Is Tara River rafting safe? If you're planning to raft through Europe's deepest canyon and you're travelling with kids or have never sat in a raft, it's a fair question. The good news: Tara rafting with a licensed guide and proper equipment is safe for beginners and families alike - as long as you choose the right time of the season. Below we explain how water levels affect difficulty, what our safety measures include, and how to pick the date that suits you.
Tara River Rafting - How Safe Is It?
The Tara River flows through a canyon up to 1.3 km deep at Ćurevac. The stretch we run on our one-day trip, from Brštanovica to Šćepan Polje (Scepan Polje), is about 14 km long, with rapids whose difficulty depends on the water level. Our team has been rafting the Tara for 15 years and has completed more than 1,700 tours. Our founder Boris Kosić is an International Rafting Federation (IRF) licensed whitewater guide and an ILS lifeguard instructor.
Water Levels Through the Season - When Is Rafting Easiest?
Like all mountain rivers, the Tara depends on how much snow fell over winter. The rafting season runs from mid-April to the end of October:
| April - May | High water, fast river, class IV and IV+ rapids. For adrenaline seekers with basic fitness. |
| June | Water levels drop, the river is still lively. A great balance of excitement and safety. |
| July - October | Lower water, calmer sections. Ideal for families with small children and complete beginners. |
For more on timing, read our guide to the best time to visit Montenegro for adventure sports.
Safety Measures on Our Rafting Tour
Equipment
- Life vest - worn for the entire trip
- Helmet
- Neoprene suit and boots - the Tara is cold all year, around 12-18°C even in August
Briefing and Boat Groups
After gathering at Šćepan Polje and having breakfast, we drive you about 20 minutes by van to the put-in at Brštanovica. There you get a full safety briefing: how to paddle, how to stay in the raft, what to do if you fall out and which commands the guide uses. We split into groups of 5 to 10 people per raft, and every raft has its own guide.
A Guide Who Knows the River
Your guide picks the line through each rapid, assesses that day's water level and adapts the trip to the group. If conditions aren't safe, the trip is rescheduled.
What If I Fall Out of the Raft?
Falling out is the most common "incident" on a rafting trip and it usually ends in laughter. Your life vest keeps you afloat. During the briefing you learn the safe swimming position - on your back, feet pointing downstream - and how to grab the rope or paddle your guide reaches out to you. Stay calm and follow the commands.
Tara Rafting With Kids
We happily take families on the one-day trip. Children up to 12 pay €55 instead of €75, and minors must be accompanied by an adult. For families with small children we recommend July onwards, when the water is lower and the river calmer. Let us know your children's ages when you book so we can prepare the right gear.
Tips for Safe Rafting
- No alcohol before rafting - it's forbidden
- Bring a swimsuit and a towel; we provide everything else
- Tell your guide about any health issues or if you can't swim
- Never tie yourself to the raft or wedge your feet under the seats
- Leave your phone in the van or bring a waterproof case
One-Day or Three-Day Rafting?
One-day rafting (about 14 km, 1.5-3 hours on the water, €75) includes breakfast, equipment, a licensed guide, lunch, showers, insurance and tourist tax. For more experienced paddlers and true adventurers we also run a 63 km three-day expedition with 9 meals and 3 overnight stays for €360. See all the details on our Tara rafting page, or read the top 5 reasons to raft the Tara.
Book your Tara River rafting trip - free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure. Questions? Message us on WhatsApp at +382 67 354 616.
