Share this tour
Offered languages
- English
Discover Gauja National Park from its most natural perspective - the river itself. Unlike standard kayaking trips that simply follow the main Gauja, this experience may also include one of its wilder tributaries, adding variety and adventure when conditions and the group’s experience allow.
Depending on the chosen route and seasonal water levels, a tributary may offer a livelier current or occasional shallow sections where kayaks are briefly guided through the water. On the Gauja, you’ll paddle through the park’s most scenic stretch, with its highest concentration of spectacular Devonian sandstone cliffs, formed more than 350 million years ago, together with steep riverbanks and ancient forests.
Throughout the day, your expert local nature guide shares engaging stories about the valley’s geology, wildlife and cultural heritage. The relaxed, interactive guiding style naturally adapts to the group and the conditions on the river, creating a genuinely personal nature experience.
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
Depending on the number of guests and your pick-up location the pickup time may vary from 8:00 am to 8:30 am in Riga City. It takes around one and a half hours to get from Riga to the kayaking place and prepare for kayaking (and approximately the same amount of time on the way back to Riga).
Upon request, we can also arrange pick-up (and drop-off) of the guests in the Sigulda and Līgatne towns. We will contact you before the trip and inform you about your concrete pickup time.
Itinerary
-
1Gauja National Park
Travel from Riga to Gauja National Park, Latvia’s oldest and most famous national park. After a short introduction to kayaking equipment and safety, begin paddling on one of the Gauja’s wilder tributaries before joining the majestic Gauja River. Depending on the season and water level, the tributary may offer a faster current or require occasional short portages or brief sections where kayaks are guided through shallow water, adding an extra sense of adventure. Once you reach the Gauja, the river widens and the scenery opens into spectacular views of towering Devonian sandstone cliffs, steep riverbanks and ancient forests. The standard route covers approximately 20 km with 5–6 hours of paddling, while a shorter route of around 12 km is available for a more relaxed experience. The exact route may be adjusted according to the group’s pace, preferences and current river conditions. Weather permitting, there are opportunities to stop for a swim before returning to Riga.
5 hours • Admission ticket free
Additional info
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- IMPORTANT LEGAL NOTICE: Please be advised that while we prioritize the safety of our participants throughout this tour, it is important to acknowledge that all outdoor activities and transfers inherently carry a degree of risk for unforeseeable accidents. Neither our company nor your designated tour guide assumes liability for any such incidents that may occur during the tour. Hence, we strongly recommend that you ensure adequate insurance coverage, including provisions for adventure activities, prior to participating in the tour.
- An adult price for this tour applies from 13 years of age.
Tags
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
- This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Rating
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Your guide to the flawless travel experience
Popular Countries
Get our app
