One-Day Kayaking Trip in Gauja River Valley

I thoroughly enjoyed this kayaking excursion with Rolands. Don't be put off by the cost - it's absolutely worth it - and don't think it won't compare to the likes of better-known kayaking spots around the world - it offers just the right amount of challenge for beginners as well as those with moderate kayaking experience. You'll sometimes have to navigate rocks, fallen trees, and overhanging branches in shallow areas and there are thrilling rapids in others. It's both a great physical workout and an opportunity to experience and learn about the great Latvian outdoors. Do you know the feeling of feeling physically tired but emotionally rejuvenated? That's how I felt afterwards. Just as enjoyable was Rolands' company - he's not only a very capable guide and instructor but also a very gregarious, genuine, and humorous person, who will fill your experience with laughter and many "Wow!" moments. The local Latvian foods he brought were delicious and he also took photos and videos and shared these with me afterwards. Overall, it was a very memorable and worthwhile experience and I encourage anyone to make it a part of their itinerary!

My friend and I had such a wonderful experience Kayaking the Gauja! Not only were the views breathtaking, but Rolands was very nice, knowledgable and caring. We are not pro paddlers by any means but this was just a perfect adventure : accessible but yet just challenging enough at times to be fun. Lunch was also great (and plentiful!), and I was nice to be able to taste some local food (I still have dreams about Kārums). I’ll definitely be back for some more nature outings with Rolands! 😊

I highly recommend this excursion. Rolands our guide was perfect and had us taste local products.

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!

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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.

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

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!

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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!

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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!!

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.

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