9 of the Best White-Water Rafting Destinations Around the World

Western Nepal’s Karnali River is the last free-flowing river in the country—and one of the last in South Asia—which is under threat from development for hydropower. Paddlers keen to experience a multi-day adventure of moderate class III-IV rapids, clear blue waters, and long stretches of gentle floating should plan a trip on the Karnali before it’s too late. The take-out point is also close to the wildlife-filled Bardia National Park, so combine rafting with a jungle safari for a well-rounded experience of remote western Nepal.

Getting to the remote far-northern region of Ladakh is a rugged adventure in itself. The region is on the far western edge of the Tibetan Plateau and its rivers flow from high in the mountains, so immerse yourself in the rocky canyons of the Zanskar range on a half-day rafting trip along the Zanskar River. Family-friendly and more challenging short trips depart from Nimmu, on the confluence of the Zanskar and the legendary Indus Rivers.

Insider tip: Wetsuits are essential as the water is very cold, even in midsummer.

In northern Mindanao island, near the city of Cagayan de Oro, the Cagayan River offers easy rafting through tropical jungles and warm waters. Part of the fun is getting to the put-in point in a Jeepney, a quintessentially Filipino vehicle that looks like a Jeep bred with a stretch limo. You can also go tubing along this river as the rapids are generally small, making it a suitable destination for beginners and families.

Both complete beginners and more experienced rafters alike will love rafting along the Pacuare River, which flows inland from Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast. The rapids are class III and IV, so there’s a good chance of tumbling out for a swim, but the water is so warm that you probably won’t mind. A highlight is gently floating through lush forest-covered canyons to the calls of Costa Rica’s famous birds.

The Colorado River is long—1,450 miles (2,333 kilometers) long, to be precise—and passes through seven US states and two Mexican ones. As you might imagine, there are many different places to begin or end a rafting trip along this incredible river, from Las Vegas and Sedona to Flagstaff and many other cities beyond. And if you thought the Grand Canyon was impressive from the lookouts above, see how the views compare when gazing up from river level.

Not for the faint of heart, rafting on the Zambezi River starts beneath the enormous Victoria Falls on the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe and travels through waters that are home to hippos and crocodiles. If that doesn’t sound exciting enough, the 23 class III-V rapids within a 15-mile (24-kilometer) stretch of river are another reason rafting experts often call this the most exciting white-water rafting destination in the world.

The best rafting trips allow you to experience the grandeur of whole landscapes that you couldn’t experience any other way, and that’s certainly the case when rafting on Chilean Patagonia’s Futaleufú River. Various trips ranging in difficulty and length are offered, all with views of the snow-capped Andean peaks and ancient glaciers for which Patagonia is famous. Some longer trips even combine rafting with hiking, horseback riding, and riverside camping.

Keen rafters and paddlers have many options in New Zealand, but the Kaituna River in the central North Island boasts something special—the highest commercially rafted waterfalls in the world. Tutea Falls on the Kaituna River drop 23 feet (7 meters) into a plunge pool surrounded by tree ferns and other native bush. This trip is best suited to confident rafters because there are class V rapids along the way. Rafting trips on the Kaituna usually depart from Rotorua, a city with many geothermal and cultural attractions.

Right in the heart of the Alps, the Inn River flows from Switzerland into Austria and provides some of the best rafting in Europe—and that’s saying something. The river’s rapids pick up pace as they flow from Switzerland and, in the summer months, provide thrilling class IV-V sections through the Landeck Gorge and moderate class III sections through the Imst Gorge. After a trip down the river, explore the nearby palaces and churches of medieval Innsbruck.