From Kutaisi: Martvili & Okatse Canyons & Cave Guided Tour

Experience the natural wonders surrounding Kutaisi with this comprehensive guided tour—visiting Martvili Canyon, Okatse Canyon, and Prometheus Cave. Spanning about 10 hours, this trip offers a fantastic mix of breathtaking scenery, adventure, and local charm. From a scenic boat ride in turquoise waters to walking over hanging bridges, it’s a journey that will appeal to nature lovers and curious explorers alike.

One of the biggest draws is how smoothly the day is organized, with knowledgeable guides making each stop engaging and informative. We especially love how this tour combines both active exploration—like walking on suspension bridges and climbing stairs—with opportunities to relax and soak in the views. However, it’s worth noting that some parts, such as the canyon walk or cave exploration, require a reasonable level of mobility and stamina.

This tour is best suited for travelers who appreciate a well-rounded outdoor experience and want to see Georgia’s natural highlights without the hassle of planning multiple trips. If you’re after an authentic adventure that covers a variety of landscapes and geological wonders, this will likely be right up your alley. On the flip side, those with mobility issues or a preference for a more leisurely, less physically demanding day might want to consider other options.

Key Points

• Diverse Attractions: Combines canyon walks, cave exploration, and a sanatorium visit for a well-rounded day.
• Stunning Scenery: Expect lush forests, dramatic cliffs, and turquoise river views that make for fantastic photo opportunities.
• Expert Guides: Local guides, like Sandra and Teona, bring stories and detailed explanations that enhance the experience.
• Active but Comfortable: Includes walking, stair climbing, and a boat ride—so be prepared for physical activity, but it’s manageable for most.
• Additional Costs: Entry fees, boat rides, and jeep transfers are extra—budget accordingly.
• Authentic Experiences: Opportunities like making Georgian churchkhela sweets and visiting abandoned sanatoriums add unique local flavor.

Exploring the Georgia’s Natural Marvels: A Deep Dive

The Charm of Martvili Canyon

We loved the way Martvili Canyon sets the tone for the day. Surrounded by rugged mountains and lush greenery, it feels like stepping into a fairy tale. The river here is famous for its bright turquoise hue, especially striking during the summer months. The main highlight? A short boat ride (about 15 minutes) that takes you into parts of the canyon you can’t reach on foot.

This boat trip isn’t just a sightseeing shortcut; it’s an opportunity to get close-up views of natural stone bridges, waterfalls, and the canyon walls towering above. Reviewers like Jessica praised Teona, the guide, for her lively commentary and humor, which made the boat ride even more enjoyable. Keep in mind that the boat service isn’t always available—high water levels or strong currents caused by spring rains can cancel it, so it’s a bit of a gamble depending on the season.

Walking Over Okatse Canyon

Next, you’ll head to Okatse Canyon, a highlight for many due to its dramatic panoramic hanging bridge. The drive from Martvili is scenic itself, and once you arrive, you’ll switch to a 4×4 vehicle (for an extra 15 GEL) to reach the canyon entrance. The walk involves about 900 steps on a suspension bridge, offering sweeping views of the forest and cliffs below.

Reviewer Ladislav from Czechia raved about Zura, the guide, and the experience of crossing the bridge, describing it as “amazing” and “beautiful.” It’s a bit of a workout, but the vistas and the thrill of standing on a narrow bridge high above the forest make it well worth the effort. However, those afraid of heights or with mobility concerns should consider this carefully, as the walk is quite exposed and involves a significant ascent and descent.

The Hidden Treasure: Prometheus Cave

The star of Georgia’s cave scene, Prometheus Cave, is absolutely worth the visit. The 1.5 km route takes you through enormous halls filled with stalactites and stalagmites, some in colors and shapes reminiscent of sculpture. Our local guide provided interesting insights into the cave’s natural formations and history, making the walk more engaging.

Reviewers like Mert mention that the cave exceeds expectations, being larger and more impressive than some other caves in Georgia. For many visitors, this is a truly memorable part of the trip, especially due to the natural grandeur and atmospheric lighting that accentuates the formations.

A Glimpse into the Past: Tskaltubo Sanatorium

Before heading back to Kutaisi, there’s a brief stop at the abandoned Tskaltubo sanatorium—an eerie but fascinating spot. Once a luxurious resort for Soviet leaders, many of the sanatoriums are now deserted, with some being sold or restricted for entry. Reviewers like Mina and Sandra appreciated this stop for its historical value and the stories it holds. It adds a layer of intrigue to your day, contrasting sharply with the natural beauty seen earlier.

Practicalities & Tips

Transportation is comfortable, with air-conditioned minivans or minibuses, and WiFi onboard keeps you connected. The tour generally starts early, with about 10 hours of activity, so wear comfortable shoes, bring sun protection, and pack snacks and water. Entry fees to the attractions (around 65 GEL per adult) are not included, so budget for these extras. Optional activities like the boat ride (20 GEL) and jeep transfer at Okatse (10-15 GEL) are additional costs to consider.

The guides, such as Sandra and Teona, are praised for their friendliness, knowledge, and ability to make the experience enjoyable. They handle the logistics smoothly, keeping the group engaged while managing the pace of the day.

Who Should Book This Tour?

This experience suits travelers with a decent level of fitness who want to explore Georgia’s natural wonders efficiently. Active explorers will love the walks, stairs, and boat rides, while those seeking cultural insights will appreciate the guide’s commentary. It’s ideal for small groups, offering a more personalized feel—a huge plus highlighted in many reviews.

People interested in geology or simply looking to escape the city for a day will find the scenery breathtaking. However, if you have mobility issues or prefer a more relaxed day without much walking or physical activity, you might want to choose a different tour or customize your visit.

Final Thoughts on Value

Considering the price, which covers transportation, guide, and several stops, this tour offers excellent value. The entry fees, optional extras, and the quality of guides like Sandra and Teona make it a comprehensive package. The chance to see multiple marvels—canyons, caves, sanatoriums—without the hassle of organizing separate excursions makes it a convenient and rewarding choice.

The Bottom Line

This guided tour from Kutaisi is a fantastic way to see Georgia’s natural beauty, combining adventure, history, and plenty of photo-worthy moments. The scenery is stunning, the guides are knowledgeable and friendly, and the mix of activities keeps the day from feeling monotonous. It’s best suited for those who enjoy outdoor activities and are comfortable walking and climbing stairs.

If you value authentic local experiences—like sampling Georgian sweets or exploring abandoned sanatoriums—this trip offers a glimpse into both natural and cultural sides of Georgia. Just remember to prepare for some physical activity and budget for extras like entry fees or optional rides.

Overall, it’s a well-organized, highly praised experience that delivers on its promise to showcase the best of Georgia’s outdoors. Whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or in a small group, this tour will add memorable highlights to your Georgia trip.

FAQs

Is transportation included in the tour?
Yes, transportation by minibus or minivan with WiFi is included for the entire day.

Are entry fees to the attractions covered?
No, entry fees (around 65 GEL per adult) are not included, so you should budget for this. Optional extras like boat rides and jeep transfers are additional.

What should I bring for the tour?
Comfortable shoes are a must, along with sun protection such as a sun hat, and snacks or water for the day.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 10 hours, starting early in the morning and returning to Kutaisi in the evening.

Is the tour suitable for children or people with mobility issues?
It’s generally better suited for those with good mobility due to walking and stair climbing involved. People with mobility impairments might find some parts challenging.

What’s the best season for this tour?
Spring and summer are ideal, especially when the canyon scenery is lush and waterfalls are flowing. Water levels in the canyons can affect boat rides, which are seasonal.

Can I customize the tour or cancel last minute?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Customizations aren’t typically offered, but the tour is well-paced and managed to suit most travelers’ interests.

This tour offers a balanced blend of Georgia’s enchanting landscapes and intriguing history, making it a highly recommended choice for those eager to explore beyond Kutaisi.