Top picks · RIVER KAYAKING

River Kayaking Around the World: 15 Trips to Book

99 tours  ·  from $10 a head

Rivers carry you, which makes them kinder to beginners than open sea. The 15 trips below range from slow jungle creeks to canyon floats, priced, timed and clear about any rapids on the way.

Kayaking the Salt River Foxtail Trip - The safety briefing before launch
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Kayaking the Salt River Foxtail Trip

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 about two hours down the Salt River to Foxtail. Expect desert scenery, birds, possible wild horses, and a few swift sections where you may get wet. No guide accompanies you, but a group safety briefing comes first.

“Awesome tour, they give great instructions. It’s nice that you don’t have a guided tour so you can go at your own pace. Beautiful scenery and we saw a couple wild horses. This is our second trip with the ranch in 3 years. We would definitely do it again!”

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Crystal River Three Sisters Springs and Manatee Clear Kayak Tours - November to March: the best window for manatees
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Crystal River Three Sisters Springs and Manatee Clear Kayak Tours

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

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

Launch from Kings Bay Park for a two-hour small-group clear kayak tour with an English-speaking guide such as Crosby, Dmitri, Yas, or Cami. From April 1 to November 14, paddle to Three Sisters Springs and swim. From November 15 to March 31, focus on manatees in warm spring water, with no need to get in.

“Dmitri our guide was phenomenal! Despite the super cold weather, and limited sun, we still saw manatees! He was very knowlegable about the area, manatees and we learned so much while having a lot of fun! Highly recommend!”

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Zrmanja River: Half-Day Guided Kayaking Tour Near Zadar - Getting to Kaštel Žegarski
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Zrmanja River: Half-Day Guided Kayaking Tour Near Zadar

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

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

You’ll paddle the Zrmanja River from Kaštel Žegarski through a dramatic karst canyon, gentle rapids, and small waterfalls. English-speaking guides such as Andrea, Julio, Adam, and Riki have led groups here. Expect swimming stops, rocky walks around larger falls, basic instruction, and a full day outdoors. Zadar transfers cost extra.

“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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Wailua River & Waterfalls Kayak Tour: Expert-Guided Adventure - The Secret Falls trail is the demanding part
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Wailua River & Waterfalls Kayak Tour: Expert-Guided Adventure

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

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

Paddle a tandem kayak two miles each way on Kauai’s Wailua River, then hike through rainforest, four stream crossings, mud, and loose rock to 110-foot Uluwehi Falls. Guides such as Thomas, Sierra, Ty, and Kay share local stories, plant knowledge, and practical trail help. Lunch, water, kayaks, paddles, back rests, and dry bags are included.

“Amazing views of the Wailua canyon and breathtaking experience of the waterfall. Be prepared for an adventurous hike! Wear shoes you don’t mind getting dirty as the trail was very muddy. Such a fun experience and our tour guide, Sierra, was absolutely amazing!”

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Wailua River Kayak and Sacred Falls Guided Hike with Lunch - The Wailua River paddle and its quiet rewards
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Wailua River Kayak and Sacred Falls Guided Hike with Lunch

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

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

Pair a gentle tandem kayak trip on the Wailua River with a guided rainforest hike to a waterfall and natural pool. Guides such as Annie, Harrison, Lindsey, Anya, and Jay lead small groups of up to 12, provide walking sticks and dry bags, and serve lunch by the falls. Expect wet shoes, mud, rocks, and a moderate workout.

“My husband and I had a great time. Lindsey was an awesome tour guide. The trek was worth it, though I would say wear hiking sandles or some other sturdy shoe you can walk through water in. The tour company was great with the food and able to accommodate gluten-free and dairy-free dietary needs. Do bring a good size water container - you'll want it!”

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Clear Kayak Manatee Ecotour of Crystal River - Why the guides matter more than the boat
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Clear Kayak Manatee Ecotour of Crystal River

6.Clear Kayak Manatee Ecotour of Crystal River

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

Paddle Crystal River in a stable, tandem clear kayak with a guide such as Jess, Kyle, RJ, or Cypress. The two-hour tour may reveal manatees, turtles, dolphins, otters, fish, and birds beneath your boat. Equipment is included, but plan for parking, launch fees, moderate paddling, and changing water clarity.

“It was a beautiful day and the experience was priceless. Our guide was very friendly and we got a few great photos from him.”

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Kayak Tour on the Verde River - Check-In in Cottonwood
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Kayak Tour on the Verde River

7.Kayak Tour on the Verde River

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

Meet in Cottonwood for a guided 3.1-mile paddle on the Verde River. You’ll learn the basics, ride Class I and II rapids, and choose a single or tandem high-water inflatable kayak. Guides such as Ken, Walt, Blaine, and Maverick add river knowledge, safety tips, and plenty of good humor.

“The guides were excellent. Gave instructions as needed, historical and environmental information and provided lots of encouragement.”

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Small-Group Emerald Cave Kayak Tour on Colorado River - Paddling the Colorado River through Black Canyon
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Small-Group Emerald Cave Kayak Tour on Colorado River

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

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

Paddle calm Colorado River water from Willow Beach to Emerald Cave with a maximum of 10 people. Guides Blair, EJ, and Christine keep the pace friendly and safe, adding local history, wildlife spotting, swim breaks, snacks, and water. Hotel pickup is available, making this a fine half-day escape from the Las Vegas Strip.

“We spent a most amazing day kayaking the Colorado and visiting the Emerald Cave with VENTURE OUT VEGAS. Blair, our guide, was funny, shared much of the history of the area with us, and quickly became a part of our family. He made sure our experience was safe, fun, and left us with many great memories. Thank you for a wonderful day!”

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Small Group Guided Colorado River & Emerald Cave Kayak Tour - Paddling the first two miles upriver
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Small Group Guided Colorado River & Emerald Cave Kayak Tour

9.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 kayak trip with Brett or Griffin. Paddle four miles along the Colorado River, stop at Emerald Cove, swim in clear water, and watch for desert wildlife. Kayaks and life jackets are supplied. You need your own car, and the park entry fee is extra.

“Every year we plan a trip to laughlin with about 20 fam&friends. I booked us the 3hr cayaking tour. My husband was hesitant to do this but now can't stop talking w/family/ friends how much fun we had. Our tour guide Griff was excellent , both Griff & Bret very attentive with everyone in our group. It's great that you can bring snacks , camera 📷 to capture great moments. We will be doing this again next time with all our 20 members of our group, this will be epic :) thank you again .”

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Berat Rafting, Kayaking & River Tubing – Osumi Canyons - Two hours among waterfalls and canyon walls
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Berat Rafting, Kayaking & River Tubing – Osumi Canyons

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

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

Travel from Berat to Osumi Canyon for about two hours on the river, with a guide, wetsuit, thermal jacket, life jacket, helmet, and minivan transport. Expect waterfalls, narrow gorge walls, possible cliff jumps, and a small group capped at 15. Summer water levels can change rafting into canyon exploration.

“Lovely scenery. Great guide. The drive to the canyon can make you feel sick, So many turns... But it is worth it.”

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Coimbra: Mondego River Kayaking Tour - Three to four hours on the water
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Coimbra: Mondego River Kayaking Tour

11.Coimbra: Mondego River Kayaking Tour

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

Paddle 18 km from the Carvoeira dam to Torres do Mondego through forested river country near Coimbra. You’ll get a safety briefing, kayak gear, guide support, swimming and picnic stops, and a return transfer. The current is gentle, but plan on a full day rather than four hours.

“The activity was fantastic, we got to experience Portugal from a different perspective. We felt very welcomed by the organisers, who took care of every last detail. 10/10, would recommend!”

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Banff National Park: Big Canoe River Explorer Tour - Meeting the Guide at Banff Canoe Club
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Banff National Park: Big Canoe River Explorer Tour

12.Banff National Park: Big Canoe River Explorer Tour

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

Meet your English-speaking guide at the Banff Canoe Club, five minutes from downtown, for a gentle 90-minute Bow River paddle. Guides such as Abbey, Brie, CJ, and Kate explain canoeing, Banff history, and local wildlife while you take in the Rockies. The tour suits beginners and families, but bring warm, weather-ready clothing.

“It was super fun, laughed a lot and had a good time despite the cold and rain.”

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Guided Sit on Top Kayak Trip on Soca River - The short drive to the river
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Guided Sit on Top Kayak Trip on Soca River

13.Guided Sit on Top Kayak Trip on Soca River

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 284 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $82

Meet Sport Mix in central Bovec for a guided sit-on-top kayak trip on the Soca. Your guide fits you with a wetsuit, shoes, helmet, life jacket, and kayak, then drives you to the river. Expect basic river instruction, about 1.5 hours on the water, rapids, mountain views, and a return to Bovec. Guides may include Marti, Matzi, Sebastian, or Oein.

“Amazing amazing tour. The tour guide and driver were very friendly with a good sense of humour. We got to pick our boats and they equipped us with the correct footwear, wet suit and life jacket and helmet. From their office a 5 min drive down to the river, approx 1.5 hours on the river.”

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Chassahowitzka River Clear Kayak Springs & Manatee Tours - Wildlife: Manatees, Alligators, Birds, and Fish
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Chassahowitzka River Clear Kayak Springs & Manatee Tours

14.Chassahowitzka River Clear Kayak Springs & Manatee Tours

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 278 reviews · 3 hours (approx.)

Paddle a tandem clear kayak through the Chassahowitzka River system near Crystal River. You’ll visit Seven Sisters Springs, look for manatees, birds, fish, and alligators, and may reach Baird Creek or the Crack, depending on weather, water, crowds, and group ability. Guides such as Shaggy, Hunter, Izzy, and James add local insight.

“Isabel was an amazing guide! She was super friendly and told us what to expect. We stopped to see an alligator family and made sure we had breaks when we needed them.”

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Mauritius: Guided Kayak Tour on Tamarin River - The First Lesson: Basic Kayaking on Calm Water
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Mauritius: Guided Kayak Tour on Tamarin River

15.Mauritius: Guided Kayak Tour on Tamarin River

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 268 reviews · 1h 30m · from $55

Start at Tamarin Bay, where the river meets the sea, then paddle upstream through calm water and mangroves with guides such as Gilles, Rowin, or Eliza. You’ll learn basic kayaking, hear local stories, and may spot monkeys, moorhens, ducks, crabs, and flying foxes. Allow closer to two hours in practice.

“We enjoyed our Kayaking experience with Marc so relaxing travelling along the river and among the mangrove trees. Marc was very friendly and informative providing interesting information on the river the mangrove trees and the area.”

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New in River Kayaking

★ 4.8Split: Canoe Safari on the Cetina RiverFrom $5395 reviews
★ 4.8From Queenstown: Dart River Canoe & Jet Boat Day TripFrom $256148 reviews
★ 5.0From Riga: Full-Day Scenic Gauja River Valley Kayaking TripFrom $3067 reviews
★ 5.0From Las Vegas: Kayak Rental to Emerald Cave Colorado RiverFrom $9910 reviews
★ 4.9From Cottonwood: Guided Kayaking Tour on the Verde RiverFrom $10379 reviews
★ 4.7Chiang Mai: 15 km Leisure River Kayaking at Mae Ngat forestFrom $6224 reviews
★ 4.7From Bovec: Whitewater kayaking on the Soča RiverFrom $8015 reviews
★ 5.0Epic Tandem Kayak Tour down the Kaituna River WaterfallsFrom $1776 reviews
★ 4.8From Prague: Sazava River Canoe Day Trip for All LevelsFrom $151108 reviews
★ 4.6Diani: Sunset Cruise along Kongo River on Wooden Canoe boatFrom $3520 reviews
★ 4.8Diani: Sunset Canoe Tour along the River with MangrovesFrom $2865 reviews
★ 4.6Descent of the Sella river in a canoeFrom $349 reviews
★ 4.4Diani Beach: Kongo River Sunset Experience in a canoeFrom $3231 reviews
★ 4.5Crystal River: Kayak RentalFrom $40148 reviews
★ 4.7Crystal River: Clear Kayak Manatee Tour w/Free Photo PackageFrom $6312 reviews

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