Martvili Canyon Guide: Essential Information on Tickets, Boat Tours, and Transportation

Martvili Canyon has been designated as a national park of Georgia since 2016. A tourist center was established here, complete with walking paths and observation platforms.

Martvili Canyon is one of the natural attractions near Kutaisi, making it convenient for a day trip. This location is quite popular, and during the peak season, it can become crowded. For some visitors, the influx of tourists may detract from the experience, making it challenging to fully appreciate the beauty of nature. However, the canyon is still worth a visit, especially if you arrive early in the day.

Martvili Canyon stands out among Georgia’s canyons for several reasons.

Unique Scenery

The canyon features slender tree trunks with delicate branches and massive boulders draped in moss, all overlooking sparkling turquoise waters. The high humidity in the area ensures that the landscape remains lush and green throughout most of the year, creating a breathtakingly beautiful environment.

Rich History

This canyon was once a favored bathing spot for the Dadiani family, who ruled this region of Georgia from their palaces in Zugdidi until 1867. Visitors can still see remnants of a private staircase that provides access to the pools used by the family. However, since 2016, swimming in the canyon has been prohibited, and park authorities actively monitor this rule.

Paleontological Significance

According to official sources, paleontologists have discovered evidence of primitive humans and even dinosaurs dating back 73 million years in Martvili Canyon. The canyon itself, which stretches for 2.5 kilometers, was formed by the relentless pressure of the Abasha River, resulting in towering cliffs that reach heights of 50 to 70 meters and several cascading waterfalls.

These features combine to make Martvili Canyon a must-visit destination for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike.

Martvili Canyon is situated in the historical region of Samegrelo in western Georgia. It is approximately 50 kilometers away from Kutaisi, which translates to a drive of about 1 to 1.5 hours. The nearest town, Martvili, is just 4.5 kilometers away, or a quick 10-minute drive.

However, it is quite far from Tbilisi, located 280 kilometers away, which takes around 4 to 5 hours by car. This makes it convenient to combine a visit to Martvili Canyon with other nearby attractions, such as Okatse Canyon or Prometheus Cave. It’s also an ideal stop if you’re heading to the sea in Batumi or returning from Upper Svaneti and looking for a place to relax.

Martvili Canyon is accessible year-round. Unlike Okatse Canyon, which closes during heavy rain, Martvili typically remains open even in bad weather and winter conditions.

Personal Experience:

Most visitors come to Martvili in the summer when the canyon’s shaded areas provide a cool retreat from the heat. However, this popularity can lead to crowded conditions during the day. To fully enjoy the beauty of the canyon and explore its walking paths without the crowds, it’s advisable to arrive early in the summer.

Like many popular tourist destinations in Georgia, Martvili Canyon is also worth visiting in the fall and even winter. During these seasons, you’ll encounter fewer people, allowing for a more peaceful experience on the paths and viewing platforms.

The information center for Martvili Canyon is located in the village of Inchkhuri. The main tourist path, which is 700 meters long, begins at this center and follows the route once taken by the Dadiani princes as they walked to swim in the canyon. Along the path, visitors can see two bridges, three viewing platforms, and a historic 30-step staircase made of limestone.

Opening Hours:

• Spring and Summer (March-September): 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
• Autumn and Winter (November-February): 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Personal Experience:

It’s best to plan your visit for early morning when the canyon opens or around lunchtime. The boat ride lasts 15 to 20 minutes, so the latest you can embark on this experience is approximately half an hour before closing time.

Visitors are not permitted to enter the canyon outside of these hours, as it is a protected area and part of Georgia’s national park system. Tourists must adhere to the designated opening times and pay an entrance fee.

Ticket Prices:

• Adults: 20 GEL
• Children (ages 6-18): 6 GEL
• Children under 6: Free
• Discount for Georgian citizens and residents: 11 GEL

The boat ride is available for an additional fee of 15 GEL per person. It lasts only 15 to 20 minutes and covers a 300-meter stretch of the river, providing a unique opportunity to see the lower part of the canyon, which is not visible from the pedestrian path above. Since the tourist trail is elevated, the only way to view the stone walls and waterfall from below is by boat.

Personal Experience:

The boats are inflatable, similar to kayaks. Each tourist is provided with a life vest and a helmet. Participants will need to paddle themselves, although a guide will be on board to assist. If the water level is too high or the current is strong, boat rides may be canceled, which often occurs in the spring or after heavy rainfall.

Children under 5 years old or shorter than 1 meter are not permitted to ride in the boat. The boat trip starts and ends at the same location, and there is a waiting area near the pier for guests.

By Minibus from Kutaisi

Getting to Martvili Canyon without a car can be challenging but is an affordable option. Minibuses leave from the Kutaisi bus station between 8:00 AM and 6:00 PM, with a journey time of about 1.5 hours for a fare of 5 GEL. Once you arrive in Martvili, you can either walk the 5 kilometers to the information center (which takes about an hour) or take a taxi for around 50 GEL round trip.

Read here how to get to Kutaisi from Tbilisi

By Taxi

If you choose to take a taxi from Kutaisi to the canyon, expect the fare to start at around 70 GEL. However, be aware that the vehicles may be older and the comfort level might be minimal.

By Car

The road to Martvili Canyon is straightforward and easy to navigate. There is free parking available near the entrance, although local “parking attendants” may ask for a fee. It’s advisable not to leave any valuables in your car, as thefts can occur.

GoTrip Transfer

Transfer prices through GoTrip start at 70 GEL (approximately $30) for a round trip from Kutaisi. This option is ideal for those who prefer not to join a tour or rent a car but still want the freedom and safety of private transportation.

Book a transfer from Kutaisi to Martvili Canyon with a free cancelation

Explore GoTrip routes that include visits to Martvili Canyon:

• Sataplia – Martvili Canyon
• Prometheus Cave – Okatse (or Martvili) – Kinchkha Waterfall

With GoTrip, you will be picked up at your location in Kutaisi (or any other city) and returned home after your trip. You can spend as much time as you like in the parks and make stops along the way at no extra charge.

Choose the method that best suits your needs and enjoy your travels around Georgia with comfort and ease.