Watauga River Rafting & Inflatable Kayak Trip

Guided

Duration: 3 hours

Elizabethton

Features

Kid Friendly

Locally Owned

Shuttle Included

Beginner Friendly

Free Cancellation

Instant Book

$55 13+

(Guided Rafting Regular Price - $80 per adult - Ages 13 and up)

$45 Children (Age 12 and under)

(Regular Price - $70 per child - Ages 12 and under)

$60 Individual Inflatable Kayak (Ducky)

(Guided Individual Inflatable Kayak (Ducky) - Min Age: 14 years)

$120 Tandem Inflatable Kayak (Ducky)

(Guided Tandem Inflatable Kayak (Ducky) - Min Age: 14 years)

$120 Go Private Guided Whitewater Raft for Three People

$180 Go Private Guided Whitewater Raft for Two People

$80 Go Private Guided Whitewater Raft for 4-5 People

Description

Watauga River Whitewater Rafting & Inflatable Kayak Tours

Looking for a whitewater rafting experience the whole family will love? Come explore the scenic Watauga River in Elizabethton, TN! Whether you're paddling in a guided raft or a duckie (inflatable kayak), this dam-controlled river offers consistent whitewater and fun for all ages throughout the season.

Your adventure begins at Wahoo’s Watauga River Outpost, where you’ll be welcomed by sweeping views of the river and surrounding Appalachian Mountains. After gearing up and receiving a safety briefing, hop aboard our shuttle for a short ride to Wilbur Dam. From there, your experienced guide will lead you on a five-mile journey through gentle Class I-III rapids, winding mountain scenery, towering cliffs, and chances to spot wildlife along the way.

This trip is perfect for first-timers and families with young children—no previous experience is needed. Choose between a classic guided raft or add a little extra thrill by paddling your own duckie with the support of our professional guides. After your trip, take advantage of Wahoo’s beautiful 6-acre riverfront property—relax by the water, enjoy a picnic, and soak in the mountain views with friends and family.

Duration

3 hours | 5 miles

Location / Where to Meet

Watauga River Outpost

105 John Sheffield Dr
Elizabethton, TN 37644

Please arrive at least 15 minutes early.

We are conveniently located 1.0 Mile from the Elizabethton Municipal Airport (09A).

Ages & Requirements

Ages 3+ for rafting

Ages 14+ for intlatable kayaks

No experience necessary!

What's Included

Experienced whitewater rafting and inflatable kayak guides
All rafting and safety gear (helmet, paddle, life jacket)
Shuttle to and from the river
Access to Wahoo’s 6-acre riverfront property for picnicking and relaxing

Not Included

Meals or snacks (picnic areas available—feel free to bring your own!)
Water shoes or appropriate river footwear (required—available for purchase or rent if needed)
Gratuities for your river guide (optional but appreciated!)
Transportation to/from the River Outpost

What to Bring

Swimming trunks or quick-dry shorts
Tevas, Chacos, or old tennis shoes (sandals must have a heel strap)
Cotton t-shirts are fine on hot days, but are not recommended during colder trips
Polyester, fleece, polypropylene, or wool materials are great for keeping warm on cold days
Dry clothes for after your white water adventure, including dry shoes
Towel to dry off at the end of the day
Sunscreen to protect your skin
Sunglasses
Reusable water bottle
Epipens, insulin, or any medications that should accompany you on your trip — each of our professional guides carries a dry bag or a cooler in which your medications can be stored.
If you are canoeing or kayaking, be sure to bring your cooler full of eats and drinks – NO GLASS!

ADVENTURE PROVIDED BY Wahoo's Adventures

FAQs

Are your guides certified in CPR & First Aid?

All Wahoo’s guides are certified in CPR and first aid. For high-adventure rafting trips, guides with certifications such as Wilderness First Responder (WFR), Wilderness First Aid (WFA) and Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) will be provided. An up-to-date comprehensive medical kit accompanies every rafting trip

Should I tip my guide?

No service charge or gratuity has been added to your expedition. A tip of 15-20+% is customary and certainly appreciated by your hard-working professional whitewater rafting guides.

What should I do with my valuables?

Please leave any valuables (watches, cell phones, jewelry, wallets, etc.) in your car, which will be safely parked at one of our river outposts.

Do you rent wetsuits?

For cooler weather days, Wahoo’s offers top-of-the-line wet suits that can be rented by making a reservation the day prior to your expedition.

What if it's raining?

Trips go rain or shine.

Do you offer airport transportation?

We are happy to arrange a shuttle to and from the Elizabethton airport for you. Simply let us know when you book, as advanced notice is required.

Can some members of my party raft while the others kayak?

Of course!

Should I choose a raft or inflatable kayak?

It depends on your adventure style! Guided rafts are perfect for families, younger kids, and anyone looking for a fun, social experience with the support of a professional guide in your boat. Inflatable kayaks (also known as duckies) offer a more hands-on experience—you’ll paddle your own boat with guidance from our team, making them ideal for adventurous guests ages 14+ looking for a little more challenge. Both options are great for beginners and equally scenic!

Can we make it a private trip?

Absolutely - you can select the option for a private trip at checkout if you want an exclusive, intimate river experience for just you and your group.

Cancellation Policy

For parties of 9 or below:

A full refund will be given in the following circumstances: 1) Wahoos cancels your trip or 2) If you cancel on or before 31 days of your trip date and time.

A 50% refund will be given if you cancel between 15 to 30 days of your trip date and time.
No refund will be given if you cancel within 14 days of your trip date and time.
Rebookings - if you cancel between 8 to 14 days of your trip date and time, you will be allowed to rebook your trip to a date and time during the current Wahoos season which ends on October 31 of each year. If you cancel within 7 days of your bookings, you may rebook within the current season, however, your rebooking will be subject to a rebooking fee.

For group bookings (10 or more)

* A full refund will be given in the following circumstances: 1) Wahoos cancels your trip or 2) If you cancel at least 45 days before your group trip date and time.

A 50% refund will be given if you cancel between 31 to 44 days of your group trip date and time.
No refund will be given if you cancel on or after 30 days prior to your group trip date and time.
Rebookings - If you cancel between 15 to 30 days of your group trip date and time, you will be allowed to rebook your trip to a date and time during the current Wahoos season which ends on October 31 of each year. If you cancel within 14 days of your group booking date and time, you may rebook within the same season, however, your rebooking will be subject to a rebooking fee.

Payments: A $200 deposit is due at the time of booking which is applied to your total group trip fee. 50% of the total group booking fee is due 45 days prior to the group trip date and time. The balance of any trip fee is due 30 days prior to your group trip date and time.

In all cases, Wahoos reserves the right to charge any balance due on your trip fee to the credit card on file at the completion of your trip.

Availability

May 2025

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Reviews

Location

Address

3385 S US Highway 321

Boone, NC, 28607

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