Blagoevgrad: Rafting on Struma River

Imagine paddling through Bulgaria’s most exciting river stretch, surrounded by dramatic canyon walls and rushing rapids. That’s exactly what you get with the Rafting on Struma River tour in Blagoevgrad. From the moment you arrive, it’s clear this experience is well-organized with safety and comfort in mind, making it a great choice for adventurers seeking an authentic outdoor thrill.

What we love about this tour are the experienced guides, the full range of top-quality equipment, and the convenient location close to Sofia and Bansko. The hot showers and private parking add a comfortable touch after a wild ride. One thing to keep in mind is that the tour duration is around 3 hours, which is perfect for a half-day adventure, but it’s not a full day of rafting if that’s what you’re after. This experience appeals to active travelers, groups, and anyone eager to try white water rafting in Bulgaria’s best spot.

Good To Know

• Professional Guides: All guides speak English and Russian, with years of experience.
• Full Equipment Provided: Includes neoprene suits, shoes, jackets, helmets, and PFDs for safety and comfort.
• Prime Location: Close to Sofia and Bansko, with easy transfer arrangements.
• Safety Oriented: Safety briefing before the trip, options for extreme experiences, and insurance included.
• Versatile Water Levels: 10-13 km runs depending on water conditions, with varied rapids.
• Additional Comforts: Changing rooms, hot showers, toilets, lockers, and secure parking enhance the experience.

You can check if your dates are available here:

The Experience: What to Expect

Arrival and Preparation

Your adventure begins at the Rafting base “Rafting BG”, conveniently situated with GPS coordinates 41.847986,23.141863, next to a gas station. Here, you’ll meet your guides, who are fluent in English and Russian, and get a thorough safety briefing. This is a crucial step, especially if you’re new to rafting, as they’ll explain how to handle the raft, what to expect along the river, and safety protocols.

The premises are well-equipped, with changing rooms, lockers, and hot showers. You’ll be able to leave your valuables secured while you gear up in your neoprene suit, shoes, jacket, and helmet. The full equipment ensures you stay warm and protected, even in cooler weather or during splashy rapids.

The Journey to the River

A key feature of this tour is the optimized organization and transfer. Once geared up, you’ll hop onto a comfortable transfer vehicle that takes you to the starting point along the river. This single transfer approach minimizes fuss and maximizes your time on the water.

Paddling Through Kresna Gorge

The Kresna Gorge offers Bulgaria’s best river track for white water rafting, known for its exciting rapids and scenic beauty. When water levels are high, you’ll cover a 13 km run; in lower water, the route adjusts to 8 or 10 km. The variation in length is a smart adaptation, ensuring safety and a consistent experience regardless of river conditions.

Throughout the trip, you’ll encounter various rapids with different profiles and difficulty levels, making it suitable for both beginners and more experienced paddlers. The guides are skilled at tailoring the adventure — whether you want a gentle ride or a more adrenaline-fueled outing.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Swimming and Jumping Opportunities

One highlight many reviewers mention is the chance to swim in the deep parts of the river, with guides informing you of safe spots. There are also rocks from which you can jump into the river, offering a fun break from paddling. Heights vary, so everyone from cautious swimmers to thrill-seekers can find a comfortable spot.

The End of the Trip

After approximately 3 hours on the water, you’ll return to the base, where hot showers and toilets await. The entire tour typically lasts between 3 and 3.5 hours, including transfer, briefing, and the river experience.

Additional Comforts & Safety

The tour emphasizes safety first. Besides the pre-ride briefing, the guides are trained and experienced, ensuring you’re in good hands. Insurance is included, which adds peace of mind. For those interested in capturing the moment, optional photography services are available for purchase.

Practical Details & Tips

What to Bring

Travelers are advised to bring a towel, bathing suit or shorts, a t-shirt or thermal shirt if it’s cooler, and flip-flops or sandals for after the trip. Sunscreen (preferably biodegradable) is recommended to avoid harming the environment. Remember to have cash handy for extras like photos or snacks.

What’s Included & What’s Not

The tour fee covers all the full equipment, experienced guides, safety briefing, private parking, changing rooms, hot showers, toilets, insurance, and transfer. Extras such as transportation from hotels, food, drinks, or souvenirs are not included.

Who Should Avoid This Tour

This activity isn’t suitable for children under 4, pregnant women, or individuals over 95 years old. The weight limit is 130 kg (287 lbs), and the tour requires a basic level of physical ability.

Booking & Cancellation

Booking is flexible — you can reserve your spot now and pay later, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. This flexibility makes it easier to plan your trip without worry.

The Itinerary in Detail

• Start at “Rafting BG”: Arrive, meet guides, get safety instructions, change into gear.
• Transfer to the river: Organized and streamlined, avoiding unnecessary travel time.
• Rafting session: Experience Bulgaria’s best rafting route through the Kresna gorge, with opportunities to swim and jump.
• Return to base: Post-rafting showers, changing, relaxing, and sharing photos.

Final Thoughts

This rafting tour offers a well-rounded adventure with an emphasis on safety, comfort, and natural beauty. The experienced guides and full equipment make it suitable for beginners who want a taste of white water excitement, while the varied rapids and scenic canyon keep it engaging for more seasoned paddlers. The location’s proximity to Sofia and Bansko adds convenience without sacrificing the wild river experience.

If you’re after an authentic outdoor adventure that balances thrill with comfort, this trip could be just what you’re looking for. The organized transfer, private parking, and facilities mean you spend less time on logistics and more on enjoying Bulgaria’s best river.

This tour is ideal for active travelers, groups, families (over 4 years old), and anyone eager to experience Bulgaria’s natural landscapes from a different perspective. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just craving an adrenaline rush, this rafting trip delivers fun, safety, and stunning scenery.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for beginners? Yes. The safety briefing and experienced guides make it accessible for first-timers, though it’s important to listen carefully to instructions.

How long does the rafting last? The actual rafting experience lasts about 3 hours, with the total tour including transfer and preparation around 3.5 hours.

What equipment do I need to bring? You should bring a towel, bathing suit or shorts, a T-shirt or thermal shirt if cool, flip-flops or sandals, and biodegradable sunscreen.

Can I swim or jump into the river? Yes, there are deep spots for swimming and rocks suitable for jumping with different heights, as long as guides inform you of safe locations.

What safety measures are in place? Guides give a safety briefing before the trip, and insurance is included. The equipment is full and high-quality.

Is transportation to the rafting base included? No, transportation from your hotel is not included, but the base is easy to reach and offers organized transfer after the trip.

Are there age or weight restrictions? Yes. Not suitable for children under 4, pregnant women, or people over 95 years old or 130 kg (287 lbs).

Whether you’re a thrill-seeker or just want to try something exciting, this rafting adventure on the Struma River offers great value, safety, and unforgettable scenery. It’s a top choice for those staying near Sofia or Bansko, eager to experience Bulgaria’s best white water in a well-organized setting.

You can check if your dates are available here: