Tara River: Day Trips and Tours from Dubrovnik

Hidden away from the world for years, travelers are finally discovering former eastern bloc countries. Under the veil of communism awaited lands rich in natural beauty. The relatively new country of Montenegro is home to the Tara River Canyon, the largest gorge in Europe. It’s the second largest canyon in the world, topped only by America’s Grand Canyon.

Known as the “tear of Europe,” the river and its canyon are becoming a top destination for international rafters. Boasting waters clean enough to drink, cliffsides adorned with lush plants and rare animal dens, a Tara River day trip from Dubrovnik is an exhilarating getaway from the busy city.

Here's all you need to know about visiting the Tara River, one of the most exciting day trips from Dubrovnik.

How to get to the Tara River from Dubrovnik?

The Tara River Canyon is 200 kilometers northeast of Dubrovnik over the Croatian border in Montenegro.

From Dubrovnik to the Tara River by car

You can reach the Tara River in 3.5 to 4 hours from Dubrovnik. The shortest route passes through Bosnia and Herzegovina before crossing the Montenegro border.

Take the D8 south out of Dubrovnik for about 5 kilometers until you reach M20/M6. Continue for 56 kilometers to E762 and P5. Follow P5 for around 70 kilometers until you reach your destination.

Guided tour to the Tara River from Dubrovnik

Cut the hassle of a rental car or complicated bus timetables with a guided tour to the Tara River. The gorgeous Tara River Canyon in northern Montenegro is a UNESCO world heritage site and runs through Durmitor National Park.

Guided rafting tours on the Tara immerse you in Montenegro’s wilderness while learning a bit about this lesser-known Balkan territory. Sample typical Montenegrin foods, glimpse ancient mountain villages and hear about the people and animals that have made this area their home for centuries.

What is the typical itinerary?

Snag a window seat on the bus for the 4-hour drive over into wild Montenegro. With a 6:30 AM meeting time and breakfast along the way, you’ll arrive at your rafting put-in with plenty of time for a day on the river.

Enjoy either a snack or a full Montenegrin breakfast before heading down the river. Tours that provide a full breakfast offer local specialties at their rafting camp before taking you by Jeep to the put-in point up the river.

After a briefing on safety and techniques, settle into the inflatable raft for a paddle through mild whitewater in Europe’s longest canyon. Spy rock walls towering up to 1,300 meters above you. Keep your eyes out for wildlife, caves, springs and waterfalls along the way.

In calmer stretches of the canyon, hear fascinating commentary about your surroundings from your guide. Pause at waterfall pools or cliffs for a jump into the chilly water.

After a 25-kilometer paddle with stops for a swim and photo ops, reenergize with a riverside Montenegrin picnic. Unwind and absorb the scenery during the 4-hour drive back to Dubrovnik, arriving by late afternoon.

What kinds of tours are available to go to the Tara River?

Guided rafting tours to the Tara River from Dubrovnik

Join an experienced guide for an enticing outing on the Tara River in the easiest way possible. Guided rafting tours combine all you will need for an unforgettable day in rugged Montenegro.

With round-trip transportation from your hotel in Dubrovnik and meals included, a rafting trip on the Tara River is convenient, affordable and thrilling.

How much does a day trip to the Tara River from Dubrovnik cost?

Guided rafting tours to Tara River from Dubrovnik cost around €130 per person.

Included in the cost is round-trip road transportation from your hotel, an expert guide, all rafting gear, breakfast and lunch. Feel secure and comfortable with life vests, helmets and wetsuits in cooler temperatures. Tours do not provide drinks, so come prepared with plenty of water.

What will you see and do?

Have your cameras ready, because the route from Dubrovnik to the Tara River is filled with photogenic locales. Marvel at Montenegro’s forested mountains on your ride to the rafting camp.

Depending on road conditions, you will travel through a corner of Bosnia and Herzegovina and possibly parts of Serbia before arriving at your starting point.

On the river, you’ll see the most scenic sections of the Tara River Canyon. Guides will pause for unmissable photo ops of waterfalls, caves and animals. During this stretch of the canyon, calmer waters make for great swimming opportunities. Look out for foxes, mountain goats, bears, rare birds and fish in the turquoise water.

The Tara River makes its way over 146 kilometers over part of the Bosnian-Herzegovinian border. International borders are just a formality as you crisscross between Montenegro and its neighbors. Marvel at the sturdy yet graceful Tara Canyon Bridge. Local legends hold that only fairies could have built a structure so beautiful.

On the second half of your trip, dig in your paddles over class 3 and 4 rapids that will have your adrenaline soaring. After several hours on the river, savor a restoring Montenegrin picnic on the riverbanks before your 4-hour drive back to Dubrovnik.

Travel tips

• Decide on the date of your trip and book any necessary transportation or activities in advance.
• The Tara River is located in Montenegro, therefore you need to plan for border crossings - bring your ID or passport with you.
• Make sure to wear comfortable clothing and shoes suitable for outdoor activities like hiking, swimming, and rafting.
• It's advised to wear sunscreen, insect repellent, and carry a reusable water bottle.
• The Tara River and the surrounding area are a beautiful natural environment, so make sure to respect it by not littering and sticking to marked trails.
• Bring a camera to capture the most amazing landscapes!