From Tbilisi: Martvili Canyon and Okatse Canyon Private Tour

Explore the Natural Wonders of Georgia: Martvili and Okatse Canyons

This 13-hour private tour from Tbilisi takes you to the breathtaking Martvili Canyon and Okatse Canyon in the Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti region of Georgia. For a very reasonable price, you’ll experience some of the most photogenic and awe-inspiring landscapes in the country, with transportation included and a friendly English-speaking guide leading the way.

While the tour offers a fantastic balance of walking, boat rides, and panoramic views, it is best suited for those comfortable with physical activity, as some stops involve walking on hanging trails and staircases. The tour is flexible with cancelation up to 24 hours in advance and provides drop-off at your hotel, making it a convenient option for visitors based in Tbilisi.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Duration of 13 hours with a detailed visit to Martvili Canyon and Okatse Canyon
• Private group experience with transportation and an English-speaking guide
• Includes boat rides on the river at Martvili Canyon for a relaxed yet exciting adventure
• Highlights include hanging trails, panoramic viewpoints, and a long staircase at Okatse Canyon
• Not suitable for wheelchair users and excludes meals, entry tickets, and travel insurance

Discovering Martvili Canyon’s Waterfalls and Boat Rides

Martvili Canyon is located roughly 50 km west of Kutaisi and is renowned for its tranquil river contrasting with dynamic waterfalls. The main highlight here is the boat ride to the 12-meter waterfall, which takes about 15-20 minutes and covers a route of approximately 1 km along the river. This gentle trip offers great photo opportunities and a peaceful way to enjoy the canyon’s natural beauty.

The water and rocks formations at Martvili create a scenic landscape, perfect for those seeking calming water scenes mixed with the roar of waterfalls. The boat equipment—inflatable boats, helmets, and life jackets—is primarily for safety, but the trip feels more like a pleasant cruise than white water rafting, making it accessible for most visitors.

The Spectacular Views of Okatse Canyon’s Hanging Trails

Okatse Canyon is known for its long staircase descent, which leads visitors to a narrow steel walkway suspended along the canyon walls. This hanging trail offers panoramic views of the Okatse River below and the lush greenery surrounding it.

This spot is a favorite among bird watchers and selfie takers alike, thanks to the dramatic vistas and the unique perspective it provides of the canyon’s walls. The walkway is a highlight of the tour, with the platforms giving an excellent setting for photos and a chance to see the surrounding nature up close.

Practical Transportation and Group Experience

The tour departs from Tbilisi, with pick-up from your hotel arranged in a comfortable sedan, minivan, or minibus. The private group setting ensures a personalized experience, with friendly guides explaining the history and features of the canyons in English or Russian.

Travelers should bring comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing to handle the walkways and possible changes in weather. The trip’s pacing balances sightseeing with enough time for photos and relaxation, making it accessible for most physically able visitors.

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The Tour’s Highlights: Walking Trails, Waterfalls, and Panoramas

A key feature of this tour is the variety of activities and viewpoints. At Martvili, the large waterfall and boating trip provide a mix of tranquil water scenes and gentle adventure. Meanwhile, the hanging trails at Okatse offer spectacular vistas and a thrilling overlook of the canyon.

The long staircase at Okatse is not just a descent; it’s part of the experience, leading to the steel walkways that run along the canyon walls. These narrow steel pathways are both exciting and provide a unique vantage point for photography and bird watching.

Additional Practical Details and Optional Extras

The tour excludes entry tickets for the canyons, which you need to purchase separately. If you prefer to avoid a long walk through the park, there is an optional 4×4 vehicle available for Okatse Canyon. Lunch and dinner are not included, so plan accordingly to bring snacks or dine locally.

The tour is fully flexible with cancelation up to 24 hours in advance and allows you to reserve now and pay later, providing peace of mind. It’s not suitable for wheelchair users due to the nature of the trails and staircases.

Insights from Past Experiences and Reviews

The guides are often praised for their knowledge, friendliness, and energy. One guide, Emil, is described as passionate, funny, and well-informed, making the trip both fun and educational. Travelers also appreciate a driver named Sergo for his helpfulness and professionalism.

The views and landscapes are consistently highlighted as stunning and well worth the effort, with one reviewer simply calling their experience “must see.” The boat ride at Martvili is especially noted as a relaxing highlight of the tour.

The Best Fit for This Tour

This private tour is ideal for travelers who want a comprehensive day trip that combines natural beauty, scenic views, and gentle adventure. It suits those comfortable with walking on trails and staircases, and who appreciate guided commentary.

The tour’s flexibility and personalized experience make it a good choice for visitors seeking a customized exploration of Georgia’s canyons. However, those requiring accessible options or meals included may need to consider additional arrangements.

Final Thoughts on the Martvili and Okatse Canyon Private Tour

This tour offers a well-rounded experience of Georgia’s gorgeously rugged landscapes. The boat ride at Martvili and the hanging trails at Okatse provide photo-worthy moments and a sense of adventure.

While it may demand some physical activity, the comfortable transportation, friendly guides, and stunning scenery make it worthwhile for most visitors. The private group setting ensures a relaxed atmosphere, allowing you to focus on the spectacular scenery and personalized attention.

For those eager to see Georgia’s impressive canyons with an expert guide and flexible plans, this tour delivers a memorable day full of nature, views, and gentle thrills.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
The tour is best suited for travelers who are comfortable with walking on trails and staircases. It is not recommended for wheelchair users.

What should I bring for the trip?
Bring comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing to handle the outdoor trails and potential weather changes.

Are meals included?
No, lunches and dinners are not included, so plan to bring snacks or have a meal afterward.

Do I need to buy tickets separately?
Yes, entry tickets for the canyons are not included in the tour price and should be purchased separately.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What makes this tour stand out?
The combination of boat rides, hanging trails, and panoramic views, along with the private, guided experience, makes this tour a highly enjoyable way to see Georgia’s natural beauty.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby