River Kayaking in the USA: the 8 to Book First

1.Kayaking the Salt River Foxtail Trip

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,395 reviews · from $57Our pick

You’ll launch from Saguaro Lake Ranch and paddle an unguided, two-hour stretch of the Lower Salt River to Foxtail. Expect mountain views, birds, possible wild horses, calm water, and a few swift sections where you may get wet. Kayak, paddle, and life jacket are included.

“Don’t forget your camera and sunscreen and some favorite tunes for inspiration . Lol Friendly people. Lots of wildlife along the way. Even wild horses !”

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2.Emerald Cave & Black Canyon Kayak Tour with Vegas Pickup

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,266 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $149

Trade the Las Vegas Strip for a calm four-mile paddle through Black Canyon. Your guide handles kayak instruction, safety, local stories, snacks, and water, with Emerald Cave and a swim stop along the way. Guides such as Chelsea, Lauren, Jeff, and Eugene are known for making beginners feel at ease.

“An amazing experience from pickup to drop off. Lauren was an amazing guide. She went above and beyond for the group.”

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

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

Paddle four miles on the Wailua River, then hike about three miles through rainforest, muddy trails, and four water crossings to 110-foot Secret Falls. Guides such as Thomas, Sierra, Ty, and Kay add local stories about plants, wildlife, and Hawaiian history. Lunch and equipment are included.

“Great experience Thomas was an excellent guide and knew everything about the local plant life you come in contact with on the trail”

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

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

Paddle a tandem kayak about 2.5 miles up Kauai’s Wailua River, then follow a state-certified guide through muddy forest trails to a waterfall. Guides such as Annie, Harrison, Lindsey, Anya, and Jay add local insight and humor. Lunch, snacks, safety gear, and walking sticks are included.

“Our tour guide Annie legit made this experience!! Her commentary and stoke was throughout the whole trip was hilarious! The kayaking was very enjoyable and the picture spots were on point. The hike to the waterfall was an adventure and so worth it! Highly recommend doing this experience.”

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5.Kayak Tour on the Verde River

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

You’ll paddle a scenic 3.1-mile stretch of the Verde River near Sedona in a single or tandem inflatable kayak. Guides such as Ken, Walt, Blaine, and Maverick provide safety help, local nature stories, and photos, while Class I and II rapids add easygoing fun.

“This was a great tour that I would recommend to anyone. The tour guide on the river (Blane) was great and made the trip very enjoyable. Thank you for a great day!”

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6.Small Group Guided Colorado River & Emerald Cave Kayak Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 500 reviews · 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $88

Drive yourself to Willow Beach Marina for a beginner-friendly four-mile kayak trip with guides Brett or Griffin. Paddle through canyon country toward Emerald Cave, stop to swim in the Colorado River, and return at a relaxed pace. Kayaks, life jackets, and small-group guiding are provided.

“Griffin was an amazing guide. We had such an amazing day. Highly recommend and we would definitely do it again.”

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7.Colorado River to Emerald Cave Half-Day Kayak

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 241 reviews · 4 hours · from $119

Paddle the Colorado River from Willow Beach to Emerald Cave with guides such as Paul, Don, or Isaac. Expect a calm but active 4-mile round trip, cold clear water, canyon views, snacks, swimming, wildlife, photos, and shuttle service from Las Vegas.

“The guide was very informative and added a few extra activities such as a short walk to see the river from above and he took pictures of us too! He even dropped us off at our hotel.”

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8.Grand Canyon Helicopter Tour and River Raft or Emerald Cave Kayak

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 241 reviews · 11 hours (approx.) · from $699

Spend about 11 hours combining a 90-minute helicopter flight over Hoover Dam, Lake Mead, Black Canyon, and the Grand Canyon West Rim with either a motorized Colorado River float or a four-mile kayak trip to Emerald Cave. Hotel transfers are included, but the kayak option does not include lunch.

“It was awesome Staff great Pilots great Bus driver exceptional Me and my family had fun and look. Look forward to coming there again thank you.”

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