Westwater Canyon Full-Day Rafting Adventure from Moab

If you’re considering adding a splash of adrenaline to your Moab trip, the Westwater Canyon Full-Day Rafting Adventure might be on your radar. We haven’t done it ourselves, but from what we’ve gathered, it’s a popular choice for those craving some serious river action amid breathtaking desert scenery. It’s a full-day experience, packed with exciting rapids, wildlife sightings, and a good dose of wilderness.

What we really like about this trip? First, it offers a mix of guided expertise and optional paddling — so you can sit back or get involved if you’re feeling active. Second, the scenery along the Colorado River in Westwater Canyon is truly striking, with towering red rock walls and possible wildlife sightings like eagles and otters.

On the flip side, a potential consideration is the length of the day — at around 10 hours, it’s quite the commitment, especially if you’re not used to full-day outings. Also, it’s not the cheapest activity, but honestly, for such an all-encompassing adventure, many travelers find it good value.

This tour suits those with a moderate physical fitness level who love a challenge and aren’t afraid of a bit of water and sun. It’s great for adventure seekers, nature lovers, and anyone wanting a memorable day on America’s most iconic river.

Key Points

• Full-day adventure with about 10 hours of river experience and scenery.
• Options to paddle or relax in an oarboat with an expert guide.
• Exciting Class III and IV rapids, with rapids named Sock-It-To-Me, Funnel Falls, and Skull.
• Wildlife sightings like eagles, otters, and beavers, plus geology insights.
• All gear and lunch included, with pickup from Moab for convenience.
• Limited group size (max 12), ensuring personalized attention.

This isn’t your average float down a river. We’re talking about a full-day adventure that combines adrenaline, scenery, and a bit of education about the canyon’s geology. The trip departs from Moab, with pickup included, which simplifies logistics. You’ll meet at Navtec Expeditions, and from there, it’s a short drive to the river.

The Journey to the River

Once you’re at the meeting point, you’ll be greeted by friendly guides and given rafting gear — helmets, life jackets, wetsuits if needed, and river dry bags for your belongings. Depending on the season and weather, wetsuits are provided to keep you warm in colder water.

The transportation from Moab to the river is straightforward, and it’s nice to have this taken care of, so you can just focus on the experience ahead. The group size is small, capped at 12, which means more attention from your guide and a more intimate atmosphere.

The Rafting Itself

Your day on the water begins with either sitting in a guided oarboat or paddling yourself in a paddleboat — the choice is yours. Many reviews highlight how guides do a fantastic job navigating the challenging rapids, which are rated Class III and IV — enough to get your adrenaline pumping but not so intense as to be terrifying.

Rapids like Sock-It-To-Me, Funnel Falls, and Skull are the highlights, with names that promise some splashy excitement. “We had a perfect day rafting Westwater Canyon,” one reviewer recalls, praising their guide Bridger for making the trip a blast. That sense of safety and fun is vital, especially when tackling such powerful rapids.

Wildlife and Geology

As you float through the canyon, keep an eye out for wildlife. The canyon’s walls and surrounding desert are home to bald eagles, river otters, and beavers — all of which add a special touch to the scenery. Guides are knowledgeable about the geology, so you’ll also learn about how the canyon was formed and why this landscape is so unique.

Lunch and Comfort Breaks

A substantial buffet-style lunch is included — a pleasant surprise for a full-day trip. You’ll enjoy your meal on the riverbank or on the raft itself, with extra ice water to stay hydrated. Many travelers appreciate the good food and the opportunity to relax and refuel before heading back for more whitewater action.

The Return and Reflection

After a long day on the water, the bus ride back to Moab is a good chance to rest and share stories. The trip wraps up with drop-off at your hotel or the pickup location, making it a hassle-free experience overall.

Most reviews are glowing, with an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 from 121 travelers. People rave about their guides, with comments like “Bridger did an awesome job,” and “Paul was very skilled and made us all feel comfortable.” The scenery, too, gets high praise: “The views are gorgeous,” a reviewer notes, with many mentioning how the canyon’s red rock walls are just as impressive as the rapids.

The thrill of navigating challenging rapids is a common highlight. “It was very exciting,” says one guest, and others mention the fun balance of paddling and relaxing. Several travelers say it’s a “great family adventure,” though the minimum age is 8, so check if your kids are comfortable with water and adventure.

Some negatives do crop up, mainly about the duration and cost. One reviewer mentioned the long drive and that they felt they didn’t paddle much, which could be a downside if you’re looking for nonstop action. Others felt it was somewhat pricey but acknowledged that the experience’s quality and scenic value justified the expense.

At $237 per person, this trip isn’t cheap, but it covers a lot: all the gear, lunch, transportation, and guidance. For a full-day adventure with such a strong focus on safety, scenery, and excitement, many see it as worth the investment.

The tour lasts about 10 hours — so be prepared for a full day out. Starting from Moab, it includes hotel pickup, which is a real convenience. The group size is small (max 12), ensuring you get personalized attention, especially important when navigating rapid waters.

Your physical fitness should be moderate; the activity involves some paddling and requires the ability to handle a day on the water. The minimum weight for participants is 50 lbs, so it’s suitable for children aged 8 and up, but it’s best suited to those comfortable with water activities.

What’s Not Included

You can bring your own soft drinks if you prefer, as they’re not provided, and gratuities for guides are optional but appreciated. It’s a full-service experience, so you’re well taken care of.

If you love outdoor adventures, are comfortable around water, and want to see some of the most striking canyon scenery in the US, this trip could be a great fit. It’s especially well-suited for those who appreciate a good mix of adrenaline and nature.

However, if you’re not comfortable with long days or rapid water, or if you’re traveling with very young children, you might want to consider other options. But for adventure lovers and those wanting a memorable story to tell, it’s definitely worth considering.

The Westwater Canyon Full-Day Rafting Adventure offers a well-rounded taste of what the Colorado River has to offer — from thrilling rapids to stunning cliffs and wildlife sightings. The guides seem consistently praised for their expertise, which makes a difference when tackling challenging water.

While the cost and duration are higher than some other outings, many find the value comes from the quality of the experience, the scenery, and the fun of paddling through such an iconic landscape. It’s an activity that can truly define a trip to Moab, especially if you’re craving a day filled with adventure and spectacular views.

This tour is best for those who want to push their limits a bit, enjoy learning about the landscape, and come away with stories of whitewater excitement. It’s a memorable way to connect with the rugged beauty of Utah’s desert and river terrain.

Is transportation included? Yes, ground transportation from Moab to the river and back is included, making logistics straightforward.

What’s the minimum age? The minimum age is 8 years old, so it’s suitable for families with older children who are comfortable around water.

Do I need to bring my own gear? No, all necessary rafting equipment like helmets, PFDs, wetsuits (if needed), and dry bags are provided.

What should I wear? Sturdy footwear (no flip flops), quick-dry clothes, sun protection, and a waterproof camera if you want photos.

Can I paddle or just relax? You have the choice to paddle yourself or sit back in an oarboat guided by a professional.

What about water temperature? Wetsuits are provided depending on the time of year, to keep you warm if the water is cold.

Is gratuity included? No, tips for guides are appreciated but not included in the price.

What if I have a special request or booking issue? You can contact the supplier, NAVTEC Expeditions, at +14352597983 or [email protected] for assistance.

If you’re after a full day of river adventure in Moab, combining scenic beauty with adrenaline, this trip hits the mark. Just be ready for a day packed with fun, some splashes, and plenty of desert views.