Durango, CO: Whitewater Rafting — Full Day With Lunch

Durango, Colorado offers an exhilarating whitewater rafting experience that’s perfect for adventurers of all skill levels. This full-day tour on the Lower Animas River promises thrilling Class II and III rapids, paired with a delicious mid-trip lunch. Guided by certified professionals, participants can expect essential safety gear, stunning views, and a deeper understanding of the area’s rich history. Whether you’re seeking an unforgettable family outing or an adrenaline-fueled solo adventure, this whitewater rafting excursion in Durango has something to captivate every outdoor enthusiast.

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Key Points

This full-day whitewater rafting adventure in Durango, Colorado, offers 4 hours of river time on the Lower Animas River with Class II-III rapids.
Pricing starts at $162.41 per person and includes all necessary equipment, a mid-trip deli-style lunch, and a safety orientation.
The flexible booking process allows for "reserve now, pay later" option, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance.
Experienced, Class III certified guides prioritize safety, and participants receive helmets, life jackets, and splash jackets for the journey.
Not recommended for children under 4, pregnant women, or individuals with specific health issues, and appropriate attire is required.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Activity Overview and Pricing

What does a full day of whitewater rafting in Durango, Colorado entail?

The adventure includes 6 hours of excitement, with approximately 4 hours spent navigating the Lower Animas River.

Spend 4 thrilling hours navigating the Lower Animas River during this 6-hour whitewater rafting adventure in Durango, Colorado.

Suitable for all skill levels, the rapids range from Class II to Class III.

The price starts at $162.41 per person.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance, and a reserve now, pay later option is available for flexible travel plans.

Looking for more options in Durango Colorado? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.

Booking and Payment

How does one book and pay for the whitewater rafting adventure in Durango, Colorado? The reservation process offers flexibility:

Customers can reserve now and pay later, with no obligation to pay anything today.
Travelers can check availability for desired start times.
The "reserve now & pay later" option allows customers to secure their spot with flexible travel plans.

With these convenient booking options, adventurers can easily plan their whitewater rafting trip on the Lower Animas River in Durango.

The streamlined process ensures a stress-free experience from start to finish.

Safety and Equipment

Safety is a top priority for the whitewater rafting adventure in Durango, Colorado. Highly experienced, Class III certified guides lead the trip, providing a thorough safety orientation before setting out on the river.

Participants are equipped with helmets, Coast Guard-approved life jackets, and splash jackets. Custom self-bailing rafts and paddles are also provided.

For added warmth, wetsuits are available for rental at $15, recommended from May through June. With this top-notch safety gear and expert guidance, guests can confidently experience the thrilling Class II and III rapids of the Lower Animas River.

Trip Highlights and Experience

The whitewater rafting adventure in Durango, Colorado takes guests on an exhilarating journey through the heart of the city.

Adventurers encounter Class II rapids, offering fun and friendly thrills, as well as Class III rapids for a wet and wild experience.

Mid-trip, rafters enjoy a delicious deli-style lunch, fueling up for the second half of the excursion.

Throughout the tour, the highly experienced guides share captivating stories and historical facts about Durango, providing a truly immersive experience.

Raft through the scenic Animas River
Encounter a mix of Class II and Class III rapids
Refuel with a tasty deli-style lunch

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Important Information and Restrictions

While the whitewater rafting adventure is suitable for most participants, there are some important restrictions to be aware of. The activity isn’t recommended for children under 4, pregnant women, or individuals with certain health issues.

Guests should wear appropriate attire like water shoes and quick-dry clothing. For safety reasons, sandals, flip-flops, pets, alcohol, and drugs are prohibited.

Minors must be accompanied by an adult. The itinerary may change based on water conditions, and extra precautions are taken during high water levels.

Following these guidelines ensures a fun and safe whitewater rafting experience in Durango.

There's plenty more to explore in Durango Colorado

Getting to Durango

Getting to Durango is straightforward, as the city is easily accessible by various modes of transportation.

Durango is easily accessible by plane, car, and train, making it a convenient destination for visitors.

Fly into Durango-La Plata County Airport (DRO), which offers direct flights from major hubs.
Drive to Durango via US Highway 550, a scenic route through the San Juan Mountains.
Take the Amtrak Southwest Chief train, with a station located in downtown Durango.

The city’s central location in southwest Colorado makes it a convenient destination for visitors from across the country.

With ample transportation options, adventurers can quickly arrive in Durango and begin their whitewater rafting expedition.

What to Expect on the River

As adventurers embark on their whitewater rafting journey in Durango, CO, they can expect an exhilarating and scenic experience on the Lower Animas River. The dynamic Class II-III rapids will keep them on their toes, while the guides share fascinating stories about the area’s history. During a mid-trip lunch stop, they can refuel and soak in the stunning mountain vistas. Proper safety equipment, including helmets and life jackets, ensures everyone’s well-being. Whether a first-time rafter or an experienced thrill-seeker, the Durango whitewater adventure delivers an unforgettable day of outdoor recreation.

| Rapids | Level |

| — | — |

| Class II | Fun and friendly |

| Class III | Wet and wild |

| Highlights | Included |

| — | — |

| Encounter exciting rapids | Safety orientation |

| Scenic mountain views | High-quality equipment |

| Delicious deli-style lunch | Experienced guides |

Preparing for Your Adventure

To make the most of their whitewater rafting adventure in Durango, CO, adventurers should prepare accordingly.

Adventurers should prepare accordingly to make the most of their whitewater rafting adventure in Durango, CO.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Life Jacket?

No, participants cannot bring their own life jackets. Life jackets are provided as part of the rafting equipment and are required to be worn at all times for safety.

What if I Don’t Know How to Swim?

Even if one doesn’t know how to swim, the activity provider supplies Coast Guard-approved life jackets. These ensure safety, and guides provide a thorough safety orientation before the rafting trip begins.

Is There a Weight Limit for Participants?

There is no weight limit for participants in the whitewater rafting activity. However, the activity may not be suitable for individuals with certain health issues or physical limitations that could impact their ability to safely participate.

What Happens if I Fall Out of the Raft?

If a participant falls out of the raft, the highly trained guides will quickly retrieve them and pull them back into the raft. Safety is the top priority, and guests are provided with proper safety equipment to prevent and respond to such situations.

Can I Bring a Waterproof Camera?

Yes, you can bring a waterproof camera on the rafting trip. The guides recommend securing it well, as it could easily be lost during the rapids. However, they’re not responsible for any damaged or lost equipment.

The Sum Up

Whitewater rafting in Durango, CO, is an exhilarating full-day adventure suitable for all skill levels. Guided by certified professionals, participants enjoy stunning views, tackle Class II and III rapids, and savor a deli-style lunch midway through the 6-hour journey. With flexible booking options and a focus on safety, this outdoor experience is perfect for families and adventure seekers looking to explore Durango’s rich history and natural beauty.

You can check availability for your dates here: