Martvili Canyon: boats, waterfalls and how to get there

Martvili Canyon is one of the most scenic spots in western Georgia: a narrow gorge with sheer limestone walls, emerald water and waterfalls, where you can take a boat trip through it. The green, vegetation-draped walls and the calm water make the short boat ride the highlight of the visit.

Why the canyon is famous

Martvili Canyon is the Gachedili natural monument in the Martvili Municipality of Samegrelo. It was cut into the limestone by the Abasha River: the canyon is around 2,400 metres long and 50-70 metres deep. There are waterfalls 12-15 metres high along its course, and the water has a distinctive emerald-green colour.

The place has its own history, too: the Dadiani princely family, who ruled Mingrelia, once bathed here. The canyon was given official natural-monument status fairly recently - in 2013 - after which it was developed for visitors.

The turquoise Abasha River winding through the green Martvili Canyon, seen from above — The emerald Abasha River winds along the canyon floor - seen from above. Photo: Bmphotography / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0

The boat trip and the trail

A visit is simple to organise. A walking trail with boardwalks, footbridges and viewing platforms runs along the canyon, with views down onto the waterfalls and the green water below. The boat trip is separate: a short ride in an inflatable boat along the most scenic stretch, between the overhanging walls. The boat costs extra and depends on the water level - it runs in dry weather, but may be suspended after heavy rain.

Boats on the green water deep in Martvili Canyon by a tall limestone wall — Boats glide into the narrowest part of the canyon, between sheer walls. Photo: Kober / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0

Three waterfalls flowing over limestone ledges into the emerald pools of Martvili Canyon — The canyon's waterfalls flow over limestone ledges into green pools. Photo: Neide18701 / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0

How to get there

The canyon is near the town of Martvili. Most people come by car or on a tour from Kutaisi - the drive takes about an hour; less often, people arrive from Zugdidi. At the entrance there is a visitor centre and a ticket office where you buy your ticket for the trail and the boat trip.

Inside Martvili Canyon: sheer limestone walls and calm green water — Inside the canyon: sheer limestone walls and quiet green water. Photo: Karelj / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0

What to keep in mind when visiting

The best time is dry weather: that’s when the water is calm and at its greenest. After heavy rain it turns muddy and rises, and the boat trips may be closed for a while on safety grounds. This is a popular place, so in high season queues build up at the ticket office - it’s best to come early. And bring comfortable shoes: the trail and the area by the water can be slippery.

A rocky riverbed with turquoise pools at the entrance to Martvili Canyon — A rocky riverbed with turquoise pools at the entrance to the canyon. Photo: AlexandreAssatiani / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0

Nearby

From Samegrelo the road leads higher into the mountains - to Upper Svaneti and the village of Mestia with its medieval towers, while closer to Kutaisi is Prometheus Cave. It’s easier to get around the west of the country by car - for how to rent one, see the car hire section; more places are in the things to see section.

Photos