Rafting Vjosa River, Permet: guided rapids with swim break

Navigate rapids and swim in the Vjosa, then float the calm stretch back

Guided rafting on the Vjosa River in Permet, Albania takes three hours and mixes gentle warm-up rapids with more thrilling sections, separated by a swim break at the riverbank. The guide speaks English or Italian; all equipment, transport from base camp, water and a light snack are included. Children from age 5 are welcome.

The Experience

The day starts at base camp with a safety briefing and gear check, then you push off into gentle rapids to find your rhythm before the river gets serious. The guide shares details about the Vjosa's ecosystem and history as you navigate through, and the pace builds gradually so you're not thrown into the hardest water cold. Midway through, you pull over at a calm stretch to swim, dry off on the riverbank, and eat a light snack while the adrenaline settles.

The second half brings the more thrilling rapids that keep your pulse up, and the guide stays close to read the water and call the moves. As you near the end, the river flattens out into a peaceful float back toward base camp. An air-conditioned vehicle brings you from your accommodation to the starting point and back again, so you don't need to arrange transport yourself.

The guide is live and speaks English or Italian throughout. All rafting equipment, bottled water, photos and video taken during the run, restroom and shower access, and parking are included. The activity suits all fitness levels, though it's not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, poor cardiovascular health, or during pregnancy.

What’s included

• Rafting equipment.
• English or Italian-speaking guide.
• air-conditioned vehicle transport to and from base camp.
• bottled water.
• light snack at the midway swim break.
• photos and video taken during the activity.
• restroom and shower access.
• parking.

Good to know

Easy physical levelInfant seats availablePublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Enjoy Vjosa Rafting

Is this one for you?The pickup from your accommodation and return transport afterward mean you don't need a car or a way to reach base camp — book this if you're staying in Permet without your own vehicle and want the logistics handled.

Traveler reviews

4.99★★★★★★★★★★

71 verified traveler reviews

5 ★70

4 ★1

3 ★0

2 ★0

1 ★0

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

How do I get to the rafting starting point if I don't have a car?

An air-conditioned vehicle picks you up from your accommodation in Permet and brings you to base camp, then returns you after the activity ends, so you don't need to arrange separate transport.

What happens if I've never rafted before?

The guide starts you on gentle rapids to get comfortable with the paddle and the boat before moving to more thrilling sections, so beginners build confidence as the day goes on.

Is there time to swim during the rafting?

Yes — midway through the three-hour run, you pull over at a calm riverbank stretch to swim, relax and eat a light snack before continuing downstream.

What's included in the rafting price?

All rafting equipment, the guide, bottled water, a light snack, photos and video from the activity, transport to and from base camp, restroom and shower access, and parking are included.

Can children do this rafting?

Children from age 5 are welcome on the Vjosa rafting, though the activity is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, poor cardiovascular health, or during pregnancy.