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Your Belgrade kayak experience starts here… historical and adventurous kayak ride that will take you into magnificent nature protected area in the heart of Belgrade.
Beside city walks, famous Belgrade nightlife and other atractive activities this time we represent you Belgrade in 3 hours sightseeing from river perspective. Challenge yourself as you go kayaking through the biggest rivers in Serbia, Sava and Danube!
Geography: Great War island is river island in Belgrade. It is located at the confluence of Sava and Danube rivers. It has triangular shape and covers an area of 2.11 km². It is low, for the most part marshy and often flooded by the Danube. The main physical feature on the island is the canal of Veliki Galijaš. In time, the canal was cut off from the Danube and effectively turned into a lake, with an area of 0.24 km² and the major natural bird and fish spawning area on the island. However, during the droughty years the lake drains out completely causing damage to the closed eco-system centered around it. Currently some two-thirds of the island are used as a nature preserve for 196 bird species, many of which are endangered. One of Belgrade’s beaches, Lido, is located on the northern tip of the island.
History: The island gained its militant name because throughout the history Great War Island was an important strategic point either for the conquest or the defence of Belgrade. For example, in 1521. when Belgrade was under siege by Turkish forces, the majority of their attacks on Belgrade fortress were launched from the island. In liberating Belgrade in 1806 the rebel army headed by Karađorđe also used the island for military purposes, as the Serbian artillery with 500 soldiers was bombing the Kalemegdan fortress from there. During the offensive in 1915. by Austria-Hungary against Belgrade, Austria-Hungary forces used the island to launch their attacks. When construction of Novi Beograd began in 1948, the city government made a decision to completely destroy the island by using its sand and earth to cover the marshes of Syrmia, where new city was to be built. However, the deposits of alluvial materials continually brought onto the island from the Danube completely prevented this from happening. Instead, the smaller Little War Island served this purpose and was nearly destroyed in the process.
Though officially uninhabited, almost a dozen of people live in small shacks in the island’s interior. They are mostly retirees who move to the island during the warm season and maintain their vegetable gardens, while in the winter they return to Belgrade. Contrast of wilderness and urban environment will be something what you won’t forget!
Departures
Tour can be organised every day from April 1st till November 1st. This tour is organised for groups and individuals as private group. Please be free to choose your depart time.
Inclusions
Exclusions
All prices are in EUR. Cancellation penalties, blackout dates and other restrictions may apply.
Options & Upgrades for groups
Tailor made programs: By your request we can arrange tailor made program with stops and route inline with your wishes.
FAQs
Q: Do I need a previous kayak experience to take part in this tour?
A: No, You don’t. All tours are organized for people with no previous experience. Tours are led by experience kayak guides.
Q: What is the weight limit for luggage/clothing/equipment that each traveler can take?
A: For comfort and pleasant paddling we recommend no more than 5 kg per guest.
Q: What should guests do with their extra bags?
A: Remaining luggage can be stored at in Baracuda boat.
Q: What is the weather like in Belgrade during the year?
A: Here is a rough guideline:
April to June: Sunny 15c-30c
July- August: Dry/Sunny/Hot 25c-35c
September-October: Sunny 15c-30c
Q: How many guides will be with the group?
A: There will be one guide for groups of up to 10-15 travelers. For groups of 15+ there will also be an assistant guide. Guides are very experienced, they know the area and water flow very well and are able to assist at all times (in case of emergency).
Q: What kind of emergency procedures are in place if a guest injures themselves in a way that disables them from continuing on the tour? What is the nearest hospital and how can they get there? Does the rest of the group continue without them or must they all turn around?
A: There is basic medical attention and equipment that every guide carries in guide’s kayak. Guides traveling with the group are trained to handle emergencies. Minor first aid can be taken care at the kayak place, while some bigger issues which require special medical attention, must be solved at the nearest medical centers (nearest about 1km distance from tour place). Guides carry first aid kits with them at all times.
Q: Do guests carry food, watter or some drink in their packs?
A: Yes, we recommend guests to take a “snack pack” with dry fruits, peanuts, chocolates, juice, water, some other drink (alcohol is not permitted) or fresh fruits.
Q: When do we meet our group and guide? When do we start?
A: Just 10min before your kayak tour when you prepack your things, take what you need and live unneccessary things.
Q: What are rivers like? How challenging is it?
A: Rivers are calm, they are not fast. Tour is organised in such way that you paddle mostly downstream. Tour is rated as moderate. Prior kayaking experience is not necessary.
Q: Do you rent kayaks without taking the tour?
A: Yes. Further information you can find on website.
Reccomended clothing & equipment
*** Important: Please bring extra clothes and footwear for after tour.
