One of the most common questions we get from guests is: "What do I need for rafting?" The answer is simple - less than you think. Our rafting camp in Foča provides all the technical equipment, but there are a few things you should bring yourself.
What Does Rafting Camp Eden Provide?
Every package price includes full technical equipment for Tara River rafting:
- Wetsuit (3mm or 5mm depending on the season)
- Neoprene boots - foot protection on rocky terrain
- Safety life jacket - EN certified
- Helmet - mandatory for the entire route
- Paddle - adjusted to your height
- Dry bag - for your phone and belongings during the ride
What Should You Bring?
Here's a short checklist of things we recommend:
- Swimsuit - worn under the wetsuit
- Towel - for after you get out of the water
- Dry change of clothes - t-shirt, shorts, flip-flops
- Sunscreen (waterproof, SPF 30+) - the canyon sun can be intense
- Sport sunglasses with a strap - optional but useful
- Small water bottle - although the Tara is drinkable, it's good to have your own
What About Phones and Cameras?
We understand you'll want photos from this adventure. On request, your skipper films the descent on a GoPro, so you get photos and video from the river - just ask when you book or before you set off. More on our Tara rafting photos page. Still, if you want to bring your phone, put it in a waterproof pouch.
Tip: Don't bring jewellery, watches, or valuables on the raft. Leave them in the secure locker at camp.
What to Wear for Rafting
The rule is simple: wear a swimsuit under the wetsuit, and assume that anything you wear on the river will get wet. The wetsuit and neoprene boots are provided at the camp, and we choose the wetsuit thickness (3 or 5 mm) for the season.
- Under the wetsuit: a swimsuit. In the cooler months you can add a thin synthetic top. Avoid cotton: it soaks through and stays cold.
- On your feet: neoprene boots come with the gear, so you don't need water shoes.
- On your head: a helmet is mandatory for the whole route, and sunglasses only with a strap.
- After rafting: dry clothes, a towel and flip-flops. Lunch at the camp is after the descent, so you change as soon as you are back.
What to Wear Month by Month
The rafting season runs from May to October, and the difference between May and August is big, both in water temperature and water level:
| Month | Air (day / night) | Water | What to wear and bring |
|---|---|---|---|
| May | about 21°C / 10°C | 8-12°C, coldest | Swimsuit under the wetsuit. A warm fleece and jacket for after rafting and the evening. |
| June | about 26°C / 15°C | warming up | Swimsuit under the wetsuit. The water is still high in early June, so pack something warm for the evening. |
| July | about 28°C / 16°C | 16-20°C, warmest | Swimsuit, waterproof SPF 30+ sunscreen and sunglasses with a strap. Light summer clothes for afterwards. |
| August | about 28°C / 17°C | 16-20°C, warmest | Same as July: swimsuit, sunscreen and light clothes to change into. |
| September | about 23°C / 13°C | cooling down | Swimsuit under the wetsuit and a warmer layer for after rafting. A fleece for the evening. |
| October | about 19°C / 8°C | colder | Swimsuit under the wetsuit, then warm clothes and a jacket. Mornings are cool. |
Air temperatures are averages for the camp. For the 7-day forecast and water levels by month, see Tara weather and water levels, and if you are still choosing dates, read the best month for Tara River rafting.
What If It Rains?
Rafting goes ahead in the rain. You get wet on the river anyway, and the wetsuit, life jacket and helmet are included. Rain often makes the canyon even more beautiful, with waterfalls pouring down the rock walls. Just bring an extra set of dry clothes for afterwards.
What You DON'T Need to Bring
Don't worry about food and drinks - all multi-day packages include breakfast, lunch and dinner. You also don't need water shoes, a tent, a sleeping bag, or anything like that - everything is provided at Rafting Camp Eden in Foča.
Frequently Asked Questions About Gear and Clothing
What should I wear for rafting on the Tara?
Wear a swimsuit under the wetsuit. The wetsuit, neoprene boots, life jacket and helmet are provided at the camp. For afterwards bring dry clothes, a towel and flip-flops, and in May, September and October a warm fleece and jacket for the evening.
What do you wear under a rafting wetsuit?
A swimsuit. In the cooler months you can add a thin synthetic top. Avoid cotton: it soaks through quickly and stays cold.
Do I need to bring shoes for rafting?
No. Neoprene boots are part of the equipment you get at the camp and protect your feet on rocky ground. Just bring flip-flops or trainers for after the trip.
What rafting equipment is included in the price?
A wetsuit (3 or 5 mm depending on the season), neoprene boots, an EN-certified life jacket, a helmet, a paddle and a dry bag for your things. It is all included in every rafting package.
Is it cold rafting in May?
The water is at its coldest in May, about 8-12°C, with air temperatures of about 21°C by day and 10°C at night. We choose the wetsuit thickness for the season, and you should bring a warmer jacket for the evening.
What if it rains?
Rafting goes ahead in the rain. You get wet on the river anyway, and the wetsuit, life jacket and helmet are included. Just bring an extra set of dry clothes for afterwards.
Can I bring my phone rafting?
Yes, in a waterproof pouch. On request your skipper can also film the descent on a GoPro - just ask when you book or before you set off.
You're All Set!
That's all you need. Pack a small backpack, arrive ready for adventure, and we'll take care of the rest. See our Tara River rafting packages and prices, book your trip or send us a message through the contact form, and we'll see you on the Tara!