Kayak & canoe · RIVER KAYAKING
Moving water does half the work and makes the other half harder. The 15 runs below cover canyon rivers, spring runs and green Croatian gorges, with grades, prices and how long you are in the boat.
You’ll paddle a single sit-on-top kayak or paddleboard from Saguaro Lake Ranch down the Lower Salt River for about two hours. Expect basic safety instruction, calm stretches, a few faster sections, wild-horse sightings, and a shuttle back to the ranch. This is unguided, so you need to manage your own boat.
“Amazing time! Worth every penny! Staff were extremely friendly and it was well-organized. What a fun time!”
Paddle from Kings Bay Park in a stable, fully clear kayak with a small group of up to 10 people. Choose Three Sisters Springs from April 1 to November 14, with time to swim, or the manatee-season tour from November 15 to March 31. Guides such as Crosby, Dmitri, Yas, and Cami share local wildlife knowledge and help you spot manatees, turtles, fish, and birds.
“The tour is excellent. The Kayak is very easy to ride, stable, and safe. The guide was great, and we got to see the manatees up close, even passing below the glass kayak. The guide also took some fantastic pictures of us and shared them with us at the end of the tour.”
Join Raftrek Adventure Travel for a 5 to 7 hour guided kayak trip from Kaštel Žegarski. You will paddle through the Zrmanja canyon, pass waterfalls, swim in clear water and learn about karst, birds and river life. No experience is needed. Guides such as Andrea, Julio, Adam and Marin are known for patient instruction and calm handling of changing weather.
“We took a kayak trip for three people and I can't even begin to describe how wonderful it was—highly recommend. Upon arrival, you're welcomed warmly by the hosts, who help you park and get you ready with a brief explanation of what to expect. It’s hard to say what’s more beautiful—Zrmanja or Velebit—but experiencing them from the heart of nature is indescribable. Our guides, Andrija and Julio, were excellent — they deserve all the praise because a big part of what made this experience so amazing is thanks to them. If you're in that area and want to go together, reserve a three-person kayak a day in advance. I didn’t…”
Paddle two miles up the Wailua River, then follow a muddy rainforest trail across four shallow river crossings to 110-foot Uluwehi Falls. Guides such as Thomas, Sierra, Ty, and Kay share local plant, animal, cultural, and geological details. Lunch, kayaks, paddles, backrests, and dry bags are included. Bring sturdy shoes that can get wet.
“Beautiful scenic float and a treacherous hike. Would have been nice to have some breaks from the 2 mile paddle fest. Can’t stop or relax very pushy, granted I’m 63, I made it! Wouldn’t do it again”
Paddle a tandem kayak upstream on Kauai’s gentle Wailua River, then follow a state-certified guide through rainforest to Uluwehi Falls. The roughly 1.25-mile hike crosses mud, rocks, roots, and shallow water before lunch and a possible swim at the falls. Guides such as Annie, Harrison, Lindsey, and Anya are known for lively commentary and careful pacing.
“Beautiful 3 mile relaxing River Kayak through Wailua River. Then a 1 mile hike through the rain forest and ended at a magnificent waterfall where we found a boulder to sit on and had lunch. Best time to go is before the rainy season as its very muddy and slick walking on planks and literally traversing boulders, waste deep river and shallow tree roots. Walking stick a must and I suggest gripping type shoes like boat shoes. Its kinda like the infamous road to Hana, you gotta try it at least once, you will not regret it.”
Paddle Crystal River for about two hours in a stable tandem clear kayak with a local guide such as Jess, Kyle, RJ, or Cypress. You may see manatees beneath the hull, along with turtles, dolphins, fish, otters, and birds. Groups are limited to 10, but water clarity and wildlife sightings vary.
“RJ did a fantastic job guiding our path to spot manatees at a close but safe distance. Knowledgeable about the area.”
Meet in Cottonwood for a 2.5-hour guided kayak trip on the Verde River near Sedona. You’ll learn the basics, paddle 3.1 miles through green river scenery, and handle gentle Class I and II rapids in a single or tandem kayak. Guides such as Ken, Walt, Craig, and Blaine keep the pace friendly and safe.
“This was a great tour that I would recommend to anyone. The tour guide on the river (Blane) was great and made the trip very enjoyable. Thank you for a great day!”
Leave Las Vegas behind for a six-hour kayak trip from Willow Beach into Black Canyon. Guide Blair, EJ, or Christine leads a maximum of 10 people past canyon walls, wildlife, and calm Colorado River water to Emerald Cave. Kayaks, life jackets, snacks, and water are included, with hotel pickup available on selected options.
“Ej and Blaire were the nicest, most knowledgeable tour guides!!! They made the experience so fun and relaxing”
Drive to Willow Beach for a 3.5-hour guided kayak trip with Brett or Griffin. Paddle four miles through canyon scenery to Emerald Cave, stop for a swim, and learn about local wildlife, geology, and dam history. Gear and life jackets are provided, but park admission and transportation are extra.
“Brett was a fantastic guide. He shared a lot of knowledge and laughter with the group. We had a range of first timers to more experienced kayakers and a wide age range. He made everyone feel at ease. Brett and this trip is highly recommended.”
Travel from Queenstown to Glenorchy, then race 30 km upriver by jet boat before paddling a funyak through Mt Aspiring National Park. Guides such as Rob, Nikki, Ella, JJ, and Jordan lead the day. Expect Tolkien scenery, side canyons, a picnic lunch, and some real paddling work.
“This is a genuine bucket list event. The combination of thrilling jet boating up the Dart river 30 kms, then kayaking more like canoeing down, coupled with some of the most spectacular landscapes makes for a brilliant day. The tour is run expRead more”
Set out from Berat for roughly four hours of rafting through Osumi Canyons with a professional guide, wetsuit, helmet, life jacket, and minivan transport. Expect towering canyon walls, waterfalls, paddling, and possible swimming or rock jumps. Guides such as Bledi, Enver, and Renato have been praised for safety and good humor, but water levels can change the activity.
“A-lot of fun incredible views, great guides and obviously you are going on a rafting trip so be prepared to paddle.”
Paddle 18 km from the Carvoeira dam through the wooded Mondego Valley to Torres do Mondego. You’ll get a safety briefing, kayak gear, guide support, beach stops, swimming time, and transport between points. Guides may include Rodrigo, Manuel, Tomas, Miguel, or Goncalo. Plan on a full day, not just four hours.
“Wonderful day out on the water and the guides were great”
Join a certified guide at the Banff Canoe Club for a gentle 90-minute paddle upstream on the Bow River. You will learn basic canoe technique, hear local stories, and watch for elk, beavers, loons, bald eagles, and other wildlife. Guides such as Mardi, Kate, Abbey, and Alex bring plenty of humor and useful facts. No canoeing experience is needed.
“It was a well organised outing and the guides were great fun. Our guide was Jade and she was very knowledgable and helpful. Would certainly recommend but be prepared to put a little work in to get your canoe going!”
Meet Sport Mix in central Bovec for a guided sit-on-top kayak trip on the Soca. You’ll receive a wetsuit, footwear, helmet, life jacket, transport, and river instruction before paddling with a professional guide. The route includes mountain views and Boka Waterfall, with guides such as Marti, Matzi, Sebastian, and Oein praised for calm instruction and free trip photos.
“Amazing amazing tour. The tour guide and driver were very friendly with a good sense of humour. We got to pick our boats and they equipped us with the correct footwear, wet suit and life jacket and helmet. From their office a 5 min drive down to the river, approx 1.5 hours on the river.”
Paddle a tandem clear kayak from Seven Sisters Campground toward Seven Sisters Springs and Baird Creek near Crystal River. Your guide provides the kayak, paddle, and life jacket, while guides such as Shaggy, Hunter, Izzy, James, and Ryan have led groups through the springs. Expect three hours of paddling, wildlife watching, and possible swimming.
“We got to see Manatees up close. The tour guide was very knowledgeable and which really made it a wonderful experience.”
Pick a coast, a cave or a river.
