Moab Rafting Tours on the Colorado & Green Rivers
From calm float trips to Class IV whitewater, compare every guided Moab rafting tour and book the run that fits your crew.
Check availability & prices →Which Moab rafting tour is right for you?
Moab sits at the heart of the Colorado Plateau, where the Colorado and Green Rivers carve through red rock canyons that you can only reach by water. A guided rafting tour is the easiest way to get on the river: outfitters handle permits, gear, safety, and shuttles, so you just show up ready to paddle.
There are three tours that define whitewater rafting near Moab, and they cover the full range of thrill levels. The Moab Daily is a relaxed half-day of gentle Class II–III rapids just minutes from town — ideal for families and first-timers. Westwater Canyon steps things up with a full day of continuous Class III–IV whitewater, including the notorious Skull Rapid. And Cataract Canyon is the multi-day expedition — big-water Class III–IV rapids deep inside Canyonlands National Park.
Not sure where to start? Browse the tour cards below, compare them side by side, then book directly with a licensed outfitter. Every run on this page is available as a fully guided trip, so no personal river permit is required.
The three signature Moab rafting tours
Each of these runs is a different river experience. Pick by how much whitewater you want and how many days you have.
Moab Daily Rafting Tour
A scenic half-day float on the Colorado River just outside town. Gentle splashy rapids, calm stretches for swimming, and towering canyon walls — the go-to family and first-timer trip.
Book Moab DailyWestwater Canyon Rafting Tour
A full day of continuous whitewater on the Colorado through Westwater Canyon, home to the legendary Skull Rapid. Black granite walls and back-to-back rapids make this the best big day trip.
Book WestwaterCataract Canyon Rafting Tour
The multi-day expedition through Canyonlands National Park. Camp on remote beaches, then hit the Big Drops — some of the largest navigable rapids in North America at high water.
Book CataractCompare Moab rafting tours
| Tour | Rapids | Length | Best for | River | Season |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Moab Daily | Class II–III | Half day (3–4 hrs) | Families, first-timers | Colorado | Apr–Oct |
| Westwater Canyon | Class III–IV | Full day | Thrill seekers | Colorado | May–Sep |
| Cataract Canyon | Class III–IV | 2–4 days | Big-water expeditions | Colorado (Canyonlands) | May–Sep |
How to book a Moab rafting tour
Pick your run
Match a tour to your group's experience and how many days you have on the river.
Choose a date
Check the outfitter's live calendar. Prime weekends and holidays sell out first.
Reserve online
Book directly with a licensed guide company. Permits, gear, and shuttles are included.
Show up & paddle
Meet at the launch, get your safety briefing, and hit the water.
Ready to get on the river?
Compare live prices and open dates across every Moab rafting tour, then lock in your spot with a licensed outfitter.
Book a Moab rafting tour →Moab rafting tours: frequently asked questions
Do I need a permit to raft near Moab?
Not if you book a guided tour. Licensed outfitters hold the river permits for you, so all you need to do is reserve a seat. Private, unguided trips on Westwater and Cataract Canyon do require hard-to-get permits, which is why most visitors go with a guide.
What is the best rafting tour in Moab for families?
The Moab Daily is the top family pick. It runs gentle Class II–III rapids on a scenic half-day stretch of the Colorado River, and most outfitters take kids as young as five. It mixes small splashy rapids with calm water for swimming.
When is the best time of year for Moab rafting tours?
The season runs roughly April through October. Late May and June bring peak snowmelt and the biggest, fastest whitewater. July through September offers warmer, calmer water that's better for families and first-timers. Book early-season for adrenaline, late-summer for a mellower float.
How much do Moab rafting tours cost?
Prices vary by trip length. Half-day floats like the Moab Daily are the most affordable, full-day whitewater on Westwater Canyon costs more, and multi-day Cataract Canyon expeditions are priced per day with meals and camping included. Check live pricing through the booking links on this page.
Do I need rafting experience to join a guided tour?
No. Every tour on this page is fully guided, and no prior experience is required. Your guide handles navigation and gives a safety briefing before launch. For bigger whitewater like Westwater and Cataract, outfitters set minimum ages and expect basic swimming ability.
What should I bring on a Moab rafting tour?
Wear quick-dry clothing and secured sandals or water shoes, and bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses with a strap. Outfitters provide the raft, paddles, and life jackets. On multi-day trips they supply tents, sleeping gear, and meals. Leave cotton and loose valuables behind.
Keep exploring Moab on the water
Affiliate disclosure: Moabing Media, LLC is a participant in affiliate programs including Viator. When you book a rafting tour through links on this page, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. This helps keep Moabing.com free and independent. We only recommend licensed, reputable outfitters.