Where to Spend a Weekend on the Water: Kayaking, Canoeing, and Fishing Amid the Landscapes of Kyiv Region
Fish Park Zabirya
If you’re looking for a place to spend a calm day in nature, head to the village of Zabirya, just half an hour from Kyiv. Here you’ll find Fish Park — a cascade of fish-breeding lakes with well-maintained grounds, wooden gazebos, and comfort for everyone. You can fish from the shore, docks, or boats: carp, grass carp, silver carp, pike, crucian carp, and even catfish are biting.
There’s a boat and pedal boat rental on site, and you can cook the fish you catch right on the grill — a favorite pastime for visitors. The park also hosts corporate events, family celebrations, and themed parties.
Additionally, Fish Park houses the countryside restaurant “Ryba Chok” with an author’s cuisine. The menu features dishes made from freshly caught fish, cooked over fire or smoked, as well as local dishes interpreted by the chef.
Address: Kyiv Region, village Zabirya (coordinates: 50.312585 N, 30.237122 E)
“Marakuya”
In the village of Pidgirci, just a 30-minute drive from the capital, lies the countryside complex “Marakuya” — a place for those who appreciate not only good fishing but also aesthetics all around. A small artificial lake with a fountain, terraces right above the water, neat gazebos, and two-story cottages create a resort atmosphere.
Carp inhabit the lake, and you can fish here all day long: you may bring your own gear or rent it on site. The catch can be taken with you or grilled. If desired, the chef can cook your fish right in the complex’s kitchen.
For a comfortable stay, you can rent a floating house or a gazebo, and fish cleaning services are also available.
Address: Kyiv Region, village Pidgirci, Stolychne Highway, 11 (27 km along Novoobukhivska highway)
“Poplavok”
Located 70 km from Kyiv, in the village of Veremya on the banks of the Bobrytsia River, is the recreation base “Poplavok.” This is a place where fishing combines with a sauna, swimming pool, barbecue, and active games — an ideal option for those wanting to escape the city for more than just one day.
In the surrounding lakes, carp, crucian carp, zander, and catfish bite well. After a successful fishing session, you can relax in a gazebo, play tennis or billiards, or unwind in a sauna with a pool.
The base is suitable both for a family weekend and for a group of friends who want to celebrate an important event here.
Address: Kyiv Region, village Veremya, Luki Dubovogo Street, 102
“Rybackiy Kordon” (Fisher’s Border)
The “Rybackiy Kordon” base, located in the village of Yaroshivka in the Fastiv district, offers comfortable fishing on a well-equipped quarry lake. A former technical reservoir was flooded, cleaned, stocked with fish, and equipped with everything needed for a convenient rest: docks with rod holders, benches, and gazebos by the water.
The fish you catch can be cleaned on site. There is also tableware rental, firewood, and spices for fish soup for sale. If you don’t want to cook yourself, just visit the local café, which serves borscht, dumplings, pancakes, salads, and other homemade dishes.
Address: Kyiv Region, Fastiv District, village Yaroshivka
Big Travel
Big Travel organizes kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding trips along the most picturesque rivers of Kyiv region: Kozynka, Desna, Ros, as well as around Zhukov Island and to Lebedivka. The routes run through narrow channels where wild banks and green thickets open up from the water.
Big Travel’s fleet includes single, double, and triple kayaks, SUP boards, and inflatable kayaks. Tours are guided by an instructor, and the route is adapted to your skill level. Discounts are also available for children, pensioners, students, military personnel, and birthday celebrants.
Locations for trips: Kozynka, Desna, Ros, Zhukiv Island, Lebedivka.
Eden Resort
Eden Resort is a boutique hotel and countryside resort for those seeking total relaxation. The complex is located in Yasnohorodka, right on the shore of the Kyiv Sea, and operates year-round. It combines comfort and opportunities for active recreation — from paddling on a SUP board to fishing.
In warm seasons, guests can enjoy kayaking, pedal boating, rafts, and double kayaks. Fishing is also available. In winter, pike fishing is popular; in summer, carp, bream, catfish, and rudd are biting.
Address: Kyiv Region, village Yasnohorodka, Berezhetska Street, 2
Wild Tour
The rafting and kayaking center Wild Tour organizes thrilling water adventures, including a one-day rafting trip on the Irpin River. The route begins near the village of Novi Petrivtsi, where participants are delivered by group transfer from the “Zhytomyrska” metro station. Then follows about 20 kilometers of calm water, picturesque forest banks, floodplains, sandy cliffs, and ravines with cascades of streams. A special highlight is the “High Bank” observation point offering a panoramic view of the river.
This part of the Irpin has never been occupied or mined, so the route is completely safe. The finish is near the ancient Kyivan Rus’ settlement mound, where you can climb the ramparts and look at the route from above. The tour price includes round-trip transfer, guide accompaniment, rental of a triple inflatable kayak, life jackets, and all equipment.
The rafting lasts one day and ends with a return to Kyiv in the evening.
Spending time in nature with your family is a wonderful chance to escape the city bustle, enjoy the beauty of the surrounding world, and create vivid memories. In the Kyiv region, there are several farms that offer not only relaxation but also interaction with animals, tasting of organic products, and even participation in production processes. The article “From Lavender to Snails: The Most Interesting Farms of Kyiv Region for Family Recreation” tells about several such places worth visiting with the whole family.
