Top Tennessee On the Water

The Ocoee River formed naturally without any of the undercuts or sieves present in most waterways. For our rafters that means we can push the boundaries of what a non-professional can experience. At OAR we train for longer then any other company. We are also the only company that requires each guide to complete an EMR certification as well as a Swiftwater Rescue class. This enables us to confidently do things on the water other companies can't and take guests that other companies won't.

Explore Nashville from the iconic Cumberland River aboard an authentic paddlewheel riverboat. This delightful sightseeing cruise features live narration and music, providing a unique glimpse into the history and culture of Music City. Relax in the Victorian dining rooms or enjoy the river breeze on the promenade deck. Lunch and a full bar are available for purchase, making it an ideal outing for families and groups alike. Don't miss the chance to see historic steam engines in operation on the Steamer Nashville, one of only three remaining western river steamboats. - 1.5-hour sightseeing cruise with live narration and music - 30-minute boarding, with souvenir boarding photo available for purchase - Family-friendly atmosphere with indoor/outdoor seating options - Lunch and full bar available for purchase on board - Unique opportunity to tour historic steam engines in operation

Discover Chattanooga from the water with an electric Boat rental. Navigate the serene Tennessee River at your own pace, surrounded by stunning mountain scenery and iconic downtown views. This eco-friendly, easy-to-drive boat is ideal for families, couples, and friends looking for an unforgettable day on the water. - Captain your own electric boat—no boating experience required - Enjoy activities like swimming, fishing, or simply relaxing on the water - Bring your pets and pack snacks for a personalized adventure - Take in breathtaking sights beneath famous bridges and along the waterfront

Go whitewater rafting in Tennessee with this half-day adventure along the Ocoee River. After a short safety introduction, board a private bus for a ride through the Cherokee National Forest. Climb aboard the raft and experience more than 20 class III and class IV rapids while descending the river gorge. Enjoy plenty of opportunities to swim, if you wish, on this nature-filled escape from the city.

The Tennessee River’s Chickamauga Dam is a marvel of engineering, holding back floodwaters while producing hydroelectric power. Experience this impressive structure up close by kayaking through the dam’s lock on this remarkable guided tour. Over the course of around three hours, you’ll paddle into the lock, watch the gates close, and slowly sink down some 50 feet before paddling back out into the river.

Discover Memphis’ rich history, musical heritage, and Southern cuisine on this comprehensive “best of Memphis” tour. Take in all the highlights of downtown Memphis, from the Blues bars of Beale Street and historic Victorian mansions, to the site where Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated and one of Elvis’ early apartments. Get insight into the city's amazing heritage at the your choice of one of three museums only found in Memphis: The National Civil Rights Museum, the Smithsonian's Rock 'n' Soul Museum, or the Edge Motor Museum. After visiting your museum of choice, you'll be driven safely to the Memphis Riverboat to enjoy a scenic cruise on the Mississippi River.

While visiting Memphis, take a guided sightseeing tour of downtown, passing many landmarks and enjoying some free time to explore. Then board a paddlewheel boat for a cruise on the Mississippi River. See Memphis’ highlights, including Beale Street and the former mansions of the Victorian Village neighborhood—ideal for first-time visitors. This combo tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off from select hotels, for your convenience.

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is home to some of the best trout fishing in the Southeast. Whether you are a first-timer or a lifelong fly fisher, let Smoky Mountain Guides take you to the best fishing spots in the park. Once booked, our guide will contact you to arrange the details of your trip. We’ll work with you to plan a four-hour fishing trip based on your fish preference (rainbow, brown, or brook trout) and your hiking preference. SMG provides all the gear needed for fishing, including rods, flies, line, waders, and boots. Participants should bring a valid fishing license issued by either Tennessee or North Carolina and a Great Smoky Mountains parking pass.

A delightful evening awaits on the Cumberland River with a Nashville dinner cruise aboard an authentic paddlewheeler. Enjoy sweeping skyline views as you savor a lavish buffet while listening to live music and dancing. Dine at a reserved table in a beautifully appointed Victorian dining room and take in the stunning views of downtown Nashville illuminated at night. Whether celebrating a special occasion or simply dining out, this cruise offers a memorable experience on the water. - 2-hour dinner cruise with live music and dancing - 30-minute boarding, with souvenir boarding photo available for purchase - Reserved tables in an elegant dining room with buffet service - Scenic views of downtown Nashville from the river - Full-service bar available for purchase on board

Discover local Nashville fare and Southern favorites on this guided walking tour. As you explore the city, learn the history behind famous sites like Broadway, the Country Music Hall of Fame, the Ryman Auditorium, and Printers Alley. Try typical Tennessee-favorite food such as Nashville hot chicken, barbecue, beer, and more at local restaurants while you hear stories about Music City.

Paddle with an experienced guide. Our guides are experienced paddlers and knowledgeable about the local history, plants, and animals. We will explore shaded coves as we learn about the culture and ecology of the foothills of Southern Appalachia. Along the way, keep an eye out for wildlife. We frequently see bald eagles, osprey, and aquatic turtles. Sometimes we even see a bear!

Paddle into scenic serenity with this small-group clear kayak tour of Old Hickory Lake, led by a knowledgeable guide. Glide across transparent waters, spot wildlife beneath your kayak, and learn about local ecology and waterways on this immersive, off-the-beaten-path experience. Ideal for nature lovers, couples, and adventurers who want a unique perspective on Nashville’s lakeside beauty.

Explore the historic Jack Daniel's Distillery on this guided tour from Nashville. Embark on a tasting tour of the distillery and sample several tastings of premium Tennessee whiskey. Tours departing first thing in the morning include free time to walk through the nearby town, famous for its Tennessee Walking Horse, and downtown Lynchburg.

Take to the water for an adrenaline-fueled whitewater rafting adventure along the Upper Pigeon River. Enjoy spectacular views of the Smoky Mountains as you paddle through the gorge, tackle more than a dozen thrilling Class III and IV rapids such as ‘Snapdragon’ and ‘Powerhouse’, and perhaps jump in to cool off with a swim.

The rushing waters of the Middle Ocoee River are your playground during this whitewater adventure. Climb into a kayak and paddle down the Middle Section of the Ocoee River through Chattanooga National Forest with a guide. Those new to this adrenaline-filled sport will find the pre-launch safety briefing and orientation helpful. Paddle through more than five-miles of the river where you’ll encounter 270-foot drops and Class III/IV waves.

Join us for an unforgettable jet boat tour to witness the majestic Douglas Dam, a key piece of American history located on the picturesque French Broad River. Whether you're a history buff, a nature lover, or simply looking for a unique adventure, our tour offers something for everyone. Don't miss the chance to explore one of the most historic and scenic spots in Sevier County, Tennessee. This tour brings you closer than ever to this engineering marvel, allowing for breathtaking views and unparalleled photo opportunities.

Enjoy a little bit of everything during this unique, small-group combo tour in Nashville: tick off top landmarks in downtown Nashville—from the Tennessee State Capitol to famous honky tonk bars— in a comfortable golf cart, get a peek at the city’s Instagrammable murals, and taste locally brewed moonshine, whiskey, and vodka in two distilleries.

Hop aboard for the Island Pointe Tour along the scenic French Broad River and experience one of the most unique ways to explore the Great Smoky Mountains. This guided jet boat adventure blends breathtaking scenery with engaging narration from your captain, who brings the river’s history, wildlife, and hidden features to life. Cruise through a beautiful stretch of river lined with rolling hills and mountain views as you make your way to one of the tour’s standout features a majestic riverside cave. Your captain will take you right up to the cave, sharing stories and fun facts that make this stop a guest favorite and a great photo opportunity. Along the way, keep an eye out for local wildlife like bald eagles, osprey, turtles, and deer often seen along the shoreline. With a mix of relaxing sightseeing and light adventure, the Island Pointe Tour is perfect for families, couples, and groups looking to experience the Smokies from a fresh perspective.

Take in the Nashville skyline from a panoramic perspective that most travelers miss on this pontoon river cruise experience. Meander down the Cumberland River and soak up the sights as you relax on board. Purchase a drink from the bar and listen as your captain regales you with tales of local history and culture.

See the highlights of Memphis and learn about the city in a deeper way than you could on your own on a city tour. Get your bearings as you pass by key landmarks or upgrade to a package that includes a ride on a riverboat and or a visit to Sun Studio, where Elvis Presley recorded his first song.

The nation's most-popular whitewater rafting trip offers near-constant excitement from start to finish and is located just below the 1996 Olympic Whitewater Course. Many rafters consider the Ocoee’s intensity and difficulty “just right" with a greatest hit compilation of rapids. Highlights of the run—and there are many—include huge waves at Double Trouble, fast, frenzied currents at Tablesaw and the boat-drenching punch through Hell Hole rapid.

Take your rafting skill to the next level with this private guided excursion on the Ocoee River. Slip on your helmet and life vest and set off on a Puma raft—this narrow, short raft rides the rapids differently than standard river rafts and guarantees an adrenaline-pumping adventure that will leave you thrilled. Take a break along the way to surf and swim during a calm stretch of river and pick up tips and techniques from your expert rafting guide.

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.