Trip duration
5 days / 4 nights
Distance
100 km
Difficulty
Moderate
Price
135 $
Available Dates
Аsk for available dates

Experience Dnister River rafting at its finest! We’ll spend five days exploring the Dnister canyon, which is one of the biggest in Europe. Our itinerary leads through amazing places: Red Mount, that is the warmest spot in canyon, Dzuryn waterfall, ruins of Rakovets and Chervonograd castles. Also, you’ll enjoy the stunning panorama of Zalishchyky city and unique “Dnister River horseshoe”.

Day 1 First experience

In the morning you will meet your guides and the rest of the group at the railway station (main entrance) in Ivano-Frankivsk. There we will get a shuttle to the starting point of our trip – Dolyna village. Here on the river bank we have some safety trainings and after loading our gear and ourselves into the boats we start our Dnister rafting trip. We float down the river, passing through unique river meanders (large bends). That means we’ll constantly enjoy different landscapes of the canyon such as red sandstones, which were formed during the Devon period (about 300-400 million years ago), travertine rocks and green Dnister forest, that reminds impassable jungles. The ending point of the first day trip is Vozyliv village, where our group will visit cascading waterfall. On the river bank we stop for the night.

Day 2 Divochi sliozy waterfall and Ruins of Rakovets castle

Our day begins with the morning light, turning the canyon walls in the colors of sunrise. Today we spend a few hours on the water, stopping for a great hike in Isakiv village. During the lunch break we’ll visit amazing travertine rock and Divochi sliozy waterfall (girl’s tears in local). We will also make a stop in Rakovets village to visit an old half-ruined castle of XVII century. Nowadays there is only one tower left, that is more than 300 years protecting waters of the Dnister River. After a short excursion we’re getting back to the boats and leaving for the campsite in Kopachynci village.

Day 3 The Red Mountain

After the breakfast we break the camp and load our boats. The entertaining program stays the same – warm sun, nice water, swimming, fishing and full relaxation. Today the group is heading for the village Beremiany. Here we are going for a short walk. We’ll ascend Red Mountain – one of the most popular observing points of the canyon. Also, it’s considered to be the warmest place in this area, as during even the coldest winters the snow stays here only for couple days. From the top you can take amazing panoramic pictures of the Dnister Canyon. This night we’ll spend in Lytyachi village.

Day 4 Ustechko

Today we will make 25 km along the river from Lytiachi village down to Peredivannia village. We will see beautiful green river banks and unique landscapes.  Besides, there will be many interesting engineering constructions on our way: the huge gas pipeline, the ruins of an old bridge, the highest bridge in the Dnister canyon.  At the end of the day the group will stop to camp in Peredivannia village.  

Day 5 Zalishchyky & Chervonograd

Another exciting day! We’re having 15 km rafting to Zalishchyky city. Here our rafting adventure finishes, but it’s not the end of tour yet. In Zalishchyky we’ll visit popular view point. Here opens breathtaking panorama of the city and unique “Dnister River horseshoe” – best spot to take selfie:)

On our way back to Ivano-Frankivsk we’ll stop for an interesting excursion to the wonderful waterfall Dzhuryn (16 m high), ruins of Chervonograd castle of XVII century and Catholic Church of XVIII century.

Arriving time to Ivano-Frankivsk – 8 pm.

* If you like this itinerary, but can’t find it in the tour schedule or you would like to join this trip on another date, please contact us and we will be more than happy to arrange this tour at your most convenient time.

Tour details

The tour price includes:
  • All meals and snacks;
  • Transportation from Ivano-Frankivsk to starting point and back;
  • Guide service;
  • Rafting equipment rental (catarafts, paddles, life jackets);
  • Entrance fees for national parks;
  • Cooking equipment;
  • Group first aid kit.
The tour price does not include:
  • Equipment rental;
  • Personal expenses (souvenirs, museums, hotels and restaurants service, saunas etc.);
  • Paid campsites;
  • Gratuity for your guide.

 

Booking term

Please, make your reservation not later, than 3 days before the trip starts.

 

Method of payment

To guarantee your booking, we kindly ask to send us prepayment by bank transfer or Western Union service. Required deposit amount is 30% from the tour price. The rest of the amount you will pay in cash at the meeting point before we start our trip. We accept Ukrainian currency (hryvnia), US dollars and Euros. Before our trip starts, we will send you all payment details. After making a prepayment, please send us a scan/photo copy of the deposit slip.
Your prepayment is non-refundable. If you cancel your reservation no later, than 10 days before the tour starts, you can switch it for another tour or date.
If a prepaid reservation is cancelled by us (due to the small number of tourists or bad weather conditions), the deposit will be refunded in full.

 

Discounts

kids under 10 years – 20% off
teenagers 11-18 years old – 10% off
students – 5% off
people over 60 – 10% off
group reservation for 4-6 people – 5% off
group reservation for more than 7 people – 10% off
* Only one discount can be used per booking. Discount does not apply to equipment rental. Please, make sure to have your ID (passport), student card, or any other document, that can confirm your age or status.

 

Please note!

In case of any kind of emergency (bad weather, serious health problems etc.) for group safety our guide has a right to slightly change the itinerary or decide to stay in a campsite for the day. 

 

Age requirements

Minimum age for tourist is 18 years. People under 18 can also go hiking, but they must be accompanied and supervised by a legal guardian.

 

Minimum group size

Minimum number of tourists in a group should be 5 (or 7 for one day tour). The trip can be arranged for a smaller group as well. In this case, the group will pay total price like for 5 people (or 7 for one day tour).

 

Getting off the trail, earlier than planned

If for any reason you’ll have to get off the trail before the trip finishes, you will be charged for the days you were travelling with the group plus 1 day to compensate all the expanses for organization: food, guide service etc. Also, unplanned return transfer is not included in the price of the tour.
We count each new day in the morning (from 7am).
If you want to get off the trail on one-day trip, in that case the payment for the tour is non-refundable.

Equipment and clothing list for rafting

Important! All gear and personal items which you take for rafting trip must to be well protected from water and moisture. You can use waterproof stuff sacks or just trash bags especially for your clothes, sleeping bag, documents and others.

Take for your rafting trip at least 2 sets of clothes!

Clothes you wear on the river. Try to avoid all cotton items, as cotton gets cold when wet, synthetics are better. Bring T-shirt, shorts or lightweight pants, swimming suit and do not forget sun protection (sunglasses, hats, sun block). On your feet, wear old tennis shoes (that you don’t mind getting wet) or sandals that latch around the ankle. For colder or rainy weather it’s good to have warm clothing such as: sweater, jacket and pants.

Set of dry clothes for the campsite. You will need change of clothes or two for camp, including warm layers and dry shoes. Bring with you: t-shirts, sweater, lightweight jacket, pants, socks, underwear and extra shoes (sandals or sneakers).

 

Below is the recommended list of items and equipment necessary for your Dnister river adventure:  

Backpack essential

You will need tourist backpack or regular big size travel bag to store your clothes, some personal items and all equipment you will need during the trip.

Tent essential

What to look for in a tent: 
quality: good waterproof flysheet coverage and tent floor, two or more poles for stability in wind;
size and weight: look for the lightest tent available, that meets your size requirements such as number of people and equipment. It’s a plus when the tent has vestibule areas for gear storage.

Sleeping bag essential

Usually at night is pretty warm along the river canyon. So, the best option is summer season or three-season sleeping bag with the temperature of comfort +10 – 0°C (50 – 32°F).

Sleeping mat essential

An air or foam mat will not only help you to sleep more comfortable on hard or uneven ground, but will also provide insulation, preventing body heat from being lost through contact with the ground. It also acts as a barrier between your body and moisture that may have seeped inside your tent.

Sitting mat

Will help to keep you warm, dry and comfortable when sitting out during your short walking trips or at the campsite. You can use either air or foam sitting mat.

Kitchen set essential

Your kitchen set should contain: a spoon, a bowl and a cup, preferably heatproof, lightweight and robust. Choose heatproof plastic or metal. More expensive, but extremely durable and light is titanium material. Insulated cup will keep your drink hot in cold weather.

Water bottle essential

If you prefer to have your personal water bottle, you can take it. Choose lightweight bottle, 1-2L or 30-60oz will be enough. You can use plastic or aluminum bottle or just a regular soda bottle.

Knife
A good knife is only useful if it is sharp. Which one is better: normal (hunting or army) knife or multifunctional tool? Many tourists prefer the second one. Usually multipurpose pocket knife includes: blade, can opener, corkscrew, scissors etc. Around camp your knife handles many chores (from slicing cheese to cutting small pieces of wood for fire).

Flashlight essential

Flashlight is helpful at a campsite when it’s dark. The best design for tourist is a headlamp that frees up your hands and allows you to direct your light where you need it. Always remember to take spare batteries for your flashlight.

Personal gear essential

Personal kit contents will vary and depend on your personal needs, the basic are: toothpaste and toothbrush, toilet paper, soap, small comb, face/hand cream, hygienic wipes, sunscreen, lip balm, insect repellent, contacts/glasses and feminine hygienic products – for women.

  • First aid kit
  • During the trip your safety is number one, that’s why proper completed First aid kit is essential to have with. Kit contents:
  • bandage (gauze)
  • medicine tape
  • rubbing alcohol for disinfection
  • moleskin (for blisters)
  • cotton balls
  • scissors
  • pain killers
  • antibiotic
  • cold tablets
  • stomach medicine
  • personal prescription drugs

Dry sacks essential

To keep your extra clothes dry or to protect your electronic equipment, money, documents and food from moisture, you will need a waterproof sack. The best option – nylon dry sack with buckle. If you do not have one, you can use ziplock bags or just ordinary trash bags.

Mobile phone

Being out of home is very important to keep in touch with your family and friends. So take your mobile phone with you. As addition you will get clock, alarm clock, music, camera, some mobile phones even have GPS. Before you leave home, make sure your phone battery is full charged, always keep your mobile phone in dry place. And do not forget Powerbank charger.

Watch

Always be in time! A watch will help you to organize your time during travelling. Better if it is waterproof. Some watches have timer, alarm clock, compass, time zones, which is very useful when you are travelling.

Camera

Taking photos is an excellent way to record the places you have visited on your trips. To protect your camera you should carry it in a waterproof and durable camera bag. Always have spare batteries for your camera and extra film (for film cameras).

Passport (personal documents) essential

Travelling outside your country you must have ID (passport). You will need to present your photo ID at the airport, railway/bus stations, crossing national parks etc. Check with your embassy if you need a visa or special permission to visit Ukraine.

Money essential

You should have enough money for your travelling needs. Calculate all expenses that you might have during your trip: transportation, extra food, rafting tour, souvenirs etc.

Notepad and pen

Very useful to have a small notepad in your trip just in case you’ll have to note some information or even to write down phone numbers and addresses of your new friends.

Sunglasses

Sunglasses will protect your eyes from the bright sun.

Hat essential

A baseball hat is great for keeping the sun off. Better synthetic, than cotton one. Get with you wool or fleece hat also to wear if the weather gets cold.

Jacket essential

More travellers prefer lightweight waterproof and wind resistance jacket. Very good if it has adjustable hood. Breathable fabric like Gore-Tex will be the best choice. This fabric keeps rain out and allows water vapor from sweat to escape.

Rain cover essential

For extremely wet weather you’ll need a rain cover with a hood.

Pullover essential

You will need pullover for cold weather or when resting in a camp. Choose insulating fabrics such as fleece or wool. 

T-Shirt essential

For your trip you’ll need at least 2 T-shirts. Better synthetic, that wick away moisture and dry more quickly than cotton.

Pants essential

You will need them for the cold weather. The best will be lightweight nylon or polypropylene pants. They are comfortable and dry faster. Very useful are convertible pants with legs that zip off and convert into shorts. Avoid jeans or any cotton pants – they dry longer and are very heavy and uncomfortable when get wet. You can take also an additional pair of fleece pants for camp site or to sleep in.

Shorts essential

Make sure to have your shorts with you.

Underwear essential

If you have an option between synthetic and cotton fabric for your underwear, chose first one – it dries faster and keeps you warmer. And do not forget swimming suit.

Shoes essential

The best option for the rafting is tennis shoes or sandals. Probably you will need an additional pair of lightweight sneakers to use at the campsite or for short walking trips. 

Socks essential

Take with you at least 1 pair of lightweight synthetic socks and 1 pair of wool socks which will keep you warm in cold weather.

 

The group equipment below is provided:

  • Rafting boats/catamarans;
  • Lifesaving jackets and paddles;
  • Group tarp;
  • Cooking gear.

If you do not have some of those items, there is no reason to cancel your trip! Please contact us if you have any questions about items on this list or you need to rent some equipment. We are always ready to help you with that and make your trip comfortable and safe!

Rafting safety rules

Dnister river rafting does not belong to the extreme type of recreation activities but it still requires adhering to basic safety precautions:

  • Always pay attention when your tour guide gives you some recommendations. Stay with your group, don't split up and take different trails while getting rest in the campsite. Do not create dangerous situations on the river.
  • Swimming and diving while rafting are prohibited! During the trip we’ll make many short brakes in safe places to swim and to have water fun. Also it’s not allowed to go swimming alone.
  • ALWAYS wear a life jacket! Also do not get in the water without having your shoes on. Sometimes you can find sharp rocks on the river bottom which can cut your feet. Always inform your guides if: you feel not good or got injured, you need extra stop for the rest, etc.
  • To avoid sunstroke and sunburn in hot and sunny days try to wear lightweight hats, sunglasses and use sun block.
  • Drinking alcohol on the river is not permitted; it will not only endanger you, but also be a risk to other rafters. However it is not strictly prohibited. In the evening you can relax and enjoy our dinner with a glass of wine or any other drink. Dear smokers, please try to smoke away from others.
  • Leave local plants and animals alone. Do not break trees. Leave everything as you found it. Take your trash with you.
  • Travelers must respect the local people, culture and environment they are visiting.
  • Usually there are no special toilet facilities along the trails. Try to choose the toilet place at least 200 feet from any open water and your campsite.
  • Don’t eat berries or mushrooms you find, even if they look familiar. There is only one poisonous snake in the region – it’s “Vipera berus” – will never attack first. You’ll just have to be careful and watch your steps.  Even if you meet a snake – don’t panic slowly without noise step back and you’ll not get in trouble.
  • In case of any kind of emergency (bad weather, serious health problems etc.) for group safety our guide has a right to slightly change the itinerary or decide to stay in a campsite for the day.

Rafting menu

Right selection of food, taken in a journey, is very important in preparing for a few-days trip. And it’s no wonder, as regular and healthy food here is a good source of energy, needed on the trail, positive spirit and, the most important – guaranty of a great time, spent outdoor. Our menu can range depending on how long is the trip. On day tours we offer lunch and snacks. Examples of good foods include sandwiches, vegetables, cheese, meat, dried fruits, nuts, chocolate and energy bars.  For overnight tours in addition to the lunch and snacks we provide breakfast and dinner. During the trip we cook our food on the fire or using the tourist stove.

Our rafting menu.

Breakfast (at 8:00). Our breakfast must provide a good source of energy. We eat cereals, oatmeal, wheat porridge or rice with dried milk, sugar and dried fruits. After the main course we have also tea and crackers. 

Lunch (at 1 pm). Our midday meal should require no preparation or cooking. Sandwiches, vegetables, salami, cheese, canned fish and meat are all good lunch foods.

Dinner (at 7 pm). Dinner is the biggest meal, the most filling, and usually the tastiest. We offer few main choices of food for an evening meal: meat and vegetables soup, fish soup, rice with canned fish, buckwheat porridge or pasta with meat. If you like, you can also add some of these products to your dinner menu: bread, vegetables, ketchup, garlic, onion and others. After dinner we usually enjoy a cup of hot tea and crackers.

Snacks. We need to eat also small amounts of food throughout the day to keep our energy and blood sugar up. Chocolate, dried fruits, nuts and different energy bars are the most delicious treats for tourists.

Local food. During our rafting trip you can enjoy local products such as fish, fruits and mushrooms. Also you’ll probably want to buy something in local stores. 

Alcohol. It’s not allowed to drink alcohol during the trip! However it is not strictly prohibited, in the evening. After long day rafting you can relax and enjoy our dinner with a glass of wine or any other drink you’ll get with you on your trip.