Batumi to Martvili Canyon: Private Transfer, Boat Ride & Tips
Batumi to Martvili Canyon at a glance
- Destination: Martvili Canyon, Samegrelo region, western Georgia
- Highlights: a boat ride on the Abasha river and small turquoise waterfalls
- On foot: a path with viewing platforms through the canyon
- History: once a summer retreat of the Dadiani family, rulers of Samegrelo
- Rules: swimming is not allowed; boats do not run in rainy weather
- Nearby: Martvili Monastery, a religious centre of western Georgia since the Middle Ages
- Best way from Batumi: a private day trip with driver; see live prices for your date on this page
Facts about the canyon come from Georgia.travel, Eurasia Travel, Wikipedia and Wikivoyage.
What is Martvili Canyon?
Martvili Canyon is one of the best-known natural sights of Samegrelo, the green, humid region north of the Black Sea coast. The Abasha river has cut a narrow gorge into pale limestone, and the result is a canyon of moss-covered walls, clear turquoise water and small waterfalls tumbling in from the sides.
The place also has a royal story. The area was once a summer retreat of the Dadiani family, the rulers of Samegrelo, who came here to bathe in the cool river. Today the canyon is a protected, well-organised visitor site with a ticket office, walking trails and railings.
What to do at the canyon
The walking path. A path with steps, natural bridges and viewing platforms takes you along and above the gorge. It is short and easy for most visitors, and it gives the best views down into the turquoise water.
The boat ride. The highlight is a boat trip on the Abasha river. Guides wait with inflatable boats on the shore, provide life vests and helmets, and take you along the canyon between the cliffs and waterfalls. The boats do not run in rainy weather, so we recommend checking the forecast the day before and keeping your plan flexible.
Rules to know. Swimming in the canyon is not allowed, and the site follows strict safety rules, including on the boats. Wear shoes with a good grip: paths and steps can be wet.
How to get from Batumi to Martvili Canyon
Martvili Canyon is a long day trip from Batumi. The route runs north along the coast and then inland through the lowlands of Samegrelo. Public transport is possible but slow: you would need to connect via a larger town and then find local transport to the canyon. A private car with driver is far simpler for a day trip, because the driver waits for you at the canyon and brings you back the same day.
| Option | Best for | Keep in mind |
|---|---|---|
| Public transport | Travellers with plenty of time | Changes on the way and the last part to the canyon to organise |
| Private car with driver | Families, couples, groups, a one-day trip | Free waiting at the canyon; see live prices for your date on this page |
| Private car plus Martvili Monastery | History and views | Agree the extra stop when you book |
We suggest an early start from Batumi so you reach the canyon before the busiest part of the day. Tell your driver when you book that you want to wait at the canyon and add any extra stops.
See drivers and live prices: Batumi to Martvili
Add Martvili Monastery
The town of Martvili, a short drive from the canyon, has been a religious centre of western Georgia since the Middle Ages, and its monastery on a hilltop is well worth a stop. With a private driver, stops on the way are free, so it is easy to combine both in one day. Dress modestly for the monastery (covered shoulders and knees; women usually cover their hair).
Want more of western Georgia? Our Prometheus Cave and Martvili Canyon day trip covers the classic route from Kutaisi, and our Martvili Canyon in winter guide explains a cold-season visit. For more ideas from the coast, see Batumi things to do and day trips.
Why travel with OrbiTrip
- Free waiting: take your time on the boat and the walking path.
- Free stops on the way: Martvili Monastery, lunch or viewpoints.
- Free cancellation: useful if rain stops the boats.
- Same price day and night: early starts cost the same.
- Pay the driver in cash: GEL, USD or EUR, no prepayment.
- Name-sign meeting: the driver meets you with a name sign.
- Child seat on request: mention it when you book.
- Book ahead: at least 90 minutes before pickup.
- Reliability: Your driver is guaranteed to come: if a driver has a valid reason they cannot, we send another driver at the same price.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Martvili Canyon?
In the Samegrelo region of western Georgia, near the town of Martvili.
Can I do Martvili Canyon as a day trip from Batumi?
Yes. It is a long day, and a private car with driver is the easiest way: the driver waits at the canyon and brings you back. See live prices for your date on this page.
Is there a boat ride at Martvili Canyon?
Yes, guides take visitors by boat along the Abasha river through the canyon. Boats do not run in rainy weather.
Can you swim in Martvili Canyon?
No, swimming in the canyon is not allowed.
What else can I see nearby?
Martvili Monastery in the town of Martvili, a religious centre of western Georgia since the Middle Ages, is an easy extra stop.
Can the driver wait while I visit the canyon?
Yes. Waiting and stops on the way are free with OrbiTrip; tell the driver your plan when you book.
Checked on 29 October 2026. Sources: Georgia.travel, Eurasia Travel, Wikipedia and Wikivoyage.
OrbiTrip Georgia — private transfers across Georgia with local drivers. Per-vehicle price shown before booking, no prepayment.