Your River, Your Way

How many people can join a private trip?

Generally, up to 18 people can be accommodated for private groups for trips in the summer months. These trips may be inflatable kayaks, packrafts, or a combination thereof.

How far in advance do I need to book?

We recommend reaching out at least 2 to 3 weeks in advance to ensure your preferred date and time is available. Special requests for catering or logistical support should ideally be booked a minimum of 3 to 4 weeks in advance (more is always better!) but we'll make it happen if we are able.

What is included in a private group booking?

All standard gear (PFDs, helmets, paddles, wetsuit boots if required) along with a private guide, free shuttle, complimentary water during rest stops where applicable, and our undivided attention! We'll go over all the details when you reach out. Additional options are available for catering and logistical support at additional cost, please contact us for details!

Is there a minimum group size?

Yes - there is a minimum charge for 8 paddlers for a private group. That comes out to $720 for a half-day trip, and $1040 for a full-day trip. Additional participants beyond 8 (up to 18 total) can be added at a discounted rate of $75 pp for a half-day and $115 pp for a full-day.

Do we need to have a guide in every boat?

For Whitewater Rafting ONLY - yes - our policy is that a guide will be placed in every boat for your safety. For summertime exploration trips in inflatable kayaks or packrafts - no. Each trip has one to three guides assigned based on the composition of the group for safety, generally a lead boat and a sweep (rear) boat. The guides are there to show you the way, handle emergencies, and ensure nobody gets left behind. We don't do unguided trips under any circumstances, please don't make it awkward and ask.

How does the process work?

You contact us - we'll discuss the details including number of participants, date / time, and which section of the river you will be running. We'll discuss billing and go over our cancellation / refund policy (which you can see in another FAQ below as well). And that's it! You show up and have the adventure of a lifetime!

What's your pricing / refund / cancellation policy?

Private Groups include up to 8 participants. For half-day trips (approximately 6 miles) the rate is $720. For full-day trips (approximately 10 miles) the price is $1040. Each Private Group includes up to 8 participants - additional participants can be added for $75 per person for half-day (6 miles) trips, and $115 per person for full-day (10 miles) trips, up to a maximum of 18 participants. Our refund and cancellation policy is also simple and transparent - cancellation when your trip is further than two weeks away (regardless of when it was booked) will result in a 50% refund. Cancellation within two weeks of your scheduled departure will not be refunded. We have additional options for food, and logistics support that can be arranged on a case-by-case basis for an additional cost - contact us and we'd love to talk about it!

How does payment work?

After you contact us and we work out the details, we will send you an electronic invoice - payment in full is due immediately upon booking and your booking is not confirmed until payment is received. We cannot accept deposits, partial payments, or "pay when you get here" arrangements unless we've worked with you in the past. In the event of an overbooking (e.g. - you tell us you're bringing 20 people, pay for 20, but show up on the day of the trip with 25) we will attempt to accommodate the additional guests if possible, but they will be charged the standard, non-group rate and chances are we won't be able to accommodate them and they will end up sitting in the car waiting for you to get back and tell them how awesome it was.

Do you have special rates for Scouting America groups?

Yes, we do! Scouting groups have always been a huge part of our community and our business, and we're happy to offer special rates for Scout groups. For our Summer 2026 "Explore Zoar" trips (kayaks / packrafts) the rate is $550 per Private Group of up to 8 participants on a half-day trip, which works out to $68.75 per person for a half-day, with additional paddlers able to be added for $65 per person up to a maximum of 18. For full-day (10 mile) trips, the Scouting America rate is $800 for up to 8 paddlers, with additional paddlers able to be added for $90 per person up to a maximum of 18. While slightly more expensive than the rate for whitewater rafting, the duration on the water and distances traveled are significantly longer than our whitewater trips - and the weather is generally a lot nicer also!