Weeki Wachee River
The Weeki Wachee River has an average flow rate of 112 million gallons of crystal clear spring water per day, year round water temperatures ranging from 72F to 74F, and frequent manatee visitors. We feel pretty safe saying this river defines the definition of paradise. The river is filled with a number of animals that call Weeki Wachee River home. Manatees frequent the river, as do a number of fish, birds, and other mammals. Kayakers have reported seeing deer, herons, turtles, otters, and Florida’s favorite beast, the raccoon! Weeki Wachee Kayaking is open 7 days a week from 9 am to 5 pm, and is located at 8103 Cortez Blvd Weeki Wachee, Florida. For more information, click here.
Crystal City Under Ground
Located deep in the heart of the Midwest, lies a one of a kind kayaking experience that you will never forget. Operated by Marsan Canoe and Kayak Tours, this amazing Adventure takes you into the depths of the long forgotten PPG no.9 glass mine. The 3 hour tour takes you up to 400 feet below ground, as you navigate your kayak through the flooded former sand mine. On your tour you will pass such sights as the “Birth Canal,” “Gilligan’s Island,” “The Squeeze,” ” The Car Wash” and the “Townsend Center”which is the largest opening in the mine. All tours are run by expert guides of great personality, who do an outstanding job both guiding the tour and providing an interesting/entertaining history of the mine. They are open year round with a constant inside temperature of 61 degrees. The Crystal City Underground is located at 700 Crystal Ave, in Crystal City, Missouri. For more information, click here.
Upper Iowa River
The Upper Iowa River is perhaps the most widely-recognized river in Iowa and one of the first in the nation to be nominated as a national Wild and Scenic River. Thanks to 35 inches of rain per year, and hilly terrain, numerous waterfalls dot the landscape of the Upper Iowa River Watershed. Three waterfalls are located within walking distance of the river, and the largest spring in Minnesota, Odessa Spring, flows directly into the Upper Iowa River. The stretch of river from Granger Minnesota to Decorah Iowa is about 45 miles long, and offers some of the best scenery the Midwest has to offer! I usually camp at Chimney Rock Campground near Cresco, and launch into the river, 50 feet from my site. This is one of the most beautiful campgrounds I have visited. It’s right along the river, with towering bluffs just East of the property. From Chimney Rock Campground, I kayak down to Dunnings Spring, just West of the Ice Cave in Decorah. This entire trip takes about 5 hours. Chimney Rock Campground and Randy’s Bluffton Campground both offer kayak rentals, and full shuttle service. I have used both in the past and feel comfortable recommending either one. This is one kayak trip you need to add to your bucket list, its really that good! For more information, click here.
Current River
The Current River is one of the most beautiful water trails in the Midwest. With crystal clear water, towering bluffs, and several caves right along the river. The Current River is spring fed and moves through stunning Ozark landscapes, with bluffs ranging in height from 12 feet to 200 feet. On the International Scale of River Difficulty, the Current River ranks as a Class 1 river, the easiest and safest rank. It is enjoyable for both beginners and experts. A float trip on the Current River is an experience you won’t forget. There are several hidden caves in the area, multiple fresh water springs, and even the ruins of an abandoned hospital hidden behind Welch Springs. The Current River forms in the southeastern portion of the Ozarks of Missouri and flows southeasterly out of the Ozarks into northeastern Arkansas. There are several great options to access the river. The most scenic section, stretches from Cedar Grove to Round Springs, about 29 miles. Need an outfitter? Akers Ferry Canoe Rental is a full service outfitter, providing shuttle services and has all the equipment you need for an unforgettable adventure. They are located in Salem Missouri right along the river. For more information, click here.
Buffalo River
The section between Baker Ford and Grinder’s Ferry Arkansas features scenic views and historical structures, landscapes and artifacts that you won’t want to miss. At the end of this float there is a beautiful limestone bluff that towers over one of the most popular swimming holes on the Buffalo River, so pull over and enjoy! This section of the river features the classic bluff lines and gorgeous scenery that is a trademark of the Buffalo National River. Lined with plenty of gravel bars for sightseeing or lunch breaks, this trip generally takes about 4 hours but can be made as long as you like by taking your time to enjoy the view. Along this part of the river is also one of the most popular swimming holes on the entire river so sit back, relax, and go with the flow. Need an outfitter? Visit Buffalo River Outfitters by clicking here.
LaJolla Sea Caves
Some travel bloggers claim La Jolla is the best place in California for a kayaking trip. Take in the view of the striking sandstone sea cliffs along the coastline and prepare to explore one or all of the seven caves there. Paddle through the lush La Jolla Marine Reserve and the La Jolla Underwater Park too. This is an exceptional place for any skill level of kayaker. Sign up for a guided tour. Spend 90 minutes on a kayaking cave tour. You can also opt for taking an inflatable kayak into the La Jolla Cove or even La Jolla Shores. Give yourself a few hours here.
Sup Kentucky
This one of a kind tour takes place in a flooded abandoned limestone mine. The tour lasts 90 minutes with 1 hour spent paddling. For a more intimate experience tours are limited to 8 guests, and to make things interesting, you can take your pick between glass bottomed kayak or a stand-up paddleboard. Both vessels are outfitted with multicolored LED lights which illuminate the water underneath. The abandoned mine has around five miles of tunnels. And it’s all flooded from an underground aquifer. The mine’s tunnels are 60 feet in width and about 30 feet in height. The main attraction of this epic float trip, with no doubt is the stunning underground waterfall. The waterfall is spring fed and is about 30 feet in height! This is one of Kentucky’s most popular adventures, with tours limited to groups of 8, I highly suggest making reservations well in advance. Some dates will sell out fast. For more information, click here.
Emerald Cave Kayak Tour
River Dogz Las Vegas
The tour literally picks you up at your Las Vegas hotel and drives you to this little known attraction, located in Arizona. This stunning paradise is located about an hour drive away from the bright lights of beautiful Las Vegas. You’ve seen the casinos, enjoyed the shows, now its time to get away from it all and experience the serenity of Emerald Cave, a picturesque natural attraction on the Colorado River. This kayaking tour takes a small group max of 15 people paddling up the river with a guide. This trip is unmatched anywhere in the United States. This four mile tour takes place on the beautiful Colorado River. The highlight of the trip is no doubt the incredible Emerald Cave. Prices start at $115 and this trip will fill up fast. Reservations are highly recommended. For more information, click here.
The Rio Grande River
Santa Elena Canyon is the site of a kayaking trip in Big Bend which is unforgettable, where you can make your way through an awe-inspiring grotto of natural limestone tucked away in the mountains of far West Texas, like nothing you’ve ever seen before. Kayaking is the best way to experience the full wonder of Big Bend. The Rio Grande River winds its way through the Santa Elena Canyon for 13 miles. This float trip is a bucket list worthy adventure, that you will never forget! Big Bend River Tours is a local outfitter providing trips for those of all skill levels. Trips range in length from one to three days. Allowing adventure seekers to camp out in some extraordinary locations. Along the kayak trail, you will pass unbelievable sights, including 1,500 foot high limestone bluffs. For more information, click here.
Colorado River
Link Jackson
Redwall Cavern is a massive sand cave hidden at the bottom of the Grand Canyon. It’s been said the cave can hold upwards of 50,000 people. One of the things that makes it so special, is the journey it takes to reach the cave. Redwall Cavern is only accessible via a paddling trip on the Colorado River. This adventure is one of the most underrated destinations in the Grand Canyon area. To begin planning your trip, click here.
WIldman Adventure Resort
Whether your looking for a relaxing float down the Peshtigo River or an adrenaline filled ride through Pier’s Gorge on the Menominee River, Wildman Adventure Resort is your one stop spot for relaxation, adventure, and fun! Wildman Adventure Resort has two amazing locations in the area, the Menominee Outpost and the Peshtigo River Outpost. At the Menominee Outpost you can enjoy whitewater rafting, ziplining, paintball, rock climbing, and golf. At the Peshtigo River Outpost activities include: whitewater rafting, paddle boarding, The Alpine Tower High Ropes Course, and kayaking lake tours. Wildman Adventure Resort, is located in Athelstane Wisconsin. For more information, click here.
Raft The Ausable Chasm
getty images
Get up close and personal with the river on a family rafting tour at Ausable Chasm. The scenic float tours are an exciting and memorable experience for the entire family. There is no minimum age for rafting, guests must be 30 lbs. and up*. Departing from the formidable Table Rock, your rafting journey begins between the towering cliffs of the Grand Flume, the narrowest and deepest section of Ausable Chasm. Your guide will show you stunning rock formations such as the Sentry Box and Broken Needle before navigating through the rapids and around the Whirlpool Basin. The tour concludes with a picturesque glide to the landing area where our guides discuss the unique history of the chasm. For more information, click here.
Liquid Adventures
If your looking for the best kayak trip on Earth, look no further! Liquid Adventures has been providing nature lovers with the outdoor experience of a lifetime, since 2004! Liquid Adventures is located in Seward Alaska, and more information can be found by clicking here. These popular excursions take place in Aialik Bay and the Northwestern Fjord, and take paddlers up close with two of nature’s amazing wonders: whales and glaciers. These trips vary in length and intensity. Adventures range from a few hours to a few weeks in length. This is the perfect trip for nature lovers, kayakers, photographers, adventure seekers or anyone who wants to experience the Alaskan coast! All trips are led by skilled guides who are some of the finest in the industry! Everything you will need on the trip is provided in your adventure package.