There are several rafting camps around Foča and the Tara Canyon, and at first glance the offers look alike: a descent of the Tara, meals and a bed for the night. The differences only show once you ask what exactly is included, who takes you down the river and where you will sleep. This guide gives you 8 questions worth asking any camp before you book, whichever one you end up choosing.
For each question we have also written how we answer it at Rafting Camp Eden, so you have something to compare against.
1. Is there a licensed skipper in every raft?
This is the most important question. The Tara has real rapids, especially in May, and an experienced skipper is the difference between an unforgettable day and an unpleasant one. Ask whether the skipper is licensed, whether there is one in every raft and whether there is a safety briefing before the descent.
With us: there is a licensed skipper in every raft, and everyone gets a safety and equipment briefing before setting off. That is why no previous experience is needed. More in our guide to Tara rafting for beginners.
2. Which equipment is included?
The Tara is cold, about 8-12°C in May, so a wetsuit is not a luxury. Ask what you get and whether anything costs extra.
With us: a wetsuit (3 or 5 mm depending on the season), neoprene boots, an EN-certified life jacket, a helmet and a paddle, included in every package. For what to bring yourself, see what to bring rafting.
3. What exactly does the price include?
A low price sometimes leaves out the transfer to the starting point, fees or meals. Compare the total, not just the price of the descent.
With us: the 1-day package is €65 per person (€52 on weekdays) and includes a buffet breakfast and lunch, rafting with gear and a skipper, transport from the camp to the starting point, taxes and insurance. The 2-day package is €105 and the 3-day €150, with accommodation and more meals. All prices are on our Tara River rafting packages and prices page, with a full breakdown in Tara rafting prices.
4. Where is the camp, and how far is the start?
The location decides how much of your day you spend in a van and how much by the river. If you are coming from the coast, also ask whether the camp can pick you up.
With us: the camp is at Hum near Šćepan Polje (Foča, Bosnia and Herzegovina), right where the Tara and Piva meet, next to the border crossing with Montenegro. The rafting start is about an hour's drive away, and the transport is included. We organise transfers from Kotor, Budva, Dubrovnik, Podgorica and Sarajevo. More in Tara rafting: Bosnia or Montenegro?
5. What is the accommodation like?
After 4 hours on the river you want a warm shower and a proper bed. Ask whether rooms have their own bathroom and what costs extra.
With us: every unit has its own bathroom and a hair dryer. For more comfort there are our A-frame cabins, at €30-50 per person extra for the whole stay. Pets are welcome. See all options on our accommodation page.
6. What do the reviews say?
An average rating means little without the number of reviews behind it. Check how many people rated the camp and what they say about the skippers, the food and the rooms.
With us: rated 4.9 on Google from 181 reviews. Read what guests say on our reviews page.
7. How do I pay, and are there discounts?
Check before you travel whether the camp takes cards or only cash, so you are not looking for an ATM in the canyon. Ask about discounts for children, families and weekdays too.
With us: payment is cash only at the camp, in euros or convertible marks (KM). There is 20% off all packages from Monday to Friday, and we offer discounts for children and families depending on ages and group size.
8. What else is there to do?
If you are staying several days, or someone in your group would rather skip the rapids, the range of activities makes a big difference.
With us: hiking, canyoning, canoeing, horseback riding, via ferrata and ZIP line, a lake cruise and jeep safari. For experienced paddlers there is the 100 km rafting expedition through the whole canyon.
In short: choose the camp that tells you plainly who is in the raft, what the price includes and where you will sleep. Get clear answers to those and most other things take care of themselves.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best rafting camp on the Tara River?
The best camp is the one that gives you clear answers to the key questions: is there a licensed skipper in every raft, which equipment is included, what exactly the price covers (meals, transfer to the start, fees, insurance), what the accommodation is like and what guests say in their reviews. Compare camps on those points, not on price alone.
What should a Tara rafting package include?
With us the price includes rafting with full equipment (wetsuit, neoprene boots, life jacket, helmet, paddle), a licensed skipper, transport from the camp to the starting point, buffet meals, taxes and insurance. Multi-day packages also include accommodation. Whichever camp you choose, ask what costs extra.
Should I choose a rafting camp in Bosnia or in Montenegro?
You raft the same river through the same canyon. Rafting Camp Eden is on the Bosnian side at Hum near Foča, right at the Šćepan Polje border crossing with Montenegro, so it is easy to reach from Sarajevo, from Serbia and from the Montenegrin coast. We organise transfers from Kotor, Budva, Dubrovnik and other towns.
How do I check a rafting camp's reviews?
Look at Google reviews: the number of reviews matters as much as the average. Rafting Camp Eden is rated 4.9 on Google from 181 reviews, and you can read guest stories on our reviews page.
When should I book a rafting camp on the Tara?
The season runs from May to October. Book ahead for July, August and weekends, when accommodation fills up quickly. Weekdays are quieter, and we offer 20% off all packages from Monday to Friday.
Ask us anything before you book
We are happy to answer all 8 questions for your dates. Book online, send an inquiry through ourcontact form or email[email protected]with your dates and group size - we reply within 24 hours. You can also message us onWhatsApp or call+381 64 266 0852 (Serbia) or+387 66 545 455 (BiH).