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Our round-up of the best of the best:

Last updated: 02 March, 2023

Churning waters, crashing waves, impossibly strong, swirling currents, plunging waterfalls and implacable boulders looming up in your path – few other activities can match the drama and adrenaline rush of white-water rafting. Guaranteed thrills (and hopefully no spills).

There are countless rivers out there with ‘rapids’ out there that you can raft, but there some stand-outs rivers – for their size of rapids and/or for their exceptional setting. Here are our recommendations.

Table of Contents
Futalefu Turquoise White Water River in Patagonia, Chile
Experience

Futaleufu River (Class III-V rapids)

Futaleufu, Los Lagos, Chile

South America’s best adrenaline rafting is this glassy-clear, glacial river amidst the jaw-dropping scenery of Patagonia. It’s a day trip to tackle 40 miles of some of the toughest Grade III-V rapids anywhere. – the river’s name is derived from a local Tehuelche Indian word meaning ‘big, big river’ and it doesn’t disappoint. December to March.

Best for ages: 10+ | £60 | 4+ hours

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Grand Canyon (Class I-III rapids)

Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona, United States of America (USA)

The Colorado River that carves through the Canyon has 225 miles of rapids galore – though most of relatively low grade; more a trip for the feint-hearted than the daredevil. They’re fun though, and what incredible scenery. 1-14 day trips are run by the native Hualapai Indians, with camping by the river. April to September.

Best for ages: 8+ | £350 | 1-21 days

Iguazu River (Class II-V rapids)

Foz de Iguazu, Iguazu Falls, Brazil

The Iguazu River, translated as ‘Great Water’ has a variety of rapids of varied levels. But what makes it special is the setting – raft down valleys of dense, pristine rainforest, past cascading waterfalls, with monkeys hooting in the background and colourful toucans flying by. Pre- or post-trip, you can visit the world-famous Iguazu Falls.

Best for ages: 14+ | £80 | 4+ hours

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Kawarau & Shotover Rivers (Class II-V rapids)

Queenstown, South Island, New Zealand

Queenstown’s original adrenaline-pumping adventure has two excellent options, in this ‘Lords of the Rings’-esque landscape. There are grade 2-3 rapids on the Kawarau River, or grade 3-5 rapids on the Shotover River and a narrow passage called Skippers Canyon, which was carved by gold miners more than 120 years ago. All year round.

Best for ages: 13+ | £105 | 4-5 hours

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close up of a group of 8 people on a raft looking nervous
Experience

Magpie River (Class IV-V rapids)

Quebec, Canada

If a multi-day, white-water rafting adventure in pristine wilderness is what you’re seeking, then head to Canada’s best river for a week-long odyssey. Tackle Class IV and V rapids as journey through pine-clad granite canyons, camp out on river banks under star-studded skies, wildlife-spotting for bears, moose and ospreys. May to September.

Best for ages: 13+ | £4,000 | 3+ days

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A beautiful river valley with cliffs and pine trees either side
Experience

Middle Fork of the Salmon River (Class III-V rapids)

Idaho, United States of America (USA)

Arguably the US’s best white-water river, there are over 300 Class III-IV rapids in a 100-mile stretch of near continuous white-water on the river’s Middle Fork. Trips start at Boundary Creek, then it’s a 5- to 6-day passage through spectacular, untouched wilderness. Daredevils can extend a few extra days to tackle the biggest rapids at the end. There are easier grade I-III options on other tributaries for families and scaredy cats. May to September.

Best for ages: 16+ | £2,200 | 5-6 days

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Overview >
View down a river valley with white-water churning on the river
Experience

Noce River (Class III-V rapids)

Trentino-Alto Adige, Italy

Just south of Italy’s scenic Dolomites is the location for this multi-level white-water rafting river, suitable for anyone from families to adrenaline-junkies. There are 28km of Class III, IV and V rapids on a spectacular stretch through the gorges of Mostizzolo and across the remote Val di Sole (Sun Valley). Half- and full-day trips run from June to September.

Best for ages: 6+ | £35 | 2+ hours

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Pacuare River (Class III-V rapids)

Limon, Costa Rica

Costa Rica’s famous white-water river ­– Central America’s best – is home to a series of Class III to V rapids that cascade down a series of slopes, through a canyon wrapped in wildlife-filled virgin rainforest. There are 38 individual rapids in all, spread out in three white-water sections over 67 miles, tackled in a day or overnight. March to November.

Best for ages: 18+ | £60 | 1 day

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Rapids on the Sjoa river in Oppland County of Eastern Norway, Scandinavia, popular for rafting, kayaking, riverboarding and other activities
Experience

Sjoa River (Class II-V rapids)

Sjoa, Innlandet, Norway

Northern Europe’s best white-water river is characterised by fast-flowing, crystal-clear water churning through narrows gorges, amid a glacial landscape of valleys, lakes and waterfalls. Rapids are Class II-V, handily grouped into easy and challenging stretches, so there’s something for all levels. Day trips from May to October.

Best for ages: 15+ | £100 | 3-5 hours

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A stunning view of view of the Djurdjevica Bridge over the river Tara River Canyon on a beautiful misty morning
Experience

Tara River (Class III-V rapids)

Scepan, Montenegro

Europe’s best white-water rafting is found in this, the deepest and longest canyon in Europe. 1.3 km deep and 78km long, the canyon is a stunning setting of cave-studded cliffs, rocky terraces, sandy beaches and churning turquoise water (that’s so clean, you can drink it). The 50+ rapids are Class III-IV. May-October, trips 1-3 days.

Best for ages: 10+ | £70 | 1-3 days

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Small raft travelling down a river in the rainforest
Experience

Tully River (Class II-V rapids)

Tully, Queensland, Australia

Australasia’s best rafting can be found 2 hours south of Cairns. The setting is valleys of pristine, centuries-old rainforest, dotted with ribbon waterfalls and aboriginal caves, and filled with exotic wildlife (including ‘salties’). The nearby Baron River has gentler Grade II-III rapids. Full-day trips run all year round, departing from Cairns, Townsville, Mission Beach and Feluga or you can self-drive to Tully and do half-day.

Best for ages: 13+ | £115 | Full day

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Zambezi River (Class IV-V rapids)

Zimbabwe

Africa’s best rafting is the famous white-water rapids of the fearsome Zambezi, as it funnels through the Batoka Gorge. Starting just below the mighty Victoria Falls, you’ll tackle Class IV and V rapids over 24km white-knuckle stretch, to the backdrop and roar of the Mosi-Oa-Tunya. Watch out for crocs and hippos! All year round.

Best for ages: 15+ | £100 | 5-10 hours

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