Simitli: Rope garden, zipline and rafting on Struma

If you’re scouting for an active day that blends adrenaline, nature, and a touch of Bulgarian charm, the combined experience at the rafting center on Struma River in Simitli might just be what you need. This tour offers a seamless mix of rafting, ziplining, and a rope park, all conveniently located in one spot. Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or a curious first-timer, this trip promises a well-rounded dose of outdoor fun—and it’s especially appealing for those who want to pack a lot into a few hours.

Two things we really like about this experience are the unlimited time in the rope park—which means no rushing through treetop challenges—and the expert guides who speak multiple languages, making safety and instructions clear and relaxed. A possible drawback? The tour’s length of around 3.5 to 4 hours might feel tight if you’re looking for a full-day adventure or wish to explore more of Bulgaria afterward. Still, for a compact, action-packed outing, it hits the spot.

This experience is ideal for adventure lovers, families with older children, or groups seeking a reliable, well-organized outdoor activity near Sofia or Bansko. It’s perfect if you want a taste of Bulgaria’s stunning natural beauty combined with some heart-pumping fun.

Key Points

• All activities on one site: rafting, zipline, and rope park for a smooth, integrated experience
• Flexible timing: around 3.5 to 4 hours, check availability for start times
• Expert guides: multilingual, safety-conscious, experienced in river and adventure activities
• High safety standards: safety briefing, proper equipment, and options for safe or extreme rafting trips
• Facilities: private guarded parking, changing rooms, hot showers, toilets, free WiFi
• Suitable for a wide age range: not for very young children, but great for older kids, teens, and adults

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Location and Getting There

Situated in Blagoevgrad Province, the rafting center is conveniently close to both Sofia (about 120 km) and Bansko (roughly 40 km). The route is mostly highway, avoiding the more dangerous and winding sections of the Kresna Gorge, which is a relief for those prone to car sickness or dislike curvy roads. The GPS coordinates (41.847986, 23.141863) pinpoint the starting point, next to a gas station on the main E79 road, making it straightforward to find.

The facility offers a private, guarded parking lot, ensuring your vehicle’s safety while you enjoy the day’s activities. This low-stress start sets the tone for a well-organized experience, especially appreciated after a long drive or prior sightseeing in Bulgaria.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Start at “Rafting BG” Center

Your adventure begins at the Rafting BG base, where you’ll be welcomed and introduced to the day’s plan. Here, you’ll meet your English-speaking guides, who are experienced and committed to safety. They’ll walk you through the safety briefing—an important step that covers everything from river conditions to proper use of gear. This briefing is crucial because it sets expectations for both the safe and extreme rafting options.

Rafting on the Struma River

The highlight for many is the rafting experience—often described as the best white water in Bulgaria. Depending on water levels, you’ll experience a 10 km to 13 km stretch of river that features a variety of rapids, some gentle enough for beginners, others more challenging for thrill-seekers. Guides will navigate you through different rapids of varying profiles and difficulty, ensuring everyone gets a memorable ride—whether that means relaxing in calm waters or hugging the sides during a splash.

There’s plenty of opportunity to swim and jump into the river at designated deep spots, perfect for cooling off or adding a few jumps to your trip. Guides inform you beforehand about where these spots are, so you can plan your water adventures accordingly.

More Great Tours Nearby

Rope Park Adventure

After the excitement on the river, your next stop is the rope park, where you’ll have unlimited time to explore 24 rope elements across two levels, with the higher section reaching 5 meters above the ground. The variety of challenges ranges from walkways and bridges to zip lines, offering a good mix of physical and mental challenges.

What’s special here is the unlimited access, giving you the freedom to take your time and really enjoy the course. Many visitors appreciate this feature, as it allows for a relaxed experience—unlike other parks that impose time limits. The course uses safety equipment—helmets, gloves, and climbing seats with security lines—and the guides ensure proper use throughout.

The Zipline Ride

The zipline is a fun highlight, starting above the Struma River and offering a quick, exhilarating ride across the gorge. The thrill of soaring above the river with scenic views makes it a memorable part of the tour. The equipment provided ensures safety, and the guides help everyone, whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned zipliner.

Wrap-Up and Return

Once your activities are complete, there’s an organized transfer back to the rafting center, where you can change, shower, and relax. Facilities include hot showers, toilets, and free WiFi—a nice touch to wind down after your adventures. The entire experience lasts around 3.5 to 4 hours, depending on group size and pace.

What’s Included and What to Bring

The tour includes all necessary equipment—neoprene suits, shoes, jackets, PFDs, helmets—and a safety briefing. Guides speak multiple languages, including English, Spanish, Russian, and Hebrew, making communication smooth for international travelers.

What you’ll want to bring includes a towel, flip-flops (for showers), bathing suit or shorts under your neoprene gear, and some comfortable shoes for the rope park and zipline. Weather can vary, so packing a thermal shirt or T-shirt, especially in cooler conditions, is wise.

The Value and Pricing

Considering the full equipment, professional guides, safety measures, and access to all activities, the tour offers solid value, especially given the unlimited time in the rope park. The tour’s price reflects quality and organization—it’s a cost-effective way to experience Bulgaria’s best white water rafting combined with a fun high-altitude challenge on the ropes and ziplines.

The tour is also flexible—you can reserve now and pay later, and cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance. This allows travelers to keep plans flexible while locking in their adventure.

Who Will Enjoy This?

This experience suits those who love outdoor activities and scenic landscapes. It’s particularly appealing to adventure seekers, families with older children, or groups looking for a reliable, well-organized day of fun. However, it has age and weight restrictions—not suitable for children under 130 cm tall, or those over 110 kg / 243 lbs, or over 70 years old.

This combined adventure at Simitli offers excellent value for money, with a well-rounded itinerary that mixes the thrill of white water rafting with the challenge and fun of a rope park and zipline. The professional guides, top-notch safety standards, and facilities make it accessible and enjoyable for most adventurous travelers. It’s a wonderful way to experience Bulgaria’s natural beauty and get your adrenaline fix, all within a manageable time frame.

If your idea of a perfect day involves water, heights, and scenic views, this tour delivers in spades. It’s especially fitting for those who appreciate well-organized outdoor activities and want a taste of Bulgaria’s outdoor playground without dedicating an entire day. Just remember to pack your swimwear, dress for the weather, and prepare for an energetic, fun-filled outing.

Is this tour suitable for children? It’s best suited for older children and teenagers who meet the minimum height and weight restrictions. Very young children might find it too challenging or unsafe.

Do I need prior experience? No, guides provide safety briefings and instructions, making it accessible even for first-timers.

What if I don’t want to do the extreme rafting option? You can opt for the safe trip, which minimizes the risk of flipping or swimming in the river.

How long does the entire experience last? Expect about 3.5 to 4 hours from start to finish, including all activities and transfers.

Are the facilities good? Yes, the center offers private parking, changing rooms, hot showers, toilets, and free WiFi, making post-activity comfort a priority.

What should I bring? Pack swimwear, a towel, flip-flops, a thermal shirt if cool, shorts, and comfortable shoes for the rope park and zipline.

Is transportation included? No, transportation from your hotel to the center is not included, but the center is easy to find.

Can I cancel if my plans change? Yes, cancellations are free up to 24 hours beforehand, giving flexibility for your travel plans.

This combination of river, heights, and scenery might just be the highlight of your trip to Bulgaria—active, fun, and beautifully organized.

You can check availability for your dates here: