Water tourism is not just an active vacation, it is a real adventure story that will give you the opportunity to see Ukraine from a completely new, original and atypical perspective. What could be more beautiful than the calm flow of a river surrounded by picturesque banks, or a steep descent through mountain streams with adrenaline rushing through your blood? In Ukraine, this type of tourism is especially appreciated because of the steep variety of routes: from quiet plain rivers to stormy mountain rapids - each rafting trip will show you something special.
Along our rivers are ancient castles, wild natural landscapes, mysterious rocks and incredible canyons. Water tourism in Ukraine is a true combination of aesthetics and extreme sports. And the most interesting thing is that such adventures are available in almost every corner of the country. Our special KuluarSplav program opens Ukraine to you in a whole new way. Are you ready?
Depending on the level of training and the nature of the reservoir, rafting differs in complexity and type of route. Let's take a look at their main types and categories to understand which one is most suitable for whom.
It is also worth distinguishing between the following types of water tourism:
Kayaking is one of the most popular ways to travel on water tourist routes. The kayak itself is a lightweight and maneuverable boat that is suitable for rafting on both flat and mountain rivers. It is designed for one person (or two, if tandem), which allows for maximum control. Such transport is used for passing difficult rapids and fast flows, and is perfect for non-categorical walks on calm rivers.
Rafting is a good choice for team rafting. It is carried out on mountain rivers, where it is necessary to overcome rapids and obstacles. The vessel on which the rafting takes place is a large inflatable boat designed for several people. It requires tandem and coordination of all participants.
Catamaran rafting is a rafting activity on a boat that consists of two parallel hulls connected by a frame. Thanks to their design, catamarans provide good stability and speed on the water. They are used for rafting on both calm and stormy rivers. The technique of synchronized rowing at a high level is a must-have. They are not used that often.
The difficulty of water hiking is determined by a number of factors, such as the speed of the current, the number and complexity of rapids, elevation changes, and the presence of obstacles. River routes are classified into six categories of difficulty:
Looking for adventure, moderate extreme and unforgettable views? You are at the right place! Kayaking on the mountain rivers of the Carpathians is exactly what you need! The Carpathian water tourist routes with their mountain streams are characterized by transience, swirling currents and explosive emotional banks... majestic mountains, dense forests, crystal clear waterfalls... mesmerizing!
Or maybe your priority is to see the place where the Dniester spills into a huge blue lagoon, where the calm surface of the water reflects the sky and rocks, creating a feeling of absolute silence and peace... a place where time slows down and nature envelops everyone with its warmth. Well, right now we open the curtain for you and show you the most interesting water routes from KuluarSplav 😉
Kayaking on the Desna is an incredible option for a family vacation. By the way, you can take your pets on this tour 😉 The Desna is known for its numerous bends and floodplains, charming with its waywardness from the first minutes of the trip. Its pretty currents are replaced by quite strong and playful rifts, adding dynamics to the rafting. The river is surrounded by dense green forests that stretch on both sides, creating a cool shade on hot days. On the coast, you will find willow trees leaning down to the water, as if inviting you to plunge into its coolness. Fields and meadows covered with grasses, and there are also many sandy islands and shoals. By the way, there are few large cities or industrial enterprises along the Desna, so the river remains clean and has a lot of fish.
Rafting on the Snov River on kayaks and SUP boards - here every bend of the river will paint you a new picture: forest thickets reflected in the mirror water, green fields where wildlife thrives without human intervention, flowering meadows filled with the aromas of herbs and wildflowers. No city noise, only the whisper of the wind and the splash of water!
The river Snov flows through the picturesque landscapes of Chernihiv region and is a right tributary of the Desna. A special decoration of the river is the numerous water lilies and water lilies that seem to adorn the surface. They give the water even more tenderness and magic, it seems that you are in the world of nature, where every detail breathes harmony.
Rafting on the Irsha River is a first-class choice for beginners or couples. The absence of rapids or fast sections will allow you to "savor" the scenery without risk and unnecessary difficulties. This is an ideal place for those who want to relax, exploring the river without haste. The Irsha originates in the Zhytomyr region and flows into the Teteriv near the city of Malyn. Its total length is about 130 km. Along the river, there is a full variety of greenery - oaks, willows, pines... It is worth mentioning the ancient mills that can be found here in some parts of the river. They seem to take you back to the old days, creating a warm and cozy atmosphere.
Rafting on the Teterev is a fast-moving current, cozy sandy beaches... and mighty granite rocks that envelop pine forests. On inflatable kayaks, you will start sailing along a narrow, winding river, where you will find rifts and rapids, adrenaline and miraculous nature. But that's not all! If you wish, you can also visit the Korostyshiv granite quarry, the mysterious Radomyshl castle and get in the mood for a great time!
Rafting on the Ros River is an adventure that will open up a real corner of Ukrainian nature. The river, which flows through Kyiv and Cherkasy regions, impresses with its picturesque landscapes, clear waters that envelop numerous islands and rocky shores. Flocks of fish frolic here, fluttering under the surface 😉 In addition, the river passes through several protected areas, where rare species of birds and animals can be found on the shore.
Rafting on the Irda swamp is a journey into a completely different world, where nature lives according to its own laws, hiding its riches from prying eyes. Imagine... a light fog rises over the water, sunlight breaks through the dense "corridors" of reeds, and the silence around fills every moment with peace and mysterious locations. Here, narrow water paths diverge in different directions, leading you into deep thickets and tall reeds that form real green walls. Irdyne Swamp belongs to the nature reserve fund of Cherkasy region and is a hydrological reserve of local importance.
Rafting on the Uzh River will open up one of the most remote and least populated parts of Ukraine. Here, impenetrable forests give way to swamps, dense reeds turn into willow swamps... everything is just like in the "Forest Song" 😉
Beavers, herons and various waterfowl will be happy to give you a fashion show! The Uzh originates in the Kyiv region, near the village of Ivankiv (yes, not the one in Zakarpattia), and then flows through the dense forests and swamps of Polissia, crossing the Chernihiv region. The river flows into the Desna, which in turn carries its waters to the Dnipro.
Expert advice: to make your vacation safe and informative, and to bring you pleasant emotions and sensations, it is important to consider what to take from clothes, shoes, and rafting equipment - read our detailed article.
Rafting on the Southern Bug River is a mix of calm areas and powerful rapids, the presence of rifts that sometimes reach several hundred meters, as well as beautiful displays of proud and long rocky walls - canyons up to 80 meters high. Rising from a height, the river flaunts completely different shots, each of which is a work of art. Oh, it's worth seeing the Bug Grand Canyon!
Ukraine's third-longest river originates in the Podilska Upland, near the village of Kholodets in Khmelnytskyi Oblast, and flows south through Khmelnytskyi, Vinnytsia, Mykolaiv, and Kirovohrad Oblasts to the Black Sea.
One of the favorite rivers of the KULUAR club, and also the most beautiful in Ukraine... Where is the Dniester and why is it so special? This waterway originates on the northeastern slopes of the Carpathians and stretches through western Ukraine and Moldova, flowing into the Black Sea. The total length is over 1300 km, of which about 925 km flow through Ukraine. For rafting, the most interesting part of the Dniester Canyon is located in Ternopil, Ivano-Frankivsk, and Chernivtsi regions. That's why Kuluar has prepared a kayaking trip on the Dniester River, choosing the very heart of this canyon. One of the seven natural wonders of Ukraine is proudly included in the list of the largest canyons in Europe!
Huge limestone cliffs that drop right into the water, narrow winding channels and dense forests on the banks create a fabulous atmosphere. The river is calm, with light rifts, so it is suitable for both beginners and experienced kayakers. In a team with experienced Kuluar Splav team leaders, you will go through simple but spectacular routes lasting from 2 to 5 days, which were chosen from the most interesting parts of the river.
Imagine for a moment... you are kayaking along the quiet surface of the Dniester, the water shines under the gentle sunlight, and a huge amphitheater of mighty rocks covered with emerald forests spreads around you. Ahead of you is a place that seems to be forgotten in time, where the peace and harmony of nature tempts everyone. This is Bakota, the pearl of the Podil region, a hidden city flooded with water that keeps the secrets of ancient history.
Would you like to travel in time? Then kayaking to Bakota is for you!
Bakota used to be a prosperous settlement, but in 1981, after the construction of the Novodnistrovska hydroelectric power station, the town and neighboring villages were flooded by the waters of the reservoir. Today, this place is shrouded in legends and a special aura, as only a part of the ancient monastery above the water reminds us of its past.
The height of the rock-fortresses reaches more than 100 meters! And what magical sunrises there are! The sun, rising or hiding behind the horizon, shimmers in the water, and the shadows of rocks and trees dance on its surface, as if coming to life in the rays of light. You will observe this moment of real natural theater just by floating down the river... And then St. Michael's Rock Monastery is a place of power. It is said that the water in the springs near it has healing properties, and the local spirit helps to heal the soul. Believe me, and this is only a part of what awaits you.
We invite you to watch our video review of kayaking to Bakota
The real pearls of the Carpathians are dynamic, transparent, like crystal that sparkles in the sun, creating incredible color gradients - from turquoise to blue. These rivers are full of life, and their constantly moving waters make their way through steep slopes and rocky banks. The mountain rivers of the Carpathians are definitely real sources of energy. So let's get to them)
Rafting on the Opir River is a real adrenaline rush with stormy rapids and rapid rifts. Here you will fight the waves, feeling the heartbeat of nature's rhythm. The local picturesque rocks surrounded by lush greenery are something special... The river originates on the southern slopes of Mount Boykivska (at an altitude of about 1000 meters above sea level) in Ivano-Frankivsk region, and in the lower reaches it enters the territory of Lviv region.
Rafting on the Bystrets River is a tour along the mountainous rapid river along spruce and beech forests, passing unusual rock formations. The Bystrets originates near the village of the same name, not far from the foot of the highest point of Ukraine (Mount Hoverla). The river flows through the Verkhovyna district, which is famous for its unspoiled natural landscapes. The Bystrets flows into the Black Cheremosh River, one of the most famous for extreme rafting.
Rafting on the Cheremosh River is like riding a roller coaster, only in the arms of nature. The enjoyment of water cascades, scenery of mountains and forests is complemented by the sounds of nature. As one of the main rivers of the Carpathian region, the Cheremosh flows mainly through Ivano-Frankivsk and Chernivtsi regions, capturing beautiful natural landscapes.
Rafting on the Prut River will show you mountain peaks, meadows and coniferous forests. In addition, you will have the opportunity to get acquainted with local attractions - Probiy waterfall and the Carpathian Canyon. The Prut River originates in the heart of the Carpathians, at an altitude of over 1,400 meters in the Ivano-Frankivsk region. Flowing through numerous beautiful places, the river crosses into the Chernivtsi region and then flows into the Dniester.
Rafting on the Tysa River is quite a journey! The mood of the Tysa changes from threshold to threshold: its waters are either rushing, or calm down, allowing you to relax and admire the beauty of the area. Clean air, drive and crossing the geographical center of Europe! The largest river in Transcarpathia originates in the Carpathians, in Ukraine, and stretches through Hungary, Romania and Serbia. In the Zakarpattia region, it begins at the confluence of two rivers, the White and Black Tisza, flowing through Rakhiv, Khust, and Vynohradiv.
We at KULUAR are looking forward to the warm season to gather our teams again and go on a journey not only along mountain trails, but also along waterways 😉 Follow the announcements in our social networks аnd join us!
