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Packrafting on the Neretva River. Bosnia and Herzegovina

By Packrafting.cat

December 12^th, 2025

The Neretva River

The Neretva (pronounced [něreːtʋa], in Serbian Cyrillic: Неретва), also known as Narenta, is one of the largest rivers in the eastern part of the Adriatic basin. Four hydroelectric power stations with large dams (over 15 metres high) interrupt the natural course of this great Balkan river. The Neretva is renowned for its natural environment and diverse landscapes, although the river's ecosystems have been impacted by population growth and associated development pressures.

It has been suggested that its name comes from the Indo-European root *ner, meaning 'to dive', the same root found in the Serbo-Croatian verb roniti ('to dive').

Packrafting on the Neretva River. Bosnia and Herzegovina

One of the most valuable natural resources in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Croatia is fresh water, found in abundant springs and crystal-clear rivers.

Located between the main regional rivers (the Drina to the east, the Una to the west and the Sava), the Neretva basin is home to the most important source of drinking water.

The Neretva stands out among the rivers of the Dinaric Alps, especially for the diversity of its ecosystems and habitats, its flora and fauna, as well as its cultural and historical heritage.

Geography and hydrology

The Neretva flows through Bosnia and Herzegovina and Croatia before emptying into the Adriatic Sea. It is the largest karst river in the Dinaric Alps in the eastern part of the Adriatic basin. Its total length is 225 kilometres, of which 208 are in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the remaining 22 in the Croatian county of Dubrovnik-Neretva.

The Neretva river basin covers a total of 11,798 km²: 11,368 km² in Bosnia and Herzegovina (including the Trebišnjica river basin) and 430 km² in Croatia. The average flow at Žitomislići (Bosnia and Herzegovina) is 233 m³/s, while at the mouth in Croatia it reaches 341 m³/s, to which the 402 m³/s of the Trebišnjica River is added. The latter's basin is included within that of the Neretva due to the physical connection between the two through the porous karst terrain.

The Neretva is a mountain river of impressive strength and length. It rises at an altitude of 1,095 metres, beneath the Zelengora and Lebršnik mountains, and flows for some 205 km through Bosnia and Herzegovina. It is astonishing not only in its upper and middle reaches, where it has formed spectacular canyons, but also at its mouth on the Adriatic Sea.

From the town of Konjic to its source, the Neretva remains virtually untouched, while downstream from Konjic it is interrupted by hydroelectric power stations that create artificial reservoirs.

Sections

Geographically and hydrologically, the Neretva is divided into three sections.

Its source and upper reaches are located deep in the Dinaric Alps, at the foot of the Zelengora and Lebršnik mountains, specifically below the Gredelj Pass. The river's source is 1,227 metres above sea level and consists of five small separate springs. Over the first 90 kilometres, the Neretva flows through two deep, narrow canyons and two wide, fertile valleys—around Ulog and Župa Komska—before reaching the town of Konjic. This part is known as the Upper Neretva (Gornja Neretva in Serbo-Croatian). Here, the river flows from east-southeast to north-northwest, like most rivers in Bosnia and Herzegovina that belong to the Danube basin, and covers an area of approximately 1,390 km² with an average gradient of 1.2%. Just after Konjic, the Neretva widens again into a third and larger valley, which was a fertile agricultural plain before being submerged by the artificial reservoir of Lake Jablaničko, formed after the construction of the Jablanica dam.

The second section begins at the confluence of the Neretva and Rama rivers, between Konjic and Jablanica, where the Neretva makes an almost 180° turn to the east-southeast and then, after a short stretch, turns south again. From Jablanica, the Neretva enters its third and largest canyon, which cuts through the steep slopes of the Prenj, Čvrsnica and Čabulja mountains, with depths ranging from 800 to 1,200 metres. Three hydroelectric dams operate between Jablanica and Mostar.

When the Neretva widens for the second and last time, it begins its third section. This area is colloquially known as the "Bosnia and Herzegovina California" because of its Mediterranean climate and because it is an area of agriculture and wine-making. The last 30 kilometres of its course form a wide alluvial delta before the river flows into the Adriatic Sea.

Sections

The whitewater sections of the Neretva River are:

🟡 T1 Upper Neretva. 27 km Grade II-III (IV)
🟠 T2 Neretva River Canyon. 17 km Class II-III(III+)
T3 Packraft on the Neretva River from Mostar to Žitomislići via the Bunski Canal

Location map

The most interesting stretch of the Neretva is between the towns of Mostar and Sarajevo. There is another very interesting stretch starting from Mostar, which includes the Stari Most bridge and the impressive Bunski Canal at the confluence of the Buna and Neretva rivers.

About sections T1 and T2

The upper course of the Neretva is ideal for lovers of wild nature, canyons and unspoilt landscapes. Believe me, the beauty of this environment is difficult to express in words! The river flows between large blocks of rock, making navigation challenging but very interesting. In some sections, the rapids reach a difficulty level of IV. On a river of this type, it is essential to continuously inspect the route, as there is a risk of getting caught between the trees that form natural traps (strainers).

After leaving the upper canyon, the Neretva gradually calms down and flows through a valley with grade II rapids, passing through the inhabited town of Glavatičevo.

This stretch is a real pleasure to paddle. Although technically the river is easy here, it flows through unforgettable landscapes. After passing through Glavatičevo, the Neretva enters a spectacular canyon, an area already known as a tourist destination for commercial rafting. It is framed by a deep rocky gorge that amazes every visitor. The average difficulty is approximately II+, with level III rapids.

The recommended vessels for the descent are: inflatable kayaks or canoes (PK), rigid kayaks and rafting rafts (especially on the stretch from Glavatičevo).

T1 Upper Neretva

Unlike T2, this section is much less commercial, with some passages more complicated than in the T2 section. The area is more rural, with access "roads" that become impassable tracks.

FEATURES

Level of difficulty: II-III
Length: 19.8 km rivermap route | 27 km Whitewater Bosnia route.
Estimated duration: 4-5 hours, depending largely on how many sections of the river are explored beforehand and how many safety points there are.
Vertical:87 m rivermap | 174 m Whitewater Bosnia.
Gradient: 4 m/km
Boarding: Board Rivermap on the bridge: 43.48230,18.22670
Disembarkation: At the start of the Neretva Canyon section, where the rafting companies enter 43.53440,18.06830. Although once you reach Glavatičevo, you could actually get out earlier and avoid this last long stretch of calmer class II waters.
Best time of year: The best time for rowing on the upper Neretva River is from March to June and from October to November. The section from Glavatičevo can be navigated all year round.
Isolation: high in the initial section, but from Glavatičevo onwards, you always have the road nearby.
Recommended minimum flow: 200 cm in Mostar. Indirect calibration.
Type: Pool-type rapids/Karst river rapids.
Whitewater:⭐⭐⭐⭐
Landscape:⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Water temperature: cold
Water quality: good
Nearby rivers: in a straight line, the Valbona, Cemit i Tamare, and Kir, but due to the terrain and Albanian roads, the distance by car is very long.
Hazards: Strainers, blockages created by logs. Scout the rapids before entering them.

Put in

Two possible shipments:

Boarding point 1: as indicated on the Whitewater Bosnia website. The Neretva river information sheet recommends starting at this point: 43.480930,18.299342. You need a 4x4 or be willing to take a chance with a normal car. My van would have struggled to make it up. In fact, the supposed R436 road is no longer paved long before you take the track down to Ljubuča. I managed to get down without any problems to the viewpoint/monument Spomen obilježje Pogled Ljubuča, but I left the car there and walked down. It's an easy walk downhill in a packraft. The first few hundred metres are down a steep track, but be careful! Then you have to take a turn-off towards a path that leads to the river. The path is easy to follow at first, but soon you will simply have to cross the forest following the sound of the water. Near the landing point there is a clearing with the remains of a campfire.
Alternative boarding point: at the bridge indicated on Rivermap

PUT IN 1

The following images show details of the descent track to Boarding Point 1. The website provides the following description of how to reach this point:

Upon arriving in Konjic, we followed the signs to Boracko jezero and took the R435 regional road, passing through Boracko jezero and the small village of Glavatičevo. After Glavatičevo, we continued on the R435 until we turned off onto a gravel road towards Ljubuča. After passing a monument next to the road, after travelling 3 km, we reached a path that leads down to the Neretva River. On this stretch, it is necessary to carry your equipment by hand for about 900 metres until you reach the river."

Take Out

There is a fairly long stretch of calm waters (class I-II) with a widened riverbed starting at Glavatičevo, where you can choose any landing point once you have finished the upper canyon. If you complete the entire route, the disembarkation point coincides with the put in for section T2, an area with plenty of space and a wide track leading down to the river that is used by rafting companies.

On the river

Km 0. Boarding proposed by Whitewater Bosnia. You have to drive down a track in a 4x4 or park at the top of the track and walk down the track and an extra 900 metres of road.
Km 0 to 5. First 5 km section of class II-II+
Km 5: Second boarding proposed by Whitewater Bosnia.
Km 5.5: Class III rapid created by the rocks of the tributary ravine that appears on the right. Prior scouting is recommended to ensure that there are no branches or other strainers.
Km 5.6 to 7.6. Second 5 km section of class II-II+.
Km 7.6: Alternative boarding bridge, boarding shown on rivermap (bridge indicated on Rivermap 43°28'56.3"N 18°13'36.1"E)
Km 7.6 to 10.8. Third 5 km section of class II-II+
Km 10.8: Class III-III rapid
Km 12.3: Class III-IV rapids
Km 12.5: From here to the end, another section of class II-II+ with sections where the river widens, reaching parts of class I.
Km 20.1 Glavaticevo Bridge. There is a small supermarket in this village if you need to recharge your batteries.
Km 20.3. Restaurant bridge. See section where to eat.
Km 25.2. Bridge/footbridge
Km 26.6. Last bridge on this section. Meter bridge. This bridge has an automated meter and a ruler that marks the level.
Km 27. Disembark at the rafting boarding area and boarding point for the Neretva Canyon section.

Alternative boarding bridge

At kilometre 5, we find the second embarkation point proposed by Whitewater Bosnia. Once again, this is a difficult track for cars that are not 4x4s, and the last part must be done on foot.

Class III-III+ Rapid

At kilometre point 10.8, you will find the first Class III-III rapid.

Class III-IV rapid

Km 12.3: Class III-IV rapids

Bridge with flow meter

There is a meter (ruler) on this bridge, but it also appears that there is a real-time meter, so we would need to see where it can be consulted.

Restaurant bridge

The ideal place to eat, but the restaurant itself and its surroundings are also pure love.

Pedestrian bridge/footbridge

In this long stretch of calm waters, we find a pedestrian suspension bridge.

Logistics

Logistics offer few options: there are no roads in the canyon, it is 23 km / 33 minutes by car from the embarkation point to the disembarkation point, and the profile of this route by car or bicycle would be quite challenging, with more than 700 metres of elevation gain.

My final decision was to hire a taxi (+387 61 839 932) for €35.

La alternativa para hacer la logística es un poco dura.

Wikiloc map. Upper Neretva

Packrating río Neretva. Tramo Superior. Upper Neretva de Gornja Ljubuča - Vaganj

T2 Neretva River Canyon. Grade II-III(III+)

The Neretva River flows through a spectacular gorge, comparable in scenic beauty to those of the Tara and Morača rivers. It offers numerous stretches of Class II whitewater, with four Class III rapids. Unfortunately, there is no reliable online flow meter for this river (the official one is much further downstream, after the reservoirs), so as a guide, on that day the Tara's level was 10 cm and the Morača's was 35 cm. While on the Morača, at that level, the water was already beginning to run low, on the Neretva it was sufficient without any problems.

About 33 km upstream, a hydroelectric power station has been under construction near Ulog (43.45361, 18.31529) since 2010. It was scheduled for completion in 2023, but is still unfinished (as of 2025). If the plant becomes operational in a few years, the Neretva will cease to exist as we know it today.

FEATURES

Level of difficulty: II-III (III)
Length: 14.9 km
Estimated duration: 3 hours
Vertical: 52 m
Gradient: 3 m/km
Boarding: 43.53440,18.06830
Disembarkation: 43.63200,17.99930
Best time of year: The best time for rowing on the upper Neretva River is from March to June and from October to November. The section from Glavatičevo can be navigated all year round.
Isolation: high in the initial section. At the exit of the gorge, near Tito's bunker, we are already close to the road and there are some bridges where it is possible to exit.
Recommended minimum flow: 200 cm in Mostar. Indirect calibration.
Type: Pool-type rapids/Karst river rapids.
Whitewater:⭐⭐⭐⭐
Landscape:⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Water temperature: cold
Water quality: good
Hazards: None known.

Put in

It takes place on a descent to the river where rafting companies embark their customers.

Take out

In an area set up for rafting vans, there is a pebble beach where we can park and disembark.

On the river

The most noteworthy kilometre points:

0.0 km (43.53430, 18.06809): Entry point, rafting embarkation point, easily accessible from the road.
0.7 km: First rapids at the start of the gorge.
2.7 km (43.55425, 18.07038): On the right, mouth of the Rakitnica River.
3.4 km: Along the way, we will come across various "refreshment" spots, river beaches with beach bars that are usually open during the high season when people go rafting. One example is this spot called Plaza Klek.
5.9 km (43.57623, 18.04842): First fast section, grade III.
7.0 km (43.58441, 18.04349): Start of the 3 km long main canyon, with walls on both sides.
7.6 km (43.58989, 18.04408): On the right, two beautiful karst springs that form a small and a large waterfall.
8.4 km (43.59662, 18.04081): Class III+ rapid about 300 m before a sharp left-hand bend.
10.1 km (43.59961, 18.02500): End of the main canyon; the valley opens up. Here you will find the third grade III rapid.
12.6 km (43.61765, 18.01222): On the left, a castle-like building belonging to a rafting company, after a level III rapid with a good jump at the end. The rapid, guess what, is called Castle Rapid.
13.9 km (43.62618, 18.00515): Spiljanski Most road bridge.
15.0 km (43.63428, 17.99486): On the right, Tito's bunker, camouflaged as a normal house. Due to this military installation, during the Yugoslav era it was strictly forbidden to navigate the Neretva.
17.0 km (43.63970, 17.97512): Starting point, on the left, at the mouth of the Bijela River.

Bado raft beach

A few metres from the embarkation point, there is a beach that can be accessed via a beautiful wooden staircase. An idyllic setting, with the kind of beach bar I prefer to those found on the beach!

Rapids at the entrance to the canyon

The river quickly narrows and we enter a beautiful canyon, which was particularly stunning with the autumn colours. What's more, the first rapids are ideal for warming up, not particularly complicated but very interesting.

Does this tributary look like a gem waiting to be discovered in white water? What is certain is that it creates a canyon that is well worth a visit, even if only viewed from the lookout points located at the top of the canyon.

2.7 km (43.55425, 18.07038): On the right, mouth of the Rakitnica River.

Plaza (beach) bado Klek

A pebble beach with a beach bar during the high season for rafting.

First Class III rapid

A little before 6 km (5.9 km 43.57623, 18.04842) we encounter the first rapid with a higher level of difficulty (grade III).

Start of the main canyon

From km 7.0 (43.58441, 18.04349) onwards, the river narrows to form the main canyon, which is 3 km long, with walls on both sides.

Karstic springs

At kilometre point 7.6 km (43.58989, 18.04408) on the right bank, there are two beautiful karst springs that form a small waterfall and a larger one, which are one of the scenic highlights of this route.

Memories came flooding back of the sources of the Arachtos River in Greece. There is no doubt that the Balkans are home to spectacular canyons with morphological and geological diversity, such as Tara, Moraca, and Lumi i Shales, to name but a few.

Espectacular fuente karstica en el cañón del río Neretva.

Class III+ rapid zone

In the middle of the canyon is the most entertaining whitewater section. When you come across large boulders blocking the main channel of the Neretva (the rocks do not form a siphon, so it is easy to pass on either side), prepare yourself for the most challenging rapid in this section of the Neretva River.

The rapid in question is located in the middle of the canyon, 8.4 km (43.59662, 18.04081) from the embarkation point, about 300 m before a sharp left-hand bend. The rapid in question winds around a boulder on the right bank.

After the storm comes the calm, a moment to enjoy the last stretches of the narrowest part of the Neretva Canyon.

8.4 km (43.59662, 18.04081): Class III+ rapid about 300 m before a sharp left-hand bend.

End of the canyon and class III rapid

At 10.1 km (43.59961, 18.02500) from the embarkation point, the canyon ends and the river widens into a calm area, marking the end of the main canyon; the valley opens up. But beware, a few metres further on lies the third notable grade III rapid.

It is the fastest with the steepest drop/jump, requiring a good boof and control of the water turbulence on landing, which is not clean, as various rocks make navigation difficult.

Last notable rapid. Džajića buk or castle rapid

At kilometre marker 12.6 is Džajića buk, the Džajića waterfall, a class III rapid with a continuous drop and very fast flow. It is clearly visible from the road, a final gift from the Neretva River.

It appears that this "waterfall" (buk) is illuminated; if you look closely, you will see spotlights on the left bank. On the left, there is a castle-like building belonging to a rafting company. For this reason, the rapid is also called the castle rapid.

💡 TIP: Be careful at the end of the rapid, as the current pulls you towards the rock on the right, which has a small ledge at body height. It is easy to capsize here, although there is no danger because the pool at the end of the rapid is just beyond.

La poza después del rápido del castillo.

Located 15,0 km (43.63428, 17.99486) on the right bank is Tito's nuclear bunker, camouflaged as a normal house. Due to this military installation, during the Yugoslav era it was strictly forbidden to navigate the Neretva. Today, Tito's Bunker (known as ARK D-0) is one of the most impressive secret constructions of the former Yugoslavia. Built in absolute secrecy between 1953 and 1979, this 6,500-square-metre underground shelter was designed to house Marshal Josip Broz Tit, his government and the military high command in the event of nuclear war. Carved deep into the rock, the complex features tunnels, command rooms, bedrooms, fuel and water storage facilities, and an autonomous power and ventilation system. Today, the bunker has been converted into a museum and contemporary art centre, combining its historical past with exhibitions that reflect on memory, war and Balkan identity. The bunker can be visited upon payment of an entrance fee.

Possible landing at the mouth of the Bijela tributary

17.0 km (43.63970, 17.97512): Starting point, on the left, at the mouth of the Bijela River.

Rivermap and flow rates

Of the usual suspects, the apps we usually recommend on this blog, I recommend the information from Rivermap:

I navigated the Neretva River canyon at its ideal level according to the Rivermap app (about 325 cm) measured in Mostar. Keep in mind that Mostar is quite far away and that this is an indirect calibration.

FLOWS

All the information on water flows in the Rivermap application:

Photons:

White-water.ba

On the Bosnian white water rafting website (https://white-water.ba), you can find the route files in KML and GPX format:

And this magnificent mole:

Topoguía del río Neretva creara por Whitewater Bosnia

Videos

Where to eat? Dva ribara

In Glavatičevo, near the embarkation point for the Neretva Canyon, I recommend eating at Dva ribara, which offers affordable prices, generous portions, traditional dishes, homemade bread, and, if you fancy it, trout from the Neretva River.

In addition, the site is right next to the river with a terrace offering views and a very relaxing atmosphere, and the owners are very friendly.

Boračko lake

Very close to the T2 boarding area, in the canyon section, there is a lake that is well worth a visit and is surrounded by campsites where we can stay.

The river is a living, changing environment that is subject to constant development. The publishers of the river sketches and the creators of this website cannot be held liable in any way for any inaccuracies, omissions or errors in the river sketches. The publishers of the sketches and the creators of the website decline all responsibility in the event of any accident that may occur on the rivers described in this guide.