About us
Canoeing in Latvia. The company „Jūras laivas” is paddling gear renter and waterway tourist route servicer in Latvia. We offer for rent canoes, sea kayaks, Sit-on-Top kayaks, wetsuits, dry bags and other gear necessary for your canoeing and sea kayaking adventure (www.seakayak.lv)
How to find us
In Kurzeme (the Western region of Latvia) our base is located in „Avoti”, village of Renda, 25 km from Kuldīga and 130 km from Riga on the bank of the river Abava. When driving from Mažeikiai, you should cross the border at the border post Buknaičiai – Ezere, then continue your route in the direction of Saldus – Kuldīga – Renda. Coming from Riga you have to follow Kuldiga road.
GSM: 00371 27788081
E-mail: noma@seakayak.lv
Call for further details.
Routes
We offer paddling routes and related services in Latvia rivers and along the sea shore.
Abava
One of the most scenic rivers in Kurzeme. Falls into the river Venta. If you continue your trip down Venta, it is possible to end the route in the Naba lake. Canoeing in this river is possible throughout the iceless season. In springtime the river is an interesting experience for those who prefer faster flow, in summer and autumn it brings delight with its scenic bluffs and water springs falling from the steep banks and slopes. Excellent wild-life and bird-watching opportunity, great fishing. A favourite for family leisure time as well as paddling events for larger groups with collective activities at the end of the route. Single to four day routes are possible, overnight stays in camping places on the river bank. Base camp in „Avoti”.
Venta
One of the largest rivers of Latvia. Subject to winds, which together with the slow current makes paddling difficult. Popular among fishermen. The recommended section of the river is from Nīgrande to Skrunda, a 2 day route.
Irbe, Tebra, Durbe, Užava
Three rivers of Kurzeme, boatable throughout the iceless season. Length of the routes vary from one to three days. Among these three, the one most favored by tourists is the Irbe. Most of its flow runs amidst open-sea dunes along the sea shore. The route ends at one of Latvia’s most beautiful beaches. If weather conditions allow you can continue your paddling trip along the sea shore to Mazirbe or one of the small fishermen’s villages.
Imula–Amula–Riežupe
Three swift rivers for a single day spring adventure on the water. Excellent entertainment for skilled paddlers. Impressive naturale beauty – cliffs, valleys, spring waterfalls. No insuperable rapids, however the swift slope of the river and its bends is a guarantee for your adventure. It is possible to descend all three rivers in one weekend. If you choose these rivers you have to consider the water level. The most suitable time is from the end of March to April, after the ice has moved out. Overnight stay in „Avoti”. (Parking lot, place for pitching tents).
The Tebra and Durbe surprises with its absolutely untouched nature, and is especially popular among fishermen and „photo-hunters”. The route ends in Pāvilosta – a small port town with well-preserved authentic wooden architecture.
Pāvilosta is also the Mecca of Latvian wind and kite surfers. It is possible to continue the route along the sea-shore up to Jūrkalne, which surprises with its 25 m high bluffs.
We also offer coastal routes in SitOnTop kayaks and sea kayaks.
No previous experience is necessary for simpler routes. For more experienced paddlers wave-surfing can be very exciting.
Additional services
If you choose a route down one of the rivers or in the sea, you don’t have to worry about the safety of your car – you can leave it at our base in “Avoti”, „Ventas”, „Pāvilosta”, „Mīlmaņi” and “Svetupes” in Vidzeme. Both offer also the possibility to stay overnight, either in a comfortable tent-site, or in a cozy log resthouse with a sauna. In „Avoti” catering services are offered as well. If you arrive by public transport, we will pick you up at the bus stop.
Prices
Prices of the routes depend on the length of the chosen river and route. The price of the route includes boat rent, paddles and lifejackets as well as the transportation of the boat to the beginning/end of the route.
For example:
- The cost of a single-day 18km long route in a double-seated canoe down the river Abava is 26 eur
- The cost of a two day 44km long route in a double-seated canoe down the river Abava from Renda to the Naba lakes is 44 eur.