River Rafting in Gudauri — the Aragvi River

It is a guided run in an inflatable raft down the Aragvi mountain river near Gudauri, with a certified instructor in the boat. It suits couples, families, groups of friends and complete beginners — there are calm family routes and more active team-style runs.

Routes are defined by distance, not by minutes: 5 km (≈30 min), 9 km (≈50 min) and 12 km (≈80 min). The distance is guaranteed; the time is approximate — the river is a natural force and its speed depends on the water level (after rain the river rises and runs faster; in dry weather it runs slower). Put-in and take-out points are fixed — they are safe spots a vehicle can reach to pick the group up. The run cannot be “extended to the next take-out”: that is a different route with a different time and price. So the same route can take more or less time on different days — that is normal, not a mistake. The stated time covers the whole experience — meeting the instructor, the safety briefing, gear preparation, the rafting itself and the transfer back; the clock starts when the instructor begins the briefing and preparation, not when the raft enters the water.

For families and first-timers — the calm 5 km run (≈30 min). The 9 km route (≈50 min) is the most universal choice for most guests. Pick the 12 km run (≈80 min) if you want more action and are ready to paddle actively as a team.

No. Put-in and take-out points are fixed: they are safe spots with vehicle access where the group is picked up. You cannot stop “anywhere” in between, and the next take-out is a different route by distance, time and price. If you want longer — book the 9 or 12 km route.

One raft takes 1 to 5 guests plus an instructor, and the price is per raft. A larger group or a corporate outing is split across several rafts — send us your headcount and we will confirm how many rafts you need.

We run rafting all year round. Standard guide hours (outside 5 December – 1 April) — 10:00–18:00. Winter schedule (5 December – 1 April): rafting runs from 12:00 to 16:00, and only the 30-minute route (~5 km) is available. The rest of the year we work on the standard schedule: 10:00–18:00, all routes. In summer the water is warmer and calmer; in spring, autumn and winter a wetsuit is provided. The only limit is safety: if the river level, weather or visibility do not allow a safe launch, we offer a reschedule or a deposit refund.

Rain by itself does not cancel the trip — you get wet on the river anyway. The local team decides based on overall safety: water level, river condition, wind and visibility. If launching is unsafe, you are first offered a new time, and if rescheduling is impossible, the deposit is refunded.

5 km run (≈30 min) — children from age 4 with parental permission (this route only); 9 and 12 km routes — from age 9. Weight limit — up to 5 people per raft, max 90 kg per person (for safety); it is a safety requirement, so message us in advance if you are close to it. Age guideline for all activities — up to 70; older guests should consult their doctor and refrain if in doubt. Parents or guardians are responsible for children; if a child behaves unsafely for themselves or the group, the instructor may remove them from the activity with the full payment retained.

Strong swimming skills are not required: every guest wears a life jacket and helmet, and the instructor explains before launch what to do if you end up in the water. If you cannot swim or are nervous around water, tell us at booking and tell the instructor — a calm route will be chosen for you.

No, as long as the route suits you: the short briefing and the instructor in the raft cover everything you need. Keep in mind that everyone paddles — the 12 km route asks much more of the team than the easy 5 km one.

Dress to get wet: swimwear or quick-dry synthetics, no cotton or jeans, and shoes that stay on — trainers or sandals with a heel strap, not flip-flops. Bring dry clothes and a towel for afterwards, sunscreen, and a strap for your glasses. Helmet, life jacket and a wetsuit in cold weather are provided; leave valuables in the car.

Before launch the instructor fits the gear, explains paddle commands, how to sit, keep balance and distribute weight in the raft, and what to do if you go into the water. Then he checks the equipment, the group's readiness and the river level — only after that does the run begin.

Stay calm: the life jacket keeps you afloat and the crew knows the drill. Hold the body position the guide taught you, grab what he points to and never swim off against his commands — you will be back in the raft quickly.

Included: a certified instructor in the raft, the safety briefing, helmet, life jacket and a wetsuit in the cold season when needed, plus booking organisation through SkyAtlantida. Not included: personal insurance, transfer to the location (booked separately), bank fees and personal expenses.

Current prices by format are in the "Formats & prices" block above. Deposit: 210 GEL / 70 EUR per raft (up to 5 people). It secures the booking and is part of the price; the balance is paid on site. In bad weather or a safety cancellation — a free reschedule, or a refund minus bank fees and services already provided (5–10 business days). No-show or guest-initiated cancellation — the deposit is not refunded.

Message us on WhatsApp +995 597 035 421 or Telegram @SkyAtlantida_AI_Manager_bot with the number of guests or rafts, your preferred date and time, and whether you need a transfer. We check availability, confirm the route and send a deposit link; once paid, the booking is confirmed. We reply daily from 09:00 to 21:00 (GMT+4).

Deposit: 210 GEL / 70 EUR per raft (up to 5 people). It secures the booking and is part of the price; the balance is paid on site. In bad weather or a safety cancellation — a free reschedule, or a refund minus bank fees and services already provided (5–10 business days). No-show or guest-initiated cancellation — the deposit is not refunded.

The start is at the rafting camp on the Aragvi River, about 40 minutes from Gudauri and around 2 hours from Tbilisi; the exact point and time are sent after booking confirmation. Transfer is not included — you can drive your own car or book a transfer separately: from Gudauri 189 / 249 / 299 GEL, from Stepantsminda (Kazbegi) or Tbilisi 299 / 349 / 399 GEL per car (1–2 / 3–4 / 5–6 people); transfer deposit — 60 GEL / 20 EUR per car.

Arrive 30 minutes before your confirmed time — it is needed for the briefing and gear fitting. If you are running late, let us know as early as possible: a delay of more than 15 minutes may mean a shortened slot, a move only if operationally possible, or a missed slot with no deposit refund.

Yes, but only with a waterproof camera on a secure mount — an action cam on a helmet or strap works well. A phone is easy to drown or smash on the river, so bring it only in a sealed case and at your own risk. Photo or video service from the organisers is confirmed at booking.

Participation is not allowed during pregnancy or under the influence of alcohol or any other substance — the local team may refuse without keeping the slot. Recent surgery, heart issues, back or neck injuries, epilepsy or limited mobility must be reported in advance: participation may be restricted for your safety.

Personal insurance is not included, so we recommend arranging a policy in advance that covers active leisure, outdoor activities and medical expenses.

Booking and all coordination through SkyAtlantida is in English and Russian. The language of the on-site briefing is confirmed at booking.

Rafting is a water-based team activity: driven by paddle commands and live current, with no engine and no altitude. It pairs well with a paragliding flight, quad bikes, buggies, a horseback ride or a regional tour — tell us what you want to combine and we will align the timing and logistics.