TUNNEL ABSEILING PLUS tour the underground

A 550-meter World War II fortress is an unusual place for an abseiling lesson. At San Giovanni, you first lower yourself down natural rock, then walk into tall concrete rooms built below ground, where history, darkness, and rope work share the same stage. No previous experience is required, and instructors stay with you throughout.

I like two things right away: the activity builds confidence in stages, and the fortress is more than a backdrop for a rope descent. You get a guided underground visit, special effects, an audio-visual presentation, and a glass of wine at the end. The main consideration is comfort: 14 to 16°C temperatures, slippery rock, and enclosed spaces will not suit everyone.

Key points to know before booking

• Three possible abseils on Abseil Plus: Begin with easier descents, then try the more uneven cascading rock inside the fortress.
• Designed for beginners: You learn the technique, practice on level ground, and receive help from certified instructors.
• A small-group setting: The group is limited to eight people, which gives the guides room to offer personal support.
• More than an adrenaline activity: The tour combines a fortress visit, history, projections, darkness, and wine tasting.
• Non-slip footwear is essential: Hiking shoes or sturdy sports shoes are required, not just recommended.
• A flexible final challenge: The bravest participants can switch off their head torches and find the exit in total darkness.

What makes San Giovanni different

Most abseiling trips focus on a cliff, a gorge, or a dramatic outdoor view. This one takes place inside and around an unfinished underground fortress. San Giovanni was built during World War II but never completed, leaving a curious mix of concrete construction and natural rock.

That unfinished quality gives the place its character. You move from a vertical rock face into high underground rooms made of concrete. The contrast feels strange in the best way. Human engineering shapes one section, then raw stone takes over in the next.

The fort was forgotten and hidden for years before being prepared for visitors. You should not expect a polished museum with rows of displays and long explanatory panels. The story comes through the guide, the structure itself, and the audio-visual elements added during the route.

That makes this a good choice if you want an activity with a sense of place. You are not simply being lowered from a practice wall. You are learning a basic outdoor skill inside a military site with its own atmosphere.

The first 30 minutes: briefing, equipment, and practice

The tour begins with an introduction to abseiling and the equipment. The instructors explain how the system works, how to position your body, and how to control your descent. You then practice on a horizontal surface before watching a demonstration.

This opening matters, especially if you have never used a rope system. The first few minutes can feel technical, but the staged approach gives you time to understand what your hands and feet should do before you reach the rock.

All equipment is provided. It is certified according to current standards and checked regularly. You still need to take the safety instructions seriously, follow the guide’s commands, and tell the instructor if a descent feels beyond your comfort level.

The guides are certified professionals, and the activity is set up for people without prior experience. Guides Sara and Marko have been singled out for patient explanations, a friendly manner, and careful support. Guide staffing can change, but the key point is that instruction is part of the experience, not a quick safety speech before the action starts.

The first descent: an easy way to get comfortable

After the briefing, you put on your equipment and approach the vertical natural rock. The easier version involves a walking descent down the rock face. You move down with the rope supporting you, rather than making a full jump.

This is the right starting point for a first-time participant. You can concentrate on foot placement and rope control without also dealing with a sudden leap. The instructor remains available to guide and back you up.

You decide on the spot which descent feels right for you. That is useful because confidence can change once you are standing above the rock. A person who arrives eager for the harder option may prefer to begin gently, while someone comfortable with heights may want to progress faster.

Do not mistake the easier version for a free pass. You still need to listen, trust the equipment, and manage your body position. The first descent is where you begin to understand how the rope responds to your movements.

The second descent: a small jump and a bigger thrill

The next option adds a vertical jump. It remains suitable for beginners with instructor support, but the mental hurdle is higher. Stepping away from the rock, even briefly, can feel much more intense than walking down it.

You do not have to take this version. The tour lets you choose according to your comfort level, so you are not pressured to prove anything. That is a strength for mixed groups, since one person may want an adrenaline hit while another is happy with the basic descent.

The activity’s best feature is its gradual pace. You first see the equipment, then practice, then handle the easier rock descent, and only after that consider the jump. The sequence turns a frightening idea into a series of manageable steps.

If you are nervous, tell the guide early. The instructors can explain the movement again and help you decide which version makes sense. The supplied information makes clear that the guides provide support and backup, but you remain responsible for choosing what you are willing to do.

Walking through the underground fortress

After the first rock descents, you enter the high underground concrete rooms. The walking portion gives your body a break and lets you take in the setting.

The fortress was built on two levels, so the route is not just a single chamber. You move through the underground facility with special effects and guided commentary. The exact feel will depend on the group and the presentation, but the combination of concrete, rock, low light, and sound creates a more theatrical visit than a standard fort tour.

The underground temperature stays around 14 to 16°C. That is cool enough to notice, especially if you have come from a warm Croatian afternoon. Bring a warm layer that you can wear under or around your harness. A light jacket or fleece is more useful than a bulky coat that gets in the way of the equipment.

The site is also enclosed and dark in places. The tour is not recommended for people with claustrophobia or epilepsy. If darkness, confined rooms, or special effects are likely to cause difficulty, the easier no-abseil underground option may be a better fit.

What Abseil Plus adds inside the fort

Abseil Plus includes another descent on cascading rock inside the fortress. This rock is uneven and slippery, making it more demanding than the first two descents.

The earlier abseils act as preparation. By the time you reach the cascading rock, you have had a chance to learn the technique and build a sense of security. Still, this is the point where sturdy footwear matters most. Shoes with non-slip soles are mandatory, and hiking shoes or solid sports shoes are the sensible choice.

Abseil Plus also gives you the option of a simultaneous abseil in pairs. That adds a social element and can be fun for friends or couples, but it does not remove the need to follow the guide’s instructions. Ask the instructor how the paired descent will work before you commit to it.

The extra descent is the main reason to choose Abseil Plus over the standard Abseil tour. If you want only a taste of rope work, the shorter version should be enough. If you want the underground setting and several chances to improve, Plus offers better value.

Special effects, darkness, and the final surprise

The route includes audio-visual special effects and a projection that help connect the fortress to its past. This is not a full historical lecture, but it gives the visit a stronger sense of time and place than a bare walk through empty rooms.

Near the end, you may choose an extra challenge: turn off your head torch and find your way out in pitch darkness. This is optional and aimed at the bravest participants. It is a simple idea, but underground darkness feels different from switching off a light at home. You lose your visual reference points quickly.

You should not feel obliged to take part. The activity already includes height, ropes, uneven rock, and enclosed spaces. The dark exit is an add-on for those who want one last test, not a measure of how well you did.

The audio-visual finish also helps balance the physical portion. After several descents, you get a quieter moment to absorb the place before returning above ground.

The ride back and glass of wine

At the exit, an air-conditioned van transports the group back to the starting point. That is a welcome practical detail after the underground walk and rope work. You do not need to arrange a separate return transfer for this part of the experience.

The tour ends with time to socialize and a glass of wine. It is a relaxed finish to an activity that can feel demanding at the start. The wine tasting is included, but you should wait until all physical activity is over, and the operator may refuse participation to anyone under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

This final pause also gives you a chance to compare the different descents with the rest of the small group. With a maximum of eight participants, the conversation should feel more personal than on a large coach excursion.

Is $88 a fair price?

At $88 per person, this is not a cheap underground sightseeing tour. You are paying for more than entry to the fortress. The price includes the guided visit, certified abseiling equipment, professional instruction, insurance, audio-visual elements, transport back to the start, and wine tasting.

The value depends on what you want from the day. If you only want to see San Giovanni, a basic underground tour would likely be the better choice. If you want instruction, several descents, and a physical activity built into the visit, the price is easier to justify.

The small group helps. Eight participants or fewer means the instructors can keep an eye on individual technique and comfort. That matters more here than it would on a simple walking tour.

The tour lasts 150 minutes, so you are getting a substantial half-day activity without giving up an entire day of sightseeing. It works well as a change of pace during a Croatia trip, particularly if your group wants something beyond churches, museums, and coastal viewpoints.

Who should book this experience?

I would recommend Abseil Plus to adults and children aged 10 or older who are curious about abseiling but do not have experience. The instructor support, practice session, and choice of difficulty make it approachable for beginners.

It is also a good match for friends, couples, and families with older children who want an activity they can discuss afterward. The paired descent option may appeal to people booking together, while the historical setting gives non-adventurers something to appreciate beyond the rope work.

You should think twice if you dislike enclosed spaces, feel uneasy on uneven rock, or want a purely historical tour. The fortress is cool, dark, and occasionally slippery. The operator can change or adjust the tour in bad weather, and participation may be refused if your footwear is inadequate.

Bring warm clothes and proper shoes. Do not arrive in smooth-soled fashion sneakers. Non-slip footwear is a firm requirement, not a minor packing tip.

Booking, cancellations, and practical details

The tour is offered in English with a live guide. Private tours and different dates or times can be arranged by contacting the provider through WhatsApp at +385 98 316 322.

You can reserve now and pay later, and cancellation is allowed up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Check the available start times before booking because the 150-minute duration needs to fit around your other plans.

The activity and entrance to the underground facility are undertaken at your own risk. You should follow the safety briefing, disclose any concerns to the guide, and avoid booking if you have epilepsy or claustrophobia.

Should you book Abseil Plus?

Book it if you want a hands-on experience that combines beginner-friendly abseiling with a genuinely unusual historic setting. The gradual instruction, small group, certified equipment, and choice of descent make the activity approachable, while the cascading-rock option gives confident participants something more demanding.

Choose the standard Abseil tour instead if three descents feel excessive. Choose an underground tour without abseiling if you want the fortress atmosphere but not the height, rope work, or physical effort.

For most suitable participants, $88 buys a distinctive 150-minute outing rather than a routine attraction visit. Pack warm clothes, wear grippy shoes, and arrive ready to decide your own comfort level. That is the key to enjoying San Giovanni without turning an exciting afternoon into a forced test of courage.

FAQ

Where does the tour take place?

The experience takes place at the underground San Giovanni World War II fortress in Zagreb County, Croatia.

How long does the tour last?

The tour lasts 150 minutes.

How many people can join the group?

The group is limited to eight participants.

Do I need previous abseiling experience?

No. The tour begins with an explanation of the technique, equipment familiarization, practice on a horizontal surface, and a demonstration. The descents are supported by professional instructors.

What is included in the price?

The price includes certified abseiling equipment, a guided visit and entrance to San Giovanni, professional certified guides, insurance, audio-visual special effects and projection, and wine tasting.

What should I wear?

Bring warm clothing because the underground temperature is about 14 to 16°C. You must wear hiking shoes or sturdy sports shoes with non-slip soles.

Is the tour suitable for children and people with claustrophobia?

The tour is not suitable for children under 10 years old, people with claustrophobia, or people with epilepsy.