Top River Rafting Tours & Vacations 2024/2025 [reviews &...

River Rafting Tours & Travel Packages 2025/2026

16 River Rafting trips. Compare tour itineraries from 9 tour companies. 185 reviews. 4.8/5 avg rating.

Small Group River Rafting Tours

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Top River Rafting Attractions

Prepare for an adventure like no other with our diverse range of whitewater rafting vacation packages. Whether you're seeking heart-pounding rapids, serene river journeys, or cultural immersion, our packages offer something for every thrill-seeker and nature enthusiast. Embark on an unforgettable journey and experience the exhilaration of whitewater rafting amidst breathtaking landscapes.

  • Rafting through Raft Badger and Soap Creek rapids of Grand Canyon
  • Hiking to explore the Grand Canyon, which can only be accessed from the river
  • Seeing the beautiful Kackar Mountains while rafting the Coruh River in Turkey
  • Stopping to camp at a sandy beach
  • Gathering around the campfire and listening to river legends
  • Spotting amazing wildlife and beautiful landscapes
  • Seeing monkeys while rafting through the Sun Kosi River of Nepal
  • Navigating the challenging Class III and IV rapids of the Zambezi River in Zambia
  • Experiencing the adrenaline rush of rafting the Futaleufú River in Chile
  • Exploring hidden waterfalls and swimming holes along the Pacuare River in Costa Rica
  • Overnight camping under the stars on the banks of the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon
  • Enjoying thrilling whitewater action while rafting the Kicking Horse River in Canada
  • Encountering ancient ruins and indigenous cultures while rafting the Urubamba River in Peru

River Rafting Tours & Travel Guide

River Rafting Attractions & Landmarks Guide

Whitewater river rafting — especially class III and above, with plenty of churning rapids — provides all the thrills you could expect from a rafting adventure. 

Long-distance whitewater rafting trips are available in many countries. You only need a paddle and helmet and follow the instructions of your river guide. It's an excellent multi-generational, family-friendly activity, especially with teenagers. 

Whitewater rafting vacation packages often combine other activities, such as ziplining, trekking, and exploring wilderness areas, so you can enjoy a day full of fun and excitement. 

Whitewater River Rafting vs. Beginner River Rafting
No matter how much of a beginner you are, river rafting is always a thrilling experience. Even if you're not going whitewater rafting, you'll experience the joy of being outside, drifting through calm water in the sun, and taking in the unique view of the landscape from the middle of the river.

Whitewater rafting is less about gazing at the landscape and more about the adrenaline rush of soaring down the river through thrilling rapids, avoiding rocks and banks, and working together to stay upright.

But the thrills are intermittent with periods of calm, when you can gather yourself in preparation for the next whitewater section, and appreciate the surrounding landscape. 

Rafting rivers are naturally situated in stunning landscapes, so remember to appreciate their beauty during your rafting experience!
 
Popular Rafting Vacation Destinations
Embark on an adrenaline-pumping adventure with our whitewater rafting vacation packages and explore some of the world's most thrilling destinations. From the rugged canyons and gorges of North America to the lush rainforests of South America, these destinations offer unforgettable rafting experiences amidst stunning natural beauty in the U.S. and beyond.

  • Colorado: Navigate the exhilarating rapids of the Colorado River, surrounded by breathtaking canyons and rugged landscapes.
  • Gatlinburg: Experience the thrill of whitewater rafting on the Pigeon River, just a stone's throw away from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
  • Ocoee: Conquer the challenging rapids of the Ocoee River, known for its exciting Class III and IV whitewater.
  • Arkansas: Explore the scenic beauty of the Buffalo National River, with its crystal-clear waters and stunning limestone bluffs.
  • Bighorn Sheep Canyon: Raft through the picturesque Bighorn Sheep Canyon in Colorado, home to stunning scenery and thrilling rapids.
  • Utah: Embark on a whitewater adventure down the Green River, winding through the majestic canyons of Utah's stunning landscapes.
  • Alsek & Tatshenshini Rivers: Journey through the remote wilderness of Alaska and Canada on the Alsek and Tatshenshini Rivers, surrounded by towering mountains and pristine glaciers.
  • Middle Fork, Salmon River: Discover the rugged beauty of Idaho's Middle Fork Salmon River, renowned for its challenging rapids and stunning wilderness scenery.
  • Rio Upano: Experience the thrill of whitewater rafting in Ecuador on the Rio Upano, surrounded by lush rainforests and breathtaking waterfalls.
  • Magpie River: Explore the remote wilderness of Quebec, Canada, on the Magpie River, where you'll encounter thrilling rapids and untouched natural beauty.
  • Pacuare River: Experience the adrenaline rush of whitewater rafting on Costa Rica's Pacuare River, renowned for its lush rainforest scenery and thrilling Class III and IV rapids. 
  • Futaleufu River: Prepare for an unforgettable adventure on the legendary Futaleufu River in Chile. Challenge yourself with exhilarating Class IV and V rapids as you navigate through stunning Patagonian landscapes.
  • North Johnstone River: Discover the untamed beauty of Australia's North Johnstone River, winding through the lush rainforests of Queensland. Encounter thrilling rapids and breathtaking scenery as you journey through this remote region.
Who Would Enjoy Whitewater Rafting Vacations
Embark on an exhilarating journey with our whitewater rafting vacations, which are perfect for travelers seeking adventure, adrenaline, and unforgettable natural experiences.

Wildlife Viewers: Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of scenic river landscapes while spotting diverse wildlife, such as birds, fish, and mammals, along the banks. This adds an exciting element to your rafting adventure.

Adventurers: Brace yourself for an adrenaline-fueled ride through challenging rapids, cascading waterfalls, and rugged terrain as you conquer thrilling whitewater sections and push your limits amidst breathtaking natural scenery.

Hikers: Combine the excitement of whitewater rafting with the tranquility of hiking as you explore remote river canyons, hidden waterfalls, and pristine wilderness areas accessible only by raft, offering a unique blend of adrenaline-pumping adventure and serene nature exploration.

Choosing a Whitewater Rafting Vacation Package
Selecting suitable whitewater rafting packages ensures an unforgettable adventure tailored to your preferences. 

Consider factors such as river difficulty, trip duration, included activities, and destination highlights. Whether you're a beginner seeking gentle rapids or an experienced rafter craving intense whitewater thrills, there's a package suited to your skill level and interests. 

Look for reputable tour operators offering expert guides, quality equipment, and safety assurances to make the most of your whitewater rafting experience.

River Rafting Reviews & Ratings

4.8/5  Excellent
185  Reviews
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Excellent
109
Great
27
Average
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Disappointing
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Terrible
1
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Sharon

Jun 2024

Written on

Incredible, awesome, amazing experience

Our Real New Zealand Tours travel agent listened to our goals for the trip, how we wanted to travel, and what activities we wanted to do. Based on that, they create...

T

Todd

Jun 2024

Written on

Perfect vacation!

Our trip to New Zealand exceeded all of our expectations thanks to Geoff's amazing service as our travel agent. He eagerly provided us with suggestions and tailored ...

M

Mike

Mar 2024

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Self-designed 21 day trip to NZ

Geoff helped my wife and I to put together an itinerary that customized to our particular interests and preferences. At the outset he asked us where we'd like to go ...

A

Austin R.

Feb 2023

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I wanted an exciting trip, but never thought Southern Thailand would be the place for this.

I wanted an exciting trip, but never thought Southern Thailand would be the place for this. After I read the positive reviews of this trip through this company, I de...

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Shiela P.

Feb 2023

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Everything about the CharlieTheTraveler trip to Southern Thailand was beyond my imagination.

Everything about the CharlieTheTraveler trip to Southern Thailand was beyond my imagination. I appreciated that quality lunches that reflected the local cuisine were...

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