Family rafting on the Neretva

A calmer stretch, the same river

Family rafting runs the gentler water of the Neretva rather than the full classic route. Same river, same gear, same licensed skipper — what changes is which section you go down and how hard the water pushes back.

It exists for groups where somebody would not enjoy the classic route: children, adults who are nervous about the idea, mixed-age families who came for the day out rather than the adrenaline.

Children from six can join. Gear is provided for everyone in the boat, and the safety briefing happens at the base before you launch rather than on the water.

How it compares to classic rafting

You are still on the water for a proper session with breaks, and lunch at the base is included the same way. What changes is the intensity: fewer and smaller rapids, more time drifting and actually looking at the canyon.

At €35 per person it is also the cheapest way onto the Neretva with an operator — €15 less than the classic route.

If half your group wants the harder water, look at classic rafting for them and book the two trips separately rather than compromising on one.

Who it's for, and who it isn't

Families with children, groups with mixed confidence in water, and anyone who wants the river without the parts that make people grip the rope.

It is not the trip to book if you came for rapids. Class II–III on the classic route is the one people describe as exciting; this one gets described as beautiful.

What's included

• ✓4–5h on the water
• ✓Gear included
• ✓Licensed skipper
• ✓Lunch at base

What's not included

• —Transport to Konjic — the transfer from Sarajevo is a separate add-on
• —The visit to Tito's bunker, which is optional
• —Anything you buy at the base beyond the included lunch

Both add-ons are chosen when you book: the transfer from Sarajevo is €30 per person, and the visit to Tito's bunker is €25 per person.

What to bring

The operator provides the gear you raft in. Bring:

• ✓Swimwear to raft in
• ✓A towel and a full change of dry clothes
• ✓Shoes that can get wet and stay on your feet
• ✓Sunscreen, and a strap if you wear glasses
• ✓A little cash for anything extra at the base

Where you'll be: Konjic on the Neretva

The base is near Konjic, in the valley the Neretva runs through, about 50 minutes south of Sarajevo. That proximity is the practical argument for rafting here instead of driving roughly two hours in each direction to the Tara.

If you don't have a car, the transfer from Sarajevo costs €30 per person and can be added to the family or classic trip — or you can book rafting with transfer at €80, which already includes the drive in both directions.

Booking, deposit and cancellation

Pick a date and the number of guests. The booking is checked against the operator's capacity for that departure and confirmed instantly — or not at all.

A 20% deposit is charged by card and the balance is paid on site on the day. Cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before departure; if we have to move the trip, you choose between another date and a full refund.

Who runs your day on the river

Via Neretva sells this trip and is responsible for it. The day itself is run by a licensed rafting operator based in Konjic — their skippers, their boats, their briefing.

We name that operator, with the licence they run under and a phone number, in your confirmation. Before you pay we can't, because capacity moves between partners; after you pay there is no reason not to.

Questions about this trip