Kayaking and Rafting in Israel
Kayaking In Israel
Some people like to see new places through a window while seated comfortably on a bus. Others like to experience a new place with all they’ve got. Kayaking is a fun and fast-paced way to see Israel, and to become connected to the country in a way that a tour bus just can’t provide.
Upper Galilee
Kayaking in Israel (Photo: IsraelTourism, CC BY-SA 2.0)
The two go-to places in Israel for kayaking are Kfar Blum and HaGoshrim. Both options are located in the Upper Galilee and give you a fantastic kayaking experience. These two kayaking concerns take advantage of the flow of water from the Hatzbani and Banias streams, located in the Golan Heights. You will paddle through breathtaking scenery, see wild animals and all kinds of beautiful trees and plants, and in some cases even go down a slide or small waterfall.
If you choose a gentle family route, the ride is suitable for children aged 5 years and above accompanied by an adult. For the rougher, more adventurous route, children should be at least 10 years old and accompanied by an adult. If you’re not sure whether your child can handle the conditions, check with the kayak operator. Everyone, from children on up, must wear a life-jacket during kayaking.
The kayaking season in Israel is from April or May through the summer, depending on water levels and weather conditions. Summer in Israel is the dry season. This is the safest time to go kayaking. Check before you head out, as conditions are quite changeable, particularly at the beginning of the season. The water is typically quite cold, but you’ll be out there on a hot day so take precautions against the sun (wear hat, sunscreen and sunglasses) and bring enough water to drink.
Rafting down the Jordan and Hatzbani Rivers
Kayaking at Sunset (Photo: Yaniv Ben-Ari, CC BY-SA 2.0)
Kibbutz Kfar Blum was the first to offer kayaking in Israel, in 1986. That means that when you book a kayaking trip with Kfar Blum, you get the benefit of a quarter of a century of experience. Kfar Blum offers two types of kayaking routes, a shorter and a longer route.
The shorter route is called the Standard route and takes an hour and a quarter to complete. Kfar Blum has no objection to passengers taking things more slowly, though. Riders can stop along the way for a bit and then continue. Guests choose between a raft that can hold up to six people or a kayak that holds two people
The longer route is dubbed Speed Kayaking and takes two-and-a-half hours to complete. The same rules apply as for the shorter route. Passengers can take as much time as they like. Feel free to jump off when you’ve had enough and would like a break. Like the Standard route, passengers for the Speed Kayaking route can choose between the two-seat kayak and the six-seat raft. For more information about Kfar Blum Kayaks phone: 1-700-50-66-11.
Top Rope Adventure Park
Not to be missed is this extreme park that includes an all-level 40 foot climbing wall, 20 different rope bridges, archery target practice and a 300 foot zip-line that slides right into the Jordan River. To get a special package price on the park and the kayaking email: kayaks@kbm.org.il
Maayan HaGoshrim on the Jordan River
Jordan River (Photo: Assayas, CC BY-SA 3.0)
Another option is Maayan HaGoshrim, at Kibbutz Goshrim. HaGoshrim also offers two kayaking/rafting routes on the Jordan River. There’s the Family route, which is 5 kilometers (3.1 miles) long and takes around an hour and a half to complete. HaGoshrim offers a discount to customers who reserve online.
More adventurous travelers over age 16 may choose to pick the Challenge route. There’s no guide telling you what to do: you’re on your own. This trip takes 2 hours to complete. A discount is available for those who reserve online.
Kiddie Pool
HaGoshrim, like Kfar Blum, offers camping facilities as well as discounts for other local attractions. In addition, HaGoshrim has a snack bar strategically placed at the end of its kayaking routes along with changing rooms (complete with showers and toilets), and a kiddie pool. For further information phone: (972)77-2717500 or fax: (972)772717501.
Kayaking in Israel: Did You Know?
The Kfar Blum kayaking experience can include a small waterfall to traverse, which provides a taste of excitement.
