Experience canyoning on the Cetina River near Zadvarje—jump, slide, and abseil through Croatia’s most thrilling canyon adventure!
Deep in the Dalmatian hinterland near Split, the Cetina River has carved its path through stone and time, shaping a mystical landscape of dramatic canyons, sculpted rock walls, and crystalline pools. Flowing from a turquoise spring that bursts forth from the depths of Croatia’s karst terrain, the Cetina meanders through fertile fields and plunges into steep gorges before meeting the Adriatic Sea at Omiš.
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While rafting on the Cetina has long been a favorite thrill, it’s canyoning that truly reveals the river’s raw, untamed beauty. The wildest and most awe-inspiring section lies near the village of Zadvarje, where the canyon narrows and sunlight barely touches the riverbed during the height of summer. Here, massive boulders and foaming waterfalls create a world where even rafting becomes impossible — canyoning is the only way forward.
Wade through emerald pools, abseil down thundering waterfalls, and leap into deep natural basins — canyoning the Cetina is not just a sport; it’s an immersive journey into one of Croatia’s most dramatic natural wonders.
📍 Where Is It?
The canyoning tour starts near Zadvarje, a small village about 50 minutes by car from Split. The Cetina River, famous for its stunning karst formations and turquoise waters, cuts through steep cliffs and lush greenery, creating a playground for adventure lovers.
You can easily reach Zadvarje by car, bus, or as part of an organized day tour from Split, Omiš, or Makarska.
Learn more about river canyoning!
When to Go
The canyoning season runs from May to October, with July and August being the most popular months. This is when the water is warmer, the sun is high, and the light filtering through the canyon creates magical colors. If you prefer fewer crowds and milder temperatures, late May, June, and September are ideal.
💡 Note: Tours are weather-dependent. After heavy rains, conditions can become unsafe, so always book with a reputable operator who monitors river conditions closely.
🧗♀️ What to Expect
Canyoning on the Cetina means diving into the heart of nature — literally. The route near Zadvarje is considered moderate in difficulty, and usually takes 3–4 hours. All under the guidance of experienced and certified canyoning guides.
As the expedition begins, your guide equips you with a neoprene wetsuit, helmet, life jacket, and neoprene jacket. After a short descent into the gorge, the sound of the river grows louder. Just ten minutes later, you’re surrounded by towering cliffs up to 180 meters high, and you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into another world.
From here on, it’s pure magic.
You’ll walk through the river, navigate gentle rapids, swim in emerald pools, and squeeze through subterranean tunnels carved by water over thousands of years. Along the way, you’ll pass hidden lakes and waterfalls — including the impressive Great Gubavica, a 53-meter-high waterfall that marks one of the biggest highlights of the adventure.
But this is more than just walking and swimming.
The experience also includes two exhilarating rope descents down cliffs — an adrenaline-pumping way to truly experience the canyon vertically:
The first abseil takes you down 53 meters alongside Great Gubavica, as the waterfall roars beside you. One guide lowers you while another waits below near the misty plunge pool.
The second descent, near Mala Gubavica, is 18 meters and offers a different but equally thrilling view of the surrounding canyon walls.
Every moment is designed to be immersive and unforgettable — whether you’re floating under a waterfall or peeking into hidden rock corridors.
🧢 What Gear Do You Need?
Good news — everything is provided by the tour operator! That includes: Wetsuit (to keep you warm), helmet, life jacket, harness and ropes (for abseiling), dry bag or small waterproof container (for essentials).
You just need to bring: swimwear (to wear under the wetsuit), towel and dry clothes for after the tour, sturdy water shoes or sneakers that can get wet (some tours provide shoes), GoPro or waterproof phone case if you want photos — but always check with your guide first!
✅ Who Can Join?
Most canyoning tours on the Cetina are suitable for beginners with basic fitness, and you don’t need prior experience. However, you should feel comfortable in water and be able to hike over uneven terrain.
Minimum age: Usually around 10–12 years old
Not suitable: For people with injuries, mobility issues, or fear of heights
💰 Prices & Booking
Expect to pay between €50–€70 per person, depending on the provider and what’s included (e.g., transport, photos, snacks). Most tours can be booked:
Online (Viator, GetYourGuide, or direct tour company websites)
In person in Split, Omiš, or Makarska tourist agencies
🏞️ Why Canyoning Here Is Unique
The Cetina isn’t just any river — it’s Croatia’s longest river in Dalmatia, and its canyon near Zadvarje is one of the most dramatic natural landscapes in the region. The water has sculpted smooth stone slides, narrow gorges, and hidden waterfalls over thousands of years.
This part of the canyon is so narrow and wild that rafting isn’t even possible — canyoning is the only way to explore it.
🌿 Extra Tips
Go early in the day to avoid heat and crowds.
Bring snacks and water for after the tour — there’s usually a small café in Zadvarje.
Combine your canyoning trip with a visit to Omiš or the beautiful Gubavica waterfall, just a short walk away.
Wear sunscreen — even though you’re in the canyon, parts are exposed to the sun.
Final Thoughts
Canyoning on the Cetina River isn’t just an adventure — it’s a journey into a secret world, hidden between towering cliffs and fed by the heartbeat of the river. Whether you’re leaping into deep pools or rappelling beside a waterfall, every moment is pure thrill.
If you’re up for a wild, unforgettable experience in Croatia — this is it.
For best experience, go with Adventure Dalmatia.
Goran Šafarek, biologist, author of several books and films about Croatia. Don’t forget to follow us on our Instagram, Twitter and Facebook
