Bucket List: Where We Want to Raft in 2017

Whitewater rafting offers the thrill of a lifetime and an opportunity to experience the most scenic rivers in the United States and abroad. Thanks to professional guide companies, whitewater rafting is accessible to nearly everyone; from family-friendly float trips to raging river, rafting adventures for the passionate aficionado. Listed below are just a few of the river rafting locations that are worthy of your bucket list for 2017.

Batoka Gorge: The idea of a vacation to the African continent inspires the image of a safari tour through the Serengeti. However, rafting down the Zambezi River gives an up close opportunity to see wildlife and view Victoria Falls.  The falls are considered one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the world. Batoka Gorge rafting adventures travel 15 miles down the Zambezi River, through Zimbabwe and Zambia. In addition to the gorgeous scenery, there are over 23 rapids on this trip.

Sun Kosi River: Rather than hiking the Himilayan Mountains, the Sun Kosi River rafting trips show the mountain range as it joins the Ganges, giving adventures a unique vantage point of some of the world’s tallest peaks. The Sun Kosi River births near the border of Tibet, flowing through narrow gorges, forested canyons, and a dense tropical jungle. There is even a chance of spotting monkeys from your raft.  A visit to Nepal isn’t complete without experiencing the Sun Kosi’s Class V rapids.

Grand Canyon: The massive Colorado River is 1,450-miles-long, stretching across seven states in the US and two states in northern Mexico. While a river of this size has many different locations for white water rafting, the most celebrated section is through the Grand Canyon in Arizona. It’s easy to arrange a customized experience, depending on your group’s needs and your choice of guide company. There are half-day trips on Class II and Class III rapids and extended two-week journeys featuring Class IV whitewater rafting.

North Johnstone River: For as long as I can remember, visiting Australia has been at the very top of my personal bucket list. Researching rafting trips north of Queensland, down the North Johnstone River has only reinforced my desire to go down under. The adventure begins when you hop on a helicopter, since the start of the course is only accessible by air. The North Johnstone River offers Class IV and V white waters that thunder through volcanic gorges and ancient rainforests. The tropical jungle comes alive at night, when you can witness the glow-in-the-dark fungi clinging to rocks and fireflies sparkling in the forest canopy.

Nenana River: Canada and Alaska are home to a number of impressive rivers.  The Alsek, Tatshenshini, and Nenana Rivers are among the most popular in North America.  While white water rafting, guests get the opportunity to witness grizzly bears, moose, wild sheep, golden eagles, and spawning salmon in their natural habitat. The Nenana is a glacial river from Mt. McKinely; it is 10 miles long of Class IV rapids, flowing through the Alaskan mainland to Denali National Park.

Colorado River: Colorado River Rentals offers raft and gear rentals and guided trips down the Colorado River from our outpost located in Kremmling, Colorado. Among your many options are the more relaxed scenic float trips, Gore Canyon’s advanced white water rafting on Class IV and V rapids, stand up paddleboarding trips, and inflatable kayaking.

A good rafting company should cover all the bases, from providing the necessary equipment to trained, professional guides that intimately know each curve of the river. Outdoor adventure guides are prepared to handle emergency situations and ensure safety while maintaining a memorable experience. The best guides even double as a chef in the field, preparing warm meals for their guests, right there on the riverside.