Springs and swallow holes, clear green-hued rivers, a blue sea teeming with life - this wealth of water and underground water courses rank Croatia in fifth place on the European ladder of water reserves, Forests cover almost half of continental Croatia, These forest areas are the fourth-longest in Europe.
In lowlands and mountainous forests there are some 170 different natural communities - deciduous, coniferous and mixed, Flood forests, primeval forests, park, forests, juniper thickets and macchia are the specific features of the forest world of Croatia.
In a pleasant climate, with amiable people and experienced guides, you will travel under your own steam through a realm of unfettered nature by kayak, bicycle, raft, under sail; or slowly wend your way through mountain wilderness...
Nestling between the Alps, the Pannonian Plain and the Adriatic Sea, in the south-eastern part of the European continent, Croatia jealously protects eight national parks, ten nature parks and a whole range of special reserves, including plant life, animals, geological formations, hydrological phenomena, all within a small but rich area that can be traveled by car from one end to another in a single day.
Many paths run between rivers, mountain peaks, tiny island ports and beaches, leading to Illyrian hill forts, to Roman ruins, to towns and cities that are themselves monuments, to ethno-entities of popular architecture.
Rafting as a mode of transport up and down waterways also has a long tradition in Croatia.
However, white-water rafting as a modern form of adventure began only in the late 1980s and served to attract notice to the amazing beauty of Croatian rivers which, up until that time, was known only to relatively few kayaking adventurers and fishermen.
The founders of the Riverfree Club, pioneers of commercial trips through the rivers and experts on the waterways of Croatia, did not anticipate the Subsequent level of interest and the resulting popularity of rafting on rivers which do not abound with savage rapids and high waves.
Nevertheless, thousands of people have since enjoyed their close encounters with the unforgettable magic of rivers, of green river banks, sheer canyons and crystal-clear depths.
Rivers in the continental parts of the country are flanked by dense forests and by mountains, while those closer to the sea boost broad green banks and deep and shady mysterious canyons.
What they all have in common are greenish clear waters that one can see through right down to the river bed.
The grade of difficulty of Croatia's white waters is, on average, grade 3; only on the Rivers Dobra and Una can you encounter grade 4 waters.
Croatia Holidays & Diving The Adriatic's submarine world is a veritable paradise for those who wish to observe o little of the teeming underwater life.
Fish and crabs hiding beneath the varied plant world along the rocky shores; shells dug into a sand/ sea bed; a lively, colourful and ever changing world that invites you to dive again and again however long you moy be staying by the sec.
With each new dive your eyes are sharper in discovering sea creatures so skilled in hiding themselves from others.
Should you want to go deeper and venture further from the shore, an experienced guide will take you to underwater caves, beneath steep cliff faces, among the rocky habitats of fascinating species of fish, shellfish and corals.
Sunken galleys, men of war as well as other archaeological finds are in an authentic submarine museum demonstrates the Adriatic's rich and turbulent post, This is the living proof of the wars, adversities, trade and culture of the lands of the Mediterranean.
On the surface, the sea is warm and clear, while 30 metres below, the temperature is cooler.
There are no large sharks or other predators which would pose a danger to divers, and venomous organisms are rare.