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Half Day Verde River Kayak Adventure - Self Guided

Rental

Duration: 3 hours

Features

Locally Owned
Shuttle Included
Beginner Friendly
Instant Book
$64 Spuddies - Weekday
(Perfect beginner kayak - 9 to 12 year olds its lightweight, short, and stable kayak)
$69 Spuddies - WEEKEND
(Perfect beginner kayak - 9 to 12 year olds its lightweight, short, and stable kayak)
$94 Adult - Single Kayak (Weekday)
(Ages 13 and over)
$99 Adult - Single Kayak (WEEKEND)
(Ages 13 and over)
$159 Adult & Child - Tandem Kayak (Weekday)
(Children Ages 3-12 must be accompanied by and adult in a tandem kayak)
$169 Adult & Child - Tandem Kayak (WEEKEND)
(Children Ages 3-12 must be accompanied by and adult in a tandem kayak)

Description

Self-Guided Half Day Wild & Scenic Verde River Kayaking

Ready to experience Arizona’s only designated Wild and Scenic River? This self-guided half-day paddle down the Verde River is the perfect way to explore the hidden gems of the desert landscape. Our stable, inflatable kayaks (single and tandem options available) are comfortable, easy to paddle, and super fun! 

You’ll meet your professional shuttle guide at the river’s takeout point—where your adventure will end—so when you’re done paddling, your car is waiting. The guide will provide safety and paddling instructions to ensure you’re set for a great trip, then shuttle you to the put-in spot just 15 minutes away. From there, you’ll launch your kayak and float about 5 miles of calm, scenic river at your own pace.

The trip usually takes 2.5 to 3 hours, with plenty of time to soak in the sunshine, spot wildlife, and take in the beauty of the river’s canyons and cottonwood groves. It’s a laid-back but exciting adventure, great for families, friends, or anyone wanting a refreshing day outside.

Kayak Rental Details

Spuddies
Perfect beginner kayak - 9 to 12 year olds its lightweight, short, and stable inflatable kayak
Adult - Single Kayaks
Ages 13 and over
Adult & Child - Tandem Kayaks
Children Ages 3-12 must be accompanied by and adult in a tandem inflatable kayak
Tandem kayaks are not recommended for 2 adults due to the low water in the river - single kayaks will offer a more exciting adventure!

Ages & Requirements

  1. Ages 3+ (see above for paddling arrangements)
  2. Dogs are unfortunately not allowed due to Forest Service and insurance policies

Location - Where to Meet

We’ll meet you at the takeout point on the Verde River, where your trip ends and your vehicle will be waiting for you. The exact meeting location and parking details will be provided when you book.

Duration

About 2.5 to 3 hours on the water at a leisurely pace.  The trip is about 5 miles.
Shuttle to the river access point to start your adventure is about 15 minutes
Please remember this is a timed event and we need the boats back for the next trip.  Late return time will incur a $35.00 per hour extended use fee.
  • 9:00 am trip need to have the boats back by 12:30 pm
  • 1:00 pm trip needs to have the boats back by 4:30 pm

What's Included

  1. Inflatable kayak (single or tandem)
  2. Paddle and PFD
  3. Shuttle to the river access point
  4. Safety and paddling instructions from a pro guide

Not Included

  1. Gratuity for your shuttle guide (if you choose)
  2. River guide (this is self guided)

What to Bring

  • Big smiles and laughter it’s going to be a fun adventure (River Goddess likes this)
  • Clothing that is suitable for the weather conditions
  • Change of clothing for after the trip (you will be getting wet), you can leave these in your vehicle.
  • Shoes or sandals that can get wet, sunhat, sunglasses and strap, sunscreen, plastic ziplock for phones, camera and whatever you would like to keep dry.
  • Water bottles and quick snacks
  • Dogs NOT allowed due to Forest Service and insurance requirements

ADVENTURE PROVIDED BY Verde Adventures

FAQs

Do I need prior kayaking experience?

Nope! These kayaks are beginner-friendly and stable. You’ll get a safety and paddling briefing before you launch.

How long is the paddle trip?

About 2.5 to 3 hours on the water, covering roughly 5 miles.

What is the schedule?

The 9:00 am trip needs boats returned by 12:30 pm. The 1:00 pm trip needs boats back by 4:30 pm. Please note, this is a timed event—late returns will be charged a $35 per hour extended use fee.

Can I bring my dog?

Sorry, dogs aren’t allowed on this trip because of Forest Service and insurance restrictions.

Are there any restrictions on who can paddle?

This trip is great for most ages. Kids aged 3–12 must be in a tandem kayak with an adult. Tandem kayaks are best for an adult and a child—two adults should each take a single kayak for the best experience.

Cancellation Policy

Trips depart RAIN OR SHINE! If it rains, you get more water for your money. If we cancel any trip due to weather, mechanical failure, unsafe conditions, or insufficient reservations, a full refund will be provided. Please notify us by phone if you need to cancel or reschedule. Refunds vary according to the cancellation timeframe. See the following for details:
Refund and Cancelation Policy for trips
  1. No refunds for cancellations within 48 hours of departure.
  2. Cancellations prior to 48 hours before departure subject to a $10 per person fee.
  3. We reserve the right to cancel any departure if we have insufficient reservations. We do all we can to reschedule or accommodate guests reserved on any departure with insufficient reservations.
Policy for reservations over 30 days and for group trips
  1. 50% deposit due at time of reservation; Final payment and any changes are due and final 7 days prior to trip departure.
  2. Cancellations or changes must be received by email 7 days prior to the departure date and will incur fees.
  3. We reserve the right to cancel any departure if we have insufficient reservations.
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Availability

June 2025

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Reviews

Location

Address

612 N Main St

Cottonwood, AZ, 86326

US

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