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One-Day Kayaking Trip in Gauja River Valley

14 Reviews 5.00 out of 5 stars Based on 14 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and TripAdvisor | Recommended by 100% of reviewers |
Badge of Excellence |Badge of Excellence This experience is highly rated by travelers and has met our top quality standards.
Riga, Latvia
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 30 (0) days in advance.

8 hours (approx.)
Hotel pickup offered
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English
Instant confirmation

Overview

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

  • Lunch Picnic lunch featuring carefully selected local products (no vegan food or special dietary requirements available)
  • A seat in a two-seat kayak or two-/three-seat canoe (single kayak available on request)
  • Relaxed, interactive guiding style that adapts to the group
  • Meals not specified as included
  • Insurance
  • Any other items not specified as included
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Meeting and Pickup

Pickup point
Pickup details

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.

What To Expect

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Gauja 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.
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5 hours Admission Ticket Free

Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • 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.
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 8 travelers

Frequently Asked Questions (12)

Q: Are there any weight restrictions for kayaking?

A: The maximum weight capacity for kayaking is 340 lbs / 154 kg. Read more Nov 2021

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

Still have questions?

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Activity code: C-65344P11

Traveler Photos

Reviews

5.00
14 reviews

Average 5.00 out of 5 stars based on 14 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
14
4 stars
0
3 stars
0
2 stars
0
1 star
0
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 30 (0) days in advance.

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What's Included

Activity name

  • LunchPicnic lunch featuring carefully selected local products (no vegan food or special dietary requirements available)
  • A seat in a two-seat kayak or two-/three-seat canoe (single kayak available on request)
  • Relaxed, interactive guiding style that adapts to the group
  • Round-trip transportation from Riga (about one and a half hours one way)
  • Expert local nature leader
  • Life jacket and all necessary kayaking equipment
  • Fully guided 5-6 hours kayaking adventure in Gauja National Park
  • Meals not specified as included
  • Insurance
  • Any other items not specified as included

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • 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.
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 8 travelers

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