USA · RAFTING & ZIPLINING
Colorado snowmelt in June, canopy lines in the Smokies, and a grading system worth understanding first. These 15 compare the runs on price, water class and the minimum age each one sets.
Koloa Zipline takes you across eight lines above native forest and Waita Reservoir near Koloa. Expect a three-hour tour, a short uphill hike, safety instruction, snacks, and a small group of up to 12. Guides such as Tristan, Malachi, Carson, and Jaiden are known for patient coaching, especially with first-timers and nervous children.
“First time zipliner. The guides were very helpful and answered all my questions. Would definitely come back!”
Ride an ATV up Keana Farms, then cross eight ziplines from 500 to 2,400 feet, with rappels, sky bridges, boardwalks, water, and guides such as Emma, JT, Coral, or Amelia. The 2.5-hour tour suits first-timers and families, but closed-toe shoes and weight limits apply.
“Great staff, safe, and high quality equipment. Location is good and enjoyed jeep ride up. A little slow as the group was large.”
You’ll ride seven ziplines near Sevierville, reaching speeds up to 50 mph, with three rope bridges and broad Smoky Mountain views. Guides such as Jason, Caley, Ray, Noah, and Micah have helped make this a friendly choice for first-timers. The 2.5-hour tour includes safety gear, instruction, and a maximum of 12 people.
“Staff was friendly knowledgeable instructions clear safety reinforced surroundings beautiful meeting place legacy nice store comfortable outside to rest or play cornhole thanks to all staff”
From Lahaina, you’ll ride a small zodiac raft for whale watching from December to April, or dolphin watching and coastal sightseeing in summer. Guides such as Captain Jack, Jess, Mark, and Olivia explain marine life while a hydrophone lets you hear whale songs. Expect a friendly small-group ride, ocean spray, and no guarantee of close wildlife encounters.
“This was an absolutely amazing experience! There are so many places to choose from, but we were told this one was highly recommended and we now see why. Small group, in a boat low to the water so we could easily maneuver to be safely near where the whales went — obviously keeping a distance to not interfere with them. The tour was fun, safe and informative. Truly a highlight of our visit to Maui. Captain Darryll was awesome! We also had an opportunity to meet one of the owners the day before, and were very impressed with her knowledge.”
Paddle 8 miles on the Middle Fork of the Flathead River near Glacier National Park. You get a professional guide, helmet, life jacket, paddle, and seasonal wetsuit gear. Guides such as Katie, Owen, Claire, and Aaron are known for clear safety coaching and fun local stories. Expect gentle water mixed with Class II rapids, depending on river conditions.
“Great rafting for first time. Waterflow was low, that's norm in August. Better to be there on May. Instructors are great, fun.”
Join Kauai Sea Tours for a six-hour raft trip from Port Allen along the Na Pali Coast. Captain-guides such as KK, Duffie, Josh, and Sky share island stories while you visit sea caves, waterfalls, and Nu‘alolo Kai reef. The ride is wet, fast, and bumpy, with snorkeling, food, and drinks included.
“This was by far the highlight of the trip! Was so fun and beautiful. The people giving the tour/driving the boat were fantastic. We had KK and Elias and they were both so knowledgeable and personable. We saw many dolphins and turtles. I even came face to face with a turtle while snorkeling. We went into caves and under waterfalls. The boat ride was a little rough for a small portion of the trip, so if you have any injuries, I might wait to do this until you’re doing better. Overall, absolutely a 10/10 experience and I would recommend to anyone and everyone.”
Cruise Kauai’s Na Pali Coast aboard a 37-foot Naiad Super Raft with a captain and deckhand such as Andrew and Max, or CJ and Kena. Expect sea caves, cliffs, dolphins, possible whales, snacks, drinks, and a snorkeling stop when conditions allow. The ride is fast and bumpy, so bring motion-sickness medicine and sunscreen.
“Really, super duper cool experience! And Captain Andrew is an amazing skipper and so patient and kind! 10 out of 10 all around!!”
Take a 6.5-mile guided rafting run on the Upper Pigeon River from Hartford, near Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. You’ll tackle about 70 Class I to IV rapids with a certified guide such as Parker, Tye, Eve, or Bart, then return to the launch point. Bring strapped water shoes, a towel, and dry clothes.
“Great and clean set up! Easy to find ur group and get on the bus! Had a wonderful time! River guide was great!”
Meet at The EDGE Ziplines & Adventures in Castle Rock for a guided flight across 10 ziplines covering nearly two miles. You will cross 320 acres of open Colorado scenery, build confidence on shorter lines, and finish with faster, longer runs. Guides such as Danny, Newt, Marcus, Jake, and Jules have been praised for making first-timers feel safe.
“The whole trip was memorable, it’s a nice little couples trip and a good workout from getting to zip line to zip line”
You’ll ride seven zip lines near Honomu, starting with an easy practice run and building toward a long final crossing above a 250-foot waterfall. Guides such as Rose, Bobby, Julia, and Ky are praised for calm safety checks and local stories. Expect about 2.5 hours, uneven walking, tropical fruit samples, and rain-or-shine operation.
“The guides were friendly and fun, created a great atmosphere for my daughter (11) to quickly build confidence. She initially didn’t think she would be brave enough but the course gets more intense with each line and she soon was trying to be first on each turn.”
At The Umauma Experience near Hakalau, you’ll ride nine guided zip lines over treetops, rivers, and waterfalls, with Pacific views from each platform. Four lines let you race a friend. Guides such as Wes and Skippy have been praised for calm safety checks and good humor. The course takes about two hours and ends at the visitor center.
“Really fun, great tour guides who were quick and efficient and informative and really FUN! Beautiful grounds !”
Spend about three hours floating 13 scenic miles of the Snake River near Jackson Hole. Guides such as Matt, Hailey, Egan, and Julian share local history, geology, and wildlife tips while you watch for bald eagles, moose, deer, otters, and osprey. The ride is gentle, with a few mild rapids, blankets, ponchos, and a maximum of 20 people.
“Might get a little bit wet. Scenery is beautiful. The ride is very easy and relaxing. Our guide Tabby knew lots of interesting information.”
Join Noah’s Ark in Buena Vista for a two to three hour rafting trip through Browns Canyon National Monument. After a safety briefing, you’ll paddle class III rapids such as Raft Ripper, Zoom Flume, and Pinball with a professional guide. Seth is one guide praised for clear, calm instruction. Life jackets, helmets, transport, taxes, and park fees are included.
“Noah’s Ark was recommended to us by a local friend and we couldn’t be more happy. From the time you walk onto their property, through the end of your trip, you are treated with some of the best customer service I have ever experienced. Our guide Seth was an amazing leader: clear, specific and respectful with all his instructions. Even when we got off a little on timing he always remained calm, showing the leadership skills one would want from a guide. Amazing day with an amazing staff pretty much sums it up!!”
You’ll ride an 8-mile stretch of the Snake River from Dave Hansen’s Jackson shop, tackling Class II and III rapids such as Lunch Counter and Big Kahuna. A guide such as Bryce, Hailey, Zach, or Savannah leads the raft, while the bus handles transport to the launch. Expect cold water, big scenery, and a thorough soaking.
“Great service from the very beginning. Everyone was helpful and knowledgeable and explained everything with great detail. Bryce was an amazing tour guide!!”
Join Mild to Wild for about four hours on Durango’s Lower Animas River. You’ll paddle through Train Bridge Rapid, Baby Smelter, Class III Smelter, Sawmill, Santa Rita, and Pinball rapids, depending on water flow. Guides such as Sam, Nina, Anna, and Rob have helped make this a friendly first rafting trip for families and beginners.
“You’ll get your arm workout with paddling. All you need to take with you is water. Spray down with sunscreen beforehand. It was about a 3 hour float.”
Pick a skyline, a canyon or a stretch of water.
