Gauja River Kayaking - Baltic Nature Travel

Gauja River kayaking trip

Private / self-guided tour

Gauja River kayaking trip

6 days / 5 nights

Gauja National Park, Latvia

April – September

Program

DAY 1: ARRIVAL

Arrive in Gauja National Park and check in.

Overnight: double room in Cesis hotel or similar.

DAY 2: JĀŅRĀMIS – CĒSIS (PADDLING DISTANCE APPROX. 13 KM)

Start the Self-guided kayaking on the river Gauja outside the Cesis vicinity from the Jāņrāmis camping ground and paddle all the way to the Cēsis bridge. In the middle of the route are the magnificent Eagle (Ērgļu) cliffs, where it is easy to get off and climb the stairs to the viewing platform and observe the picturesque landscape of the Gauja National park. In the afternoon stop paddling in Cesis and return back to the accommodation.

Overnight: double room in Cesis hotel or similar.

DAY 3: CĒSIS – LĪGATNE (PADDLING DISTANCE APPROX. 18 KM)

In the morning start paddling from Cēsis to Līgatne throught the heart of the Gauja National Park. This section is one of the richest of naturally formed sandstone outcrops. The surrounding area of Ligatne will undoubtedly surprise you with their magnificence and beauty. Stop paddling at the Ligatne cable ferry and return back to the accommodation.

Overnight: double room in Cesis hotel or similar.

DAY 4: LĪGATNE – SIGULDA (PADDLING DISTANCE APPROX. 21 KM)

In the morning start paddling from Līgatne to Sigulda through the valley of the Gauja River. You will be able to enjoy not only the beauty of nature, but also take a look at the Turaida Castle, Krimulda Manor and Sigulda Medieval Castle. Stop paddling at the Sigulda beach and return back to the accommodation.

DAY 5: SIGULDA – MURJĀŅI (PADDLING DISTANCE APPROX. 18 KM)

Enjoy the last day of kayaking and start in the morning paddling from Sigulda to Murjāņi. On the way you will see the Devil’s cave, Lorupe estuary, and Pīķene Bluff. Stop paddling at the Rāmkalni adventure park and return back to the accommodation.

DAY 6: DEPARTURE

Check out from the hotel.

Highlights

Peaceful and beauty of surroundings of the Gauja National Park
Wonderful sandstone outcrops of the Gauja River
The cultural richness of the small towns

*Note:

Swimming skills are required and previous paddling experience is not necessary.

Please dress accordingly to the weather conditions, wear appropriate footwear (sandals or hiking shoes depending on weather conditions would be ideal).

Tour map

Foto gallery

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Private tour price

Double occupancy and tandem kayak:

2 persons traveling is 780 EUR per person
4 persons traveling is 680 EUR per person
6 persons traveling is 650 EUR per person

Single room supplement: €300,00/per person

Single kayak supplement: €60,00/per person

Included

5 x nights with breakfast in Cesis hotel or similar;
Double kayak with all necessary equipment (paddles, dry bags, safety gear);
Kayaking trip transport to the start and from the finish to the accommodation.

Optional

4-star hotel in Cesis “Villa Santa” – 200.00 EUR/ per person

Not included

Lunch & dinner;
GPS navigation device.

Before the self-guided tour

Take with you comfortable boots, a rain jacket, and extra socks.

Physical rate from 1 to 10

Level of difficulty

The currents in the rivers and lakes are slow and safe to kayak without any previous experience.

Season

From April to September.

Bookings

Bookings are on request and should be made at least two weeks before the departure date. The itinerary can be modified according to the client’s wants and needs.

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Read our Terms & Conditions thoroughly and carefully before booking

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Frequently Asked Questions

Angela B

2026-01-02

I booked the Trakai snowshoeing tour. This company did a great job communicating with me leading up to the tour date. Unfortunately there wasn't enough snow for snowshoeing so they arranged a hike instead. Tomas was a great guide. He provided a lot of interesting information during both the walk/hike and the tour of Trakai. He was also so kind as to bring tea (which was great on such a cold day) and Šakotis (very delicious), which we enjoyed after walking through the trails at Varnikai Forest. If I am in the Baltic region again, I would definitely consider another tour with Baltic Nature Travel. Thanks for a great time!

Rob and Natalie

2025-10-08

Baltic Nature Travel (BNT) did an outstanding job organizing our 17 day self-driving tour through Estonia, Latvia & Lithuania in Sept. 2025. Every detail was carefully planned and implemented - transportation from & to the airport and ferry; rental car delivered to our hotel; personal guides in the capital cities. The hotels were in excellent locations and often family owned, with great breakfasts included. The trip was designed so that we spent two nights at several places, which made pace of our trip just right. Two hotel had saunas and pools - a good respite. Our trip included urban and rural experiences, lots of opportunity for walking and exploring. As American visitors, we appreciated the reception we received from local residents and the fluent English spoken by most. BNT has our very highest recommendation.

Micha Wierdsma

2025-09-28

We had booked the Best of Ķemeri National Park tour. We had an amazing day together with Rolands. He picked us up right on schedule, and in the car his enthusiasm for the tour was immediately apparent! He told us all about the day, about what we could expect. The tour exceeded all our expectations, it was truly beautiful. Rolands was very informative, told us all about the area, the history, the nature. Not only did we enjoy the hiking and breathing in the fresh air, we also learned some very interesting things! Rolands was very friendly and talkative and we could ask all the questions we want, even about the Latvian language and traditions. He was also very helpfull, when my wife had trouble with some paths, he helped her. Even when she stubbed her toe, it didn't take any joy out of the day.

Julie Grewe

2025-09-22

Our family had the privilege of working with Valdis and his company Baltic Nature Travel, both as our travel planner and guide for what became the most significant, symbolic, and memorable trip of our lives - a family heritage discovery journey through Latvia. Valdis brought Latvia to life for our family in a way we will never forget. From the very beginning, he thoughtfully prepared an itinerary that balanced cultural highlights with deeply personal experiences. He went out of his way to make phone calls and track down historical places in the countryside - sites that were far off the beaten path - so we could walk the same roads our ancestors once did. Because of his dedication, we were able to visit the towns our relatives grew up in, stand in the schools they attended, and step into the very churches where they were married. These moments were profoundly moving and would not have been possible without his diligence and care. Beyond the heritage aspect, Valdis ensured that every detail of our journey was seamless. He made restaurant reservations, arranged impeccable hotel accommodations, comfortable transport, and found us the most wonderful driver, Aldis, whose skill, kindness, and courtesy elevated the entire experience. Both Valdis and Aldis were not only professional, conscientious and gracious at every turn, but they quickly became trusted companions - friends we now consider part of our extended family. We could not recommend Valdis and Baltic Nature Travel more highly. From the first time we were in contact, until our trip was over, Valdis truly took care of us. For anyone seeking assistance or guidance in their travels to Latvia or across the Baltic States, I would choose Valdis a hundred times over. His passion, knowledge and personal touch transformed our trip into something truly unforgettable. -Julie Birznieks

Joan Burns

2025-09-15

Our road trip through Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania was outstanding! Baltic Nature Travel made it easy by suggesting the itinerary, choosing accommodations and arranging car rental. They provide great advice on things to do, places to eat and they were happy to make special arrangements to personalize our experience. A first-rate company!

Hodo the Frobbit

2025-09-12

We had the most amazing trip hiking through the Gauja national park. Valdis at Baltic Nature Travel was absolutely brilliant. He made planning the holiday incredibly easy, and was always on hand to answer any questions we had. If I could rate the experience ten stars, I would.

Jessica Dickstein

2025-09-01

I would highly recommend Valdis and Baltic Nature Travel for a trip to Estonia and Helsinki. I worked with Valdis over a few weeks to plan a custom trip for my family - including a toddler and our parents. He was very easy to communicate with and helped me plan the perfect trip for 12 days - the quality of the guides was fantastic and the itinerary was well planned for self drive. We absolutely loved Estonia and everything we were able to see and on our grand adventure!

ellen drost

2025-08-30

Odense Carolinekilde Rotary klub is very satisfied with our experience in Riga and Jurmala. Everything was well organized. Good restaurants. Our guide Rita was very skilles with great knowledge and serviceminded. She spoke very understandable English. We really liked her personality. We give your company the bedst recommendations.