Mrežnica River: Kayaking Tour with Waterfalls & Pickup

Kayak through Mrežnica’s wild waterfalls with local guides and swim stops

You’ll paddle through Mrežnica’s wildest five kilometers with local guides who know every rapid and waterfall by name. Jump (or don’t!) from Milkovića slap, swim in clear pools, float under trees, and get all your best moments photographed for you. Expect cold splashes, real laughter, and memories that stick long after your arms stop aching.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup at Hotel Mirjana&Rastoke in Slunj with transport out to Mrežnica river (so you don’t have to worry about driving), all kayaking equipment—neoprene suit, shoes, helmet—and guidance from locals who know every rapid by heart. You’ll also get photos taken during your adventure as a keepsake before being brought back at the end.

Traveler reviews

4.90★★★★★★★★★★

153 verified traveler reviews

Ratings come from travelers who booked this exact experience. We never edit or filter them.

Read all the reviews ›

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Kayaking on Mrežnica river

• Gather at Hotel Mirjana&Rastoke
• Receive instructions and equipment
• Transport to Mrežnica river start
• Begin kayaking past first waterfall
• Pass 9 waterfalls and 3 rapids
• Jump from Milkovića slap waterfall
• Enjoy swimming and recreation spots
• End route at camp by the bridge
• Transport back to agency in Slunj

The Experience

“You see that one?” our guide Luka grinned, pointing ahead to a wall of water that looked way taller than I’d pictured. “That’s Milkovića slap — you can jump if you’re brave.” I laughed, but honestly my hands were already slick from the river spray and nerves. We’d met at Hotel Mirjana&Rastoke in Slunj (they even picked us up so we didn’t have to mess with parking), and after a quick run-through of safety stuff and squeezing into neoprene suits, we piled into the van for the short drive out to Mrežnica river. The air smelled like grass and wet stone — kind of sharp and clean in a way I wasn’t expecting. Luka kept cracking jokes about how he’d “fish us out” if anyone flipped their kayak. I believed him.

The first waterfall came up fast — not huge, maybe a meter or so, but enough to get your heart going. After that it was just one wild stretch after another: nine waterfalls in total, three rapids (one almost tipped me over but somehow I stayed upright), and these pockets where the water went this impossible blue-green color under the sun. We stopped by a quiet bank for swimming; the water was cold enough to make my teeth ache but honestly it felt good after paddling. There was this moment where everyone just floated on their backs, barely talking — just the sound of water hitting rocks and birds somewhere in the trees. It’s weird what sticks with you.

I tried jumping from Milkovića slap — not from the top (that’s 9 meters), just halfway. Still felt like flying for half a second before hitting the water hard enough to make me yelp. Luka cheered from his kayak (“Next time higher!”) and Li snapped a photo right as I surfaced looking totally stunned. They actually gave us all these photos at the end — some are hilarious, especially my face mid-jump. The whole thing lasted maybe two hours on the river but time got kind of stretchy; sometimes it felt fast, sometimes slow, depending if we were drifting or fighting a rapid.

By the time we reached the bridge near camp, arms tired and legs jelly-like inside those neoprene suits, nobody really wanted it to end yet. I still think about that stretch where everything got quiet except for water moving around us — not something you can really plan for or explain well later.

Top questions

What is included in the Mrežnica river kayaking tour?

The tour includes all equipment (kayaks, paddles, neoprene clothing and shoes, barrels, life jackets and helmets), transport from Slunj to the river and back, a professional guide, photos taken during the trip, plus taxes and fees.

How long is the kayaking route on Mrežnica river?

The route covers about 5 kilometers along Mrežnica river with nine waterfalls and three rapids.

Where does the tour start?

The meeting point is Hotel Mirjana&Rastoke in Slunj; pickup is included from there before heading to Mrežnica river by van.

What should I bring for this kayaking trip?

You should bring a swimsuit, towel, sun lotion, and water shoes or sneakers.

Is this kayaking tour suitable for children?

Yes; children from age 6 can join depending on water level conditions.

How long do we spend on the river?

You’ll spend around 2–2.5 hours actually on the river paddling between waterfalls and swimming spots.

Do I need previous kayaking experience?

No prior experience is required; guides give full instructions at the start.

Are photos included in the price?

Yes; photos taken during your journey are included as a gift at no extra charge.