Nestled along the banks of the iconic Yellowstone River, the town of Gardiner offers an exhilarating adventure for thrill-seekers and nature enthusiasts alike. Embark on an unforgettable journey through Class II-III rapids aboard an inflatable kayak, where the rush of whitewater and the grandeur of the surrounding landscape converge. With expert guides leading the way, participants can expect personalized instruction and unparalleled safety, all while seeing the breathtaking beauty of this outdoor paradise. What awaits beyond the first rapid is a true test of skill and a chance to create memories that will last a lifetime.
Key Points
- A 3-hour guided inflatable kayak trip on the Yellowstone River, starting from the National Park boundary and ending in Paradise Valley.
- The trip includes complimentary wetsuits, neoprene booties, and splash tops, and is limited to 6 participants for personalized instruction.
- Experienced guides provide comprehensive safety talks, training on paddling techniques, and an overview of potential river hazards.
- The trip features notable rapids like Man-Eater Hole and Boonie’s Revenge, as well as scenic views like the Devil’s Slide.
- The tour is not suitable for children under 13 or pregnant women, and excludes lodging, food, and drinks.
Trip Overview and Details
The inflatable kayak trip on the Yellowstone River starts at $90.00 per person and lasts approximately 3 hours.
It’s a guided class II-III trip from the National Park boundary to Paradise Valley, limited to 6 participants.
The trip features notable rapids, including Man-Eater Hole, Boonie’s Revenge, and Sleeping Giant, as well as scenic views like Devil’s Slide.
Participants will receive wetsuits, booties, and splash tops free of charge.
The trip includes equipment like helmets, paddles, and personal flotation devices, but excludes lodging, food, and gratuity.
Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Gardiner Montana.
Meeting and Preparation
Participants meet at the riverfront office on Main Street in Gardiner to check in with the office staff and get outfitted with the necessary equipment.
Wetsuits, neoprene booties, and splash tops are provided free of charge. Guests are advised to wear a bathing suit or quick-drying synthetic layers. The office also offers secure storage for dry clothes and valuables.
After checking in, guests board the shuttle to the river, where they’ll receive a safety talk and instruction on equipment, paddling skills, and river dynamics.
The guides, certified in Swift Water Rescue, First Aid, and CPR, ensure a high instructor-to-student ratio for quality instruction.
Safety and Instruction
After the check-in process, guests board the shuttle to the river.
Once there, the experienced guides provide a comprehensive safety talk and equipment overview. This covers:
- Proper use and adjustments of the provided gear, including helmets, life jackets, and wetsuits.
- Paddling techniques and commands to navigate the class II-III rapids safely.
- Understanding of the river’s dynamics, including potential hazards and how to react in emergency situations.
- First-aid and swift water rescue protocols, as the guides are certified in these critical skills.
With this thorough preparation, guests feel confident and ready to embark on their inflatable kayak adventure down the Yellowstone River.
River Experience and Highlights
The trip begins at the Gardiner River’s convergence with the Yellowstone River, offering participants a scenic and thrilling journey.
Paddlers will encounter notable rapids like Man-Eater Hole, Boonie’s Revenge, and Sleeping Giant, providing an adrenaline-filled experience.
The scenic views along the way include the impressive Devil’s Slide.
Between the rapids, there are opportunities to swim and relax in the flat water stretches.
Throughout the adventure, professional photographers capture the moments, allowing participants to take home lasting memories of their inflatable kayak expedition on the Yellowstone River.
More Great Thing To Do NearbyInclusions and Restrictions
The inflatable kayak tour includes a helmet, paddle, Type V personal flotation device, and free wetsuits, neoprene booties, and splash tops.
The tour also provides shuttling to and from the river.
However, it excludes the following:
- Lodging pickup and drop-off
- Food and drinks
- Gratuity
- The tour isn’t suitable for children under 13 years old and pregnant women.
Guests are encouraged to wear bathing suits or quick-drying synthetic layers.
The tour company also provides secure storage for dry clothes and valuables during the excursion.
Trip Duration and Pricing
The starting price for the inflatable kayak trip on the Yellowstone River is $90.00 per person.
The duration of the guided class II-III trip is 3 hours, running from the National Park boundary to Paradise Valley.
The trip is limited to 6 participants, allowing for a high instructor-to-student ratio for quality instruction.
Guests can take advantage of the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance.
The trip offers scenic views, notable rapids, and opportunities for swimming and relaxing in flat water stretches, providing an adventure-filled experience on the Yellowstone River.
Participant Capacity and Cancellation
Limited to only 6 participants, the inflatable kayak trip on the Yellowstone River ensures a high instructor-to-student ratio for quality instruction.
This intimate group size allows for personalized attention and a safe, enjoyable experience on the water.
Some key details:
- The maximum group size is capped at 6 participants, ensuring a personalized and attentive trip.
- Cancellations are allowed up to 24 hours in advance, providing flexibility for participants.
- Professional guides certified in Swift Water Rescue, First Aid, and CPR will lead the group.
- The small group size and experienced guides create an optimal learning environment for paddling skills and river dynamics.
Guided Expertise and Certifications
Beyond the small group size, the expertise and certifications of the guides are paramount to ensuring a safe and enriching experience on the Yellowstone River.
The guides are certified in swift water rescue, first aid, and CPR, equipping them with the necessary skills to handle any emergency that may arise. Their high instructor-to-student ratio allows for personalized attention and quality instruction, ensuring participants receive thorough training in safety, equipment use, and river dynamics.
With their wealth of knowledge and experience navigating the Yellowstone’s Class II-III rapids, the guides are well-prepared to lead an unforgettable adventure through the stunning scenery of the national park’s boundary and Paradise Valley.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Get to the Meeting Location in Gardiner?
The meeting location is on Main Street in Gardiner. Visitors can drive to the riverfront office and check in with the staff to begin the inflatable kayak trip.
Can I Bring My Own Kayak and Equipment?
For this trip, participants are required to use the provided inflatable kayaks and equipment. Bringing one’s own kayak or gear is not permitted. The outfitter ensures proper safety equipment and guides for the guided river experience.
How Much Weight Can the Inflatable Kayaks Hold?
The inflatable kayaks can typically hold up to 500 pounds, allowing multiple participants to ride together. However, the maximum capacity may vary depending on the specific model and design of the kayak.
Is There a Minimum Age Requirement for Participants?
The trip has a minimum age requirement of 13 years. Children under 13 are not permitted to participate for safety reasons.
What Happens if the Weather Is Unfavorable on the Day of the Trip?
If the weather is unfavorable on the day of the trip, the operator will work with participants to reschedule or provide a full refund. They prioritize safety and won’t run the trip in dangerous conditions.
Recap
The Yellowstone River inflatable kayak trip in Gardiner offers an exhilarating adventure for outdoor enthusiasts. Participants can look forward to navigating Class II-III rapids, exploring stunning scenery, and enjoying swimming and relaxation under the guidance of expert instructors. With a maximum of six guests, this personalized excursion provides an unforgettable opportunity to experience the natural beauty of the Yellowstone River.
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