Vltava Sport Service
Vltava Sport Service
4.5
Full view
Similar Experiences
Vltava Sport Service
Booking unavailable on Tripadvisor
Want other options you can book now?
Show optionsTravelers talk about
(4 reviews)
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
37 reviews
Excellent
25
Very good
11
Average
1
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Moellegaarden
Hadsten13 contributions
Jul 2022 • Family
Funny activity for the whole family. The place is run by young people who are very friendly, enthusiastic and fluent in English. We were carefully instructed, before a young man drove us to the starting point app. 15 min outside the city.
The rafting took 1,5 hours with a few stops. There were 4 weir crossings - all funny. Easy to do without any experience.
The rafting took 1,5 hours with a few stops. There were 4 weir crossings - all funny. Easy to do without any experience.
Written July 20, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Karen H
Farmington Hills MI127 contributions
Jul 2017 • Family
Our group had 3 adults, all experienced rafters and kayakers. We rented a raft (raft was advertised to be for 3-6 people) and did the half-day trip from Zátoň to Č. Krumlov. The weather was perfect for rafting and we had a really great time. It took us 6 hours and we made 2 stops, each about 40 minutes. This trip was advertised to take 2 to 4 hours. We weren't in a hurry so it didn't matter to us that it took longer. With the current water levels, it would take an olympic paddler in a kayak to get this route done in 2 hours! For the first hour we let the current take us, just paddling now and then to keep the raft on course. There were several spots that were almost lake-like (no current at all) and we had to really paddle to keep moving. Most of the time the water was very shallow (less than 2-3 feet deep. We ran aground several times in the raft and someone had to get out of the raft 2 or 3 times to get us unstuck. Water sandals or sneakers were definitely helpful as the rocks in the river were a bit sharp on bare feet. If you don't want to paddle as much, consider getting a canoe or kayaks because they were definitely moving faster down the river.
This route on the river was forested about 1/2 the time. We passed several campgrounds, lots of small houses, and one large industrial complex. It was possible to stop at the campgrounds for a break and they had stands that sold beer and food. We also passed 3 concession rafts that were anchored in the middle of the river. We didn't stop but they appeared to be selling soda, lemonade, and mixed drinks (no beer that we saw). Many boaters were doing a "pub crawl" down the river but it was all in good fun. There were also lots of families and large groups that were making a day-long trip, just meandering and having fun.
The rafting company provided a large plastic waterproof barrel with a 12 to 14" top that screwed on. We had two small string sacks with dry clothes and we put those in the barrel. We are experienced rafters and kayakers and were never in danger of tipping over but we did get wet from splashing at the bottom of the wier just as we entered CK. That wier was definitely faster than the others. On our trip there were 5 wiers (first three were on the rigtht, and then two on the left, and the fastest one was the first one on the left. It was well-marked with little signs on a wire stretched across the river. The wiers were fun and we never felt in danger of tipping or loosing control of our raft. If you have ever been on one of the water rides at Cedar Point or Disney World, the wiers were like one of the mildest drops on those rides. You get going a bit fast, and there is a splash at the end but most of the water doesn't come in the raft (expect for that one wier which did get our clothes a bit wet but it didn't get any water on my sun glasses). I expect that wiers would provide a different experience when the water level is higher.
This review is a bit long, but I hope it is helpful for someone considering this activity. :)
This route on the river was forested about 1/2 the time. We passed several campgrounds, lots of small houses, and one large industrial complex. It was possible to stop at the campgrounds for a break and they had stands that sold beer and food. We also passed 3 concession rafts that were anchored in the middle of the river. We didn't stop but they appeared to be selling soda, lemonade, and mixed drinks (no beer that we saw). Many boaters were doing a "pub crawl" down the river but it was all in good fun. There were also lots of families and large groups that were making a day-long trip, just meandering and having fun.
The rafting company provided a large plastic waterproof barrel with a 12 to 14" top that screwed on. We had two small string sacks with dry clothes and we put those in the barrel. We are experienced rafters and kayakers and were never in danger of tipping over but we did get wet from splashing at the bottom of the wier just as we entered CK. That wier was definitely faster than the others. On our trip there were 5 wiers (first three were on the rigtht, and then two on the left, and the fastest one was the first one on the left. It was well-marked with little signs on a wire stretched across the river. The wiers were fun and we never felt in danger of tipping or loosing control of our raft. If you have ever been on one of the water rides at Cedar Point or Disney World, the wiers were like one of the mildest drops on those rides. You get going a bit fast, and there is a splash at the end but most of the water doesn't come in the raft (expect for that one wier which did get our clothes a bit wet but it didn't get any water on my sun glasses). I expect that wiers would provide a different experience when the water level is higher.
This review is a bit long, but I hope it is helpful for someone considering this activity. :)
Written July 6, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gabriella H
Veresegyhaz8 contributions
Jul 2015 • Family
We hired an inflatable raft for 4 and though it was high season we had no problem. The Vltava was a bit crowded but we started quite early (10 am) so we didn't have to queue up for the rapids. It took us approximately 3 hours to get to Zlata Koruna (15 km). The staff was helpful, we booked our boat for next day and everything was prepared when we turned up. They also provided a detailed map of the river and some tips as well. At reasonable price. We planned to return by bikes but there was none available, which turned out not to be disappointing in the end since we got tired enough.
The journey was beautiful, the rapids were exciting. Our raft could manage them easily, we hardly got wet. However, we saw some canoes having difficulties even capsizing (which is free entertainment for the onlookers), so think twice if you are not experienced.
The journey was beautiful, the rapids were exciting. Our raft could manage them easily, we hardly got wet. However, we saw some canoes having difficulties even capsizing (which is free entertainment for the onlookers), so think twice if you are not experienced.
Written August 17, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
NS_Europhile
Nova Scotia, Canada56 contributions
Jul 2015 • Couples
For a reasonable price this company provides a range of watercraft to pick from to boat downriver. The boats are solid, easy to use, and come equipped with dry storage. The river route is easy and should pose no difficulties for even beginner boaters, though it is very shallow in spots. Length of time for the trip varies a lot - you can drift, race, stop at the campsites and bankside bars for a drink, or not. The river itself was not what I'd hoped. It was really crowded with a lot of other (drunk) boaters who don't seem to care much about the river and just raced from campsite to campsite to drink, tossing empty bottles overboard as they went. In the spots of the river where we got away from litter and shouting, we did get to see some local wildlife and it was worth the trip. The worst part was at the end. We had been instructed to paddle to a "big campsite, you can't miss it" and pull out of the river. The company's truck makes circuits between that spot and the office in town to pick up boats and people, so just get out of the river and wait, right? Turns out there are a lot of big campsites, with a lot of boaters from a lot of companies, so take your pick and hope you pick right or you will be waiting forever. A big sign saying "Vlater Tours Exit Here" would have been great. If you have a european cell, bring it as you may need to call for a ride. Otherwise this was a fun trip.
Written October 3, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
namabeer
Toronto, Canada361 contributions
Aug 2018 • Family
If are looking for white water rafting - forget it.
This is a slow paced floating down the Vltava River with the occasional water current.
There are a few drop offs but not the Grand Canyon
You start off in town near the bridge and then go down first gate then you float 16km downstream (paddling required) Wear flip flop and bathing suit as you may have to go out to push if you get stuck on the rocks as it's pretty shallow in some part. Some people do jump into the refreshing water.
It cost 400 Kr per person if you have 4 and you get a barrel to put dry you valuables in if you flip over. There are numerous stop off points with playgrounds and eating and drinking stands. We stopped off one and then met up with locals and then drank beer and shots with them. Good experience with locals. The prices for food and drinks are local prices and you see very few tourist doing this compared to the packed streets of the old town. We also challenged many other raft to race for fun.
After the last rapid you bring your raft and await for pick up back to town. You may have to call them or just simply tell them an approx time.
Overall it was nice outing away from the frenzy of the town. Felt like floating down a rainforest.
This is a slow paced floating down the Vltava River with the occasional water current.
There are a few drop offs but not the Grand Canyon
You start off in town near the bridge and then go down first gate then you float 16km downstream (paddling required) Wear flip flop and bathing suit as you may have to go out to push if you get stuck on the rocks as it's pretty shallow in some part. Some people do jump into the refreshing water.
It cost 400 Kr per person if you have 4 and you get a barrel to put dry you valuables in if you flip over. There are numerous stop off points with playgrounds and eating and drinking stands. We stopped off one and then met up with locals and then drank beer and shots with them. Good experience with locals. The prices for food and drinks are local prices and you see very few tourist doing this compared to the packed streets of the old town. We also challenged many other raft to race for fun.
After the last rapid you bring your raft and await for pick up back to town. You may have to call them or just simply tell them an approx time.
Overall it was nice outing away from the frenzy of the town. Felt like floating down a rainforest.
Written August 21, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Martin T
Cambridge80 contributions
Jul 2015 • Family
Our teenage sons (16 & 14) saw the canoe winding round the town and this was the one activity they wanted to do.
The staff at Vltava were friendly and helpful, and our boys were on the river within 10 minutes in a 2 man canoe with a clear plan. Of course they capsized going down the slope, but no harm done and the water was shallow.
The boys were returned from their end point after what they clearly thought a fantastic 45 minute trip, at a bargain price of less than £15.
The staff at Vltava were friendly and helpful, and our boys were on the river within 10 minutes in a 2 man canoe with a clear plan. Of course they capsized going down the slope, but no harm done and the water was shallow.
The boys were returned from their end point after what they clearly thought a fantastic 45 minute trip, at a bargain price of less than £15.
Written July 22, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Vivian_03
Northern California164 contributions
May 2014 • Couples
We rented bikes to bike to Zlata Koruna, an historical monastery about 9 kilometers away from Cesky Krumlov. Included in the price were the bike helmets, a lock, and a good quality map we could borrow to help us get there. Most of the route was along a paved bike path (although some was on a public road with very little traffic) or on fairly smooth dirt trails through a forest. The woman in the office who rented the equipment to us was very good at going over everything in advance - how these bikes worked, exactly how to find the trail following routes that had little or no traffic, and how to get to the monastery. She even recommended an additional place to go that was just a little farther but we felt we wouldn't have had time to get there and return by closing time so we just came back. When we mentioned that to her, she told us we should have just called and they would have been happy to wait for us. Because we took a tour of the monastery when we arrived and then had lunch at a local restaurant, we spent about 5 hours on the trip. However, if you just ride there and back it is around 3 hours of riding at a slow to moderate pace.
The bikes were in good condition. One of the bikes didn't shift quite right but we were able to adjust it so that it shifted correctly most of the time. We were able to bike through several small towns and really see how people in the countryside lived. It is a great way to tour around and get some exercise at the same time. The trail had rolling hills in some parts. If you regularly ride a bike, you will have no problem on these trails. If not, there might be a couple of short places you would walk your bike up a short hill but you would still enjoy your ride.
This company also rents rafts but it was a little cool for rafting when we were there. It is our understanding that you can actually raft to the monastery, too.
The bikes were in good condition. One of the bikes didn't shift quite right but we were able to adjust it so that it shifted correctly most of the time. We were able to bike through several small towns and really see how people in the countryside lived. It is a great way to tour around and get some exercise at the same time. The trail had rolling hills in some parts. If you regularly ride a bike, you will have no problem on these trails. If not, there might be a couple of short places you would walk your bike up a short hill but you would still enjoy your ride.
This company also rents rafts but it was a little cool for rafting when we were there. It is our understanding that you can actually raft to the monastery, too.
Written June 12, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TomBilcze
Mount Vernon, OH49 contributions
Jun 2018 • Solo
I chose Czech Bike Tours after a good bit of research for a supported bike tour of the Czech Republic. I could not be happy with my experience.
There are many options when it comes to supported bicycle touring. Most of the large international touring organizations offer tours of this country. I opted to go with this smaller Czech owned touring company. In 2017 I used a similar Hungarian owned touring company while touring Hungary. I had hoped for a similar experience to my Hungarian tour and was rewarded with a superior experience in the Czech Republic.
Czech Bike Tours is very customer focused on giving the cyclist the best tour of their country. Our guide, Courtney, is an Australian who has lived in the Czech Republic with his Czech wife for many years. He knew the country and traditions well. He quickly learned our abilities and desires. He was able to tailor the tour to our abilities. I especially appreciated Courtney's ability to challenge us just enough to make the ride memorable and somewhat challenging. The rest of the Czech Bike Tours staff were similarly customer focused on delivering the best experience in the Czech Republic.
I highly recommend this company and their Prague Vienna Odyssey tour through Bohemia. The sights were varied and amazing. The hotels were top notch. Tour picnics on the ride were extremely delicious.
When in the Czech Republic, cycle with the people who live in and know the country well.
There are many options when it comes to supported bicycle touring. Most of the large international touring organizations offer tours of this country. I opted to go with this smaller Czech owned touring company. In 2017 I used a similar Hungarian owned touring company while touring Hungary. I had hoped for a similar experience to my Hungarian tour and was rewarded with a superior experience in the Czech Republic.
Czech Bike Tours is very customer focused on giving the cyclist the best tour of their country. Our guide, Courtney, is an Australian who has lived in the Czech Republic with his Czech wife for many years. He knew the country and traditions well. He quickly learned our abilities and desires. He was able to tailor the tour to our abilities. I especially appreciated Courtney's ability to challenge us just enough to make the ride memorable and somewhat challenging. The rest of the Czech Bike Tours staff were similarly customer focused on delivering the best experience in the Czech Republic.
I highly recommend this company and their Prague Vienna Odyssey tour through Bohemia. The sights were varied and amazing. The hotels were top notch. Tour picnics on the ride were extremely delicious.
When in the Czech Republic, cycle with the people who live in and know the country well.
Written June 22, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Stevey1612
Canby, OR294 contributions
May 2017 • Couples
My husband and I rented a kayak and took the longer tour option. It was lovely to see the town from a different point of view and then also refreshing to get out into nature. There are plenty of places to stop and grab a drink or a snack along the way. The second rapid was a highlight. The staff explained the route well and how to approach the rapids. Equipment was in good condition.Everyone we came in contact with spoke English well. I'd highly recommend carving out the time for this adventure.
Written June 14, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
opalmom2016
Sykesville, MD9 contributions
May 2017 • Couples
Well planned trip, very well organized trip. Bikes were fine, hotels were very nice; hotel K Dum in Cesky Krumlov was especially beautiful. Restaurant recommendations were top notch. Gps navigation and cue sheets and maps made the trip almost flawless😉. Recommend asking for a second cue sheet set. Support crew for transfers was great as was Petr's smiling face in Cesky Krumlov to take our bikes for the next leg. Though the weather forecast before we left home and each day along the way ranged from nasty to hateful, we only had rain for the last 8K of the last day. Highly recommend!
Written May 12, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Does Petr stay with the bikers or is it up to the bikers to follow the maps/GPS given?
GreenEyedJoe
Uppsala, Sweden57 contributions
It's up to the bikers.
matkat7
Lisbon, Portugal185 contributions
My husband and I recently used the same company for a self-supported trip in Southern Bohemia - just the 2 of us without a guide. I couldn't agree more with the reviewer's assessment. Petr was easy to work with and very welcoming when we finally met him in person. We would like to explore more of this area of Europe by bicycle and will definitely use Czech Bike Tours (part of Vltava Sports) to make the arrangements for other tours.
matkat7
Lisbon, Portugal185 contributions
I intended to post it as general info rather than a specific review.
Vltava Sport Service - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Vltava Sport Service Information
Excellent Reviews | 25 |
|---|---|
Very Good Reviews | 11 |
Vltava Sport Service Photos | 20 |