In short
- Half-day rafting in Përmet costs around €35 to €55.
- Day trips from Saranda cost €60 to €70 plus a local rafting fee.
- Safety equipment like wetsuits and helmets is included in the price.
In this article
Booking a rafting trip in Europe's first Wild River National Park is straightforward. Most operators are based in Përmet and offer standard packages covering the 7.6-kilometer route. We outline the typical expenses, what gear your fee covers, and how transport impacts the total cost.
What are the standard Vjosa River rafting prices in Përmet?
A standard half-day guided rafting trip starting in Përmet costs between €35 and €55 per person.
Online booking platforms often show starting prices around €28, but these change based on the season. The highest rates apply during the peak spring months from April to June. This base rate covers your spot in the raft on the standard 7.6-kilometer section of the river.
How much do day trips from Saranda cost?
Full-day transport packages from Saranda cost around €65, but you usually pay the rafting fee separately.
If you are staying on the coast, you can book a driver for the day. These tours cover the transport to the Vjosa Valley and stops at nearby sites. You pay the €30 rafting fee directly to the local operator in Përmet. Expect the total day out to cost about €95 per person.
What equipment is included in the rafting price?
Your ticket includes a certified guide, a wetsuit, a helmet, and a personal flotation device.
Safety gear is mandatory on the river. All licensed operators provide this equipment at no extra charge. The price also typically includes bottled water and the shuttle ride from the operator's base to the river.
| Included in Price | Not Included |
|---|---|
| Wetsuit and helmet | Hotel pickup outside Përmet |
| Life jacket (PFD) | Meals and snacks |
| Base-to-river shuttle | Travel insurance |
| Certified river guide | Tips and gratuities |
Are kayaking and tubing cheaper than rafting?
Kayaking and tubing are similarly priced or slightly cheaper, ranging from €28 to €33 per person.
If you prefer a different pace, you can rent a river tube or book a guided sit-on-top kayak trip. Tubing costs around €33 for a two-hour self-guided float. Guided kayaking costs about €28 and includes a support raft paddling alongside you.
Should I book online or in person?
Booking online secures your spot and usually offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure.
During the busy spring and summer months, tours sell out. Booking through standard travel platforms allows you to lock in the price and the date. Read the cancellation policy carefully before paying.
Questions travellers ask
Is Vjosa River National Park free to visit?
Yes, entry to the river and national park areas is free. You only pay for guided activities like rafting or kayaking.
What is the best time of year to raft the Vjosa River?
The rafting season runs from March to November. Spring (April to June) offers the highest water levels and the best rapids.
Do I need to pay for a life jacket?
No. Life jackets and helmets are mandatory and are always included in the price of your guided rafting tour.
