Rafting down the Cetina Canyon from Omiš

What it is

A raft descent of about 10 km through the canyon of the Cetina river, inland from Omiš, with a guide. The Cetina alternates calm stretches with short rapids, class 2 to 3, so it suits families with children from age 6 and anyone who has never rafted before. You paddle between rock walls, forest and old terraces overgrown with scrub.

The canyon

The Cetina canyon has been protected as a landscape of special value since December 2016, and its lower course since 1963. It is managed by the public body More i krš. It extends from the Prančevići dam to the river mouth at Omiš: in some stretches the slopes open out and walls of old fields can be seen, and in others the canyon narrows between vertical walls. Its best-known waterfalls are the Velika and Mala Gubavica. The river has several endemic fish species and, on the walls, cliff birds. The body itself warns that intensive tourism, with rafting, kayaking, climbing or canyoning, must be controlled so as not to damage the canyon: follow the guide's instructions and leave nothing on the banks.

Who runs it

Active Holidays, an Omiš company with an office at Knezova Kačića 2, which also does canyoning, kayaking and zip lining on the Cetina.

• Duration: 3 to 4 hours, between preparation and the descent.
• Departures: two a day, at 9:30 and 14:00.
• Minimum age: 6.
• Includes: guide, life jacket, helmet and paddle, insurance and transfer to the starting point and back. A photographer accompanies the group; photos are paid for separately.
• Price: the website does not publish it; ask when booking.

Before boarding the guide gives the safety instructions and goes with the group for the whole descent.

What to bring

T-shirt, swimming costume and dry clothes for afterwards, a towel, footwear with a rubber sole that can get wet (no flip-flops), water and sun cream. Valuables are best left in the car or at your accommodation.

Getting to Omiš

Omiš is about 25 km south-east of Split along the coast road. Without a car, ask at the Split bus station about the coastal buses that stop at Omiš. Confirm with the company where the meeting point is and whether the transfer leaves from its office.

Season

It runs from spring to autumn. The river's flow changes with the season and the rain, so ask the company what the river is like on the date you are interested in.

With children

The minimum age is 6 and the company presents it as an activity for the whole family. For small children choose the morning departure, with less heat. Everyone wears a helmet and life jacket.

If the weather changes

With storms or floods, the company may change the time or cancel the departure. Ask when booking how they let you know and what happens with payment.

To round off the day

In the same canyon is the Cetina zip line, also from Omiš. With rafting departures at 9:30 and 14:00, you can combine the two on the same day. If you get back to Split hungry, the Pazar market is next to the palace.