This time, I wanted something in between an active vacation and complete relaxation, which is exactly why I chose a rafting trip down the Bakota River. I don’t think there’s a better way to fulfill that desire.
Rafting was a new experience for me, although this wasn’t my first time rafting down rivers.
This time, the route was quite long, so I was able to do more than just float down the river—I truly immersed myself in the rhythm of it all: the water, the beautiful scenery, the cliffs, nature, conversations, and evenings spent together.
At some point, you just stop rushing anywhere—and that, I think, was the most valuable part of the experience for me.
I’d also like to mention the scenery. It’s absolutely beautiful, and everything looks completely different from the water.
We were also very lucky with the weather—it was wonderful throughout the entire trip, so our experience was as positive as it could be.
I really liked the team. You can tell the guides really go the extra mile: they pay close attention to detail, constantly look out for the group, and are well-organized. And, of course, the food was a special treat.
The food was delicious and varied, and we always felt that they were going out of their way for us. Even in this setting, they managed to organize everything to a very high standard.
I was also pleasantly surprised by how much the team got involved in my birthday celebration. They found a way to wish me a happy birthday even during the rafting trip, which was especially nice and unexpected.
Moments like that really stick in your memory.
There were also some moments that were challenging for me. As it turned out once we got there, the participants who were assigned to boats with guides ended up with boats that were a bit harder to steer.
Because of this, we sometimes got the feeling that the other boats were moving much more easily, while we had to put in a lot more effort. At some point, it even started to get on our nerves, especially when we just wanted to enjoy the experience.
I think this is something to keep in mind when organizing future rafting trips.
As for the group—it was quite a mixed bunch, with very different people, and at first there wasn’t a sense of any particular unity. But by the last evening, everyone had gotten to know each other well, started talking, and the atmosphere had become much warmer.
There were many interesting conversations and pleasant interactions.
After returning home, I was left with a very pleasant feeling and, most importantly, the satisfaction that I had gone after all.
I got exactly what I came for: an active experience without being exhausted, nature without having to hike in the mountains for several days, water, people, and the chance to slow down a bit.
I would definitely recommend this itinerary to anyone who isn’t really up for a long mountain hike but loves water, nature, and adventure.
It’s not exactly a passive vacation, but it’s definitely not the kind of trip that leaves you needing another vacation right after 🙂
For me, this rafting trip was, above all, about finding peace. It was about a few days when you can put all your worries aside, stop rushing, and just be in the here and now.
And it’s precisely for that feeling that I would return to Bakota again.
