Osumi Canyons: Rafting Tour from Berat with Guide & Pickup

Summary

Rafting through osumi canyons from berat wild water and laughter

You’ll paddle through Osumi Canyons’ wild waters with a local guide from Berat, passing waterfalls and ancient stone arches along the way. Feel the spray on your face, hear stories from your guide, and share laughs with fellow travelers—all equipment and transport included. It’s less about ticking off sights than feeling part of Albania’s raw landscape for an afternoon.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing that hit me was how green everything looked as we left Berat—like the kind of green that makes your eyes squint a little. Our guide, Erion, had this way of mixing jokes with local history; I still remember him pointing out a crumbling stone bridge and saying it’s older than his grandmother’s recipes. The drive to Osumi Canyons isn’t long (about an hour or so), but you do get this slow build-up as the hills start closing in. By the time we reached Skrapar, I could already hear water somewhere below us—kind of a low rushing sound under all the birds.

I’d never worn a wetsuit before, so that was… interesting. Cold at first, then sort of comforting once you’re zipped in and holding the paddle. Erion handed out helmets and gave us this safety talk that made everyone laugh nervously—he said “don’t worry, only the river gets angry if you don’t listen.” When we finally got into the raft, I noticed how clear the water was—almost glassy in some spots, then suddenly frothy white when we hit a rapid. There were these eight waterfalls spilling down mossy cliffs; one of them sprayed us right in the face and I actually tasted something like wet stone (not sure how else to describe it). Someone shouted “cathedral!” when we floated under this archway of rock—it did feel kind of holy for a second.

The canyon walls are close enough that you can touch them sometimes. At one point, Erion pointed to a patch where wild herbs grow—he said his mother picks them for tea but warned us not to grab anything unless we want “very spicy hands.” The air smelled like wet earth and something sweet I couldn’t place. We stopped paddling for a bit just to float and listen; it was quiet except for water dripping somewhere above us. I think everyone felt small in a good way. Honestly, I didn’t expect Albania to have places like this.

By the end my arms were tired and my shoes squelched with every step back to the van (bring dry socks if you go). But there was this weird happiness buzzing around our group—like we’d shared some secret together in those canyon shadows. I still think about that moment drifting under the last waterfall, cold water on my face and sun flickering through leaves overhead. Not sure any photo really catches it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Rafting adventure in Osumi Canyons

• Depart from Berat city
• Travel to Osumi Canyons in Skrapar
• Raft along canyon walls
• View eight waterfalls and cathedral
• Enjoy unspoiled nature and water sounds

Top questions

How long does it take to get from Berat to Osumi Canyons?

It takes about an hour by minivan from Berat to reach Osumi Canyons in Skrapar region.

Is rafting in Osumi Canyons suitable for beginners?

Yes, beginners can join as long as they have moderate fitness; guides provide safety instructions.

What months is rafting available in Osumi Canyon?

Rafting runs from January until June; after July, tours switch to swimming or hiking due to lower water levels.

Are children allowed on the rafting tour?

Children can join but must be accompanied by an adult.

Is lunch included on this tour?

No lunch is included; only equipment, guide, and transport are provided.

What should I bring for rafting in Osumi Canyon?

You should bring dry clothes and socks for after rafting; all rafting gear is provided.

Is pickup included from Berat hotels?

The tour includes pickup by air-conditioned minivan from Berat.

Are vegetarian options available?

A vegetarian option is available if requested at booking time.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup by air-conditioned minivan from Berat, all necessary rafting equipment like wetsuit, thermic jacket, life jacket and helmet, plus guidance throughout by a professional local guide before returning back at the end of your adventure.