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Most popular tour · Day trip from Tbilisi

SUP Tour at
Zhinvali Reservoir

Georgia's most iconic lake — turquoise water, ancient Ananuri castle on the shore, and mountain views. ~1 hour from Tbilisi. Transfer included.

150GEL from
5–6hFull day trip
~2hOn the water
5★TripAdvisor

Zhinvali Reservoir —
Georgia's Turquoise Gem

What makes Zhinvali special

Zhinvali Reservoir (also known as Zhinvali Lake or Ananuri Lake) sits in the Aragvi River valley, about 70 km north of Tbilisi on the Georgian Military Highway. What immediately strikes visitors is the colour of the water — a deep, vivid turquoise that looks almost unreal in person.

The lake was formed in 1985 when the Zhinvali hydroelectric dam was built. What makes it visually unforgettable is the backdrop: the medieval Ananuri Fortress perched on the hillside just above the shoreline, framed by forested Caucasus foothills.

Why it's perfect for SUP

The reservoir's calm, sheltered waters make it one of the best SUP locations in Georgia. There's very little boat traffic on the main paddling area, the water is clean and refreshingly cool, and the scenery from a paddleboard — sitting at water level with mountains all around — is completely different from what you see on shore.

We run tours here from spring through autumn. The light is especially beautiful in early morning and evening, when the water takes on deeper colours and the mountains cast long shadows.

Getting there

We pick you up in Tbilisi and drive north along the Georgian Military Highway — a scenic route in itself. The drive takes about 1 hour depending on traffic. We handle all logistics, so you don't need a car or to navigate directions.

Quick facts — Zhinvali Reservoir

Distance from Tbilisi~70 km (1h drive)
Water colourTurquoise / deep blue-green
Best seasonApril – October
Nearby landmarkAnanuri Fortress (11th c.)
Water temperature~18–24°C in summer
Crowd levelLow — quiet & crowd-free

Everything Arranged

You show up. We handle the rest — transfer, gear, instruction, and safety.

  • Round-trip transfer from Tbilisi

    We pick you up at your address. No need to rent a car or find your own way to the lake.

  • SUP board, paddle & life jacket

    Inflatable SUP board, adjustable paddle, safety leash, life jacket, and waterproof phone case.

  • Safety briefing & instructor

    Full on-shore briefing before you get on the water. Instructor guides and supports the group throughout.

  • ~2 hours on the water

    Time to paddle, swim, relax, and take photos. We don't rush — the pace is yours.

Tour Itinerary

1
8:00 AM
Departure from Tbilisi city center
We meet you in the city center and start the drive north along the Georgian Military Highway.
2
9:30 AM
Arrival at the beach, preparing the SUP boards. Warm-up and instruction
We arrive at the lake, set up the gear, do a short warm-up and the safety briefing.
3
10:00 AM
We start the tour, the instructor accompanies the whole trip
Onto the water — the instructor stays with the group from start to finish.
4
12:00 PM
End of the tour
We come back to shore and pack up the boards.
5
12:00 – 12:30 PM
Picnic time
A relaxed break by the lake before heading back.
6
1:30 – 2:00 PM
Return to Tbilisi
Drive back to the city. We drop you off at the same spot we picked you up.

Choose Your Format

Join a weekend group tour, or book the lake exclusively for your group.

Private tour · Any day

Private Tour

from 500 GEL / group

Book the tour exclusively for your group — any day, flexible schedule. Perfect for birthdays, couples, families, or corporate teams.

  • Any day by arrangement
  • 2 to 20 people
  • Flexible start time
  • All equipment & instructor
  • Custom itinerary on request
Request private tour

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