Kayaking on the Vjosa River near Përmet

• Departures: 10:00 · 13:30 · 15:30

Two-person inflatable kayaks on the Vjosa near Përmet, 2 to 3 hours at your own pace, with the van to the launch and all gear included. This is a self-paddled trip: you steer and paddle your own kayak. The kayaks join the same shuttle and the same river section as the rafting departure, inside Vjosa Wild River National Park, so an RVA guide is on the water nearby and can help if needed — but there is no dedicated safety raft for the kayaks, which is why we ask for previous paddling experience. €25 per person. Departures at 10:00, 13:30 and 15:30, April to October.

How it works

Check in at the centre on the Përmet–Korçë road 10–15 minutes before your time. You get a life jacket, helmet, paddle and, when the water is cold, a wetsuit. The van takes you to the launch upstream together with the rafting group. The section is moving water with small rapids that you read and run yourself; the raft runs the same section, and its guide keeps an eye on the kayaks without being a dedicated escort. Back at the centre you change, dry off and, when the guide has been able to take them from the raft, collect the photos. Water is provided.

Which months suit you

April – late June. Snowmelt: faster current, colder water, bigger waves. You need previous kayaking experience on moving water.

July – October. Low, warm, slower. You need basic previous paddling experience — you have handled a kayak or canoe before and can paddle for two hours. It is not a trip for complete first-timers; most kayak guests come in these months.

Kayak or raft?

Raft if you want a guide in the boat, the bigger rapids, if you are bringing children, or if you have never paddled. Kayak if you have paddled before and want to steer yourself at your own speed. Same price, same centre, same river. See the rafting tour.

Questions before you book

Do I need experience?

Yes. In July–October, basic previous paddling experience. In April–June, previous kayaking experience on moving water. If you have never paddled, book the raft.

Minimum age?

14 and over. Children and families take the raft, where a guide is in the boat; see rafting with kids.

Can I capsize?

Yes, it can happen on the rapids. You wear a life jacket and helmet, the briefing covers what to do, and the rafting guide is on the same section and can assist — but you should be comfortable in moving water and able to get back into a kayak.

How do I get to the centre?

Rafting Vjosa Albania’s riverside centre, Rruga Përmet–Korçë km 1, Përmet. Free parking. Directions from Gjirokastër, Sarandë, Berat and Tirana are on the rafting page.

Can I cancel?

Free up to 24 hours before. If we cancel for water levels you get a refund or another date. Full terms on the cancellation and refund policy page.