The 15 Best River Kayaking Tours

1.Kayaking the Salt River Foxtail Trip

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,395 reviews · from $57Our pick

Launch from Saguaro Lake Ranch on a single sit-on-top kayak or paddleboard, then float unguided for about two hours to Foxtail. Expect calm water, a few swift sections, desert scenery, and possible wild-horse sightings. A group safety briefing, equipment, shuttle, water, and towels are provided.

“We had a great experience it was so much fun, beautiful scenery. Take sun screen! We learned our lesson we were sunburned later…”

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2.Paddlewheeler Creole Queen Historic Mississippi River Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,948 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $47

Cruise the Mississippi aboard the Paddlewheeler Creole Queen for about 2.5 hours, with lively narration on New Orleans history and a guided stop at Chalmette Battlefield. Guides such as Charles, Dr. Lauren, and Dr. Tarantino have led recent departures. Lunch and drinks are available for purchase onboard.

“This was a great tour of the Mississippi River and the battleground of the Battle of New Orleans. Charles is a great storyteller and made all the information about the battle and city of New Orleans very digestible.”

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3.Crystal River Three Sisters Springs and Manatee Clear Kayak Tours

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,830 reviews · 2 hours (approx.)

Choose a scenic Three Sisters Springs trip from April 1 to November 14, with time to swim, or a manatee-season tour from November 15 to March 31. Guides such as Crosby, Dmitri, Yas, and Cami lead groups of up to 10 from Kings Bay Park in stable, clear-bottom kayaks.

“For some reason the people never did show up when we were there 15 minutes earlier as requested. When we called they said they did not know where the tour leader was. They did offer us a refund which I have not received as yet. However the kisosk next to them allowed us to rent a paddleboard and a kayak so we did have fun. Hope the tour guide is ok but do want the refund as we received no service thank you”

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4.Zrmanja River: Half-Day Guided Kayaking Tour Near Zadar

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 1,817 reviews · 5 - 7 hours · from $64

Join Raftrek guides such as Andrea, Julio, or Dudu for a beginner-friendly paddle through the Zrmanja canyon. Expect gentle rapids, a three-meter waterfall, swimming stops, rocky walks, and clear water. Zadar pickup costs extra, while parking and river equipment are included.

“The trip was really fun trip with stop for lunch on the river , we were a family of 4, included collection from zanton. Don’t hesitate to book.”

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5.Wailua River & Waterfalls Kayak Tour: Expert-Guided Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 790 reviews · 5 to 6 hours (approx.) · from $145

You’ll paddle a tandem kayak four miles on the Wailua River, then hike 3 miles through rainforest and four river crossings to 110-foot Secret Falls. Guides such as Thomas, Sierra, Ty, and Kay share local plant, animal, cultural, and geological knowledge. Lunch and dry bags are included.

“Great experience Thomas was an excellent guide and knew everything about the local plant life you come in contact with on the trail”

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6.Wailua River Kayak and Sacred Falls Guided Hike with Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 783 reviews · 5 hours (approx.) · from $155

Paddle roughly 2.5 to 3 miles upstream on Kauai’s gentle Wailua River, then hike about a mile through muddy rainforest to Sacred Falls. Guides such as Annie, Harrison, Lindsey, Anya, and Jay lead small groups of up to 12, with lunch, gear, and swimming time included.

“Amazing hike in and guide was very informative and friendly with people and nature. Gave us plenty of time to see and very attentive to our safety.”

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7.Clear Kayak Manatee Ecotour of Crystal River

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 691 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $79

Spend about two hours in a stable tandem clear kayak on Crystal River with a local guide such as Jess, Kyle, or RJ. Look beneath you for manatees and fish, while learning about Kings Bay, nearby canals, and the local ecosystem. Groups are capped at 10.

“Good guide very informative really enjoyed it. Very friendly and helpful staff. Times and equipment good.”

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8.Kayak Tour on the Verde River

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 591 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $115

Join guides such as Ken, Walt, Craig, or Blaine for a small-group paddle on the Verde River near Sedona. You’ll learn basic strokes, handle Class I and II rapids, float past Arizona scenery, and return by shuttle after about 2.5 hours. Tandem kayaks, safety gear, and transport are included.

“Blaine was our guide and he was amazing. He was fun, informative and made the trip worthwhile. The staff that checked us in and picked us up after the excursion were amazing as well. I would recommend this to anyone visiting the Sedona area.”

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9.Small-Group Emerald Cave Kayak Tour on Colorado River

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 516 reviews · 6 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $110

Leave the Strip for a 6.5-hour guided kayak trip from Willow Beach to Emerald Cave. Blair, EJ, or Christine leads a group of no more than 10 through Black Canyon, with calm water, canyon views, wildlife sightings, snacks, and time to swim.

“Fabulous trip with Christine and Blair. Colorado river by Kayak was an incredible experience. Would recommend as a nice wee escape from the insanity of Las Vegas!”

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10.Small Group Guided Colorado River & Emerald Cave Kayak Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 500 reviews · 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $88

Drive to Willow Beach Marina for a 3.5-hour guided paddle with Brett or Griffin from Veteran Kayaks. You’ll kayak four miles through canyon country to Emerald Cove, stop to swim, and learn about local wildlife and geology. Gear and life jackets are provided, but transport and the $25 park fee are extra.

“A perfect day! The scenery was beautiful and Brett, our tour guide, was amazing. So friendly and knowledgable. I highly recommend this tour. We will be back.”

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11.Dresden: Sunset Paddle Steamer Tour on the Elbe River

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 472 reviews · 3 hours · from $37

Board a historic paddle steamer in central Dresden for a three-hour evening cruise to Pillnitz and back. You’ll pass four Elbe bridges, Loschwitz castles, vineyards, and the Blue Wonder, with onboard commentary in English or German and time to watch the real steam engine at work.

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12.Dart River Canoe and Jet Boat Experience from Queenstown

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 342 reviews · from $273

Travel from Queenstown to Glenorchy, then race 30 kilometers upriver by jet boat before paddling a funyak through side streams, rock pools, and a gorge. Guides such as Nikki, Rob, and JJ add local stories, while lunch and all river gear are supplied.

“This is one of the best activities from our vacation yet! I mostly booked for the funyaks but the jet boat was surprisingly great! We had such a fun time zipping along the river in the jet boat, then having a nice relaxing float back down. The scenery is stunning! We couldn’t have asked for a better day on the river! The staff was also awesome and I was thankful that they provided all gear that was needed. Would highly recommend this tour!”

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13.Berat Rafting, Kayaking & River Tubing – Osumi Canyons

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 336 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $54

From Berat, you’ll travel to the Osumi Canyons for a guided river adventure beneath tall canyon walls and waterfalls. Guides such as Bledi, Enver, and Renato lead the activity, with rafting, swimming, rock jumping, and canyon exploration available when summer water levels are low.

“We reserved rafting in osumi by the website, but then, some hours before they told us that the river was dry so we had to do the river hiking, but the didnt give us the option of get our money black. River hiking is good, do activities in the water with july Hot is perfect, but the group is too Big, so the activity is sometimes very slow and not excitin enough. Renato the main guide was nice. Its a good activity if you travel with childreen.”

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14.Coimbra: Mondego River Kayaking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 324 reviews · 4 - 5 hours · from $35Best value

Paddle 18 km from Carvoeira dam to Torres do Mondego through forested valleys and small villages. The gentle current suits beginners, while guides such as Tomas, Rodrigo, and Miguel help at trickier bends. Plan on a full day, bring lunch, and expect swimming, beach stops, and a return transfer.

“A great day , thanks Lovely setting and a nice river to meander down”

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15.Banff National Park: Big Canoe River Explorer Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 286 reviews · 1h 30m · from $67

Join a certified English-speaking guide at the Banff Canoe Club for a gentle 90-minute paddle on the Bow River. You will learn basic canoe skills, hear Banff stories, and watch for elk, beavers, bald eagles, loons, and other wildlife. Bring warm, weather-ready clothing.

“Our tour and tour guide, Brie, were both amazing! The tour was well run, and on time. We were given an orientation on critters that live in the area along with safety guidelines and instructions on the proper way to hold a canoe paddle and how to paddle once we were in the water. The canoe ride itself was smooth with stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Brie was informative, entertaining and educational. She spoke in a loud clear voice, so we could all hear her very well. She provided many fun facts of the local wildlife and mountain life and made suggestions of places to include in our itinerary.…”

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