Durango’s Lower Animas River offers families an exciting yet safe rafting adventure. Suitable for ages 4 and up, this half-day experience provides snacks, gear, and professional guides to navigate the mild rapids. After a thorough safety briefing, adventurers will paddle through the stunning Colorado landscape, taking a break to refuel riverside. Though not wheelchair accessible, the trip caters to most travelers in groups of up to 15. While the activity’s details are enticing, there’s more to uncover about this family-friendly outing on the water.
Just The Basics
- Offers a family-friendly adventure on the Lower Animas River, suitable for ages 4 and up.
- Provides high-quality, well-maintained equipment, including life jackets, helmets, and splash jackets.
- Includes a safety briefing, expert guides, and navigation of various rapids on the river.
- Offers a snack break on the riverside during the journey.
- Has a minimum age requirement of 4 years and a maximum group size of 15 travelers.
Activity Details
The half-day family rafting activity in Durango, Colorado provides a family-friendly adventure on the Lower Animas River, offering a mild rafting option for ages 4 and up.
Participants can enjoy snacks during the tour, and all river and land access fees are included. High-quality, well-maintained equipment, such as splash jackets, helmets, and PFDs, is provided.
Prior to the trip, a safety orientation ensures everyone is prepared.
The experience includes round-trip shuttle service from the main office, located at 50 Animas View Dr, Durango, CO 81301, USA. At the end of the roughly four-hour adventure, the tour returns to the original meeting point.
Experience Highlights
After the safety briefing and instructions, participants embark on the rafting trip, navigating various rapids along the Lower Animas River.
During the journey, they’ll enjoy a snack break on the riverside before taking the shuttle ride back to the rafting office.
Guests can expect an exciting yet family-friendly adventure, with the rapids providing just the right level of thrill for both children and adults.
The guides expertly navigate the river, ensuring everyone’s safety while allowing them to fully enjoy the natural surroundings.
The shuttle ride back to the starting point provides a convenient end to the four-hour experience, leaving participants with lasting memories of their time on the water.
Age and Accessibility
Participants must meet a minimum age requirement of 4 years to join the family rafting adventure in Durango, Colorado, making it suitable for a wide range of ages.
This activity isn’t wheelchair accessible, so guests with limited mobility may have difficulty participating. Pregnant travelers or those with serious medical conditions are also not recommended to join the tour, as the rafting experience can be physically demanding.
The tour operator has set a maximum of 15 travelers per group to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.
With the appropriate safety equipment, including splash jackets, helmets, and personal flotation devices, the rafting adventure is designed to accommodate families and provide a fun, memorable experience on the Lower Animas River.
Cancellation Policy
Travelers can claim a full refund if they cancel their reservation up to 24 hours before the scheduled start time. However, no refunds are provided for cancellations made less than 24 hours prior to the activity’s commencement.
Plus, tour operators don’t accept any changes to bookings within 24 hours of the scheduled departure.
Lastly, the minimum number of participants required for the family rafting experience to proceed must be met.
The cancellation policy for the Half-Day Family Rafting in Durango, Colorado includes:
- Full refund for cancellations up to 24 hours in advance
- No refunds for cancellations less than 24 hours before the start
- No changes accepted within 24 hours of the scheduled departure
- Minimum number of travelers required for the experience to proceed
Inclusion and Exclusion
The family rafting experience includes various amenities and services to enhance the overall adventure, while there are also some limitations and exclusions to be aware of.
The tour includes a pre-trip safety orientation, as well as all the necessary equipment like life jackets, helmets, and splash jackets. Snacks and refreshments are provided during the trip, and round-trip shuttle service is included from the main office.
However, the activity isn’t wheelchair accessible and isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those with serious medical conditions. Wet-suit and wet-suit boot rentals are also available, but not included in the tour price.
Participants should keep these inclusions and exclusions in mind when booking their family rafting adventure in Durango, Colorado.
Booking Confirmation
Upon booking the half-day family rafting adventure in Durango, Colorado, participants receive a confirmation at the time of reservation.
This confirmation includes important details such as:
- Meeting location and directions to the 50 Animas View Dr, Durango, CO 81301 starting point.
- The scheduled start and end times for the roughly four-hour experience.
It also includes:
- A reminder of the minimum age requirement of 4 years and the recommendation to rent wet-suit and wet-suit boots if booking before June.
- The cancellation policy, which allows for a full refund if canceled up to 24 hours in advance but no refunds for cancellations within 24 hours of the start time.
With this confirmation in hand, families can feel prepared and confident about their upcoming rafting adventure.
Meeting and End Point
Participants meet at the main rafting office located at 50 Animas View Dr, Durango, CO 81301, USA, where they’ll receive a pre-trip safety orientation before embarking on their half-day family rafting adventure. After the briefing, the group boards the shuttle for a short ride to the river access point. Once on the water, they’ll navigate various rapids on the Lower Animas River, taking a break on the riverside to enjoy provided snacks. At the end of the thrilling experience, the shuttle transports the group back to the original meeting point, where the adventure concludes.
| Meeting Point | River Access | Snack Break | End Point |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50 Animas View Dr, Durango, CO 81301, USA | Lower Animas River | Riverside | 50 Animas View Dr, Durango, CO 81301, USA |
| Pre-trip safety orientation | Navigate rapids | Provided snacks | Back to meeting point |
| Board shuttle | On-the-water adventure | Scenic riverside | Adventure concludes |
| Short ride to river | Family-friendly fun | Recharge and relax | Shuttle ride back |
Customer Reviews
With a total of 796 reviews and a 5-star rating, the half-day family rafting experience in Durango, Colorado has earned overwhelmingly positive feedback from visitors.
Reviewers consistently praise the expertise and professionalism of the guides, who provide thorough safety instructions and lead engaging, fun-filled adventures.
The rafting experience itself is described as:
Exhilarating, with the perfect balance of excitement and safety for families.
Breathtaking, as participants take in the stunning natural scenery along the Lower Animas River.
Memorable, with visitors highlighting the camaraderie and laughter shared during the trip.
Highly recommended, with many noting they’d gladly return for another adventure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can We Bring Our Own Life Jackets?
No, participants can’t bring their own life jackets. The activity provider supplies high-quality, properly fitted personal flotation devices (PFDs) that are required to be worn at all times during the rafting trip for safety reasons.
Is There an Option to Upgrade Our Experience?
Yes, there may be options to upgrade your rafting experience. Many providers offer additional activities or services like guided tours, photography packages, or customized trips. Check with the operator to see what upgrade possibilities are available.
Are There Any Weight Restrictions for the Rafts?
There are weight restrictions for the rafts, typically around 250-300 pounds per person. This helps ensure the safety and stability of the raft. Guests are advised to check with the company for exact weight limits prior to booking.
Can We Request a Particular Guide or Boat?
While guests can’t request specific guides or boats, the tour operator assigns experienced guides and well-maintained equipment to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all travelers. The assignment of guides and boats is at the operator’s discretion.
Do We Need to Bring Any Additional Gear or Supplies?
Guests don’t need to bring any additional gear or supplies. The rafting company provides all necessary equipment, including splash jackets, helmets, and life jackets. Guests should wear quick-drying clothing and closed-toe shoes that can get wet.
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Sum Up
The Lower Animas River in Durango, Colorado offers a family-friendly rafting adventure suitable for ages 4 and up.
Participants can enjoy a safety briefing, navigate rapids, and take a riverside snack break during the guided journey.
The activity isn’t wheelchair accessible but suitable for most travelers, with a maximum group size of 15.
Cancellation policies and inclusion/exclusion details are available.
