Verde River Kayak Tour: Scenic Arizona Paddling
5.0
399 Ratings
Cottonwood
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:
1 day
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Highlights
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Cottonwood - RECENTLY VOTED ONE OF THE TOP 20 EXPERIENCES IN THE USA!
Enjoy an adventurous and safe experience while you explore the scenic Verde River on our most popular tour! Soak up the scenery and local history on a Guided Kayak Tour for about 2 hours on the 3.1 miles down a beautiful stretch of the Verde. Tandem or single inflatable high water kayaks available for safety, fun and comfort or high capacity boats for larger or taller participants.
Need to know:
Check in 45-60 minutes prior to tour time.
4 person minimum required for tour to launch. Tours not meeting minimums subject to no cost rescheduling.
Water shoes required. No flip flops or backless shoes permitted.
Children 12 and under must be in a tandem with an adult. Children must be 5 years old and 50 lbs to go on a guided tour.
Bring it - Buy it - Rent it: If you don’t have it, we do!
What To Bring:
clothing appropriate for the weather and the water
Water shoes. Footwear must be worn at all times.
- Towel
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Medications if needed
*Items available for purchase or rental at boathouse
Water bottles or refill station, water shoes
Sunglasses and Sunscreen
Lip Balm and Hats
Splash Bag and Dry Bag
Snacks (variety)
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
Presented as one of only two designated Wild and Scenic Rivers in Arizona, the Verde River provides an unparalleled opportunity to escape the daily grind. Seize this moment to leave the ordinary behind and embark on an extraordinary adventure on the magnificent Verde River! Our expert-led paddling tours are awe-inspiring, showcasing fantastic panoramas, special interactions with local fauna, and invaluable experiences.
Venturing down the Verde River is a memory-making experience that will undoubtedly leave you awestruck. The verdant riverside landscape sets the perfect scene as you drift alongside towering cliffs adorned with Indigenous cultural heritage. Who knows, you might even come across local fauna during your journey - from adorable river otters to splendid bald eagles soaring the overhead.
With numerous tours conducted daily and private tour alternatives, we’re equipped to cater to all group sizes, whether big or small.
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
(399 Ratings)
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Kelli_w
Apr 17, 2024
So much fun! - Had a lot of fun kayaking for the first time while getting to attempt some small rapids! Had a blast!
Review provided by Viator
Donald_g
Apr 5, 2024
Perfect Adventure on the river - Highly recommended! Our guides were fantastic, even their Dad jokes were funny.This was a perfect combination of adventure and safe fun. The rapids were 1 & 2’s perfect for beginners and old people like us. A very enjoyable day. Dress appropriately, you will get wet from splashes and paddle drips.
Review provided by Viator
John_d
Apr 4, 2024
Great trip down the Verde - Shooting down the rapids.
Our guides had excellent people skills and were always positioned where they could respond to safety issues. Really enjoyed the great pics. Thanks
Review provided by Viator
Lisahz8868qi
Apr 1, 2024
Outstanding - Outstanding trip, worth every penny. The guides were warm and skilled making the trip both easy for a new kayaker and fun. The views were beautiful. They thought of everything (water shoes, wet pants, etc.). Bring water and enjoy the ride! One of the best parts of our trip.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jennifer_l
Mar 31, 2024
Simply Beautiful - Amazing Experience. We had great guide, serene and full of nature’s peace. Grateful for the care, safety and fun experienced.
Review provided by Viator
Deena_j
Mar 28, 2024
Great experience - We had a great time on the water, the kids loved it. Their favorite part was falling in the water lol
Review provided by Viator
Nancy_n
Oct 29, 2023
Great experience!! - Entire experience was great - from booking to the actual tour. The tour group was communicative and friendly. The tour guide was fantastic! So knowledgable about the area and just plain fun!
The trip down the river was a perfect balance of quiet water with periodic easy rapids. Great fun, but not too challenging. Highly recommend for anyone looking for a non-touristy experience.
You WILL get wet, so be prepared. Changing rooms available at the meeting point to change into dry clothes before going on to your next adventure.
Review provided by Viator
Marianne_p
Oct 27, 2023
Best Highlight of Sedona!! - Best highlight of our trip! The Verde River is absolutely gorgeous and we had the perfect guide to make the very most of it! Thank you Blane for great training, ensuring our safety, endless facts, stories and excellent photography to remember the trip! We want to go again!!
Review provided by Viator
Emilybm2580cg
Oct 30, 2023
Fun, flexible - Fun experience to try something new. I was first worried about using an inflatable kayak for the first time on some small rapids, but it works out great!
They were very flexible in my call to rescheduel due to illness and I appreciated that! I little clearer instruction and leadership from the guides would have made me less nervous and uncertain at parts of the trip.Overall great experience.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Diane_s
Oct 28, 2023
NEVER THOUGHT I COULD DO IT - The most memorable parts of the tour were going through the various rapids, including going through one backwards, which was actually quite fun. My husband and I chose to have a double kayak. He thought it would be easier on me. But the next time, I would have a one person kayak. I believe it would have been easier to maneuver and would require less coordination with the other person. It was a lot of fun once we got the hang of it, but if you are novices like us, 2.5 hours was a bit much--sore arms.
Review provided by Viator