Introduction
Thinking about exploring Croatia’s countryside with a dash of adventure and a splash of water? This ATV Quad Tour in Dalmatia offers just that — a full day of riding through scenic landscapes, discovering river sources, and cooling off with a swim in the pristine Ruda River.
What makes this tour really shine are the breathtaking views, the friendly guides who know their stuff, and the unique swimming experience at the river’s source. The only caveat? It’s a 4.5-hour adventure, so you’ll want to be prepared for a fair bit of outdoor activity and off-road riding. This trip is perfect for those craving an active day out with plenty of natural beauty and authentic Croatian charm.
You can check if your dates are available here:What We Love About This Experience
Firstly, the guides are a highlight—knowledgeable, friendly, and eager to share the stories behind Croatia’s stunning scenery. Secondly, the waterfalls and river sources are truly spectacular, providing plenty of photo opportunities and a chance to connect with nature. Lastly, the value for money is impressive, especially considering it includes swimming, river visits, and a scenic ride along the Cetina River.
One thing to keep in mind is that participants should be comfortable with swimming and outdoor activities, as the tour involves both riding and swimming in natural waters. It’s also a small-group experience, so expect personalized attention from your guides.
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Good To Know
- Adventure and scenery combined make this tour memorable.
- Small group size ensures personalized guidance.
- Includes swimming — perfect for warm days.
- Knowledgeable guides enhance the experience.
- Great value with multiple highlights included.
- Transportation costs are extra if you need pickup.
The Itinerary Breakdown
Pickup and Drive to the Starting Point
The tour begins with a pickup at the Ul. Ivana Gundulia 29 Parking lot in Split, or if you prefer to meet directly at the starting point, it’s at QUAD SQUAD Trilj. Expect a 35-minute drive — giving you a chance to get excited about the day ahead and enjoy some initial scenic views.
A driver holding a “QUAD SQUAD” sign makes finding your guide straightforward, especially for those arriving on their own. If you opt for the pickup, note that transportation from Split is not included in the tour price and costs about $10 per person each way. The pickup time is an hour before the tour starts, giving you ample time to settle in and get your gear.
More Great Thing To Do NearbySafety Briefing and Introduction
Once at the quad base, there’s a 15-minute safety briefing. Here, your guides—who are friendly and engaging—will show you how to operate the quads and give tips for a safe and fun ride. Given the small group size (limited to 6 participants), you’ll receive personalized attention, which is especially helpful if you’re new to ATV riding.
Off-Road to the River Sources
The main adventure kicks off with a scenic 45-minute van ride to the first stop, the Izvor rijeke Rude (the source of the Ruda River). You’ll see parts of the Croatian countryside and maybe spot some local wildlife.
The highlight? Once you arrive, your guide will lead you on a guided tour of the river’s source, which takes about 2.58 hours. This part of the trip is where you’ll learn about the natural landscape, see the waterfalls of the Ruda and Grab rivers, and enjoy the tranquility of these pristine waters.
Swimming at the Ruda River Source
One of the most unique parts of this tour is the opportunity to swim in the natural source of the Ruda River. Reviewers like Harry and Chloe raved about how refreshing and memorable this experience was. They mentioned it was a “special experience,” and many said the cold, clear water was an unforgettable highlight.
You should be comfortable with swimming, as you’ll be in a natural, freshwater environment — no chlorinated pools here. A towel and change of clothes are recommended, especially if you want to lounge afterward or continue riding.
Waterfalls and Further Exploration
After the swim, the tour continues with visits to the waterfalls of the Ruda and Grab rivers. These waterfalls are admired for their natural beauty and are excellent spots for photos. Chloe mentioned, “Your out on the Quads for ages,” implying plenty of time to enjoy the scenery and take in the views.
The guides are well-versed in local stories and will point out interesting features along the way, making this more than just a ride — it’s an educational and immersive experience.
Ride Along the Cetina River
The last leg involves scenic riding along the Cetina River, Croatia’s largest river. This stretch offers a different perspective, with lush greenery and the sound of rushing water. It’s the perfect way to wind down your adventure, soaking in more of Croatia’s natural beauty.
Return Journey
After about 35 minutes back in the van, you’ll return to your starting point at the parking lot, ending your 4.5-hour adventure. If you booked the tour with an included pickup, your driver will be waiting to bring you back, making logistics easy.
What’s Included and What’s Not
The tour covers everything you need for a fun day outdoors: quad ATV riding, swimming in the river source, visits to waterfalls, and a scenic ride along the Cetina River. It’s an impressive lineup for the price of $94 per person — especially considering the multiple activities and the personalized experience.
What isn’t included is the pickup and drop-off from Split, which costs about $10 per person each way. For many travelers, this small extra fee is worthwhile for convenience, but if you’re staying locally in Trilj or nearby, you can meet directly at the quad base.
Why This Tour Works
Based on glowing reviews, the guides—like Filip and Angela—are praised for their friendliness and knowledge, making the experience both fun and informative. Many reviewers mentioned the beautiful scenery and great value, with the inclusion of a BBQ at the end being a particular highlight for Chloe, who called it “fabulous.”
Guests consistently appreciated the authenticity of the experience—riding through real Croatian landscapes, tasting the pure water from waterfalls, and learning about the environment from passionate guides. The tour’s small group size guarantees attention and a more intimate adventure.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a day of adventure, scenic beauty, and authentic Croatian nature, this ATV tour checks all the boxes. It’s perfect for active travelers who don’t mind getting a bit muddy, love natural landscapes, and want a memorable swimming experience in pristine waters.
While it’s not suitable for very young children (under 10), it offers excellent value for those seeking a combination of thrill and tranquility. The inclusion of time at waterfalls and river sources means you’ll leave with fantastic photos and stories to tell.
In short, this tour delivers a genuine taste of Croatia’s wild side, guided by caring locals who want to share their corner of paradise with you.
FAQs
Is transportation included in the tour?
Transportation from Split is not included in the tour price. If needed, you can request a pickup for $10 per person each way. Alternatively, you can meet directly at the QUAD SQUAD Trilj starting point.
How long is the ATV ride?
The entire experience lasts about 4.5 hours with a significant portion dedicated to riding, sightseeing, and swimming.
What should I bring?
Bring your driver’s license, comfortable clothes, and a change of clothes and towel for swimming. Sunscreen and a hat are also recommended.
Is this tour suitable for children?
No, it’s not suitable for children under 10 years old, mainly due to safety concerns with ATV riding and swimming.
Do I need to be a good swimmer?
Yes, you should be comfortable with swimming because part of the tour involves swimming in the river’s source.
What’s the price?
The tour costs $94 per person, offering good value for a full day of adventure and natural beauty.
Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
What languages are guides available in?
Guides speak Croatian and English, ensuring you’ll understand all the interesting facts and stories.
What is the group size?
The tour is a small group, limited to 6 participants, making it more personal and flexible.
The Sum Up
In a nutshell, this ATV Quad Tour with waterfall swim offers an engaging blend of adventure, scenic exploration, and authentic Croatian experiences. It’s particularly well suited for active travelers eager to see the countryside from a different perspective, and who don’t mind getting a little mud on their boots.
The inclusion of river swimming, waterfalls, and guided insight into the environment elevates this beyond just an ATV ride — it becomes a day of connection with nature. The small-group format ensures you’ll receive plenty of attention, and the overall cost provides excellent value considering the multiple highlights.
Whether you’re a thrill-seeker, a nature lover, or an explorer looking for a unique day out, this tour promises memories that will last long after you’ve left Croatia.
You can check if your dates are available here: