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Gauja River Valley Kayaking Trip: Experience the Beauty of Latvia's Longest River
5.0
12 Ratings
Gauja National Park
Discover Latvia’s Gauja River Valley by kayak. Enjoy stunning landscapes, sandstone cliffs, and pristine forests with a knowledgeable eco-tour guide.
Discover Latvia’s Gauja River Valley by kayak. Enjoy stunning landscapes, sandstone cliffs, and pristine forests with a knowledgeable eco-tour guide.
Duration:
8 hours
Cancellation:
24 hours
Highlights
- Gauja National Park - As Latvia’s oldest and most renowned national park, Gauja National Park is celebrated for the distinctive Gauja River, the longest in Latvia, and its ancient valley. Visitors are captivated by the stunning landscapes, towering sandstone cliffs, and pristine old-growth forests, making it an essential destination in Latvia.
Total duration includes travel time.
- Gauja National Park - As Latvia’s oldest and most renowned national park, Gauja National Park is celebrated for the distinctive Gauja River, the longest in Latvia, and its ancient valley. Visitors are captivated by the stunning landscapes, towering sandstone cliffs, and pristine old-growth forests, making it an essential destination in Latvia.
Total duration includes travel time.
What's Included
- Knowledgeable eco-tour leader
- Rent of a two-seat kayak or three-seat canoe (one seat for one person) and a paddle. The default option is a two-seat kayak for two persons. One-seat kayaks are available upon request only.
- 8 hour guided kayaking tour in Gauja National Park (including transfer time)
- Lunch
- Improv-travel approach for the groups of 2…
- Knowledgeable eco-tour leader
- Rent of a two-seat kayak or three-seat canoe (one seat for one person) and a paddle. The default option is a two-seat kayak for two persons. One-seat kayaks are available upon request only.
- 8 hour guided kayaking tour in Gauja National Park (including transfer time)
- Lunch
- Improv-travel approach for the groups of 2 people and more
- Roundtrip transfer from Riga and preparation for kayaking (around one and a half hours one way)
What's Not Included
- Meals not specified as included
- Insurance
- Any other items not specified as included
- Meals not specified as included
- Insurance
- Any other items not specified as included
Additional Information
The magnificent Gauja River, the longest in Latvia, along with its untamed tributaries, offers an unforgettable adventure for nature enthusiasts.
Embark on a 5-hour paddle downstream, taking in the breathtaking scenery of the Gauja River Valley. Marvel at the impressive steep riverbanks, the renowned 350-million-year-old sandstone cliffs, and the lush,…
The magnificent Gauja River, the longest in Latvia, along with its untamed tributaries, offers an unforgettable adventure for nature enthusiasts.
Embark on a 5-hour paddle downstream, taking in the breathtaking scenery of the Gauja River Valley. Marvel at the impressive steep riverbanks, the renowned 350-million-year-old sandstone cliffs, and the lush, untouched forests of Gauja National Park.
On warm summer days, enjoy refreshing breaks with a swim in the Gauja River. Engage with a knowledgeable eco-tour guide through our unique Improv-travel approach, uncovering fascinating insights into Latvia’s nature and culture.
Depending on the group’s pace, fitness level, and preferences, various daily distances can be covered, ranging from 10 to 20 km.
- 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.
Location
Gauja National Park
Ausekla iela 6
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
5.0
(12 Ratings)
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Faraway15718602279
Sep 10, 2025
Unmissable Experience! - We had such a wonderful time kayaking down the Gauja River, the kayaking for us took ~4 hours, we got lucky and it was just the 2 of us. Our guide, Ronalds, made the experience extra special—he was so knowledgeable about the ecosystem and river, and he shared fascinating details about the cliffs, water levels, and wildlife along the way. He also took us to see parts of the cliffs you’d never notice unless you were on the river, which made the whole experience feel unique.
The scenery was absolutely beautiful and the atmosphere was so peaceful. Ronalds made sure we set the pace, which kept the trip stress-free and fun. To top it all off, he brought along local food for us to try—such a thoughtful touch! Pick-up and drop-off from our hotel was included, which made everything really easy.
I’m not sure I can put into words exactly how much I would recommend doing this trip—it was just one of those experiences that you never forget. I don’t think there’s anything like this it’s a must do excursion!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Road55541760128
Aug 23, 2025
Quiet but superb river - Wonderful moments shared with our guide who shared his knowledge about nature. Delicious sandwich and other local snacks at lunch. 21km of calm on the river. Thank you.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Vacation63165596956
Jun 14, 2025
Great Adventure - Although the condition on the river was not perfect, water level was high and it was windy, I enjoyed the trip very much. The trip startet on a smaller river wich was fun and my guide Rolands took care to get me around the tree chunks. Unfortunately due to the high water level there were not many places for a rest. Nevertheless we enjoyed a good traditioal meal. The Organisation was perfekt, even I was the only participant. Perhaps summer or autumn would be a better time. Althougether, very good trip
Review provided by Tripadvisor
111guentherw63
Aug 30, 2024
An unforgettable nature experience - The kayak tour through Gauja National Park was an indescribable natural pleasure seasoned with a touch of adventure and undoubtedly represented the highlight of our 2-week Latvia 🇱🇻 holiday. The approximately 6-hour tour was also good for us at an advanced age and with only little kayaking experience. Next to us, a Dutch father and his son took part in the tour and we had a lot of fun together. The clearly visible love for nature and his home country of our perfectly English and a bit German speaking guide could not escape. He provided us not only with very interesting information about his home country but also at lunchtime on an idyllic sandbar with delicious Latvian specialties. A tour that is definitely worth its slightly higher price, as you can experience the natural beauties much more intensively in a small group. We can recommend this tour without restriction!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Pascalg30
Aug 4, 2024
Amazing experience - The experience was truly amazing. Everything was perfectly organized. We enjoyed all aspects of the tour, the kayaking, the mesmerizing views of the cliffs from the river as well as the tasty picknick. However, the best part was the professional accompaniment by Rolands who impressed us with his profound knowledge of Latvian nature as well as all other subjects of interest.
We really had a great time!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Z5453vkanjak
Jul 11, 2024
A wonderful unforgettable experience that we absolutely recommend - The kayak tour was an unforgettable experience which belongs to our highlight of our Riga trip. Our guide, who is a trained biologist and ecologist, was able to explain everything to us during the trip. The landscape is fantastically beautiful. We can recommend this tour with "absolutely do'! A certain fitness is beneficial as are water shoes and sun protection. We loved it!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
169jonnyg
May 30, 2024
One of those rare travel secrets - a must, even if you are short of time - I wasn’t quite sure what we’d get. But this felt like those incredibly special, and these days rare, “secrets” of travel. We didn’t see another soul down the river, the views were stunning, the guide was very personable and dedicated, the lunch was home made and local, the pace and distance were tailored to suit us, and everything was utterly safe and secure. Really really memorable. Thank you.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Pascal
Jul 3, 2023
Latvian Nature in full glory - An absolute must for nature lovers. Great tour with a great guide. Highly recommended. Thank you Valters and i-Dā Ventures for creating lasting memories.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
F8017fjjonathanm
Jun 25, 2023
Memorable kayaking trip - This activity was so much fun! 🤩 Ronalds and his wife Inga were extremely friendly, enjoyable and took really good care of us. The lunch they prepared was delicious local food.
We absolutely recommend this tour to everyone, we loved it!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Vwhyte
Jun 18, 2023
Superb kayak trip in Gauja National Park - highly recommended. - Guide Rolands
Rolands was delightful, informative, helpful, energetic, enthusiastic and simply a wonderful guide. We thoroughly enjoyed our day with him.
We started our 24km journey in a tributary of the Gauja River. Due to the hot spring weather, water is shallower than typical for time of year so had to work our way through some sections with some hard paddling, pushing off bottom, or even getting out to pull the kayak through. Once in the Gauja, though, water was plenty deep but not as fast flowing as it could be. It was beautiful. It was some hard work (my muscles will be feeling this). And it was such fun.
The day started out a bit cloudier and a very pleasant temperature, but as the sun came out and the temps soared to 30C, we were welcoming the cool water of the Gauja, either to dip the hat or to go swimming.
A picnic lunch on the sandy shore was a delightful stop. Our guide, Rolands, provided homemade, delicious Latvian fare: smoked chicken, smoked pork sandwich in dark rye, spread cheese on dark rye, garlic rye bread, pickles, Kvass (local rye fermented sweet drink), local beer and peppermint/tree tea. Good energy for the last half of the journey.
All in all a fabulous day, a fantastic was to see the countryside, and it will rank up there with other great memories and great days.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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