10 of the Best Spots for White Water Rafting
Last Updated on October 28, 2020
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.
Table of Contents
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. To search for a Grand Canyon rafting trip from all the top 15 outfitters in one place, visit AdvantageGrandCanyon.com.
Flickr photo by Al_HikesAZ
3. Rio Pacuare, 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.
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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. Be sure to include this into your Chile itinerary!
Flickr photo by Northwest Rafting Company
5. Salmon River, Idaho
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.
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.
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. Rhine River, 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
Have you tried rafting in any of these places? Did we miss any good rafting spots? Share with us below!
The Comments
Jarmo
Damn, I love white water rafting, but I haven't been to any of those!
@WildJunket
Jarmohey Jarmo, good to see you here! We are huge fans too, love white water rafting, especially in the icy cold water of Iceland!
remlaph
I can't believe you left the Sun Kosi – Nepal offf the list! Otherwise, brilliant!
David @ MalaysiaAsia
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
@WildJunket
David @ MalaysiaAsiahey 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. :)
Jessica Festa
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!
@WildJunket
Jessica FestaThanks 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!
Rohit @ Couponlava
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.
Rachel
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
@WildJunket
Thanks for the suggestion. We've never been to Laurel Highlands, but will definitely go read up more about it!
@WildJunket
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.
Tom Ludindi
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.
Suzzane
My Favorite spot is The Costa Rica .. I love the class III rapids for water rafting!
josie
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!
TammyOnTheMove
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. :-)
Jamie
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. :)
Nellie
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!
Casey Camilleri
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!
Mikeike
you got a good list here…Magpie River in Canada looks exciting huh!:)
The Travel Tart
Definitely one for the adrenalin junkies!
Daniel Williams
You forgot to mention white water rafting wales – although the Zambezi River looks pretty good too :)
Gorge Scrambling
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.
Stefan
Great list but personally I would rank the Soca river in Slovenia higher than Rafting in Switzerland.
jenny
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
Nellie
jennyWe actually did rafting in Baños as well, loved the experience!
Richard
Great post! I've enjoyed Class 2-5 rapids just outside Jasper, Alberta, Canada National Park, along the Athabasca, Fraser and the Sunwapta rivers. all so cool being in the Canadian Rockie Mountains.
Rishi
I have done riverrafting twice in this year.I was really amazing experience. Everyone should try at least once in lifetime.