Rafting in Georgia in 2026: where to go and how to get there
Rafting in Georgia is a short but real whitewater run with a guide, helmet and life jacket. You don't need experience: the standard stretches are grade II–III and an instructor steers every raft. The real question is usually getting there and back: the rivers are outside the cities and public transport runs on its own timetable. Below are the two rivers, prices and ready-made options with a driver.
Getting to the Aragvi (from Tbilisi)
| How to get there | Price | Travel time | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private transfer Tbilisi → Pasanauri | from 175 GEL (~$67) per car, one way; minivan from 284 GEL | about 1.5 h | 2–4 people, your own schedule, luggage |
| Day trip: Kazbegi & the Mountain Road | 418 GEL per car | 10 h: Ananuri, Gudauri, Kazbegi | the mountain road with the driver waiting at stops; a raft needs extra time, so ask when booking |
| Rafting operator package | about 120–180 GEL per person | half a day | solo travellers: transport often included |
| Marshrutka from Didube | cheap, per person | fixed timetable | budget, if a highway drop-off works for you |
The Aragvi at Pasanauri: the main rafting river near Tbilisi
The Aragvi runs alongside the Georgian Military Highway. Trips start around Pasanauri, about 89 km and 1.5 hours' drive from Tbilisi. The standard stretches are grade II–III: fine for beginners, with an instructor in every raft. In spring and early summer the water is higher and livelier; by late summer it is calmer.
- Season: usually May to mid-October, depending on weather and water level.
- Price: a half-day group raft is about 120–180 GEL per person with operators (often including transport from Tbilisi). You pay the operator directly.
- What to bring: swimwear or shorts to wear under the wetsuit and shoes you don't mind getting wet. The operator provides the wetsuit, helmet and life jacket.
- Combine it with: Ananuri Fortress on the way, then Gudauri and Kazbegi: that is our day trip Kazbegi & the Mountain Road (418 GEL per car).
Getting to Makhuntseti (from Batumi)
| How to get there | Price | Travel time | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private transfer Batumi → Makhuntseti | from 69 GEL (~$26) per car, one way; minivan from 98 GEL | under 1 h | your own schedule, families |
| Day trip: Adjara Waterfalls & Stone Bridges | 455 GEL per car | 6 h: Makhuntseti + Mirveti | waterfalls + rafting in one outing (mention rafting when booking) |
The Adjaristskali at Makhuntseti: rafting from Batumi
In mountainous Adjara, by the Makhuntseti waterfall (28 km from Batumi), a local club runs a short raft of about 6 km on the Adjaristskali river. The club operates all year; it charges per person and you pay on site. It pairs well with our waterfalls-and-stone-bridges trip: Adjara Waterfalls & Stone Bridges, 455 GEL per car, 6 h. More about the waterfall itself in our Batumi → Makhuntseti waterfall guide.
Payment. Rafting is paid to the operator or club directly. Transfers: cash to the driver (GEL, USD or EUR); no card or online payment. Day trips (excursions): cash to the driver for now. OrbiTrip is a free platform and takes no commission.
How to book a car for rafting
- Pick the route: Tbilisi → Pasanauri or Batumi → Makhuntseti.
- A transfer is one way: write “rafting” and your start time in the booking note. Want the driver to wait and bring you back? Book the day trip, where waiting at the stops is included.
- Book the raft itself with the operator (summer weekends fill up, so a few days ahead is safer).
FAQ
How much does rafting cost in Georgia?
On the Aragvi a half-day group raft is about 120–180 GEL per person with operators. At Makhuntseti the short run is paid to the club on site. The car and driver are separate: Tbilisi → Pasanauri from 175 GEL and Batumi → Makhuntseti from 69 GEL for the whole car.
When is the rafting season in Georgia?
On the Aragvi, usually May to mid-October, depending on weather and water level. The club at Makhuntseti operates all year.
Do I need rafting experience?
No. The standard stretches are grade II–III; the instructor steers the raft and gives commands, and there is a safety briefing before you start.
Can I go rafting if I'm staying in Batumi?
Yes: at Makhuntseti, 28 km from Batumi, under an hour by car. It combines well with a day trip to Adjara's waterfalls.
Does OrbiTrip sell rafting tickets?
No. We provide the car and driver. The raft is paid to the operator; write “rafting” in the booking note so the driver plans the time.
Can children go rafting?
Age limits depend on the operator and the water level, so ask in advance. In summer and early autumn the water is calmer.