From Kutaisi: Guided Tour of Okatse, Martvili, & Prometheus

Exploring Georgia’s Natural Marvels: A Guided Day Trip from Kutaisi

This guided tour from Kutaisi promises a full day of adventure, taking you through some of Georgia’s most spectacular natural sites. The journey covers Prometheus Cave, with its astonishing underground formations; Okatse Canyon, known for engineering marvels like skywalks and hanging bridges; and Martvili Canyon, where boat rides and waterfalls offer picture-perfect moments. With a knowledgeable guide and all transportation taken care of, it’s perfect for travelers who want a hassle-free way to see these top sights.

What I find particularly appealing is how the tour balances adventure and comfort. The stops are well-paced, giving you time to soak in each sight without feeling rushed. Plus, with the option to buy local delicacies during lunch and the chance to take optional boat rides or zip lines, there’s room for a little extra fun. That said, keep in mind this is a physically active day—expect quite a bit of walking and some stairs—so packing comfortable shoes and water is essential.

One small caveat: weather can impact some activities. For example, if heavy rain hits, Okatse Canyon might be closed for safety reasons, and the tour provider offers a good alternative, Sataplia Nature Reserve. Still, the guides are well-prepared and eager to make your day memorable no matter what. And with the glowing reviews praising guides like Georgi and Joseph, you’re in good hands. Just be ready for a long, rewarding day of exploring Georgia’s incredible outdoors.

Key Points / Takeaways

• Guided group tour offers a hassle-free way to visit three major natural sites from Kutaisi.
• Optional activities like boat rides and zip lines add an adrenaline boost for thrill-seekers.
• Entry fees are paid separately at each site, so budget accordingly.
• The tour is long (around 10 hours), so prepare for a full day of walking and exploring.
• The guides are highly praised, with many reviews highlighting their friendliness and knowledge.
• Weather can influence activities, especially at Okatse Canyon, so packing waterproof gear or having a backup plan helps.

Entering the World of Georgia’s Natural Wonders

If you’re after a day that’s packed with stunning scenery and natural surprises, this tour from Kutaisi is a solid choice. It’s especially well-suited for travelers who want an overview of Georgia’s impressive outdoors without the hassle of planning logistics themselves. I love the variety—from underground caves to deep gorges—because it shows off Georgia’s diverse landscape.

The trip starts early, around 10:00 AM, and runs until about 7:00 PM, so it’s a long but rewarding day. The transportation is comfortable, and the group sizes tend to be manageable, which makes asking questions or taking photos much easier. The tour’s price includes a guide but not entry fees, which adds flexibility depending on your interest in each site.

Many travelers raved about their guides, like Georgi and Joseph, because they brought each stop to life with stories and tips. The hiking at Okatse Canyon is particularly popular—some reviews mention walking around 6 km, with optional taxi rides to cut down on the physical toll. Just be prepared for stairs and uneven paths, especially at the canyon, which can be tiring but worth the effort for the views.

A Closer Look at Each Stop: What You’ll Experience

Prometheus Cave: An Underground Wonderland

Your day kicks off with a visit to Prometheus Cave, Georgia’s most famous underground attraction. Stretching over 1.4 km and plunging 80 meters below the surface, it’s an underground world of stalactites, stalagmites, and shimmering pools. One of the highlights is the Hall of Love, where couples have tied the knot, adding a romantic twist to the natural spectacle.

You’ll enjoy a guided tour of the cave, which lasts about an hour. There’s also an option for an underground boat ride (20 GEL), which many reviewers find unforgettable. The boat gently glides through the crystal-clear waters, giving a unique perspective on the formations. While the entry fee is 23 GEL, the added boat ride costs 20 GEL but is well worth it for the experience.

Some travelers, like those who reviewed in June 2025, appreciated guides like Loukas for their cheerful and informative manner, which made the visit even more enjoyable. The cave is spacious and comfortable, but it’s cool underground, so a light jacket is recommended.

Okatse Canyon: Dramatic Views and Skywalks

Next, the journey takes you to Okatse Canyon, Georgia’s deepest canyon. Here, you’ll find hanging bridges and skywalks that offer breathtaking vistas. The main attraction is the high bridges, which span across the canyon, giving you a vertiginous view of the lush landscape below.

Access to these bridges involves a 6 km scenic hike or an off-road taxi ride (both options available). If you’re interested in hiking, be prepared for some stairs and uneven trails, as some reviews point out. The guides are good at suggesting shortcuts if you’re tired. Children shorter than 120 cm are not permitted to visit the canyon, so keep that in mind if traveling with kids.

The entry fee for Okatse is 20 GEL, and while some reviews mention the hike can be tiring, many emphasize that the spectacular views make it worth every step. The guides are appreciated for sharing interesting facts and keeping the group motivated.

Martvili Canyon: Waterfalls and Boat Tours

The third major stop is Martvili Canyon, a place of lush waterfalls, turquoise waters, and peaceful surroundings. You’ll go on a guided boat tour that takes you through the canyon’s tranquil waters, giving you a different perspective of the breathtaking scenery.

The boat ride, which costs an additional 20 GEL, is often praised as a highlight—many reviewers describe it as “unforgettable” and “movie-like”. If you’re feeling adventurous, there’s also an optional zip line (70 GEL) that offers an aerial view of the landscape.

The entry fee is 20 GEL, and the relaxed, almost magical atmosphere makes it ideal for photography and quiet reflection. Be prepared to walk a bit—around 80 minutes of guided exploration—so comfortable shoes are a must.

Lunch Break and Local Cuisine

Midway through the day, you’ll enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, where you can sample Georgian dishes. Reviews mention that the food is delicious, and it’s a good opportunity to rest and recharge before the final stop. The meal is often a highlight and gives you a taste of authentic Georgian hospitality and flavors.

Logistics and Practical Tips

The tour begins at 10:00 AM from Budget Georgia’s office in Kutaisi, with check-in required beforehand. The day involves several bus rides, with durations like 40 minutes to an hour between sites, so patience and a good playlist are helpful. The entire trip wraps up around 7:00 PM, back at the starting point.

Entry fees are not included in the price, totaling about 63 GEL for all three sites, plus optional boat rides and zip lines. Some reviews suggest adding the entry fee included options for better budgeting or convenience.

The tour is suitable for adventurous travelers who don’t mind a lot of walking and some stairs. It’s not ideal for pregnant women, children under 120 cm, or mobility-impaired travelers. Waterproof gear is recommended, especially since weather can change unexpectedly, impacting activities at Okatse Canyon.

Guides like Georgi or Joseph are frequently praised for their friendly, informative, and energetic approach, which can make even a long, physically demanding day enjoyable.

Who Will Love This Tour?

If you enjoy outdoor adventures, scenic views, and a variety of natural landscapes, this tour is an excellent fit. It’s perfect for active travelers eager to see Georgia’s diverse terrain in one day, with enough optional activities to add excitement. Families with children over 120 cm or groups with physically fit travelers will get the most out of it.

Those who appreciate good guides and are willing to walk a bit will find this trip offers great value. It’s also a good choice for those who want a rundown of the highlights near Kutaisi without the hassle of arranging transportation or tickets themselves.

However, if you’re looking for a very relaxed experience or have limited mobility, this might be more challenging. The long hours and physical activity mean it’s best suited for energetic, curious travelers ready for a full day in nature.

FAQ

What is included in the tour?
Transportation and a guide are included. Entry fees and optional activities like boat rides, zip lines, and food are extra.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes and water are essential. Consider bringing a waterproof jacket or poncho, especially if rain is forecast.

Are children allowed on the tour?
Children shorter than 120 cm are not permitted in Okatse Canyon. The tour is best suited for physically capable travelers.

How long does each stop last?
Prometheus Cave: about 1 hour, including the guided tour and optional boat ride.
Okatse Canyon: around 2.5 hours with hiking and sightseeing.
Martvili Canyon: about 80 minutes, including boat rides.

Is the tour suitable for people with mobility issues?
No, due to stairs and uneven paths, the tour isn’t recommended for those with mobility impairments.

What’s the best way to prepare for the day?
Wear sturdy, comfortable shoes, bring water, and be ready for a full day of walking and exploring.

Can I buy food on the tour?
Lunch is at a local restaurant, but you might want to bring snacks or additional drinks.

What happens if the weather is bad?
If heavy rain causes Okatse Canyon to close, an alternative like Sataplia Nature Reserve will be visited instead.

Are guides fluent in English?
Yes, the tour specifically offers an English-speaking guide, praised for their knowledge and friendliness.

How do I book and pay?
You can reserve your spot with the option to pay later, offering flexibility for your travel plans.

In the end, this guided tour from Kutaisi offers a well-rounded, scenic, and active day that showcases Georgia’s dramatic landscapes. If you’re eager to see caves, canyons, and waterfalls without the stress of planning, it’s a solid pick. Just pack your curiosity and comfortable shoes for a memorable Georgian adventure.