River
Neretva River
The gentlest of the major Balkan rafting rivers, and a good choice for absolute beginners or mixed-age groups.
Founder, from Ruma, Serbia
The Neretva is the gentlest big river trip in the Balkans, and one of the most scenic. It rises in the mountains of Herzegovina and flows through deep green canyons past Konjic and Mostar before reaching the Adriatic in Croatia. Its colour, a vivid emerald from the limestone bed, is the first thing everyone remembers.
Trips typically start at Glavatičevo and run 18 to 25 kilometres downstream toward Konjic, with Class II rapids broken up by long calm stretches, swimming stops and lunch on the riverbank. It's the obvious choice for absolute beginners, mixed-age groups and anyone who wants to enjoy the canyon rather than fight the water. The season runs from April to October, with livelier water in spring.
Konjic is the natural base, around an hour from both Sarajevo and Mostar, with riverside camps, guesthouses and a restored Ottoman stone bridge in the town centre. Many visitors pair a morning on the river with an afternoon in Mostar, where the same river flows beneath the famous Stari Most. From Mostar, the Kravice Waterfalls make an easy swim stop. The water stays cold all summer, so bring quick-drying clothes and a change for afterwards.
When to go
April through October, with Class II rapids staying manageable most of the season, making this one of the more forgiving rivers for a wide range of dates.
Getting there
Trips start from Glavatičevo, roughly an hour from Sarajevo or Mostar by car.
Plan your visit
What it costs, how long to allow, and where to base yourself.
Rafting day from Mostar from €75, breakfast and lunch
Half to full day
Konjic
Sarajevo, 1 hr
Trips you can book here
Guided tours run by local operators. Open a trip to see the price, what’s included and how the day runs.
Where to stay for Neretva rafting: Konjic by the river
Stay in Konjic, the town where most Neretva trips finish, around an hour from both Sarajevo and Mostar. Hotel Konak Konjic is the small, good-value pick in the centre, while Garden City Hotel Konjic suits families who want pools and a spa after a day on the water. If you would rather have a city break, base yourself in Mostar and book a rafting day with transfer instead.
Hotel Konak Konjic
Hotel
Price Range:
Budget
Small 11-room hotel in the centre with river views, its own restaurant and packed lunches on request for long days on the Neretva.
In Konjic centre
Garden City Hotel Konjic
Hotel
Price Range:
Upscale
The comfort pick: indoor and outdoor pools, a spa with sauna and hammam, and tennis courts, set in greenery near the Neretva.
By the Neretva, on the edge of Konjic
Who it's for
Best for: Absolute beginners, mixed-age groups and families who want scenery over adrenaline. The long calm stretches leave plenty of time to look up at the canyon, swim and eat lunch on the riverbank.
Skip it if: You are after whitewater thrills. Class II is gentle by Balkan standards, so experienced paddlers should head for the Vrbas or the Tara in spring instead.
Nearby places
Easy to combine on the same trip.
Neretva River questions
Is the Neretva good for beginners?
Yes, it's the gentlest of the region's major rafting rivers, with Class II rapids that keep the focus on scenery over adrenaline.
Where does the route end?
Most trips finish near Konjic, where a restored Ottoman stone bridge spans the river in the town centre.
How much time should I plan for the Neretva?
Half a day to a full day, depending on the trip you book. Konjic is the usual base.
How much does Neretva rafting cost?
Guided trips booked directly in Konjic run from around €40 to €60 per person, with gear, a guide and lunch. A full day from Mostar with pickup, rafting and meals starts around €75. Confirm current rates when booking.
Is the Neretva suitable for families?
Yes. The gentle Class II rapids and long flat sections make this the most family-friendly of the region's big rafting rivers. Check minimum ages with your operator, as they vary.
Is Neretva rafting worth it?
Yes, if you want a relaxed day in a spectacular green canyon. The emerald colour of the water is the thing everyone remembers, and it is the easiest introduction to rafting in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
What should I bring?
Swimwear, quick-drying clothes, a full change for afterwards, secure river shoes and sunscreen. The water stays cold all summer, so operators provide wetsuits along with the helmet and life jacket.
Can I combine it with Mostar?
Yes. Mostar is around an hour from Konjic, and the same river flows beneath Stari Most there, so a morning on the water and an afternoon in the old town works well.
Ready to raft the Neretva?
Full rafting day with private transfer from Mostar: the emerald Neretva canyon near Konjic, with a traditional Bosnian breakfast and lunch.
