Jelgava is in the heart of Zemgale and is rich in water. The largest and most important river is the Lielupe, on whose shore the Jelgava castle sits, and which is bordered on the other side by the Driksa river. Together with the Lielupe river, it forms the Post and Castle islands. The Driksa and the Lielupe are connected by 2 canals – the Castle canal and the Post island canal.

The Svēte, Platone, Vircava and Iecava rivers, all flow into the Lielupe river, and they also flow in and around Jelgava. The small rivers are really interesting for boating, but in summer they are practically unboatable due to the low water level.

The rivers around Jelgava offer opportunities for different routes.