Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
Discover Simitli’s Outdoor Adventure Center with Rafting, Rope Park, and Zipline
The Simitli: Rope garden, zipline and rafting on Struma tour offers a dynamic day of outdoor fun in Bulgaria’s Blagoevgrad Province. Priced for a four-hour experience, this activity blends white-water rafting on the Struma River with an unlimited time visit to a rope park and a single zipline ride, all at one location—the rafting center on the riverbank.
The tour is designed for those seeking an action-packed escape with professional guides, full safety equipment, and convenient amenities like changing rooms and hot showers. It’s ideal for adventure lovers who want a well-organized, scenic, and adrenaline-filled day close to Sofia and Bansko. Keep in mind, the experience lasts about 3.5 to 4 hours, making it perfect for a full but manageable outdoor outing.
You can check availability for your dates here:Key Points
- Includes rafting, rope park, and zipline at a single location in Simitli
- Duration of around 4 hours, with flexible start times
- Unlimited access to the rope park’s 24 elements across two levels
- One zipline ride starting above the Struma River
- Experienced guides who speak English, Spanish, Russian, and Hebrew
- Full safety gear provided, including helmets, gloves, neoprene suits, and life jackets
Planning more time in Bansko? We've covered other experiences worth considering.
The Location and How to Find the Rafting Center
The rafting base “Rafting BG” is easy to locate, situated next to a gas station with a side turn from the main road E79. The GPS coordinates are 41.847986, 23.141863, making it a straightforward drive from Sofia (120 km mainly on highway) and Bansko (40 km).
Having a private, guarded parking lot is a strong advantage, ensuring convenience and security for your vehicle. The center also offers changing rooms, hot showers, and toilets with running water, along with free WiFi for your comfort. After the activity, an organized transfer takes you back to the start point, simplifying logistics.
What to Expect at the Rope Park
The rope park features 24 elements spread across two levels. The higher section is 5 meters above the ground, providing a challenging and fun course for those seeking more than just a walk in the park. Visitors have unlimited time to explore the ropes, which are designed to suit various skill levels.
Climbing equipment such as seats, security lines, helmets, and gloves are provided, ensuring safety throughout. The ropes and obstacles are set up to provide a balanced mix of challenge and enjoyment, making it suitable whether you’re a beginner or more experienced.
The Zipline Experience Over Struma River
The zipline ride is a highlight for many, starting above the river for a thrilling glide across the water. This single ride offers a quick dose of adrenaline and panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
The equipment—including helmets and climbing seats with security lines—ensures safety, while the short ride makes it accessible even for first-timers. The scenic backdrop of Struma River enhances the thrill, combining nature with adventure.
More Great Tours NearbyBulgaria’s Best Rafting on Struma River with Professional Guides
The rafting experience on the Struma River is described as the best in Bulgaria. The river trace in the Kresna Gorge is noted for its ideal white-water conditions, with various rapids of differing profiles and difficulty levels.
Guides with many years of experience lead the trips, providing safety briefings and guidance tailored to the water level. The longest run can reach 13 km during high water conditions, but shorter routes of 10 km or 8 km are available depending on the water level.
Full equipment—neoprene suits, shoes, jackets, PFDs, and helmets—is provided to ensure comfort and safety. There is also an option for both safe and extreme trips, the latter including flipping of the raft and swimming, catering to thrill-seekers.
While you're exploring Bansko, here are other experiences we've looked into
The Practicalities of the Rafting Trip
The total tour time is approximately 3.5 to 4 hours, including the initial safety briefing, the river track, and transfer arrangements. The river track is designed to allow swimming in deep spots and jumping from rocks into the river at different heights, adding to the fun.
Participants are advised to bring swimwear, a towel, biodegradable sunscreen, flip-flops (for after the trip), and comfortable shoes suitable for the rope park and zipline. Weather conditions may call for a thermal shirt or shorts.
Safety and Equipment Details
Safety is a top priority with comprehensive briefings before entering the river. The equipment includes neoprene suits, shoes, jackets, helmets, and life jackets for every participant. The guides are fluent in English, Hebrew, Russian, and Spanish, ensuring clear communication.
The tour is not suitable for individuals under 130 cm (4 ft 3 in), over 110 kg (243 lbs), or over 70 years old. Participants must not consume alcohol or drugs before the trip, and chewing gum is not allowed, maintaining safety and focus.
Convenient Extras and Booking Details
The experience includes insurance for rafting, lockers, and transfer on the river track. The meeting point is right next to the gas station at the rafting base, with easy access for those arriving by car.
You can reserve the tour with a full refund if you cancel up to 24 hours in advance. The “reserve now & pay later” option allows flexibility for your travel plans, with no payment needed upfront. The duration and start times are available upon checking with the provider.
Who Will Enjoy This Adventure Most?
This tour is a great pick for adventure enthusiasts who want a multifaceted outdoor experience in Bulgaria. The combination of rafting, rope park, and zipline offers variety, making it suitable for families, groups of friends, or solo travelers looking for a thrilling yet organized day out.
It’s especially ideal for those who appreciate professional guides, full safety gear, and scenic river landscapes. Keep in mind, some physical activity is involved, so participants should be comfortable with water-based adventures and moderate exertion.
Final Thoughts on Simitli’s Adventure Tour
The Simitli outdoor activity center provides a well-rounded experience blending white-water rafting with fun rope course elements and a quick zipline thrill. Its location close to Sofia and Bansko adds to its appeal for travelers in Bulgaria seeking active pursuits.
The organized logistics, experienced guides, and full safety measures earn this tour a solid reputation. It offers value for money with full equipment, amenities, and the option for flexible booking, ensuring a mostly worry-free adventure.
While the duration might suit those with limited time, the adrenaline and scenic views make it a memorable outing. This tour suits anyone looking for a fun, safe, and professionally guided outdoor adventure in Bulgaria.
Ready to Book?
Simitli: Rope garden, zipline and rafting on Struma
Frequently Asked Questions
Is transportation included in the tour?
Transportation from your hotel is not included. The tour starts at the rafting base “Rafting BG”, located next to a gas station on the main road E79.
What should I bring with me?
Participants should bring a towel, swimwear, biodegradable sunscreen, flip-flops, shorts, and any comfortable shoes suitable for the rope park and zipline.
Are children allowed to join?
The tour is not suitable for children under 130 cm (4 ft 3 in), and the activity is generally geared towards adults and older children capable of water activities and physical exertion.
Can I cancel my booking?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The reserve now & pay later option offers additional flexibility.
Is the tour safe for beginners?
Yes, full safety equipment is provided, and guides give safety briefings before the river trip. The activity offers options for both safe and extreme experiences, tailored to comfort and skill level.
