Top USA Float Trips - page 2

Prepare to get wet on an exciting Smoky Mountain rafting adventure down the Pigeon River. Even if it’s your first time, grab a paddle and navigate dozens of class I and II rapids that offer plenty of splashes and thrills but are perfect for beginners. The closest rafting to Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, this 2-hour afternoon trip makes a great addition to any Smoky Mountain family vacation.

Enjoy an adventure on the Snake River with a whitewater-rafting trip from Jackson. You'll travel down the river on an 8-man raft, a smaller vessel than other river rafts, meaning you'll paddle hard and get very wet. During the 8-mile (12.8-km) journey, navigate the river's famous rapids such as Big Kahuna and Lunch Counter.

The Snake River is an ideal location to see some of Wyoming’s beautiful flora and fauna—especially bald eagles, ospreys, and pelicans—near Grand Teton National Park. Rather than rush down the river on a whitewater or kayaking trip, float down a scenic 13-mile (21 kilometers) stretch of the river on an easygoing raft. Plus, get round-trip transportation from the outfitter's office in Jackson.

Prebook to secure the opportunity to see the natural wonder of bioluminescence on an evening kayaking trip on Florida’s Indian River Lagoon or Banana River. Paddle the waters to view the bioluminescence—neon-blue lights caused by dinoflagellate microorganisms. See your paddle illuminate the water, look for fish in the blue-lit shallows, and absorb the otherworldly atmosphere and mangrove scenery. Includes equipment, instruction, and choice of departures for ease.

Riggings, Idaho, is one of the best places to go rafting in the US. Take this half-day rafting tour on the Salmon River, and safety travel through different levels of whitewater with a guide who gives an orientation beforehand. Plus, this tour makes your experience stress free with a snack, all gear, and round-trip transport from the meeting spot included.

Beginner paddlers are perfectly suited to this introduction to whitewater on the Rogue River. During this half-day tour, novices will enjoy full instruction and safety briefings before heading out on the 5.5-mile (9-kilometer) stretch of river, filled with exciting but manageable whitewater. Stop halfway to relax on dry land and have a snack before navigating the rest of the Class I through Class IV rapids on the river.

Enjoy the abundant wildlife with the Teton Mountain Range as a backdrop while your experienced guide does all the work! Bald eagles, pelicans, osprey, blue herons, and sandhill cranes are a few of the birds that are regularly seen on our trips. River otters, beavers, deer, elk, and moose also frequent the area. Water, sparkling water, and binoculars are provided for maximum comfort. Come explore the Snake River on a rafting adventure today!

Explore Moab’s desert beauty with your family while splashing your way down Class II rapids on the mighty Colorado. Take in the scenic red rock landscape while your raft guide points out the fascinating natural history of the area that makes it unforgettable. There's no better way to appreciate this terrain than by floating down the river that carved it.

Maui is one of the best spots in the Pacific to spot whales in the wild. With this small group tour from Lahaina, you'll head out to sea, where you'll likely not only spot whales, but also dolphins. There's also a hydrophone on board if you want to listen to whale songs. And if for some reason you don't see any whales on the day of your adventure, you'll be invited to take another trip at no extra charge.

If you’ve ever wanted to raft a river, but don’t know how, get out of the Phoenix heat on a beginner-friendly float. Discover a scenic desert oasis less than an hour from the city. Your guide steers the boat and provides fascinating facts about the flora and fauna of the unique Sonoran Desert. Your whole family can swim, play, or just relax together on this small group adventure.

This boat trip is a great way to see island views, discover great beach bars, and relax in the water. No need to worry about pricey onboard bars—instead, feel free to bring your own food and drinks as there are coolers on the boat. Stay energized with music, great vibes, and plenty of inflatables to hop into the water with. During the tour, pass by extravagant yachts, mansions, Port Everglades, and the affluent Las Olas Boulevard area.

Asheville comes loaded with two things: great breweries and great nature. On this tour, you’ll get to revel in them both. Your guide will have your raft ready—complete with an ice-filled cooler—and you’ll float down the beautiful French Broad River, stopping at a few of the city’s best pubs and food trucks. This one’s all about relaxing, river views, and really good beer.

The Lower Animas River is one of the nation's most accessible rafting trips—a must-do in Durango for a day of family-friendly fun. Your guides can provide a range of options for all comfort levels, from a mild trip for ages 4+ to a Class III trip for an adrenaline-filled ride. No matter your route, you'll get your fair share of beautiful scenery, thrills, and splashes.

Paddle your way through California's flora and fauna on a whitewater rafting tour down the Truckee River—with a guide on-hand to provide help throughout. Begin with easy rapids as you pass by the scenery of the Tahoe National Forest, then build up to intermediate-level, Class III rapids and an exhilarating finish in the Floriston Gorge. On hot days, you can enjoy a swimming break in natural pools along the way.

Enjoy a perspective of the Hoover Dam that few other visitors get to see—and explore the Black Canyon portion of the Colorado River—on this immersive nature tour. Make your own way to the Hoover Dam from Las Vegas; grab your provided lifejacket, and set off aboard the shared raft. As you float along the river, admire the towering canyon walls, spot wildlife like bighorn sheep, and stop for a refreshing dip.

Float along the calm waters of the Snake River on a half-day rafting tour from Jackson Hole. View the Grand Tetons and look for native wildlife such as moose, river otters, and deer along the riverbanks. Your guide shares commentary about Wyoming’s history and ecology during the 14-mile float. Includes light meal, and a choice of several departures throughout the day.

Splash into the crystal-clear waters of Kealakekua Bay on this Big Island snorkeling adventure! Dart in and out of sea caves and explore the gorgeous Kona coastline in an agile Zodiac raft. Snorkel among colorful tropical fish, and keep an eye out for other marine life like whales, dolphins and sea turtles. Along the way, learn about the island’s geologic history and local legends from your expert guide, and see the spot where Captain Cook first landed in Hawaii.

Escape from Las Vegas to experience the Black Canyon on a gentle raft tour along the Colorado River. Relax as your guide steers the boat through canyon landscapes, including Hoover Dam, cliffs, caves, and riverside beaches, while sharing commentary about the wildlife and history.

Maximize your chances of seeing wildlife around Ketchikan by heading out onto the waters surrounding the Tongass National Forest. This small-group tour takes you searching for wildlife including humpbacks, orca, sea lions, seals and eagles aboard a quiet and unobtrusive Zodiac expedition craft with a naturalist as your guide. Feel like an explorer and adventurer as you navigate narrow channels, rocky coastlines, forested islands and black sandy beaches.

Escape Las Vegas for the Grand Canyon and the cool waters of the Colorado River on this 2-in-1, full-day adventure. Enjoy a scenic helicopter flight over the Hoover Dam, Lake Mead, and the Grand Canyon's West Rim before either floating through the Black Canyon on a river raft or exploring the Emerald Cave by kayak. Round-trip transit from your hotel makes your day totally hassle-free.

See all sorts of fish that you might not spot if you snorkeled from land on this Maui snorkeling cruise. Head to the Molokai Crater where you might manta rays, sea urchins, eels, or even a harmless shark. This tour also stops at a spot called Turtle Town along the Maui coastline, where you have the chance to swim alongside enormous Hawaiian Green sea turtles.

Experience the adrenaline-pumping excitement of a rafting adventure on this professionally guided, 3-hour excursion. Ride along the clear, crisp waters of the Animas River in Durango. Crash through the Class I, II and III rapids, which are less technical but no less exciting for an introductory river experience. It’s a perfect balance for kids and adults wanting to share a fun day on the river. All boating equipment, plus transportation.

Enjoy a quintessential Alaskan experience and feel the adrenaline pumping on this thrilling Ketchikan Zodiac adventure, led by a seasoned wildlife guide. You’ll travel by road to Beaver Falls on the shores of dazzling George Inlet, hike through the rainforest to your Zodiac, bundle up in waterproofs, take the wheel, and follow your guide. After spotting Alaska’s rich wildlife, return to base for snacks and a hot drink.

See the best of the Hoover Dam, without the hassle of renting a car, with this small-group tour from Las Vegas. Experience the mighty dam from multiple different perspectives, by walking across it, then floating on the Colorado River below it, and finally heading inside to see the power plant with a Bureau of Reclamation guide.