Rafting on the Black Cheremosh, kayaking near Kyiv, and canoeing through the granite canyons of the Southern Bug — Ukraine offers dozens of exciting water routes. We've gathered the most interesting rafting trips for summer, complete with detailed itineraries, trusted organizers, and tips on how to prepare for your adventure.
In Kyiv and its suburbs, you can enjoy kayak trips on the Desenka River, organized by the club “4 Storony”. They offer more than just kayak and SUP board rentals — it’s a complete seasonal adventure program tailored to various skill levels: from easy morning paddles to full-day trips with picnics and overnight stays.
Morning Trips
Every Saturday and Sunday from 08:00 to 10:30, participants paddle leisurely along the Desenka and Bobrivnya rivers, a protected area also known as the “Kyiv Amazon.” These circular routes cover a distance of 4–7 km. The trip includes a stop at a beach and lasts about 2 hours.
Price: from 500 UAH
Sunset Paddles
Every Saturday from 19:30 to 21:30, you can enjoy calm evening waters and dock in a peaceful bay to take photos, have a mini picnic, and admire Kyiv at dusk.
Price: from 600 UAH
Trident Island Day Trip
Held every Sunday from 12:00 to 17:00 (or by request), this adventure includes kayaking to Trident Island, relaxing in hammocks, beach volleyball, swimming, a campfire, and snacks. The 7 km route is suitable for beginners and families with children — even dogs are welcome. Overnight stays on the island can be arranged.
Price: from 1,000 UAH
Contact: Website; Phone — +38 050 355 66 41
The Dniester is one of the calmest rivers in Ukraine, making it perfect for water tourism without requiring special training. Paddle past river cliffs, uninhabited islands, and waterfalls. The best section lies within the Dniester Canyon — a stunning nature reserve with sandy shores, grottoes, springs, and travertine formations.
TURE, a company specializing in water tours for over a decade, offers gear rental, transfers, meals, and overnight stays at well-equipped campsites featuring showers, saunas, and delicious cuisine.
Day on the Dniester
Ideal for first-timers — a 27 km route visiting sites like the Hermit’s Grotto and Maiden’s Tears Waterfall near Dolyna, Vozyliv, and Rakovets. Includes a picnic lunch and return to Ivano-Frankivsk.
Two-Day Trip
Includes an overnight at the “Bilyi Bison Khmeleva” camp. Visit attractions like Yin-Yang Island, Red Mountain, rock grottoes, and Rakovets Tower.
Three-Day Program: “On the Wave of the Dniester”
About 45 km with overnight stays in multiple camps and sights, including the Chernelytsia Castle.
Family Program
Tailored for families with kids — gentle segments, slower pace, experienced guides, and camping at “Bilyi Bison Luka.” Multiple boat options are available.
Kayaks, canoes, rafts, and SUP boards are available.
Season: April to October
Contact: Website; Phone — +38 096 999 78 91
The Oril is one of Ukraine’s most scenic lowland rivers, winding through forests, sandy banks, reeds, and wild meadows. In summer, lilies bloom, fish splash in the water, and the skies are alive with herons, pheasants, and hawks. The most picturesque section is located in the Dnipropetrovsk region, near the city of Dnipro.
Baidarki.com.ua offers a three-day trip from Zaliniyne to Ryaske. It’s a laid-back kayak or canoe journey with easy departures from Kharkiv or Dnipro, picnic lunches, tent camping, fishing, and birdwatching.
Stops include villages like Zarichne and Stepanivka, with plenty of swimming in the Oril’s backwaters. No exceptional experience is required, although the route may involve reed patches or portages. Guides provide basic kayaking skills and accompany the group throughout the experience.
Season: April to November
Price: from 3,000 UAH (includes kayak/canoe rental, gear, food, tents, and guidance).
Upgrade options (“Comfort”, “Comfort+”, “Premium”) include sleeping gear, organized camps, music, sauna, or even quests.
Contact: Website; Phone — +38 067 724 52 13, +38 095 143 91 49
In Verkhovyna — the Hutsul capital of adventure — daily kayaking and rafting trips are held on the Black Cheremosh, one of Ukraine’s top mountain rivers. The draw here is the wild beauty: Mount Pip Ivan, Shpytsi, cedar alleys, Dzembronya Cirques, waterfalls, and the Hadzyna area.
This is for those craving adrenaline, teamwork, and unforgettable waves. Even beginners are welcome. The YO tour company provides comprehensive instruction and support to ensure a safe and thrilling experience.
Necessary: High water levels can make rafting dangerous or impossible. If so, the trip is rescheduled or canceled — participants are notified in advance.
Included: wetsuits, helmets, life jackets, transfers, and a 10 km mountain river adventure.
Trips are offered three times a day — 10:00, 14:00, and 17:00.
Duration: about 3 hours
Prices:
The base offers changing rooms, rest areas, and facilities for taking trip photos and videos.
Season: April to October
Contact: Website; Phone — +38 098 568 56 85
The two-day rafting trip on the Southern Bug is perfect for escaping city stress. Starting in Vinnytsia, participants are transferred to Strilchyntsi village, the starting point of the route. Over two days, you’ll cover about 20 km of beautiful river down to Sokilets village.
The first day includes six of the river’s 13 rapids, including the famous “Kyiv Rapid,” and the second day features the legendary Pecherski Rapids.
Ideal for those with average fitness — beginners are welcome too. Qualified guides provide complete instruction and support. Participants are provided with catamarans or kayaks, paddles, tents, food, sleeping bags, and mats.
For extra comfort, you can order BBQ, a sauna, or custom meals. Organized by ExtrimLife, a team that’s been running tours on the Bug for years, often adding yoga, treks, or rope parks to their packages.
Season: May to October
Suitable for adults and kids 6+ — great for family weekends, team-building, or those wanting to explore the Bug’s wild beauty.
Contact: Website; Phone — +38 096 709 09 00
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