What is rafting? Trip by inflatable boat along white water rivers, in Bulgaria they are: Struma, Iskar, Arda, Chaya, etc. The beginning of rafting worldwide dates back to 1811, when it was the first attempt to cross the Snake River, and was unsuccessful due to a lack of any equipment and experience. In the 1940s, Clyde Smith made a successful crossing along the river. In Bulgaria, the first rafting trip took place in the late 1990s. Rafting BG started operations in 2001.
Is rafting safe? Rafting is an extreme sport that is safe in case the instructions of rafting instructors and lifeguards are followed. Compliance with the conditions of the river and the weather are also of great importance.
Can I go with the kids? Rafting BG welcomes young adventurers who are interested in extreme sports and rafting. A more favorable season for children is late spring and summer, when it is safe them to take part in the rafting adventure. Our club has quality equipment for the small participants – neoprene, shoes, jackets, cardigans and helmets.
Where is more extreme on the Struma or on the Iskar River? Struma River is a river with higher grade, with more extreme rapids, but also at a high level of the Iskar River there are large waves and rapids become dangerous. At normal levels of Iskar river, the river is suitable for rafting with children and people who have no experience in rafting and would like to acquire one.
Do you organize teambuilding? Yes, we regularly organize team building programs both at our rafting center and all over the country. We prepare individual programs for our clients, including various activities: rafting, kayaking, canyoning, climbing, paintball, shooting, fun and logical games, treasure search, etc.
Can I join the rafting alone? Yes, in weekends we have other formed groups that you could join on your own. You may come alone, but you will leave with many friends.
How many large groups can you take? Our club has equipment and instructors for groups of over 100 people.
Can I join a kayak program myself? Yes, we organize both one-day and several daily kayak programs. They are organized with a minimum number of 6 people, and there are different groups that are recorded and you can join some of them. You may come alone, and you will meet many different people, some of them becoming your new friends.
Is there anything else to do in the area? Yes, the rafting center has a fun rope garden – a wonderful entertainment for children and adults. The big attraction is also a 100m zipline that starts over the river. On hot summer days we also organize canyoning on Vlahi River. For groups we organize paintball, shooting, teambuilding games.
How many people gather in the boats? The size of the boats is determined by the size of the companies, and we have different sizes – for 4/6/8/10 people.
Should I be able to swim? It is not necessary to be able to swim, but it is good to know how to. We provide you with the necessary equipment – PFD, neoprene, helmet, which help you to be on the surface of the water in case you fall off the boat. If you are not able to swim, we kindly ask you to inform the instructor of your boat about this.
What should I bring for rafting/canyoning? Towel, swimsuit, T-shirt, slippers. Everything else will provide for you. The towel is for after the activity, as we have warm showers.
Do I have a place to park my car? Park your car at our rafting center, which has its own parking lot. The trip starts from the rafting center of Rafting BG.
How do we get back when we get off the boats? After the trip is complete, we take you with the equipment to the rafting center of the Rafting BG.
Are there safes where we can lock our valuables? Yes, at the rafting center we have safes that you can use.
Is it possible to come with a pet? Yes, we have a large area where you could leave a pet. It is advisable to be tied up so as not to bother the other participants.
I don’t want to go down with a boat, is there a place to wait for my friends? Yes, come in. We have a bar, tables and chairs on the banks of the river.
When is rafting taking place? Rafting takes place mainly between March and October, every day is held and advanced reservation is needed. In good weather and upon request, we could organize outside the specified period.
How can I find you?
The coordinates of Struma rafting center are: 41.847986,23.141863 , to the methan station after the city of Simitli. 120km from Sofia, before entering Kresna gorge. On Google: Rafting BG.
The coordinates of Iskar rafting base are: 43.088337, 23.385043
How long does rafting last? The stay in the water is about 1.5-2 hours, depending on the river level. In total, it takes about 3 hours, including instruction, changing, and transport along the route.
How long is the rafting route? Rafting BG offers the longest route along the Struma River, 13km during the spring full-year, and 8km in the summer.