Verde River Kayak Tour: Scenic Arizona Paddling

Embark on a scenic kayak tour along the Verde River in Arizona, one of two Wild and Scenic Rivers in the state. Experience breathtaking views, encounter unique wildlife, and create priceless memories on this guided paddling trip.

Duration: 2 hours, 30 minutes
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • 551 N Main St - RECENTLY VOTED ONE OF THE TOP 20 EXPERIENCES IN THE USA!
    Enjoy an adventurous and safe experience on Class I and II rapids while you explore the scenic Verde River on our most popular tour! Soak up the beautiful scenery and local history on a Guided Kayak Tour for about 2 hours on a 3 mile stretch of the Verde. Tandem or single…
What's Included
  • Safety-certified guides for your journey
  • Included shuttle transport to and from the river
  • Experience joy and create lasting memories!
  • All kayaking gear provided, including kayak, paddles, and life vest
What's Not Included
  • Guide Gratuity not included but always appreciated
Additional Information

Recognized as one of Arizona’s two Wild and Scenic Rivers, the Verde River presents a remarkable opportunity to escape the daily grind! This is an invitation to step away from the ordinary and indulge in an extraordinary adventure on the stunning Verde River! Our guided paddling excursions are truly awe-inspiring, featuring breathtaking vistas, unique…

Location
551 N Main St
North Main Street
CHECK IN AT OAC TOURS 45 MINUTES PRIOR TO LAUNCH TIME (10am tour = 915am check in. 2pm tour =115pm check in)551 N Main Street, Cottonwood AZ 86326. This is a group tour. Shuttle departs on the half hour. Late arrivals will need to reschedule. (Headed towards Old Town Cottonwood-ATVs parked roadside)
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
5.0
(665 Ratings)
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Melindalivingston
Jun 30, 2026
Best activity to stay cool in Sedona/Cottonwood - This is a super fun guided kayaking tour with small whitewater rapids. From start to finish the communication was great. It was easy to find the tour office, we knew what to bring and wear. The guides explained how to paddle and what to do all along the river. In addition they were knowledgeable and spoke of the history, nature and topography of the area. Plus they took pictures of us which they provided for free hours after the tour. Thank you for a great time and a great memory!
Review provided by Viator
April_s
Jun 30, 2026
One of our Best experiences - This was an amazing experience. So worth the time and money. Especially on hot days when you want to cool off. The rapids were very fun and not too scary. The staff was amazing. They took many pictures and shared with us at the end. They were also so kind and pointed out other focal points we would not have noticed. Also, they were with us on each rapid to make sure we didn’t get stuck on a rock or need assistance. I could not recommend this experience enough. 10/10
Review provided by Viator
Jocelyn_p
Jun 29, 2026
Great morning on the river - Lots of fun and wonderful, knowledgeable guides. Highly recommend for families, couples, or anyone else
Review provided by Viator
Joshua_c
Jun 26, 2026
This was a solid 5-star... - This was a solid 5-star experience. I took my 12-year-old daughter and she loved it. We took a tandem kayak and she was able to keep up just fine. Our guide Ken was super friendly and explained things really well. He was knowledgeable about the area, including the history and the wildlife. The weather was perfect and the water felt great. They have anything you could need in the shop. They even took action shots, which were awesome! The only regret I have is that I didn’t bring my camera/phone to take my own pictures (they have waterproof bags to rent to keep it dry). The pictures they provided were fantastic, but I would like to have some other shots of the surroundings/landscape. That was my decision and OAC is not to blame for that. All in all this was a terrific adventure and I would highly recommend it.
Review provided by Viator
Will_t
Jun 25, 2026
Highly recommended tour - Great experience! Guide was knowledgeable in both kayaking as well as the native flora, fauna, history, and anthropology! Did they get folks from all different skill levels, and the guide demonstrated patience and gave good instruction to begin beginners. Highly recommended!
Review provided by Viator
Lorenzo_a
Jun 25, 2026
Good times! - It was a great time. The guides were fantastic. The rapids were wonderful.. definitely would recommend this to anyone
Review provided by Viator
Ronna_d
Jun 24, 2026
Great excursion in Sedona area! - Organized for my teenage son and his friends, they had a great time! We went last year and really enjoyed it. Guides are great, they are skilled and friendly with lots of local history to share. :)
Review provided by Viator
Takeshi_h
Jun 23, 2026
The two zip line guides were fantastic. They made us feel comfortable and safe throughout the experience. Thank you! - When I tried kayaking for the second time, it was still very challenging because the first time I ever did it, I flipped over many times. This time, however, the two guides were excellent and made me feel very safe and comfortable, so I was able to enjoy the experience. I had a great time and really enjoyed it. I'll definitely come back and do it again. Thank you!
Review provided by Viator
Thomasjf572
Jul 5, 2026
Fun ride on the river. - We had a fun morning on the water. This was actually our "Plan B" on our visit to Sedona since most of the trails were closed due to the Pocket Fire. Our grandchildren had a good time, and the guides were very patient with us going backwards down the rapids. The kayaks were easy to use and very forgiving if you don't have a lot of skills. A nice way to spend a few hours.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Mtchitown
Jun 29, 2026
Good times splashing, paddling and squirt gun fights!! - My son and I had a great time. Even with some strong headwinds at times, it’s was the perfect balance of exercise and enjoyment. Great to get off the hiking trails for a day as well!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
From $115
up to 14 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).