A thrilling water sport that is certain to give anyone the adrenaline rush their adventurous spirit craves is river rafting. In addition to testing your stamina and strength, the sport leads you through some of the most picturesque lanes in an idyllic setting that you might otherwise miss. Therefore, in the spirit of sport, here is a list of the best rafting experiences in the world that you should check out in order to overcome your fear of the unknown.
Discover the best white water rafting in the world
Zanskar River
Traveling to the isolated Ladakh region in the far north is an arduous adventure in and of itself. Take a half-day rafting trip along the Zanskar River to fully immerse yourself in the rocky canyons of the Zanskar range. The region is on the far western edge of the Tibetan Plateau, and its rivers flow from high in the mountains. Shorter, more difficult, and family-friendly excursions leave from Nimmu, at the meeting point of the Zanskar and the fabled Indus Rivers.
Colorado River
The Colorado River encompasses a total of nine states i.e. seven US states and two Mexican states, over a distance of 2,333 kilometers. Naturally, there are a plethora of locations to start or finish a rafting adventure along this amazing river, ranging from Las Vegas and Sedona to Flagstaff and numerous other cities. However, the best experience can be taken at Cataract Canyon, Utah and Lava Falls- Prospect Canyon, Arizona.
At Cataract Canyon, The instructors believe that the Rafting Navigation Area, which spans approximately 18 kilometers, is the most exhilarating, challenging, frightening, and enticing of all. When it comes to river rafting, big drops 2 and 3, the two drops rank among the largest rapids in North America. Whereas, with Lava Falls- Prospect Canyon naturally being surrounded by enormous lava holes and massive black rocks, the guides opine this to be the most terrifying and difficult. However, Tequila Beach, which is the terminus of the Lava Falls, offers beautiful amenities if you can get over your fears.
Zambezi River
Rafting on the Zambezi River is an exciting and challenging experience that begins underneath the magnificent Victoria Falls, which separate Zambia and Zimbabwe. The river traverses areas that are inhabited by crocodiles and hippos. As the name suggests, the ride will be exhilarating and unforgettable. Aside from that, this place has some amazing rapids, like the Stairway to Heaven and the Gnashing Jaws of Death.
The Ghostrider, however, is the most delightful of them all since the waves are so enormous that your boat can barely see the outer world. The class V rapids are challenging to navigate and require skill.
Futaleufú River
Rafting on Chile's Futaleufú River offers an unparalleled opportunity to witness the majesty of vast landscapes that are otherwise inaccessible. This is undoubtedly one of the best rafting experiences available. There are a range of trips available, each with views of the famed ancient glaciers and snow-capped Andean peaks of Patagonia, varying in length and difficulty. Some longer trips even incorporate riverside camping, horseback riding, and hiking in addition to rafting.
While rafting here, one can experience the boat almost reaching the sky. No, wonder, adrenaline junkies described it as one of the riskiest, most exciting, and hardest activities. Similarly, the instructors here share the same opinion, also, they claim that going rafting at the Terminator is almost a surefire way to have a heart attack.
Nevertheless, you may encounter breathtaking cliffs, thrilling thunder, and large waves on a rafting adventure here.
Kaituna River
Though New Zealand offers plenty of options for experienced rafters and paddlers, the Kaituna River in the central North Island has something not so ordinary to offer — for it is the highest waterfall accessible for commercial rafting worldwide. Tutea Falls, located on the Kaituna River, dive 23 feet into a plunge pool encircled by native bush and tree ferns. The Kaituna Rafting trips usually start in Rotorua, a city rich in cultural and geothermal attractions. However, this unique rafting destination requires some kind of rafting experience for rafters to manage a safe trip.