Kayak at the Latvian-Lithuanian border, biggest inland dune

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Exploring Latvia and Lithuania by Kayak: A Unique Border Crossing Adventure

This kayaking tour offers a rare chance to glide along the calm, scenic rivers that form the border between Latvia and Lithuania. While I haven’t personally paddled through it, the detailed reviews and tour descriptions paint a vivid picture of what promises to be an engaging, relaxing day on the water.

What makes this experience stand out? First, it’s a chance to actually visit two countries in a few hours without the hassle of traditional border crossings. Second, the tour includes a visit to Latvia’s biggest inland dune, offering a striking natural photo opportunity and a bit of adventure. Lastly, the story-rich stops—like the historic watermill, Latvian churches, and the intriguing devil’s cave—add layers of cultural and natural interest.

That said, one consideration is the moderate travel time from Riga—it’s ideal from the border near Germaneskis but might feel a bit long for some travelers. All in all, this tour appeals most to those who enjoy gentle outdoor activities, scenic landscapes, and authentic border-crossing experiences.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

Cross an international border by kayak with guided support.
Visit Latvia’s largest inland dune for stunning views and photos.
Includes cultural and natural stops like sinkholes, caves, and historic sites.
Suitable for beginners with calm rivers and required life jackets.
Bring your ID or passport due to crossing the Latvia-Lithuania border.
Small group tours ensure personalized experience.

Looking for more options in Latvia? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.

What the Tour Entails: A Step-by-Step Breakdown

This tour combines a scenic kayak trip with cultural visits, natural wonders, and some light walking. It’s designed to be flexible—lasting from about 3.5 to 5 hours—making it a manageable half-day experience with plenty of memorable moments.

Starting Point and Transportation

The adventure kicks off with a drive from Riga, heading south to Skaistkalne in Latvia. The tour operator notes that you can meet at the pastry shop “Briedisi 17,” accessible via tram 10 (stop “Satiksmes iela”), making it convenient for city travelers. From there, it’s a short walk to the border crossing into Lithuania, where you’ll see the impressive longest brick bridge in Europe.

You’ll cross on foot into Germaniskis, then continue driving to the kayak start point on the Lithuanian side. This initial part of the trip offers a taste of regional scenery and sets the tone for the day—relaxed, scenic, and a little adventurous.

The Kayaking Experience

Once on the water, you’ll paddle in single kayaks along a gentle river that forms the border. The calm, easy-flowing river is perfect for beginners, and the guides emphasize that wearing a life jacket is mandatory—a good safety measure that keeps everyone comfortable. Reviewers praise the guides’ attentiveness, with one mentioning Maarten, who shared stories about life in Latvia and Lithuania, enriching the experience.

The river’s tranquil waters are lined with reeds and sometimes water lilies, and during the trip, you’ll be able to see an abundance of local birds, including storks. The reviews highlight how relaxing and peaceful the paddling is—”absolute tranquility,” as one reviewer puts it—and how the scenery makes it more than just a water activity.

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Natural and Historic Stops

Along the route, there are several points of interest. For instance, the Skaistkalne sinkholes are a protected natural monument, part of the Natura 2000 network, which can be visited if arranged in advance. These geological formations offer insight into the area’s natural history and are worth the slight detour if you’re into natural landscapes.

Another highlight is the visit to devil’s cave, a small natural cave that’s a fun, slightly spooky stop—perfect for those not afraid of a bit of adventure. Opposite the cave, on the Latvian side, you’ll find the Skaistkalne sinkholes, which provide excellent photo opportunities and a chance to stretch your legs.

There's plenty more to explore in Latvia

Cultural and Historical Highlights

As the river winds past, you’ll see a historic watermill, a school, and one of Latvia’s largest Catholic churches, adding cultural depth to your river journey. These stops give a glimpse into local architecture and community life, bridging natural beauty with Latvian heritage.

The Border and the Dune

Just before reaching the bridge at Skaistkalne, the kayaking concludes. You’ll step out of your kayak and walk across the border into Lithuania, an experience that’s both unusual and memorable—crossing a national boundary on water, with no fuss but plenty of stories to tell.

Next, the tour visits Latvia’s biggest inland dune. Climbing the stairs to the top offers panoramic views where you’ll be eye-level with the treetops across the ridge. Reviewers describe the view as spectacular—”about at the same height as the trees”—making it a perfect spot for photos.

Optional Additional Stops

If you’re interested, there’s the chance to visit “the garden of God”, a small museum created by Juri, a local artist and woodcarver. His carvings of religious figures out of oak, as well as his carousel creations, add an artistic touch to your trip. Sampling his apples, which are praised for their taste, makes for a charming end to the day—though this visit must be pre-arranged.

Practical Details and Logistics

Duration and Group Size

The tour lasts approximately 3.5 to 5 hours, depending on the pace and optional stops. It usually involves a small group—up to four participants—with the option for a solo kayak or shared experiences. The tour provider notes that they can accommodate bigger groups but may need additional logistics planning.

What’s Included and What You Need to Bring

Included in the price are the guided kayak tour, life jackets, paddles, waterproof storage, and a luggage net. You’ll also get the chance to visit the inland dune and potentially the sinkholes if pre-arranged.

What to pack? Comfortable shoes for walking, a towel, rain gear, and clothes suitable for the weather. Don’t forget your passport or ID card—crossing the international border requires identification. Also, bug spray is recommended, especially if you plan to visit the sinkholes or the garden of God, where bugs are more prevalent.

Safety and Regulations

The river is described as very calm and suited for beginners. Still, the law mandates wearing a life jacket during all watersports, which the tour provides. Participants should be confident swimmers but do not need to swim during the activity, as it’s entirely paddling-based.

Accessibility and Suitability

The tour is not suitable for children under 7, babies under 1 year, or non-swimmers. The experience is best suited for those comfortable with light outdoor activity and interested in cultural and natural highlights.

Cancellation and Payment

Flexible booking options are available—cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can reserve now and pay later, providing that flexibility to adapt your plans if needed.

Insights from Reviews: What Past Participants Say

Multiple reviewers find this trip highly enjoyable. Mario describes it as “a true relaxation paddling on the river,” appreciating the guide’s attentiveness and the untouched nature that surrounds you. Laurence highlights the peaceful scenery, noting how the river’s reeds, water lilies, and birdlife create a serene backdrop, and mentions that guide Maarten shared many stories, enriching the experience.

Jana calls it “highly recommended,” citing the breathtaking scenery and friendly guide as key highlights. She notes that the trip is fun and visually stunning, making her eager to repeat the experience.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This kayaking adventure is perfect for beginners seeking a gentle, scenic water experience with cultural and natural highlights. The small group format and the presence of guides make it a good option for travelers who prefer a structured, informative outing with personalized attention.

It’s ideally suited for those interested in border crossings, natural dunes, and authentic Latvian countryside. If you enjoy light outdoor activities, stunning vistas, and discovering local history, this tour offers a unique combination of all those elements.

Final Thoughts

This Latvia-Lithuania border kayak tour is a hidden gem for travelers who love outdoor relaxation blended with cultural discovery. The calm river makes it accessible to beginners, and the variety of stops—from the inland dune to historic sites—adds layers of interest that keep the day engaging.

While the journey from Riga might be a bit lengthy for some, the experience of crossing a border on water, combined with the stunning scenery and insightful guides, makes it worthwhile. It’s a chance to slow down, enjoy nature, and soak in the regional charm in a way that’s both active and contemplative.

If you’re after an authentic, small-group adventure that combines natural beauty, cultural encounters, and the novelty of crossing borders by kayak, this tour will deliver. It’s a memorable way to see a less-visited part of the Baltic region, with plenty of photo-worthy moments and stories to tell.

FAQ

Do I need to be a strong swimmer?
No, you just need to be confident in swimming, but no swimming is required during the kayaking. Wearing a life jacket is mandatory and provided.

What should I bring?
Bring your passport or ID, comfortable shoes, a towel, rain gear, and suitable clothes. Bug spray is recommended, especially if visiting sinkholes or the garden of God.

Is the tour suitable for children?
It’s not recommended for children under 7, babies under 1 year, or those who are non-swimmers.

How long is the trip?
The total time ranges from 3.5 to 5 hours, depending on optional stops and pace.

Can I join the tour alone?
Yes, the tour is designed for small groups, and solo travelers are welcomed. You can also rent a kayak for yourself.

What is included in the price?
Guided kayaking, life jackets, paddles, waterproof storage, and visits to the inland dune and optional cultural sites if arranged.

Is transportation provided?
Transportation from Riga is not included but can be arranged for pickup at specified locations, such as the pastry shop or train stations.

What’s the main highlight?
Crossing an international border by kayak and visiting Latvia’s largest inland dune—both offer memorable natural and cultural moments.

Are there any additional costs?
Food and drinks at stops are not included, and optional visits like the sinkholes or garden of God may require prior arrangement and additional fees.

This tour offers a well-rounded taste of the Baltic’s natural beauty, history, and the thrill of crossing borders in an unconventional way. It’s an excellent choice for those who enjoy gentle outdoor adventures, scenic landscapes, and authentic cultural experiences.

You can check availability for your dates here: