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Half-Day Kayaking in Durango - Bookable from Historic Downtown Durango on Varoom

Double the adventure by piloting your own inflatable kayak (IK) down the Animas River, combining hands-on paddling with the excitement of passing through a Class III Whitewater Park; professional guides will instruct and outfit you so you can confidently pilot your IK alongside the raft trip, making this a full-participation, high-adrenaline experience in Durango-conveniently based from Historic Downtown Durango for easy access to this Water-Based adventure.

About this activity in Historic Downtown Durango

Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Highlights

  • Pilot your own inflatable kayak through the Animas River, combining a guided raft trip with hands-on whitewater paddling for double the adventure.
  • Navigate a Class III Whitewater Park under the instruction of professional guides who outfit and coach you for a safe, thrilling run.
  • Experience river scenery near Historic Downtown Durango - great for adventure-seekers, families with kids aged 12+, and group outings.
  • Enjoy included perks like free secure parking and complimentary wetsuit and river shoe rentals so you can focus on the river fun.

Important Information

  • This excursion requires full participation and a sense of adventure; it’s not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health and is best for ages 12 and up.
  • Wear quick-drying clothes, a windbreaker, and secure footwear (no flip-flops); bring sunscreen, bottled water, and a hat for comfort in the sun.
  • All kayaking equipment is provided (PFD, inflatable kayak, paddle, helmet); gratuities and souvenir photos are not included and can be purchased separately.
  • Public transportation options are nearby and free snacks are provided during the trip; confirm specific meeting time and any accessibility needs when you book.

Meeting Point

Meet at the Varoom meeting point in Historic Downtown Durango - the exact pickup location and start time will be listed in your booking confirmation; arrive 15 minutes early to check in and get fitted.

Includes

  • Free secure parking available - convenient when you’re staying in Historic Downtown Durango and heading out for a river trip.
  • Snacks provided, including a mid-trip snack stop to keep your energy up on the water.
  • Learn from some of the best river guides in the world, skilled at showing you the river near Durango safely and enjoyably.
  • Free wetsuit and river shoe rentals (normally $15) so you can travel light and still stay comfortable in the water.
  • All kayaking equipment included: PFD (life jacket), inflatable kayak, paddle, and helmet - everything you need to get on the river right away.

Excludes

  • Gratuities are not included; you may tip guides at your discretion.
  • Souvenir photos are not included but are available to purchase if you want keepsakes from your trip.

Other

  • Public transportation options are available nearby, making it easy to reach the meeting point from downtown or the region.
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health; please assess your condition before booking this Water-Based activity.
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels - guides accommodate a wide range of abilities so most people can participate.
  • Inflatable kayak age limit: participants must be 12 and up to use inflatable kayaks.
  • Wear quick-drying clothes such as shorts, a synthetic t-shirt, and a windbreaker to stay comfortable on the river.
  • Choose footwear that stays on (no flip-flops) to protect your feet and ensure safe footing in the kayak.
  • Bring sunscreen, bottled water, and a hat to protect yourself from sun exposure while you’re outdoors.

Customer Reviews

10 / 10
Based on 10 Reviews
B8042JPmiked
Jul 6, 2025 02:32:57 PM
Summary: Eric is an awesome guide. Really thoughtful instruction for us n00bs. We learned a ton. R2 all the way. We loved the rapids. Ask for the squirt guns. We’ll see you again!
Tanya C
Jun 18, 2025 07:40:26 PM
Summary: We had an amazing time on our rafting trip with Mountain Waters Rafting! The entire experience was smooth and a lot of fun. Our guides, Colin and Eric, were absolutely fantastic and very knowledgeable on the water. We really enjoyed the trip and had fun trying out surfing on the rapids a couple of times. Highly recommend Mountain Waters if you’re looking for a memorable, fun rafting trip in Durango!
kristinco
Jul 3, 2023 08:21:52 PM
Summary: Great first rafting trip for my kids! Haymo was a great guide, very nice. Enough little rapids to be fun, but not enough to make me nervous for my kids. Enjoyed the trip, but seemed a bit short in duration. Classic trip is supposed to be 3.5 hours. We left the office at 11:45 and returned at 2:05, makes me wonder if they shortened the trip? Other than that, it was great and i would go again. All the employees were very nice.

In Historic Downtown Durango, you’ll find tours, dining, and Events

You’ll find a compact mix of Art & Culture, Food & Drink, Tours & Sightseeing, Shows & Entertainment, Outdoor & Nature and Events centered in Historic Downtown Durango, Durango that makes it easy to plan memorable bookings and activities. In this destination you can book workshops, guided tours, live performances and Group-Friendly or romantic experiences through Varoom to pair the right stay with the right activity. Use the area as your base for hands-on classes, scenic outings and seasonal Events that suit families, couples and adventure-seekers alike.

Know more about Historic Downtown Durango

You double the thrills by piloting your own inflatable kayak (IK) through Durango’s Animas River and a Class III Whitewater Park. This hands-on, Water-Based adventure pairs a guided raft trip with your inflatable kayak experience, giving you both guided instruction and action on whitewater for a true Outdoor & Nature and Adventure & Thrill outing.
The excursion is suitable for all physical fitness levels and requires full participation and a strong sense of adventure. The inflatable kayak age limit is 12 and up. It’s not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health, so you should assess your condition before booking.
Professional guides will instruct and outfit you to pilot your inflatable kayak and will lead the combined raft trip through the Class III Whitewater Park. You’ll receive safety equipment - helmet and life jacket - and hands-on guidance throughout the Water-Based adventure to help you confidently navigate the river.
Your booking includes all kayaking equipment - inflatable kayak, paddle, helmet, and PFD (life jacket) - plus free wetsuit and river shoe rentals, snacks, a midway snack break, free secure parking, and instruction from professional river guides so you’re fully outfitted for the Water-Based experience.
Wear quick-drying clothes like shorts, a synthetic t-shirt, and a windbreaker, and bring footwear that stays on (no flip-flops). Also pack sunscreen, bottled water, and a hat. Wet-suit and river shoe rentals are provided free as part of the trip.
To receive a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time. Note that gratuities and souvenir photos (available to purchase) are not included. Public transportation options are available nearby if you need them.