In Montenegro, it is worth considering a shorter season on Tara, because the snow melts late in Durmitor and the air cools down early in autumn in Europe's deepest canyon. Due to limited accommodation options, it is worth booking at least six months in advance.
Many companies organize rafting or whitewater canoeing tours on the rivers of neighboring countries. Some of these are Hungarian, some are local, or mixed businesses. Occasional tour organizers who send groups out every 3-4 weeks may not work with tour guides with sufficient experience and routine. Few of the tour guides who are not full-time are qualified. It is worth checking this out. Local companies are experienced in organizing tours, and they probably have all the permits, but language difficulties can be a problem in some situations. Hungarian companies with a long history that send groups out on a weekly basis are generally reliable in terms of tour guiding/organization quality. It is worth checking which company has a tour operator license, because officially only those travel agencies can sell packages, i.e. programs with accommodation, insurance, travel, meals, etc. The list of tour operators can be viewed at http://mkeh.gov.hu/kereskedelmi/idegenforg_nyilv/utazasszerv. The condition of the equipment is telling, which can be easily judged by a layman in the gallery or from the pictures on the internet. Online booking or transfer is more reliable than on-site or cash payment. Coupon and other half-price rafting / canyoning offers are hiding some kind of twist. Look carefully, because cheap meat is thin...
HungaroRaft is a registered travel agency. It welcomes its guests with qualified equipment, 20 years of experience, trained and licensed tour guides, and a permanent base in Bovec.
Rafting
No, classic rafting is also a good choice for beginners. Before the tour, we explain all the important information, and on the water an experienced guide directs the team. Previous rafting experience is not required.
Basic water confidence is required, because this is a whitewater program. Rafting takes place in a life jacket, but because it is a whitewater program, it is important that the participant is not afraid of water and generally feels safe in a water environment.
You can already sign up for classic rafting from age 5–6, provided good swimming ability. Exact participation may also depend on the current water level, weather and the guide’s decision. With smaller children, it is worth choosing the Family Rafting tour.
The full program lasts about 3 hours, of which you spend roughly 1.5 hours on the water. The total time includes arrival, receiving the equipment, transfer, safety briefing, rafting and returning to the base.
In spring, because of the higher water level, the tour is usually faster, sportier and richer in adrenaline. In summer, the river shows its friendlier, more playful side, so it is a particularly good choice for families, couples and groups of friends.
The price includes guiding, rafting equipment, helmet, life jacket, neoprene equipment, transfer between the base and the river, and the safety briefing. Payable separately are the local river-use fee (3–21 EUR/person) and the optional photo package.
We would like to be completely honest so that there are no unexpected costs on site: on the Soča River, every paddler must purchase a daily permit. This is a local municipal fee related to the protection and maintenance of the river and to the regulated operation of water tourism. It is not HungaroRaft’s income, but its collection is mandatory.
For adults on this tour, the river-use fee varies between €10.5 and €21 / person depending on the season. It is lower for children. In case of high water level, the upper section costs €3–€6 / person depending on the season, and it is lower for children.
You can pay the river-use fee on site, before the tour.
Further official information: www.gosoca.si
Canyoning
The Sušec Canyon is one of the best introductory tours to the sport of canyoning around Bovec. It is playful, spectacular and varied, but not as technical as advanced canyons with large descents. Natural slides, smaller jumps and water obstacles provide the experience, while the guides help you move safely throughout.
Swimming ability, or at least stable water confidence, is recommended because the program takes place in a water environment. Olympic-level swimming skills are not required, but it is important that you do not panic in the water, enjoy watery situations and can follow the guide’s instructions.
Yes, Sušec canyoning is recommended from age 8 and can also be a good choice for families if the child enjoys water, is not afraid of slides, jumps and active programs. The tour is playful and aqua-park-like, but participation also requires attention and cooperation.
If you are specifically afraid of heights, Sušec canyoning may not be the best choice. The program may include jumps, slides and situations where you need to move confidently in a rocky, wet environment. The guides will help, but it is important that you are open to these kinds of experiences.
The complete program takes about 3.5 hours. This includes arrival, administration, equipment handover, transfer, an approximately 25-minute hike up, safety instruction, and then about 1.5–2 hours spent in the canyon.
Canyoning is an adventure program that takes place in a natural environment, so it cannot be called completely risk-free. However, the Sušec Canyon is among the more beginner-friendly canyoning tours: the program is guided, we provide the necessary equipment, and the guides explain what to do before every slide, jump or more technical section.
The Sušec Canyon is a true natural aqua park near Bovec: rock slides, smaller jumps, short rope descents and water obstacles make the tour varied. It is also a good entry point into the world of canyoning for beginners.
Yes, the Sušec Canyon can even be enjoyable from the age of 6, but this depends very much on the child. For participants under 8, it is definitely worth consulting us before booking.
The tour may include jumps, slides, short rope descents and more exciting water situations, but the guides help at every section. The goal is not performance pressure, but a safe and enjoyable adventure.
No, the Sušec Canyon is an ideal canyoning tour for beginners. You receive a detailed briefing before the program, and trained guides assist you throughout the tour.
The Sušec Canyon is a true natural aqua park near Bovec: rock slides, smaller jumps, short rope descents and water obstacles make the tour varied. It is also a good entry point into the world of canyoning for beginners.
Canoeing
Classic rafting takes place in a larger boat for several people, while the miniraft is a 2–3 person inflatable whitewater canoe. Whitewater canoeing gives a more active, more personal experience and requires greater individual involvement.
Yes, the programme is not only for advanced participants, but swimming ability, good physical condition and following the instruction are required. The tour is guided, with a technical briefing and provided equipment.
A swimsuit or swim shorts, a towel, a bag for your clothes and dry change of clothes for after the tour. HungaroRaft provides the technical equipment.
The minimum age for participation is 12 years. Under the age of 18, parental supervision or consent is required.
Yes. The river-use ticket is not included in the participation fee; depending on the selected section, it is EUR 3–15.5/person.
This is a local municipal fee connected to the protection and maintenance of the river and the regulated operation of water tourism. It is not HungaroRaft revenue, but its collection is mandatory.
This is a local municipal fee connected to the protection and maintenance of the river and the regulated operation of water tourism. It is not HungaroRaft revenue, but its collection is mandatory.
With individual steering, the tour usually takes place on the upper Golobar–Boka section, a wild and scenic river section with class I–III rapids. For this section, the price of the river-use ticket is €3–6 depending on the season.
With guide steering, the programme typically follows the Srpenica–Trnovo section. In this case, the river-use ticket price is also season-dependent, €10.5–21/person.
In the case of extremely high water levels or spring floods, if for safety reasons we can only paddle on the upper section, the fee is reduced to €3/person.
After the tour, the photo package can also be chosen separately, for €24.
With guide steering, the programme typically follows the Srpenica–Trnovo section. In this case, the river-use ticket price is also season-dependent, €10.5–21/person.
In the case of extremely high water levels or spring floods, if for safety reasons we can only paddle on the upper section, the fee is reduced to €3/person.
After the tour, the photo package can also be chosen separately, for €24.
Family Fun
“Olympic-level” swimming ability is not required, but it is important that the child likes water, does not get scared if their face gets wet, and does not panic in the water. During family rafting, every participant wears a properly sized life jacket that keeps them afloat. The tour takes place on a child-friendly, easier whitewater section, but for safe participation it is essential that the child pays attention to the guide’s instructions and feels comfortable in the water environment.
Yes, family whitewater rafting can also be a good choice for grandparents if they are generally in good health and happy to take part in a light active program. This tour is not physically demanding, so for many families it is an ideal multi-generational Soča program: children, parents, and grandparents can experience the atmosphere of rafting together. In case of more serious musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, or balance problems, it is worth consulting us in advance.
For the family rafting tour, it is enough to bring swimwear, a towel, and a dry change of clothes. We provide the necessary rafting equipment at the base: wetsuit, neoprene shoes, helmet, life jacket, raft, and paddles. For children, it is worth thinking of their usual personal items as well, such as a dry sweater, something to drink, or necessary medication. It is not recommended to take a phone, valuable jewellery, or items not suitable for the water on the tour.
No. During pregnancy, participation in family whitewater rafting is not recommended, and expectant mothers may not take part in the tour. Although this is an easier, child-friendly rafting program, waves, jolts, sudden movements, or unexpected situations may occur on the water. For the safety of the baby, it is better to stay on shore and postpone rafting to a later date.
Minor back pain or milder musculoskeletal complaints are generally not disqualifying, but it is important that you can sit safely, hold on, and follow the guide’s instructions. In case of serious spinal, heart, or nervous system problems, such as epilepsy, please consult your doctor before departure and definitely tell the guide.
Because this is our easiest tour, in certain cases we can also welcome guests with reduced mobility with assistance. Please contact us before booking so we can discuss safe participation in advance.
Because this is our easiest tour, in certain cases we can also welcome guests with reduced mobility with assistance. Please contact us before booking so we can discuss safe participation in advance.
In family whitewater rafting, the most important thing is that both children and parents feel safe throughout. The HungaroRaft team works on the Soča with more than 28 years of whitewater experience, so we know exactly how to make rafting exciting while still being child-friendly and easy to follow.
The tours are accompanied by Hungarian guides, so the safety briefing, paddling instructions, and commands given on the water are understandable for both children and parents. This is especially important for a family program, where not only the experience but also calmness and trust matter.
The tours are accompanied by Hungarian guides, so the safety briefing, paddling instructions, and commands given on the water are understandable for both children and parents. This is especially important for a family program, where not only the experience but also calmness and trust matter.
Gecko Climbing
In rafting, several people paddle together in a larger, more stable boat with a tour guide. In geckoing, you move along with a smaller, more agile watercraft, so the water experience is more personal, playful and direct. Rafting is a more classic team activity, while geckoing is a funnier, more active and more relaxed adventure.
Yes, you can join as a beginner if you can swim, are in good health, and follow the tour guide’s instructions. Previous white-water experience is not required. At the beginning of the programme, the tour guides explain the most important safety and technical information.
Yes, geckoing is available from the age of 6, so it can also be a good choice for families. It is important that the child likes water, does not panic in it, and can follow the tour guide’s instructions. Under the age of 18, parental supervision or parental consent is required.
Yes, swimming ability is a condition for participating in the tour. You do not need to be a competitive swimmer, but it is important that you do not panic if you get into the water and that you can safely follow the tour guide’s instructions. Every participant wears a life jacket.
The inflatable geckos are controlled with your body, and because they are used on small and simple terrain, they glide over everything easily and do not tip you into the water easily. This makes the programme enjoyable, easy and perfectly family-friendly.
You do not need to worry about being left alone or being carried away uncontrollably by the current. Geckoing is a guided white-water programme: the tour guide accompanies the group throughout, watches the participants, and shows you where to go, how to control the watercraft, and what to pay attention to on the given section.
No, but it takes a few minutes to get used to it. You control the gecko by shifting your body weight, holding on and making small movements. Before getting on the water, the tour guide explains how to react to the current and the waves.
During geckoing, it can happen that you end up in the water; this is part of the playful nature of the programme. Every participant wears a life jacket and helmet, and the tour guide keeps an eye on the group throughout and helps you get back onto the watercraft or guides you to a safe place.
Kayaking
Rafting is a team experience: several people paddle in a larger boat, the tour guide steers, and you work together in the raft. White-water kayaking, on the other hand, is more personal and more active. You sit in your own kayak, directly feel the movement of the water, and react to the rhythm of the river yourself.
This does not mean that you are left alone. The tour is a guided programme: the instructors and tour guides watch you throughout, help with route choice, explain the technique, and adjust the progress to the level of the group. The difference is more in the character of the experience: in rafting, the team carries you; in kayaking, you shape the adventure more actively yourself.
This does not mean that you are left alone. The tour is a guided programme: the instructors and tour guides watch you throughout, help with route choice, explain the technique, and adjust the progress to the level of the group. The difference is more in the character of the experience: in rafting, the team carries you; in kayaking, you shape the adventure more actively yourself.
Not necessarily. According to the tour page, complete beginners and those arriving with flat-water kayaking experience can also take part in the programme. Before the tour, you receive technical instruction, and on the water the tour guides help with steering and safe progress.
Yes, swimming ability is a condition for participation. You do not need to be a competitive swimmer, but it is important that you do not panic if you get into the water and that you can follow the tour guide’s instructions. Every participant wears a life jacket, but water confidence is a basic requirement for this programme.
You do not need to worry about being left on your own. White-water kayaking is a guided programme: the instructors accompany the group throughout, monitor the participants, and help everyone move along the right route. The section is always chosen according to the water level, the group and the safety conditions.
The tour is available from the age of 12, so it can be a good choice with sportier, water-confident young people. It is important that the child can swim, likes water, is confident enough for more independent movement on the water, and can follow the instructors’ instructions. Under the age of 18, parental supervision or parental consent is required.
White-water kayaking on the Soča is the perfect next step if you enjoyed rafting but now want to try something more active, more personal and sportier. Stable inflatable kayaks, experienced instructors, easy–medium white water and the Soča’s unique alpine environment await you.
Ziplining
No, Zipline Učja Canyon does not require previous experience. The programme begins with instruction and practice, and the guides help you throughout with using the equipment, take-off and arrival.
The zipline is an easy programme and does not require experience. It is not physically demanding, but it is exciting because of the height and speed. It is a good choice if you want adrenaline, but are not looking for a technical or tiring sports programme.
Many people try it with a milder fear of heights, because the programme builds up gradually and the guides help throughout. However, in the case of strong, panic-like fear of heights, this may not be the right programme, as the lines run above a high canyon.
Yes, if they reach the minimum height of 120 cm. Children under the age of 14 may only participate in the tour with parental accompaniment.
Closed sports shoes or hiking shoes and comfortable, sporty clothing. You cannot participate in sandals or flip-flops. Long hair must be tied up for safety reasons.
The Učja Canyon zipline is a good choice because it provides a spectacular, adrenaline-filled experience in a short time, without special physical preparation. On the 10 gradually building lines, you can speed above the canyon at up to 60 km/h, while professional guides take care of safety throughout.