Belgrade's two rivers are the best thing about its geography and one of the least used by visitors, and a guided kayak trip is the most direct way to see them. The tour meets at Ušće, the park at the tip of New Belgrade where the Sava flows into the Danube, and sets off on the Danube before crossing onto the Sava. The route passes Great War Island, a protected, mostly uninhabited stretch of wetland and willow woodland at the confluence, once a military foothold between empires and now a bird sanctuary. You paddle by Lido Beach, slip beside the island's side channel and its canal-lake, Veliki Galijaš, and finish with views back towards the fortress ramparts and the Belgrade skyline from water level, which is a very different angle from any viewpoint on land. It is a gentle paddle on wide, slow water, and a guide tells the story of the rivers as you go. This is the experience for travellers who like to see a city by moving through it rather than standing in front of it, and it fits well after a morning at the museums or before a late lunch. It suits beginners, though you should be prepared to use your arms for the best part of three hours.
How to visit
The tour starts at Ušće 7 in New Belgrade, on the terrace raft between two of the popular river rafts, and ends back at the same point, so it is easy to reach by taxi or on foot from the Ušće park. The price includes a guide, a kayak, a paddle and a safety belt, and you choose the start time when you check availability.
Free cancellation applies up to 24 hours before. It is not recommended for travellers with back problems, anyone who is pregnant, or people with heart conditions, and it is not wheelchair accessible.
What to expect
The route starts on the Danube, crosses onto the Sava, stops at Lido Beach, passes Great War Island and its canal-lake, and ends with a view of the skyline. Plan on about three hours in total, with breaks for photographs and stories, and expect to paddle at an easy pace rather than race.
Bring shorts, a T-shirt and, if you like, a swimsuit, sandals or sneakers or bare feet, and spare clothes and footwear for afterwards, since you will probably get a little wet. Sun cream and a hat matter on open water in summer, and a light waterproof is worth carrying in spring and autumn.
Making the most of it
This is a warm-season activity, so check availability for your dates and expect the best paddling in late spring, summer and early autumn. Mornings tend to be calmer and cooler, and the light on the water is best late in the day. Keep your phone in a waterproof pouch and leave valuables at your hotel.
Afterwards the raft bars along the Sava bank are a natural place to dry off, and Ušće park is a pleasant walk if you have energy left. If kayaking is not for you, the river cruise gives a similar view from a seat.
What to expect
The experience
A guided kayak tour on the Danube and Sava from New Belgrade, with a stop at Lido Beach and views of the skyline.
Best time
Late spring to early autumn, with calm mornings and golden evening light on the water.
How long
About three hours from the Ušće meeting point.
Tips
Wear quick-drying clothes and shoes you can get wet, bring spare clothes and sun protection, and keep your phone in a waterproof pouch.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Active travellers and beginners who want a different view of Belgrade from the water.
- Families
- Best for teenagers and active older children; check the operator's rules for younger paddlers.
- Couples
- A shared adventure with a river and skyline backdrop, followed by a drink on one of the rafts.
- Pair with
- A walk through Ušće park, a river cruise on another day, or dinner on the Zemun quay.
- Time needed
- Three hours, plus travel to Ušće.
Good questions
Do I need kayaking experience?+
No prior experience is needed, as the water is wide and slow and a guide leads the group. Be ready for about three hours of steady paddling.
Where does the kayak tour start?+
It meets at Ušće 7 in New Belgrade, on a terrace raft between two of the river rafts, and finishes at the same spot.
What is Great War Island?+
It is a protected island of wetland and woodland where the Sava meets the Danube, once a military position and now a bird habitat that visitors paddle around.
What should I bring?+
Shorts, a T-shirt, shoes that can get wet or bare feet, spare clothes and footwear and, if you wish, a swimsuit.
Is the kayak tour suitable for everyone?+
It is not recommended for people with back problems, pregnancy or heart conditions, and it is not wheelchair accessible.
