Kayaking and canoeing on the Una: sections, tours and safety
Kayak and canoe on the Una near Bihać: calm sections vs rapids, checked tour operators, season, water temperature, safety and the Una Regatta.
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Kayaking and canoeing on the Una near Bihać happens on four main sections: the calm Kostela – Grmuša (about 12 km) and Martin Brod – Kulen Vakuf (about 10 km) runs suit beginners and families, while Štrbački buk – Lohovo (about 15 km) has rapids and waterfalls, plus a short Troslap – Dvoslap stretch. Inside Una National Park the season runs from March to October, depending on the weather, and a life jacket and helmet are mandatory. If you have never paddled moving water, book a guided tour with a licensed guide.
Calm water or rapids: the sections
Upstream of Bihać, inside Una National Park, it drops over waterfalls and rapids; downstream towards Grmuša it is wider and slower. The park has three official paddling sections and charges a fee per section, listed in Bosnian convertible marks (KM, also written BAM) in the park’s 2026 price list.
| Section | Length | Character | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Štrbački buk – Lohovo (national park) | about 15 km | rapids and waterfalls, the hardest section | rafting with a licensed skipper; kayak for experienced paddlers only |
| Martin Brod – Kulen Vakuf (national park) | about 10 km | calmer; the park recommends it for families | beginners, families |
| Troslap – Dvoslap, Lohovo (national park) | short | Dvoslap falls area; recommended for families | families, a short paddle |
| Kostela – Grmuša (outside the park) | about 12 km | calmer water, swimming stops | beginners, families, kayak safari |
From Bihać it is about 50 km (around an hour) to Martin Brod, about 45 km to Kulen Vakuf, about 10 km to Lohovo and about 20 km to Grmuša. Paddling on the Unac and Krka rivers inside the park is not permitted.
Kayak, canoe or raft
- Kayak: you sit low and use a double-bladed paddle, alone or in a tandem.
- Canoe: an open boat with single-bladed paddles, usually for two.
- Rafting: a large inflatable boat with a group and a licensed skipper who steers through the rapids. For a first run on Štrbački buk – Lohovo this is the safer choice. See our Una rafting guide.
Guided tours we have checked
- Una Kayak Safari (camp in Grmuša): kayak-canoe safari Kostela – Grmuša, about 12 km and 3 to 4 hours. No previous experience needed; licensed guides give a safety briefing before each start.
- Una RC Kiro Rafting (Golubić, about 5 km upstream of Bihać): lists kayak and canoe alongside rafting.
- Una Pirates: kayak safari on the Una near Bihać.
- Una Aquarius: runs kayak descents for groups of experienced kayakers.
Prices, start times and age limits change between seasons, so confirm them directly when you book.
Season, kit and safety
- Season: March to October in the national park, weather permitting. Spring brings higher, faster water.
- Water temperature: 13 to 17 °C on Štrbački buk – Lohovo, according to the park, even in summer.
- Mandatory: life jacket and helmet; wetsuit and neoprene shoes when needed. No alcohol before or during the trip.
- Water level: the Una rises quickly after heavy rain. The Sava river basin agency publishes water-level reports at voda.ba (in Bosnian); your operator decides whether a trip goes ahead.
- Going solo: the park advises against unsupervised descents. All agencies in the park must use licensed skippers and registered boats.
Our outdoor activities FAQ answers shorter questions, and border and documents covers the crossing from Croatia.
The Una Regatta
The International Tourist Una Regatta is a multi-day descent of the river for rafts and kayaks. According to FENA and N1, the 52nd edition ran from 22 to 25 July 2026 on the route Martin Brod – Kulen Vakuf – Štrbački buk – Bihać – Bosanska Krupa. For the 2025 edition the national park took registrations through rafting agencies or its information centre; independent participants needed their own boat and the mandatory safety equipment (park notice). The 2027 dates had not been announced when we checked.
Where to stay by the river
For the Kostela – Grmuša safari, Grmuša is the practical base: Green River and Vikendica Unadom each sleep 6 + 2, with direct access to the Una, a terrace over the river, parking and Wi-Fi; Green River also has a washing machine. For the park sections, Lohovo is closer, with Vila Enio (up to 6 guests, pool, river access). More riverside houses are listed on holiday homes on the Una. You pay in cash on arrival, we reply to enquiries within 12 hours, and you can reach us on WhatsApp/Viber +387 61 591 320.
FAQ
Can a complete beginner kayak on the Una?
Yes, on the calmer sections and with a guided tour. Una Kayak Safari says no previous paddling experience is needed for its Kostela – Grmuša trip, and guides give a safety briefing before every start. The rapids between Štrbački buk and Lohovo are not for unguided beginners.
How cold is the Una in summer?
Una National Park gives a water temperature of 13 to 17 °C for the Štrbački buk – Lohovo section. Operators provide wetsuits and neoprene shoes when needed, so bring warm, dry clothes for afterwards.
Can I bring my own kayak?
Outside the national park you paddle at your own risk with proper safety gear. Inside the park a fee is charged per section, the park advises against unsupervised descents, and paddling on the Unac and Krka rivers is not permitted. Check with the park information centre first.
When is the Una Regatta in 2027?
As of 12 November 2026, the dates of the 53rd Una Regatta have not been officially announced. The 52nd edition ran from 22 to 25 July 2026. Watch the Una National Park website, npuna.com, for the announcement.
Where should I stay for a kayak trip?
For the Kostela – Grmuša trip, Grmuša is closest: Green River and Vikendica Unadom each sleep 6 + 2 and have direct river access. For the sections inside the park, Vila Enio in Lohovo is closer.
Sources
- Una National Park: water sports
- Una National Park: FAQ
- Una National Park: 2026 price list
- Una National Park: 51st Una Regatta registration
- FENA: 52nd Una Regatta (17 July 2026)
- N1: 52nd Una Regatta
- Una Kayak Safari: Safari in the Wild
- Una RC Kiro Rafting
- Una Pirates: kayak safari
- Una Aquarius
- Packrafting blog: Martin Brod – Kulen Vakuf
- Sava River Basin Agency (voda.ba)
Checked: 12 November 2026