Top USA Float Trips

Immerse yourself in some Alaska's most dramatic natural scenery—and enjoy a personalized, relaxing way to sightsee—on this small-group, river-float shore excursion. Following pickup from your Skagway port, head to the Dyea Valley, and board your inflatable raft. During this peaceful river float, your guide points out any wildlife, including possible bald eagles and even bears. Learn about Skagway’s history as you snap photos of the one-of-a-kind sights.

On this relaxing rafting trip from Jackson Hole, drift down a scenic section of Wyoming’s wildlife-laden Snake River, where moose, deer, river otters and eagles can all be seen from your raft. Be sure to bring your camera to photograph any wildlife that appears on the banks, and also capture the stunning landscape extending out from the Tetons.

This Glenwood Springs scenic canyon half-day float is perfect for those looking to skip the whitewater rafting experiences and instead take a casual float down the Colorado River. A life jacket, helmet, and optional use of river booties and wetsuits are included. You can also decide if you’d like to do some swimming or hop out on the water as float down the river toward Glenwood Springs.

If you love outdoor adventure, whitewater rafting in Colorado is a must. On this whitewater tour from Buena Vista, raft down the Arkansas River through Browns Canyon, which provides the perfect combination of alpine scenery, rapids, calm stretches and family-friendly fun. With an experienced guide, you’ll navigate boulders and rapids known as Toilet Bowl and Big Drop.

Spend a day in the great outdoors and experience the Chihuahua Desert during this canyon float tour. Paddle along the Rio Grande River, which straddles the US-Mexico border, in a kayak, canoe, or rafts—dependent on the water level—and take in the desert scenery. Learn about the area’s geology from your guide, take a dip in the river, and enjoy a picnic over the course of the day.

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.

Bring your own drinks, snacks and bathing suit, and get ready for fun in the Florida sun, on this party boat trip from Fort Lauderdale. Choose between several departure times, make your way to the marina, and hop aboard: See the city from the water’s edge, zip past celebrity-owned mansions and yachts, and stop at a sandbar for swimming. In between, relax, enjoy the soundtrack, and soak up the ambiance.

Experience the Snake River’s spectacular scenery while casually drifting downstream by raft—with your guide taking care of all of the paddling so you can enjoy the view. Crane your neck and look overhead for soaring bald eagles and ospreys, or look for otters splashing in the shallows while deer roam free on the banks. In addition to safely paddling you downstream, your guide will discuss the area’s history as well as its fascinating geology. Round-trip transport from Jackson Hole is included.

The trip begins in Page, AZ with boarding our bus and driving to Lee’s Ferry. Once at Lee’s Ferry join your guide on your raft for the morning. You will start your trip by motoring up to Petroglyph Beach and its fascinating archeological site. Look up in awe at the soaring cliffs above Horseshoe Bend as you learn the stories of the Ancestral Puebloan people who lived in the area. Enjoy floating while taking in the views of Glen Canyon. Afterward, you’ll enjoy a bus ride back from Lees Ferry to Page, passing the Vermillion Cliffs, Marble Canyon, Navajo Bridge, and geologic wonders along the way.

Step off your cruise ship and into a river raft on this 3.5-hour shore excursion along Mendenhall Glacier. An experienced guide rows your raft, allowing you to soak up the gorgeous mountain scenery as you float along for six miles around the foot of the glacier. Wind through stretches of Class II and III whitewater rapids and wrap up the outing with a delicious riverside snack. Families, beginners and the more experienced all will enjoy this Mendenhall Glacier float trip. Port transport from Juneau included.

Spend a morning on Colorado's San Miguel River with this half-day rafting tour near Telluride. With an experienced river guide, you'll paddle through consistent Class II and intermittent Class III rapids, taking in the scenery of red rock walls and pine trees along the narrow river.

Float with the whole family down the fantastic Arkansas River against the backdrop of the remarkable Rocky Mountains this gentle whitewater rafting excursion. Get a gentle taste of the classic rafting experience, with easy Class II - III rapids. All gear and comprehensive safety briefings are provided, ensuring an exhilarating and unforgettable experience for families.

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.

Experience the thrill of navigating white water on this small-group rafting adventure. Get ready to get wet as you paddle through continuous white water on the Gallatin River with a seasoned guide and enjoy the sensation of the rapids. When there are fewer rapids, stop to take in the beauty of the surrounding forest and wildlife, and enjoy commentary from your guide.

Discover the magic of the Rogue River in the early evening, when crowds fade and the canyon takes on a tranquil rhythm. As twilight descends, wildlife re-emerges, the wind calms, and the canyon’s light transforms into a stunning spectacle. This moment feels like a secret among true river enthusiasts. We begin our adventure by loading into a raft and heading toward the glowing horizon. Navigate through Hellgate Canyon and witness the breathtaking shift in light as the sun sets behind distant ridges. Approaching Taylor Creek Gorge, the sky becomes a canvas of vibrant hues, creating a memorable evening. We pause to savor this stunning transition while relaxing in comfortable chairs and enjoying a light meal. Breathe in the fresh air, listen to the soothing sounds of nature, and let the outside world fade away. As the first stars twinkle above, we float downstream under the enchanting dusk. Join us for the Gold Hours on the Rogue River and create unforgettable memories!

Enjoy a classic whitewater-rafting adventure on the Snake River, where you'll travel eight miles (13 km) on a 17-foot (5-meter) self-bailing raft, designed to handle the river rapids. With a guide providing instruction, you'll tackle Class II and III rapids such as Champagne, Big Kahuna, Lunch Counter, and Ropes during the journey from West Table to Sheep Gulch in Snake River Canyon. Calm stretches with chances for swimming allow you to relax between the action.

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.

Spending a full day on the river independently can be a lot to handle on your own, no matter where you are. A guide leads this full-day Rouge River and Hellgate Canyon rafting tour in Oregon, so you can feel safe as you raft. Choose from a total of three different raft and kayak options, and get a thorough orientation before you go. A riverside lunch is included.

Spend the day on Oregon’s Rouge River on a guided rafting trip from Ashland. After a safety briefing, embark on your rafting adventure down scenic class I-II rapids. Your guide handles paddling and steering so you can sit back and enjoy the ride. Stop for lunch (own expense) at Discovery Park. You return to the departure point at the end of the trip.

Visit the Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve on a half-day wildlife tour that includes a 1.5-hour cruise on the Chilkat River. From Haines, hear informative commentary during a scenic drive that takes you past Fort Seward, along the National Scenic Byway, and into the Chilkat Valley. Stop in the heart of the preserve to board stable rafts for a float on the calm waters of the river, keeping an eye out for eagles, bear, moose, and wolves. End your cruise with a riverside lunch before your return to Haines.

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.

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.

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.