Visiting Slovenia has been on my bucket list for ages, and upon finally arriving, Bovec was the first destination I had to check off my list. Settled in the foothills of the Julian Alps and nestled between the emerald Soča river, this charming town is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise. Hiking, skiing, rafting, kayaking and canyoning are only a few of the options available.
I, for one, had my eye on rafting, and upon talking to the locals, they pointed me in the direction of a local company, SportMix, that specializes in water sports.
Meeting the guide
I was impressed by the professionalism of our guide, Liam, from the get-go. He was great at giving instructions and safety guides, and I felt assured that the journey we were about to embark on would be fun and safe.
The fact that the equippment (wetsuit, helmet, and life jacket) was provided by SportMix was just another bonus.
I could tell everyone in the group was brimming with excitement, and we were eager to get on the river at once.
Riding the waves of the Soča river
If you’ve never seen the crystal clear waters of the Soča river before, I can assure you – pictures don’t do it justice.
The river offers an incredible terrain for rafting, expanding from tame water stretches to heart-pumping rapids that guarantee to feed your inner adventurer.
I picked the Classic Soča river ride that goes on for about 3 hours in total and stretches for 8 kilometers from the mesmerizing Boka waterfall to the picturesque Trnovo ob Soči. We spent about an hour and a half on the crystal clear river. There were 6 of us in the group (but could be up to 8), and there were 2 kids below age 10 to give you an idea of who the ride is suitable for. Although they asked us if we are comfortable to be joined by a family, we didn’t mind at all. It was great fun, and we met a beautiful family.
The trip started slow, so we could get the hang of paddling and navigating the river, but gradually got more and more challenging. The combination of the slow-flowing waterway and the fast-paced rapids was perfect to fulfill the desire of everyone in the group. We even made a slide with the raft.
We stopped to jump and swim in the river and get our fill of the stunning scenery nature painted before our eyes. Tiny pools and waterfalls, stunning greenery all around, and birds chirping over our heads were enough to forget any worries and truly enjoy the wildlife around us.
The latter part of the ride was a little more testing, and as we drove down the river’s faster-paced stream, I couldn’t help but wonder if one of the more challenging rides was better suited for my adventurous spirit. Alas, that will have to wait for another time.
Key takeaways
First – if you’re thinking about rafting on the Soča river, stop thinking and do it!
It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience that I gladly checked off my bucket list. The fact that there are plenty of rides available for any experience level should ease any doubts you might have.
Second – you hardly have to do any preparation.
The whole ride is preplanned for you, along with the equipment and safety instructions. I’m glad I listened to the advice of the locals and selected SportMix. I can vouch for their professionalism and knowledge when it comes to water sports on the Soča river. And another shoutout to Liam for guiding us safely!
And third – you will get wet. But every drop is worth it, I promise!
I’m off to explore other hidden gems of Slovenia, but I can already tell I’ll be back to Bovec and Soča someday.
