Paddling over whirlpools of turbulent water and watching the landscapes go by can be such an adrenaline rush. Aside from the high energy buzz, white water rafting also makes for an exciting way to explore and immerse deeply in the backcountry. What better way is there to see the Grand Canyon than by riding along the ebb and flow of the Colorado River? Can you get any closer to the Victoria Falls than by rafting to its base on the Zambezi River?
Here’s a list of 10 of the best whitewater rafting spots. Suit up and join us on this wet and wild ride.
1 Zambezi River (Zimbabwe)
White water rafting on the Zambezi River is something every adventure-lover should experience. Enjoying the spectacular African scenery and the warm sunny weather, while bobbing around at the base of Victoria Falls, is definitely the highlight of the trip. You can top off your rafting experience with camping on beautiful white beaches and wildlife viewing that this region is famous for.
Flickr photo by christophercjensen
2 Colorado River, Grand Canyon
Many visitors claim that this is one of the worlds’ best trips. The area has a lot to offer, such as 226 miles of rafting, hiking paths up the canyon and to ancient Indian ruins, the view of the Grand Canyon, beautiful camping sites on spectacular beaches and the amazing Colorado River.
Flickr photo by Al_HikesAZ
3 Costa Rica
Costa Rica is rated to be one of the best white water rafting spots in the world. The rivers range from Class II to Class V rapids, and have something to offer for everyone, from families to adventure junkies. For those who enjoy adrenaline filled holidays, Costa Rica, with its natural exotic beauty and amazing wildlife is the ideal holiday spot. The Rios Pacuare, Reventazón, Sarapiqui and Corobici are some of the best places to ride in Costa Rica.
Flickr photo by jurvetson
4 Futaleufu River (Chile)
The Futaleufu River is not only known for white river rafting, but also for its unique permanent river camps, which are built into cliff dwellings with riverside stone hot tubs, hot showers, treehouses and beds. If you need a break from river rafting, you can always try out horseback riding, rock climbing or hiking along the river.
Flickr photo by Northwest Rafting Company
5 Idaho Rivers
White water rafting in Idaho is a thrilling adventure holiday for the wilderness surrounding the area. You can enjoy the scenic view of one of Idaho’s premier rivers, the Middle Fork of the Salmon River or the Main Salmon River, with its crystal clear water and soothing natural hot springs.
Flickr photo by ConanTheLibrarian
6 Yangtze River (China)
Less than 150 people have ever rafted on the Yangtze River in China. The Great Bend runs through canyons that are twice as deep as the Grand Canyon, only a third as wide and the water flow is twice as powerful. If you dare to venture into this unexplored wonder you will be rewarded by an amazing view of mountains with terraced fields and ancient stone villages.
Flickr photo by sullivan_ng
7 Magpie River (Canada)
Beginning on Newfoundland’s Labrador plateau and emptying into the St. Lawrence River, the Magpie River flows through hundreds of kilometers of pine forests. You can easily spend a few days rafting various sections of the river, camping out under the stars before jumping back on the raft to explore more.
Flickr photo by gr_h_m
8 Ganges River (India)
The Ganges, the holy river of India is one of the best places for white water rafting in Asia. Connecting with the wild waters while exploring India and its nature will make your trip worth it. Some of the best places to test your rafting skills are near the Devprayag where two rivers – Bhagirathi and Alaknanda meet and form the Ganges.
Flickr photo by >S@TS<
9 Switzerland
Switzerland usually known for its chocolate, its cheese, its Army Knives, and its banks, but it also provides great rafting opportunities. White water rafting trips in Switzerland have the extra advantage of the beautiful scenery of the Swiss Alps. Some good spots for rafting in the country include Arve, Lütschine, Rhine, Rhone and Saane rivers.
Flickr photo by Pixel Brain
10 Chiang Mai and Northern Thailand
White water rafting was introduced to Thailand only a few years ago but has become a big hit already. It is an ideal activity for the rainy season, which lasts from May to October. A number of river routes have become well-known for whitewater rafting. The North of Thailand has more rivers suitable for rafting than anywhere else. The best-known rafting route is along the Mae Taeng River in Chiang Mai. Another interesting spot for river rafting in Chiang Mai is on the Mae Cham River.
Flickr photo by thebrettburton
*This post was brought to you by www.thailand.ch
Whitewater Rafting Laurel Highlands is a cool and a great idea for family and friends bonding.
Thanks for the suggestion. We've never been to Laurel Highlands, but will definitely go read up more about it!
This is a great list of resources. They are really the best spots for water rafting..
Damn, I love white water rafting, but I haven't been to any of those!
hey Jarmo, good to see you here! We are huge fans too, love white water rafting, especially in the icy cold water of Iceland!
Great Article, you forgot the Snake River in Oregon. A great idea for family and friends bonding But I think that they clearly do not understand the concept of family fun and servicing customers.
I can't believe you left the Sun Kosi – Nepal offf the list! Otherwise, brilliant!
Beautiful places!. the last picture was actually funny, but fun is a key element in traveling
Hi Nell! How's new life? Anyway, I had to look at your 10 and totally disagree. It should be 10 spots for water rafting. not best. How could you not include Malaysia's Padas River during the rainy season? It gets to Class 5 and sometimes 6! Adrenaline pumping action in Tea colored waters.
Anyway, look forward to catching up with you one day in 2013.
Dave
hey David, good to hear from you! I haven't been to Padas River myself but heard about it – definitely hope to get there someday and perhaps add it to our list.
Love this! I'm going to Costa Rica in a couple months so will definitely save this post. I would also add the Tully River in Cairns, Austalia. What a beautiful and fun experience!
Thanks for the suggestion! We were recently in Queensland but never made it to Cairns, perhaps we will try it there another time. Have fun in Costa Rica!
This is an Awesome blog post!!! Thanks for it! I'm going to try the Magpie River in Canada woo hoo! Thanks again!
I've never been whitewater rafting before – what do you think is a good place for beginners? Or is it more the specific trail/run that matters?
There are plenty of spots for beginners, depending on which geographical location you're located at. I tried it in Chiangmai, Thailand, as well as the Amazon in Ecuador, and they were both Class II and fairly mild.
Wow! This is really a great list. Looking at the photos, the guys at #10 (Chiang Mai and Northern Thailand) seem to be in trouble.
I am very scared as a chickened to try water rafting because I am not a good swimmer. But reading this article makes me realize why not try it! Hopefully I can survive the challenge.
The list seems great but i was expecting Trishuli River Rafting from Nepal on the list.
The Grand Canyon is just so jaw dropping. Can't help but imagine and wonder how this marvelous landmarks had been made. As always, it is considered one of the world famous wonders
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Great list. When it comes to white water rafting in Africa, It is probably debatable which the best spot is between the Zambezi and the White Nile in Uganda. Those who have been to Jinja Uganda swear that the White Nile offers the best white water rafting in the whole world (up to class-5). The White Nile, especially near and around Jinja, has arguably higher water volumes than the Zambezi, more scenic sites, and tougher and rougher rapids. I would add it to this list.
My Favorite spot is The Costa Rica .. I love the class III rapids for water rafting!
I've been to a bunch of these spots and love rafting! While I agree that while in Africa, the Zambezi is a must, I have to agree with Tom (above). Do NOT overlook the Nile while in Uganda. My best rafting experience to date for sure!
The photo of the rafting in Northern Thailand looks a bit tricky.
This is a great list. I went rafting in Tyrol, Austria. Itbwas quite awesome. Jumping into that freezing water literally took my breath away.
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Hi
very nice article and excellent information.
Rafting in Chile looks amazing. I have gone rafting in Brazil once (near Curitiba) and because at the time they had just set up the rafting company we were one of the first tourists who had done the trip. It was amazing, but somewhat scary as we weren't sure how experienced the crew was and it didn't help that his commands were in Portugese either.
Dubare is a picturesque forest area famous for its elephant training camp. It is located on the banks of the river Cauvery in between Siddapur and Kushalnagar. During the reign of erstwhile Maharaja of Mysore, this place was used to train elephants for the Mysore Dussehra festival.
An elephant training camp of the Forest Department of Coorg is located here. Local tribe, Kurba, dwell in Dubare. Here, you can observe and learn a great deal about the elephants. Also, visitors can take part in a number of activities with the elephants.
Dubare offers a number of trekking opportunities and also you can indulge in adrenalin pumping activity like river rafting. The place due to its sublime verdant beauty is also a preferred destination for nature lovers.
River rafting at Dubare is on the magnificent river Cauvery. The river is wide and the rapids here are less, which makes rafting easy. There are two rafting options available for the rafters—8.5 km run and 12 km run. The longer run depends on the water level.
You pass through thick forests and scenic surroundings negotiating mostly the calm rapids. River rafting here allows you to rejuvenate yourself and enjoy the flow of the river. River rafting here is safe and it’s usually a smooth stretch.
That was really exciting river activities. I would love to experience the thrill in Chiang Mai and Northern Thailand river.
That places seems to be very exciting to have water rafting though it sounds a bit scary.
Nice list – can I also recommend Bled in Slovenia and Juquitiba in Brazil – amazing places to go white water rafting! Jonny
Thanks for sharing all the best places for water rafting. Recently I visited to Chiang Mai and Northern Thailand and enjoyed my vacation a lot with my family and some of the friends. I have visited some of the places that you have shared here. I am planning to visit Iceland in my next vacation as I heard that Iceland is a lovely planet and travelers love to go there and spend there vacation with their family and friends. Waiting for my next vacation as I am very excited to visit the place.
These places look incredible. I would love to try them all! I have only been rafting in four different countries, but my absolute favourite was Uganda. I think you should add it to your list because, wow.
My first water rafting experience was really great!
Water rafting is one of the most thrilling and sensational adventure sports known to humans. Yet, before engaging in this activity you must first ensure your safety so that you'll have a fun and memorable escapade.
This is so COOL, I've never tried river rafting and I don't think I would ever do it, but it looks amazing!
River rafting is SO much fun! Give it a go – maybe you can start on a Class I or II river – and you might just get hooked!
I am already fascinated with Futaleufu River, majestic waves with picturesque backdrop makes for some exciting adventure and sight seeing.
my first experience of river rafting is great .so nice post
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I like the fact that one african country is in the top of your list, it's actually one of the best tourism sites in africa and with all the other it makes a very great travel-list.
Chears
Awesome places for so much of water adventures. i just love it
White water rafting is not the sort of this that this urban traveller would usually want to do, but after reading this post I might have to reconsider!
This is an awesome list. Thanks so much for putting it together. I did white water rafting for the first time (level 2) in Austria and absolutely loved it! Since I live in California I think I gotta hit up Colorado. I had no idea Costa Rica would be on this list. Thanks again for the info!
you got a good list here…Magpie River in Canada looks exciting huh!:)
This list is very wonderful water riding places……And very good photography….nice information…
Awesome! The Mae taeng river definitely looks like the most fun one. Hopefully I can go visit there in the next year or so.
That was really amazing pic of white rafting.I like rafting .Thank u for great list of information.
River rafting is really good sports and fun too. One can enjoy a lot. I am lucky that I tried two places among these ten best places. India and Thailand. Ganga river is very good choice and I enjoyed the white water rapids at Rishikesh which was 36 km long.
The mekong river in Vietnam is best spots for white water rafting
wow!!! awesome places…
Thanks so much for helping to promote this event! We’re looking forward to it being a lot of fun. Hope to see you there!
Some great photos. I have very fond memories of the city.
Definitely one for the adrenalin junkies!
Some fantastic images
Great list! I recently visited Zimbabwe and it truly is an amazing spot for rafting. Spectacular scenery! In addition to the Magpie River in Canada I would also recommend the Ottawa River.
Switzerland and Costa Rica are my personal favorite for water rafting. but water rafting in Zambezi River looks adventurous.
Nice pics with nice descriptions. This is very rare to me. Thanks for sharing this. keep it up.
We are not agree with this because you left the Seti River Rafting in Nepal. Seti means white so Nepal is really popular for White Water Rafting http://www.nepalholiday.travel/rafting.php the water in river totally white if you don't believe come and experience yourselves also we arrange all the travel/ trekking related activities in Nepal, Tibet & Bhutan………….come and join us for adventure experience for a lifetime memory.
Great list there, i really love these sports and i hope i will do some of these activities in future whenever i have earned enough money and have free time.
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I don't know how to swim just in case we fell off. Hahaha! Anyway, I find this article really good and exciting. I'd like to try this kind of activity.
Oh boy as soon as i saw the rafting picture in that post i became all fired up.From the places you listed there ,i've only been to switzerland and i can tell it was definitely awesome.I was planning a trip to costa rica this year so rafting its something that i will try out.
John
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Very good List.. i would like to go to Ganges River because of its significant History..
Thanks Friend……..
your story will be very useful for me. I love water rafting….
i am on travel. So will be go these places……
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These awesome spots are definitely will go to my list and white water rafting must be an experience of a lifetime. My friends told me that somewhere in the Philippines would be a perfect spot.
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You forgot to mention white water rafting wales – although the Zambezi River looks pretty good too
I did the Colorado river last year, was one of the best experiences of my life and I'd highly recommend it to anyone looking for that outdoor activity adventure.
great stuff here. I once tried the one in Idaho Rivers. and that was an awesome experience. I bet I should the other places you mentioned!
Great post! I love wild water rafting, I tried it couple of times in river Cetina, Croatia. This is definitely great list, and I really enjoy the pics.
Hi,
Chiang Mai is popular for that and I think Bali can make it to the list as well. Buzz me when you drop by in Malaysia.
Wilson
Great list but personally I would rank the Soca river in Slovenia higher than Rafting in Switzerland.
Big thank for this great list of diferent rafting trips.. it helped me a lot to plan our new holiday!
White water rafting in India is almost exclusively confined to the northern rivers which flow southwards from the Himalayas, gushing between densely forested mountains and through steep gorges. Rivers such as the Alaknanda, Bhagirathi, Indus, Zanskar and Teesta offer `raft-worthy’ rapids, and a trip down a river can be a great way to see the countryside. Its just a quite thrilling experience.
It is really wonderful list shared here about water spots. Really enjoyed your worthy and so informative post. Nice work.
OMG! I love this list and the Colorado landscape certainly looks majestic!
You can also try river rafting in Cagayan de Oro, Philippines. Even first-timers can do it.
What a great list for water rafting. Love to experience that of Chiang Mai and Northern Thailand. Nice share!!
Well, I like Rafting and i feel amazing when see the given rafting places in all over world. Thanks for providing such a wonderful places. This is very impressive blog.
Great list but I am afraid of doing this.
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Great Article. Undoubtedly the Zambezi River deserves the number one spot on the list. The only other one I've visited is the Magpie River in Canada, which is fantastic and I highly recommend it to anyone wanting to give white water rafting a go.
Informative post! Thanks for sharing!
My Favorite spot is The Ganges River and Colorado River.
Wonderful spots. These make me curious to visit them as soon as possible. By the way i most like water rafting. Thanks for information.
All are very interesting to visit and try water extreme adventures. Thanks for sharing this!
For a second there, I thought the Zambezi tour would be done at the top of Victoria falls. Now that would be quite the adrenaline rush.
Wow great river adventure. Wooohho i wish i can go to this place also. All amazing place and truly deserved for a travels. thanks
I'd definitely go Zambezi River!
Those sound like great places to get out on the water. I did some rafting recently in Ecuador, in a place called Baños. It isn't the most advanced rafting trip in the world but it had a lot of rustic charm and some fantastic scenery
We actually did rafting in Baños as well, loved the experience!
awesome, will try it soon.