Whitewater rafting is great fun and an undisputed adrenaline rush. White water holidays are the most enjoyable and effective ways to experience the life of rural areas and a spectacular scenery of natural beauty. Some of the World’s most popular Whitewater rafting rivers are listed below as 'Top 7 White Water Rafting Destinations Around the World' which offer thrilling whitewater experience.
1.Colorado River, Grand Canyon - United States
Rafting vacations in the Grand Canyon, considered to be the adventure trip of a lifetime, are so popular that most commercial trips are sold out an entire year in advance. A typical Grand Canyon River rafting trip is 15 – 18 days long and 280 miles long.
The Grand Canyon is rated Class IV with few Class V rapids and numerous Class I – III rapids as well. Because options range from paddling and navigating the rapids as a team to riding along in an oar-powered raft, the Grand Canyon is a great rafting trip for people of all ages and abilities. The Colorado River through the Grand Canyon is dam-controlled and water is released year-round. Commercial trips typically run from April through October.
2.Futaleufu River - Chile
The Futaleufu is a large volume river, however, wetsuits are necessary only on cool days. The rapids are long, with large pools after almost every one. With its aqua blue water, alpine setting, and combination of large waves and boulders, Futaleufu River rafting is a must on everyone’s to-do list.
The Futaleufu river has 40 miles of raft-able whitewater divided into four sections. The level of difficulty varies from beginner Class III to advanced Class V. The Bridge to Bridge section is the easiest with Class III & IV warm rapids like Mundaka and Cushion. Next comes the Bridge to Casa de Piedra section which includes Mas O Menos and Casa de Piedra, both Class V. The Terminator section is still a step up, with Terminator and Himalaya rapids, preparing you for the infamous Inferno Canyon. In Inferno Canyon, the walls are steep and the canyon narrows creating several long and continuous Class V rapids. Futaleufu River rafting trips are available from late December through February.
3.North Johnstone River - Australia
North Johnstone River empties itself into the Pacific Ocean just 20 minutes south of Cairns, Australia, It originates some 450 miles above in the World Heritage rain-forests of Palmerston National Park. Rafting trips meet at an old converted dairy farm at Mulgalli Falls, a two hours drive from Cairns. From there, rafters and equipment are helicoptered into the heart of the rain-forest to begin their 4 to 6 day journey.
The North Johnstone River is rated Class IV-V, making it one of the more challenging whitewater rivers Australia has to offer, and also one of the longest advanced rafting runs available.Because the North Johnstone is one of Australia’s un-dammed, naturally flowing rivers, its season is very dependent on winter rains. An average season lasts from April through June
4.Zambezi River - Zimbabwe/Zambia
The Zambezi River is sourced in NW Zambia, flows into Zimbabwe, crashes down Victoria Falls, and grows into a high-volume river on its long journey to the Indian Ocean. The Falls, marking the boarder between the two countries, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is encompassed by two national parks
The Zambezi River is wonderfully massive, pumping huge volumes of water down big drops and technical rapids. Boat-dwarfing class IV and V rapids like Oblivion, Overland Truck Eater, and Commercial Suicide, make Zambezi River rafting trips appropriate for those with a big taste for adventure. Previous rafting experience is not necessary, but not a bad idea for those who are timid about rafting. Best time for rafting in this river is June to March.
5.Sun Koshi River - Nepal
Sun Koshi means River of Gold, and it is indeed a rich river rafting experience. Flowing from the Himalaya Mountains, the Sun Koshi River is created by seven smaller rivers joining together and forming one of the best multi-day rivers to raft and kayak in the world.
Following the monsoon season, rafting the Sun Koshi River is a wild and exciting ride. Rapids such as Jaws, Big Dipper, High Anxiety, and Harkapur, are long and continuous and seem to swallow even expedition-sized rafts. Enormous waves and frothy whitewater provide thrills and shrills and make for incredible stories around the campfire at night. At high water levels, Sun Koshi River rafting trips are best for active, adventurers looking for a perfect mix of adrenaline and relaxation, excitement and beauty.The rafting season for Sun Koshi river is September to October.
6.Pacuare River - Costa Rica
Flowing down Costa Rica’s Atlantic Slope, Pacuare River rafting trips are convenient for people staying in San Jose.“Rio Pacuare” flows through a protected wilderness area off the beaten path and offers spectacular scenery: sheer walls rise from the river, shimmering with cascading waterfalls. Calm pools and natural waterslides give rafters the chance to experience the Pacuare’s beauty first-hand.
The Pacuare River is sourced high in the Talamanca Mountains, site of Costa Rica’s highest peak, and La Amistad International Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As the river flows from these mountains, Class III-IV rapids create tumbling whitewater. Rapids like “Cimarron” and “Dos Montanas” will challenge both first-timers looking for adventure, and experienced rafters. May to March is better months to raft there.
7.Magpie River, Ontario - Canada
The Magpie River in the North Shore region of Quebec, Canada flows through hundreds of kilometers of pristine forests, dotted with crystal clear lakes, steep granite gorges and incredible waterfalls before emptying into the St. Lawrence River where the fresh water meets the sea. Whitewater rafting excursions covering the most interesting parts of the river commence with a float-plane ride which is the only way to access the Magpie.
It provides 5 to 6 days of increasingly challenging action in Class III to Class V rapids and terminating at the St. Lawrence after visiting the iconic 50 meter high Magpie Falls. Moose, caribou, wolves, lynx, bear and osprey inhabit the surrounds of the Magpie. Nights are spent in beach camps relaxing under the starlit skies, all the while searching for the elusive Aurora Borealis. Best time for rafting there is mid-summer.
Few of Other notable White-water Rafting Destinations:
White Nile - Uganda
Middle Fork of the Salmon River, Idaho - United States
Noce River - Italy
Alsek and Tatshenshini Rivers - Alaska/Canada
Río Upano - Ecuador
