Simitli: Rope garden, zipline and rafting on Struma

If you’re searching for a day full of adrenaline, stunning scenery, and a variety of outdoor activities, the Simitli adventure tour offers just that. Located in Bulgaria’s Blagoevgrad Province, this experience combines rafting, a rope park, and a zipline, all in one convenient spot on the banks of the Struma River. It’s designed for those who crave excitement but also appreciate good organization, safety, and authentic natural beauty.

What truly makes this experience stand out are the unlimited time in the rope park, the thrilling zipline ride, and Bulgaria’s best-rated rafting on the Struma River. Plus, with qualified guides speaking multiple languages and all the necessary safety gear provided, you’re in good hands. While the activities are fantastic for adventure lovers, note that it’s not suitable for very young children, the elderly, or those with certain weight or height restrictions.

This tour offers a great value for the roughly 3.5 to 4 hours’ worth of varied fun—perfect for a half-day escape from city life. Whether you’re visiting Bansko or Sofia and want a memorable outdoor experience, this combined adventure suits active travelers, family groups, and nature enthusiasts alike.

Key Points

• Multiple Activities: Combines rafting, ziplining, and rope park for a full adventure day.
• All-Inclusive Equipment: Full gear provided, including wetsuits, helmets, gloves, and safety harnesses.
• Qualified Guides: Experienced guides speaking English, Hebrew, Russian, and Spanish ensure safety and fun.
• Flexible Experience: Unlimited time in the rope park and options for both safe and extreme rafting trips.
• Convenient Location: Close to Bansko (40 km) and Sofia (120 km), on a well-organized site with amenities.
• Family Friendly: Not suitable for children under 4’3” or over 243 lbs, or those over 70 years, but great for most active travelers.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Complete Breakdown of the Experience

The Location and Access

The rafting center, known as “Rafting BG,” is strategically located just off the main highway E79, next to a gas station—making it easy to find and access without navigating tricky roads. GPS coordinates (41.847986, 23.141863) help pinpoint the spot precisely. The site offers private, guarded parking, which is a welcome feature when you’re juggling gear and eager to start your adventure.

Transport from your hotel isn’t included, but the proximity to Bansko and Sofia makes it feasible to plan a day trip. The center provides organized transfers after the activity, ensuring you get back without stress.

The Itinerary and Activities

Starting Point: Rafting Base “Rafting BG”

Your day begins here, where you’ll meet your English-speaking guides and receive a comprehensive safety briefing. The guides, such as experienced professionals with years of river navigation, will prepare you for the activities ahead.

Rafting on the Struma River

Most travelers find the rafting experience the highlight. The best river trace in Bulgaria, according to local guides, runs through the stunning Kresna Gorge. The tour features a 13 km run during high water or shorter routes (10 km or 8 km) when the water level drops, which affects the duration but not the fun.

The equipment includes neoprene suits, neoprene shoes, jackets, PFDs, and helmets—all essential for comfort and safety. The guides emphasize safety first, with clear instructions and options for a ‘safe’ or ‘extreme’ trip, which might include flipping the raft or swimming in deeper parts.

Several reviews mention the various rapids with different profiles and difficulties, making the journey both exciting and manageable for most participants. The guide will point out deep spots suitable for swimming, adding another layer of fun. Some travelers appreciated the flexibility, especially those who wanted a more relaxed trip or a bit of a challenge.

Rope Park: Unlimited Fun

The rope garden features 24 elements spread over two levels—one at ground level, and the other at 5 meters above. Visitors can enjoy as much time as they like, making it ideal for those who want to challenge themselves on the various obstacles.

Participants are equipped with a climbing seat, security lines, helmet, and gloves, ensuring safety. The higher obstacles offer a good mix of thrill and perspective, and some reviews highlight how guides are attentive to safety and encouragement.

Zipline Adventure

The zipline ride begins above the Struma River, a perfect way to combine adrenaline with scenic views. The experience is quick but exciting, especially as you soar over the rushing water below. The equipment is the same used in the rope park, and safety is prioritized.

Facilities and Additional Comforts

The site also offers changing rooms, hot showers, toilets, lockers, and free WiFi—crucial for freshening up after a day of adventure. The hot showers are a pleasant touch, considering the possibility of getting wet during rafting and swimming.

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Practical Considerations

• Duration: The entire experience lasts around 3.5 to 4 hours, making it perfect for a half-day trip.
• What to Bring: Swimwear, towel, biodegradable sunscreen, flip-flops for after, shorts, and a t-shirt or thermal shirt for cooler days.
• Restrictions: Not suitable for children under 130 cm, those over 110 kg, or over 70 years old—important safety points to keep in mind.
• Cost and Value: While the exact price isn’t specified here, reviews note the comprehensive equipment and guides included, which makes it a good value for adventure seekers.

Why This Tour Works for Different Travelers

This experience offers a balanced mix of thrill and scenery. For adventure lovers, the rafting provides an adrenaline rush with the option for a safe or extreme trip. The rope park caters to those who enjoy balancing challenges and want to spend longer in a fun obstacle course. The zipline adds a quick but memorable flight over Bulgaria’s stunning landscape.

Families with children over 4’3” and reasonably fit members will find it approachable, as the guides emphasize safety and offer different levels of challenge. The organized logistics—including parking, changing facilities, and transfer—make it a hassle-free way to add some outdoor fun to your Bulgaria itinerary.

The Sum Up

This combined adventure of rafting, rope park, and zipline delivers excellent value for those eager to experience Bulgaria’s natural beauty and adrenaline-pumping activities in one go. The professional guides, well-maintained equipment, and scenic location make it a reliable choice for a memorable day out.

While not suited for very young children or those with mobility or weight restrictions, it’s perfect for active travelers, adventure enthusiasts, or anyone wanting a taste of Bulgaria’s wild side. The wide range of activities ensures there’s something for all—whether you’re seeking a peaceful float, a daring challenge, or a scenic flight.

If you’re based near Bansko or Sofia, this tour provides a thrilling and well-organized outdoor experience that will leave you with stories to tell and memories to cherish.

FAQs

Is transportation to the rafting center included?
No, but the site is easy to find next to the main road E79, and organized transfers are available after the activities.

What should I bring for the trip?
Swimwear, towel, biodegradable sunscreen, flip-flops, shorts, and a thermal shirt if needed. Comfortable shoes are recommended for the rope park and zipline.

Are the activities suitable for children?
The tour is not suitable for children under 130 cm (approx 4’3”), or for anyone over 110 kg or over 70 years old.

What safety measures are in place?
Guides give a full safety briefing, and all equipment—helmets, harnesses, life jackets—is provided. There’s an option for a safe or extreme rafting trip.

How long does the total tour last?
Approximately 3.5 to 4 hours, including activities and breaks.

Is the rafting suitable for beginners?
Yes, with professional guides leading and providing safety equipment, beginners can enjoy the experience comfortably.

Can I swim in the river?
Yes, there are deep spots suitable for swimming, and your guide will inform you of these locations.

What is the best time of year for this experience?
While not explicitly specified, the availability is year-round, with the water level affecting the length of the rafting route.

Are there options for more extreme rafting?
Yes, guides offer a choice between safe and extreme trips, which could include flipping the raft and swimming.

What language do guides speak?
Guides communicate in English, Hebrew, Russian, and Spanish, ensuring clear instructions for international visitors.

This adventure-packed day near Bansko offers a fantastic mix of nature, adrenaline, and fun—perfect for anyone eager to mix outdoor activity with Bulgaria’s stunning landscapes.

You can check availability for your dates here: