Rafting Companies in Moab, Utah
A complete, locally researched directory of Moab's whitewater rafting outfitters — with trip specialties, contact details, and links to book directly. Compare guides for the Moab Daily, Westwater Canyon, and Cataract Canyon before you paddle.
Choosing a Moab Rafting Outfitter
Moab is the only town in Utah that sits directly on the Colorado River, and it happens to be surrounded by every grade of whitewater you could want — from calm family floats to the legendary big water of Cataract Canyon. That range is why more than a dozen professional outfitters run trips out of town, and why picking the right one depends less on price than on which stretch of river and style of boat you want.
Most companies below are longtime permit holders licensed by the Bureau of Land Management, the National Park Service, and the U.S. Forest Service. They supply Coast Guard–approved gear, professional guides, and shuttles from downtown Moab. What sets them apart is specialty: some focus on relaxed half-day floats past Fisher Towers, others build their reputation on multi-day Cataract Canyon expeditions, and a few bundle rafting with Jeep tours, canyoneering, or National Park trips.
Use the directory to compare each outfitter's founding year, trip focus, and contact information, then visit their website to check current availability. The comparison table further down sorts everyone by the rivers and runs they cover so you can match a company to your trip in seconds.
Local tip: The 13-mile "Moab Daily" is the most popular half-day trip and suits everyone from young kids to grandparents. If you want serious Class III–V whitewater, book Westwater or Cataract Canyon well ahead — those permits are limited and sell out in peak season.
Moab Rafting Companies Directory
Twelve established outfitters running guided whitewater and scenic float trips on the Colorado and Green Rivers. Contact details were verified from each company's own listings; always confirm rates and departure times directly before booking.
Sheri Griffith River Expeditions
Moab's longest-running whitewater outfitter, known for its "Touch of Class" luxury expeditions and specialty family, women-only, and multi-day trips on the Colorado and Green Rivers.
NAVTEC Expeditions
Family-owned National Park concessionaire offering half-day, full-day, and multi-day river trips plus canyoneering and 4x4 tours into Arches and Canyonlands. Three generations of Moab guiding experience.
Red River Adventures
Owner-operated outfitter using small premium paddle rafts (max 8 per boat) for the Fisher Towers section, plus guided rock climbing, canyoneering, and multi-sport adventures. Over 125,000 guests hosted.
Moab Adventure Center
Downtown one-stop booking hub (part of Western River Expeditions) offering the Moab Daily, Westwater, Cataract, and the Southwest Sampler that pairs rafting with Arches and a Hummer safari. Riverside BBQ at Red Cliffs Lodge.
Adrift Adventures
National Park Service concessionaire running oar, paddle, and motorized rafts on the Colorado and Green Rivers — plus SUP, kayak options, and Jeep tours into Arches and Canyonlands backcountry.
World Wide River Expeditions
Family-run, value-focused outfitter offering Colorado and Green River trips including Cataract Canyon, with a range of oar, paddle, motorized, and inflatable kayak options for every activity level.
OARS Canyonlands
A pioneering national river-trip company with a Moab base, specializing in multi-day wilderness expeditions on the Green and Colorado Rivers, including Cataract Canyon and Desolation Canyon family trips.
Moab Rivertrippers & Jeep Tours
Small-group specialist running half-day Moab Daily floats through Castle Valley and Fisher Towers, plus inflatable kayak trips, Westwater whitewater, and guided Jeep tours on Hell's Revenge and Fins and Things.
Wild West Voyages
Locally owned boutique outfitter offering intimate shared and private Colorado River trips by raft, inflatable kayak, or paddle board, plus customized sightseeing and hiking tours into both National Parks.
Holiday River Expeditions
Veteran oar-only outfitter with a "no-motors" philosophy, running multi-day human-powered trips on Cataract, Desolation, and other Western rivers with an emphasis on quiet wilderness and conservation.
Western River Expeditions
Large, highly rated operator (parent of Moab Adventure Center) famous for its big-water Cataract Canyon expeditions aboard trademark J-Rig rafts, plus Grand Canyon and other multi-day Western river trips.
Compare Companies by River & Trip Type
A quick reference for matching an outfitter to the run you want. "Daily" is the half-day Colorado River float; Westwater and Cataract are the whitewater canyons.
| Company | Founded | Moab Daily | Westwater | Cataract | Also Offers |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sheri Griffith | 1971 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Luxury & specialty trips |
| NAVTEC | 1960s | Yes | Yes | Yes | Canyoneering, 4x4 |
| Red River | 2003 | Yes | — | — | Climbing, canyoneering |
| Moab Adventure Center | 2003 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Packages, Hummer safari |
| Adrift Adventures | 1970s | Yes | Yes | Yes | Jeep tours, SUP, kayak |
| World Wide River | 1971 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Kayak, best value |
| OARS Canyonlands | 1969 | — | — | Yes | Desolation, wilderness |
| Moab Rivertrippers | 1983 | Yes | Yes | — | Kayak, Jeep tours |
| Wild West Voyages | — | Yes | — | — | Private charters, SUP |
| Holiday River | 1966 | — | — | Yes | Oar-only, Desolation |
| Western River | 1961 | — | — | Yes | J-Rig big water |
Which Moab Rafting Trip Is Right for You?
Each river run has its own character. Explore our detailed guides to decide before you contact an outfitter above.
Moab Daily
The classic 13-mile Colorado River float through Castle Valley and Fisher Towers — perfect for families and first-timers.
Class III–IV · 1 dayWestwater Canyon
The West's best short whitewater day trip, with punchy rapids like Skull and Funnel Falls in a dramatic black-rock gorge.
Class III–V · Multi-dayCataract Canyon
Some of the biggest whitewater in North America, deep in Canyonlands National Park on a multi-day wilderness expedition.
Guide · OverviewBest Whitewater Rafting
Not sure where to start? Our overview compares every Moab whitewater option by thrill level, season, and trip length.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many rafting companies operate in Moab, Utah?
Moab has more than a dozen professional rafting outfitters. This directory features 11 established companies, most of which hold long-standing permits from the Bureau of Land Management and the National Park Service to run the Colorado and Green Rivers. Options range from downtown booking hubs like Moab Adventure Center to boutique operators like Wild West Voyages.
What is the best rafting company in Moab?
There is no single "best" — it depends on your trip. For luxury multi-day expeditions, Sheri Griffith is Moab's oldest and most polished outfitter. For small-group Fisher Towers day trips, Red River Adventures and Moab Rivertrippers stand out. For big-water Cataract Canyon, Western River and OARS are specialists. Compare each company's river focus in the table above and book the one that matches your run.
How much does a Moab rafting trip cost?
Half-day Moab Daily trips typically start around $85–$116 per adult, with children's rates lower. Full-day Westwater trips run higher, and multi-day Cataract Canyon expeditions are priced per trip based on length and included meals and gear. Always confirm current rates directly with the outfitter, since prices change seasonally and a per-person river-use fee may apply.
When is Moab's rafting season?
The Moab rafting season generally runs from mid-March through early November. May and June bring the highest flows from Rocky Mountain snowmelt, meaning bigger, more exciting whitewater. July and August have lower, warmer water that's ideal for relaxed family floats. Water levels vary year to year, so ask your outfitter about current conditions.
Do I need experience to go rafting in Moab?
No. The popular Moab Daily section is suitable for beginners, children (usually 50+ lbs), and seniors, with calm stretches and gentle Class I–III rapids. Guides provide all safety gear and instruction. For advanced Class III–V whitewater in Westwater or Cataract Canyon, no prior experience is required either, but a reasonable fitness level and swimming ability are recommended.
What's the difference between the Moab Daily, Westwater, and Cataract Canyon?
The Moab Daily is a scenic half-day float on the Colorado River with mild rapids near town. Westwater Canyon is a single-day Class III–IV whitewater run through a steep gorge. Cataract Canyon is a multi-day wilderness expedition inside Canyonlands National Park with some of the largest rapids in the West. Each has a dedicated guide on this site — see the trip links above.
Ready to Hit the Colorado River?
Start with the run that fits your group, then contact one of the outfitters above directly to check availability. New to Moab whitewater? Our trip guides break down every option.
Directory information — including addresses, phone numbers, and founding years — was compiled from each company's public listings and verified where possible. Details can change; please confirm rates, trip dates, and availability directly with each outfitter before booking. Moabing.com is an independent travel guide and is not affiliated with the companies listed above.