Latvian canoe adventure. Paddling in Kolka region.

FOUR DAYS OF SLOW ADVENTURE

In Kurzeme, Latvia, right next to the Cape of Kolka, the Irbe River smashed its riverbed all the way to the sea. The landscape is changing so often that the old riverbeds can't keep up and simply overgrow with reeds. The land is so remote that local radiotelescopes are capable of listening to the stars.

UNDISTURBED

We take you on a journey through one of the less populated areas. We call this "river therapy", a way to clear your mind and gain fresh perspectives.

SUSTAINABLE

We are very mindful of our impact on the environment, and respect the land we visit. This is a truly unique ecotourism adventure.

ALL-INCLUSIVE

Rest your mind as we provide top of the line equipment, coordinate your gear list and take care of the menu, so you’ll just need to bring yourself.

TOUR OVERVIEW

A slow adventure at an easy pace

Irbe - consists of two Rinda and Stende rivers. Together about 120 km. Don't worry! We only cover a stretch of 50 km, which works out to only 16km a day. Not to worry, we're going to be paddling at a leisurely pace.
Your time is all yours

Other than paddling that 20km a day, the itinerary is in your hands. Choose to photograph nature, birdwatch, cook, or even relax
Fishing? Oh yeah…

When was the last time you held a fishing rod in your hands? The abundance of twists and turns opens up so many potential fishing spots - that even experienced fishermen will be excited. Pike, sturgeon, perch, trout, sea trout, and of course salmon during the season.
Dine in nature’s beauty

Indulge in our specially created menu to complement your river adventure. You don’t need to pack any cooking equipment, we’ll provide the tools, and cook together over a toasty fire.

TOUR LOCATION

Day by day itinerary

DAY 1. A trip from Lithuania to Latvia

In the afternoon, we will begin our journey towards the Stende river. From Klaipeda, it will take us about 4 hours or 240 km to reach the starting point.

On our way to Stende, we will make a short stop in Liepaja - whoever needs it will be able to buy fisherman's permits. Upon arrival - We will set up our first campsite. Tents, chairs, kitchen tools and other equipment - we will have enough time for everything to get used to and calmly prepare for the next day.

After initial safety and paddling instructions - we will make a delicious dinner and enjoy the rest of the time, accompanied by the stars.

DAY 2. First kilometres paddled

This morning we wake-up with a cup of freshly brewed coffee and delicious eggplant for breakfast.

Early in the morning, we have a chance to spot beavers, they are widely spread here.
Today we need plenty of energy to cover first 16km for our paddling adventure.

After all preparations settled - we will begin our journey, slowly “dissolving” into the landscape.

After taking spectacular panoramic areal shots, yes we will use a drone for that, we will continue our journey paddling west. We still need to find a proper shore for our camp and when we do so - we cook, hang out and share stories.

DAY 3. Dissolve in pine forests.

Fully merged with the area.

No surprise you will feel this extremely clean and fresh air, thanks to pine forests surrounding the river banks.

Today, space is our agenda item #1, more precisely- the gigantic radio telescope RT-32, which was designed to spy on NATO communications during the cold war. Today it is used primarily for space exploration. After inspecting this object of astronomy, we will continue paddling. Hera, Stende begins to show its “character” - the river begins to meander, you can see huge sand cliffs - dunes.

Another kilometer and we will reach our campsite. We will try to catch some fish - if we are lucky enough, we will have it for dinner.

DAY 4. Gates to the Baltic sea.

Our last sunrise in the woods, after healthy breakfast and we pack our gear and head couple of kilometres north.

By the time we reach the seashore - it will become evident that we have returned to civilization, as more and more signs of human activity will appear.

Irbe will reward us with a stunning view at the end of the route - a
narrow strip of sand (dune) separates the river from the sea. Just like the Curonian Spit, only very, very small. We will finish our adventure on a sandy beach.

We hope you will leave the Kolka region naturally "re-charged" and with the best memories!

Pricing and options

We also offer a full refund if you decide to cancel your adventure 2 weeks prior start date.
September 2023 m. SOME SEATS LEFT
Group size: 11 pax. plus guides
Minimal participant age: 16 y.o.
Difficulty: medium
Requirements: Adventurous mood and ability to swim. Max. weight - 120kg.
Transfer: modern 9-seated minibus (Ford Transit Custom).
Accomodation:
Tents for sleeping; River for showering.
Meals throughout the expedition:
Breakfast and dinner ingridients and included (self service). Alcoholic beverages are not included.
Paddling distance: average of 20 km per day (5-6 hours).

Your guide

Janis Žekanis - passionate canoe builder, outdoor guide, and paddling enthusiast - Janis studied in Canada, Russia, travelled the world land and sea and has years and years of outdoor experience. Founder of Wet Weim adventure company, he just wanted to build one canoe for himself and it all ended up with award winning canoe tours all across Lithuania.
Janis builds he's canoes himself, works as a outdoors guide, paddling instructor and travel industry educator.
State certified guide license (Nr.15452)

What's included?

Inventory

Two seated canoe
Paddle
PFD - support vest
First aid kit
Hermetic bag
Hermetic barrel 60L
Saw (shared)
Bottle
Shovel (shared)

Cooler bag (shared)
Water tanks
Burner + gas
Frying pan and pots (2pcs.)
Cutting board
Kitchen utensils
Tableware
Dishwashing kit
Knife
Rope
Hygiene kit

Meals

Fully arranged menu for the entire trip. Breakfast and dinners as well as hot drinks are included. Alcohol drinks are available on-request, alternatively you can bring your own. Vegetarian menu is available on request.

Service

Pickup in Klaipeda,
Transfer with minibus (Ford Transit Custom)
Canoe paddling instruction
Guidance
Route planning
Guide will take photos during the trip
Drone photography

What to bring?

Waterproof jacket and pants
Set of spare clothes for couple of days
Shoes for water & land
Towel & swimwear
Travel (active rest) insurance
Sunglasses, sun cap, sun screen & toiletries
Camera
Tent, sleeping bag, mat
Headlamp

A true gastronomic adventure

During the trip, perishable products are stored in a mobile refrigerator. Cool bags with cold batteries are used.

Each canoe carries and prepares its own, separately packaged meals. You are the chef!

Good wine is good for good food *, but please choose and drink alcohol responsibly **

Spices, oils and herbs are used from a shared "spice basket" for convenience. The menu can be adjusted individually by changing ingredients, recipes, and more.

First day

Lunch
Your are on your own
Dinner
Coconut chicken curry with Basmati rice

Second day

Breakfast
Morning buffet
Ingredients: bread, cheese, ham, eggs, yogurt, muesli, jam. Coffee, tea
Lunch
Your are on your own
Dinner
Moroccan sweet potato and chickpea stew

Third day

Breakfast
“Musli la grande" - with apples, cranberries and nuts. Coffee, tea.
Lunch
Your are on your own
Dinner
Traditional Swedish Hash - “Pytt i panna”

Fourth day

Breakfast
"Shakshuka" - scrambled eggs with lightly roasted tomatoes. Coffee, tea.
Dinner
Your on your own

*It is strictly prohibited to consume alcoholic beverages while paddling a canoe **Alcoholic beverages are not included.

Ready to paddle? Book your adventure now.

+370 66 238 238

Still doubts or questions? Refer to our FAQ section for answers.

Most important questions

Is it safe? I have never paddled a canoe before.

You don’t need any experience or paddling skills for this tour, just a little caution and common sense. Our canoes, almost five meters long, are incredibly stable and perfect for beginners. You will be accompanied by an experienced guide throughout the expedition, and each participant will be trained before the start. Your safety is our highest and uncompromising priority.

How physically fit should I be?

You don’t have to be an athlete to paddle. The canoe has a very small draft, so it slides incredibly easily in the water without much effort. Our route is arranged according to the pace of recreational paddling, ie - without rushing. However, if we paddle against strong winds, more effort will be needed. Most often, this can be avoided but not always. However, if necessary, we will learn several tricks of "avoiding" the wind.