WHERE TO PADDLE · RIVER KAYAK TOURS IN THE USA
Every trip has one free day too few. These 15 river kayak tours in the USA justify the slot, priced and timed so you can decide in minutes and get back to packing.
Review of the Salt River Foxtail kayaking trip near Phoenix, including wildlife, rapids, pricing, practical tips, and who should book.
“Amazing time! Worth every penny! Staff were extremely friendly and it was well-organized. What a fun time!”
Paddle Crystal River in a clear kayak, visit Three Sisters Springs, and spot manatees with a small-group local guide.
“Crosby our guide was great kayaks were very stable. Had a great time. Recommend it highly. Only issue was hard to hear guide at times.”
Kayak Kauai’s Wailua River, hike muddy rainforest trails, swim at Secret Falls, and enjoy lunch on this active half-day tour.
“The entire trip was definitely worth it! Kayaking is work, so be prepared. The hike is relatively easy, only a couple obstacles. Tyler was super informative about all the flora and fauna on the trip. Would recommend to anyone traveling to kauai”
Paddle Kauai’s Wailua River, hike to Sacred Falls, swim, and enjoy lunch on a beginner-friendly small-group adventure.
“Anya was our guide and she was absolutely amazing! So knowledgeable, kind, and a great guide. We learned so much from her. Wear good water shoes and take them up on the offer to use a walking stick!”
Review of Crystal River’s $79 clear kayak manatee tour, with wildlife tips, costs, group details, guide praise, and honest drawbacks.
“Absolutely great tour. Our guide, Cypress was wonderful, very knowledgeable, and made it fun and exciting for our family. Highly recommend this tour.”
Kayak 3.1 miles of Arizona’s Verde River near Sedona with Class I and II rapids, friendly guides, safety gear, and shuttle service.
“Great fun. Guides were excellent. Very personable, knowledgeable and they both made the trip very enjoyable. The staff that helped in the boat house were equally impressive. My family had a good time.”
Review of the Emerald Cave kayak tour from Las Vegas, with pricing, itinerary, guides, swimming, wildlife, logistics, and booking advice.
“Blair was an excellent tour guide. He was helpful from even before we arrived by sending out detailed information on where to meet him and what to do. He gave us a lots of information about the area, and helped out the novice kayakers.”
Review the $88 Colorado River kayak tour from Las Vegas, with Emerald Cave views, small groups, swimming, guides, and practical tips.
“Super easy paddling, ice cold cristal clear water. Natur stunningly beautiful. Going for a swim is the icing on the cake.”
Paddle clear kayaks to Seven Sisters Springs and Baird Creek near Crystal River, with manatees, wildlife, small groups, and practical tips.
“We saw lots of manatees. It was a perfect time of year we had a blast. It was so quiet. The he tour guide Izzy was wonderful.”
Kayak from Las Vegas to Emerald Cave on the Colorado River, with canyon views, wildlife, swimming, snacks, and hotel shuttle service.
“Incredible experience - Paul and Isaac were fantastic and knowledgeable hosts/guides. Both went above and beyond to make the experience enjoyable for all. Highly recommend!”
Compare a Grand Canyon helicopter flight with a Colorado River float or Emerald Cave kayak trip from Las Vegas.
“As birthday treats go this was an awesome one. What an experience flying over Las Vegas, The Hover Dam and the gran canyon. Breath taking views and an excellent pilot with lots of knowledge about the area. This then was only topped off with a tour on the Colorado River with Bob who was funny and again a great guide.”
Review of Haleiwa River Paddle Board Rental with Blue Planet Adventure Co., including turtles, equipment, price, route tips, and practical details.
“I reserved this experience because it was advertised as a GROUP EVENT. My nephew was alone and wanted to SUP with others. When we arrived he was given a Board and pushed into the river (which is horribly smelly and dirty) by himself. When I stated that I paid for a GROUP EXPERIENCE the young man said NOPE. I could have saved the $35 and sent him to POKAI’I BAY with my SUP Board for free. I WAS EXTREMELY DISAPPOINTED with this experience.”
Paddle a clear kayak to Three Sisters Springs, spot Florida wildlife, and weigh manatee season, comfort, crowds, and tour value.
“This tour waa just amazing! Our guide was Kyle with a Smile and he was so fun ! You can tell he genuinely loves his job with his energy and enthusiasm. We didn't get to see any manatees but we saw a tarpon and so many mullet jumping out of the water. The springs themselves were just breathtaking!”
Paddle Fort Lauderdale’s South Fork Middle River at your own pace, with mangroves, mansions, wildlife, equipment, parking, and photos included.
“They called us to ask if we would come in early, as it was New Year’s Eve and they were closing earlier than normal. We got there as early as we could, but we booked a two hour block and had just over an hour and a half. Would have liked to be comped a couple of waters or something as they did not offer to refund any portion of the unused time. They did offer to give us a free half hour but we’re going home so won’t be able to use it. They were pleasant enough.”
Review of Rogue River Family Float, a six-hour Ashland rafting trip with gentle rapids, wildlife, kayaking, swimming, and Discovery Park.
“We had the absolute best time on our relaxing river raft trip. Noah’s Adventures was so attentive in terms of communication. Our guide, Trevor, was knowledgeable, kind, and entertaining. Zach was able to follow along and was great as well! We will definitely be returning!!”
Pick a coast, a cave, a river or a tunnel.
