California Rafting, Kayaking, Canoeing Tours & Trip Packages

California Rafting, Kayaking, Canoeing Tours & Trips

185 California trips. Tours from 77 tour companies. 237 reviews. 4.7/5 avg rating.

4 trips exactly matchall of the the filters you selected. We are displaying some similar trips.
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Rafting, Kayaking, Canoeing
Channel Islands Adventure: Kayak, Snorkel, Hike & Paddleboard
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4.4/5 Great
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Wheelchair Accessible
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

California, Channel Islands, Santa Cruz Island

Highlights

  • Join naturalists for a walk around two of the Channel Islands, Anacapa Island and Santa Cruz, and learn the history of one of the few Native American tribes that took to the seas
  • Snorkel with experts and get up-close to a stunning variety of underwater life
  • Learn from expert instructors how to kayak and stand up paddleboard in calm harbor waters

Themes

50 plus, Rafting, Kayaking, Canoeing

What travelers are saying

"Our family of four, including two adult children, took the Bicycling: Day Trips to Paradise in Canada. This trip is entirely outsourced to the owners of the inn, there are no Road Scholar employees involved in the trip. Two of us have taken bicycle trips all over the world and the bicycling component of this trip was disorganized, haphazard and almost unsafe. We all filled out forms giving details regarding our bicycle fitting months before the trip. On the first day, the leader Stephen, went around the room and asked the same questions and said everyone would get fitted in the morning before we began the first ride. The morning brought a rack of bikes, all different types in various levels of readiness. There were road bikes, hybrid bikes, mountain bikes and e-bikes. The rides were all on paved surfaces and the mountain bikes were heavy and the additional suspension added weight. The bike I received had rust on the chain and rear sprocket. When I asked about it, was told they were waiting for another van to show up with tools and equipment. Once it arrived, they gave me the lubricant to spray on the rust. My wife’s bike would not shift into the high gear on the front sprocket. Instead of adjusting the derailleur, they suggested spraying it with lubricant. Our one son is over six feet and needed a larger frame bike, even though he detailed it in the bike form months ago, there was no bike to fit him. One of the guides, then went home and brought a larger bike that was a full suspension mountain bike for him. The bike was very heavy, hard to control on the road and he felt unsafe. After two days, one of the guides convinced Stephen that they could adjust a hybrid bike to fit him. Clearly there was no work done to prepare the bikes for the trip. Many of the bikes needed adjusting and all needed lubricant to function easily. For every day, there was a tray of snacks placed out for us to take along the ride. None of the bikes had any baskets or attached bags, so if you didn’t bring a small day pack, there was no way to carry the snacks. For lunch on the rides, they brought exactly one sandwich for each rider. Since most of us get hungry while doing a day of exercise, it would have been helpful to have a few extras. On one day, they ran out of sandwiches and one of the leaders that were riding with us did not get lunch. Do NOT take this trip if you are expecting it to be a bicycling trip. We have used VBT and Discovery Bicycle Tours many times over the past 25 years and they are excellent bike tour companies. Lastly, after sharing these details with Road Scholar after the trip, their response was weak at best. After doing the full reviews and having to call them, their response was to give us $200 credit after spending $8000 on this trip. Not only was that insulting, they assumed that I would take another trip with their organization."

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Fall Semester In Baja
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4.7/5 Excellent
28 reviews
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Strenuous
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

California

Highlights

  • This is an outdoor leadership course designed for 23 years and older
  • Explore the stunning, contrasting environments of the Baja Peninsula
  • Develop outstanding leadership skills
  • Huge canyons and thick vegetation

Themes

High Adventure, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Rafting, Kayaking, Canoeing, Sailing

What travelers are saying

"Great Wilderness courses!"

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Baja California Sur Adventure
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5/5 Excellent
24 reviews
Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

California, La Paz, San José del Cabo

Highlights

  • Visit La Paz
  • Learn about the rich and varied history of Todos Santos
  • Explore hidden lagoons and desert beaches

Themes

High Adventure, Rafting, Kayaking, Canoeing

What travelers are saying

"I had an absolutely fabulous time on InquisiTours Wine & Rails tour. We had amazing food and wine, saw some incredible sights, everything you'd expect, but it was the unexpected that made this a WOW trip. Guy's spirit and great story telling, along with the little surprises he had planned (and some he improvised) along the way were exceptional. And although I went only knowing one other tour member, by the end of the trip it was like hanging out with old friends, some of whom I still keep in touch with. I can't recommend InquisiTours enough even if, and maybe *especially* if group travel isn't your norm. (Disclosure, I was comped the trip and attended as part of the media, but all of the above is an honest representation of my experience and I would do it all over again on my own.)"

Trip dates & details
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Klamath River Wild and Scenic
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Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

California

Highlights

  • Exciting waves and great scenery
  • Exciting Klamath River rapids such as Ferry Point

Themes

National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Rafting, Kayaking, Canoeing

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Explore Spain & Portugal
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4.5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They’re very committed to sustainable and responsible tourism and contribute to important initiatives like climate action.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Algarve, Bar, Barcelona, Dali, Granada, Lisbon, Madrid, Porto, Santiago, Santiago de Compostela, Seville, Sierra Nevada

Highlights

  • Get lost in the labyrinthine streets of the Albaicin in Granada before crossing the river to visit the imposing Moorish fortress of the Alhambra.
  • Unwind in a laidback fishing town in the Algarve, soaking up the sun on the beach and enjoying an included boat trip around the rocky cliffs of the coast.
  • Join pilgrims along the last leg of the famous Camino de Santiago journey as they reach the historic cathedral in Santiago de Compostela.
  • Sit back, relax and watch the water flow by in one of Porto’s river restaurants while you sample a couple of varieties of the city’s signature wine – port!
  • Start and end your adventure in Madrid, home to art galleries, colourful architecture and some of the best restaurants in Spain.
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Themes

Cultural, High Adventure, Local Immersion & Homestays

What travelers are saying

"We joined the Intrepid “Real Italy Food Tour” and enjoyed it thoroughly. Our tour guide, Micol, was very knowledgeable and provided us with lots of good information. It seems Micol knew many of the staff of the venues we visited, including the pasta making class we attended. Our group of 11 travelers was extremely compatible, which greatly added to the fun and enjoyment."

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Walk Spain's Sierra Nevada & Granada
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4.8/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
With a huge range of trip styles and themes, they cater to basically every type of traveler out there- even those with super specific interests.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Granada, Sierra Nevada

Highlights

  • Embark on beautiful walks through the highest mountain range in Spain
  • Discover whitewashed Moorish settlements
  • Visit Trevelez, the highest village in the country
  • Stay at a family-run hotel with stunning views and warm hospitality
  • Enjoy a night in Granada with a free day to explore this beautiful city

Themes

Cultural, Hiking & Walking, Trekking & Expeditions

What travelers are saying

"Discover Costa Rica is a great itinerary, covering varied habitats around the country and staying 2 nights each at 6 centres. Their birdwatching specials are led by local experts who really know their stuff."

Trip dates & details
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Health Safety +

Generous cancellation

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Western USA National Parks Explorer
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4.8/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They explore a place beyond the typical tourist traps and offer exciting activities that bring the “wow factor” intrepid travelers want.
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Strenuous
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Arches National Park, Bryce Canyon, California, Capitol Reef National Park, Colorado, Death Valley, Golden Gate Bridge, Grand Canyon, Lake Powell, Las Vegas, Mesa Verde, Moab, Monument Valley, New York, San Francisco, Sierra Nevada, Utah, Venice, York, Yosemite National Park, Zion National Park

Highlights

  • Journey through some of the most dramatic scenery on the planet
  • Discover vibrant San Francisco and the desert city of Las Vegas
  • Enjoy walking in Yosemite, Zion, Bryce and Grand Canyon national parks

Themes

Cultural, Cycling & Biking, Hiking & Walking, Trekking & Expeditions

What travelers are saying

"Very good, the waiting time on the phone was a bit too long the first time ( 10 minutes)"

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California Panorama
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5/5 Excellent
47 reviews
Group Tour
Why we love them
They discover the best local partners, providing trips that are both efficient and authentic.
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Very Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Bar, California, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, San Francisco

Themes

Family Friendly

What travelers are saying

"Everything was pretty much perfect."

Trip dates & details
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Natural Highlights of California
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2.7/5 Average
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They’ve partnered with well-known names like National Geographic and the Jane Goodall Institute to offer unique experiences unavailable elsewhere.
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

California, Death Valley, Death Valley National Park, Golden Gate Bridge, Kings Canyon National Park, Las Vegas, San Francisco, Sequoia National Park, Sierra Nevada, Yosemite National Park

Highlights

  • Immerse yourself in the stark beauty of death valley
  • Cross the stunning sierra nevada mountains
  • Explore world-famous yosemite national park on a naturalist walk
  • Marvel at ancient trees in sequoia national park
  • Enjoy a full day in kings canyon national park

Themes

Cultural, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife

What travelers are saying

"We spent two wonderful weeks touring several of the best destinations in Portugal & Spain with a group of 16 people. Our guide (Fredy) was from Spain and intimately familiar with the region, including its rich history, attractions, and food/beverages. The tour was well-paced using a combinations of private vehicles (small buses and cabs), trains, and an airplane ride as well as a fair amount of walking to get around these two beautiful countries. We extended our stay in Lisbon to see more attractions and took a side trip to Fatima, Obidos, and Nazare that was also excellent. Would have liked to have a bit more time in a couple of the cities, but we'll just have to plan another trip!"

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Best of Spain
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4.9/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They’re very committed to sustainable and responsible tourism and contribute to important initiatives like climate action.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Bar, Barcelona, Granada, Madrid, Ronda, Seville, Sierra Nevada, Tangier, Valencia

Highlights

  • Experience the fiery passion and rhythm of a traditional flamenco dance performance in Seville.
  • It's a pretty special thing to chill out on a beach in Andalucian Spain, knowing North Africa is just across the water. Explore the scenic coastline, and kick back with some tapas and sangria in Tarifa.
  • The town of Ronda is split in two by a deep rocky chasm. Follow in the path of the Romans, as you cross from one side to the other along an ancient bridge.
  • Discover Cordoba's great mosque, the Mezquita, one of the most accomplished examples of Moorish architecture in the world. The lavish gardens and opulent rooms of Granada's spectacular Alhambra Palace aren't bad either.
  • Witness a spectacular Spanish sunset on a beach in Valencia, while feasting on a bowl of the world's best paella.
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Themes

Cultural, High Adventure, Local Immersion & Homestays

What travelers are saying

"We joined the Intrepid “Real Italy Food Tour” and enjoyed it thoroughly. Our tour guide, Micol, was very knowledgeable and provided us with lots of good information. It seems Micol knew many of the staff of the venues we visited, including the pasta making class we attended. Our group of 11 travelers was extremely compatible, which greatly added to the fun and enjoyment."

Trip dates & details
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Colombia's Caribbean Coast & Lost City
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4.6/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They’ve partnered with well-known names like National Geographic and the Jane Goodall Institute to offer unique experiences unavailable elsewhere.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Strenuous
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Caribbean, Cartagena, Santa Marta, Sierra Nevada, Teyuna

Highlights

  • Wander the old walled city of cartagena
  • Sip a cold beverage by the caribbean sea
  • Learn about indigenous traditions on a village visit
  • Hike through the lush jungle to the lost city

Themes

Cultural, Education / Learning, Transformative

What travelers are saying

"We spent two wonderful weeks touring several of the best destinations in Portugal & Spain with a group of 16 people. Our guide (Fredy) was from Spain and intimately familiar with the region, including its rich history, attractions, and food/beverages. The tour was well-paced using a combinations of private vehicles (small buses and cabs), trains, and an airplane ride as well as a fair amount of walking to get around these two beautiful countries. We extended our stay in Lisbon to see more attractions and took a side trip to Fatima, Obidos, and Nazare that was also excellent. Would have liked to have a bit more time in a couple of the cities, but we'll just have to plan another trip!"

Trip dates & details
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Classic Spain & Portugal
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4.5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They’re very committed to sustainable and responsible tourism and contribute to important initiatives like climate action.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Algarve, Bar, Barcelona, Bilbao, Camino de Santiago, Granada, Lisbon, Madrid, Pamplona, Porto, San Sebastian, Santiago, Santiago de Compostela, Seville, Sierra Nevada, Sofia

Highlights

  • Gaze in awe at the artistic feats of the Spanish masters in Madrid, and experience a different sort of mastery with a fiery flamenco performance in Seville.
  • Unwind in a laidback fishing village in the Algarve on Portugal's scenic south coast. Soak up the sun on a beach and enjoy a cocktail-coloured sunset over the Atlantic Ocean.
  • People from all over the world come to Spain to walk the famous Camino de Santiago. Join pilgrims along the last leg of the journey, as they reach the historic cathedral in Santiago de Compostela.
  • The fortified medieval city of Pamplona is a great place to discover on foot. Weave through the city's winding alleyways to the immense Gothic Cathedral and walk down the street of the famous bull run.
  • Logrono is bursting with delicious local produce and wine, just waiting to be enjoyed on an included tapas crawl. Delicioso!

Themes

Cultural, High Adventure, Local Immersion & Homestays

What travelers are saying

"We joined the Intrepid “Real Italy Food Tour” and enjoyed it thoroughly. Our tour guide, Micol, was very knowledgeable and provided us with lots of good information. It seems Micol knew many of the staff of the venues we visited, including the pasta making class we attended. Our group of 11 travelers was extremely compatible, which greatly added to the fun and enjoyment."

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list

Health Safety +

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4 trips exactly matchall of the the filters you selected. We are displaying some similar trips.
My selections:
Rafting, Kayaking, Canoeing

California Reviews & Ratings

4.7/5  Excellent
237  Reviews
See all California tour reviews
Excellent
159
Great
31
Average
7
Disappointing
3
Terrible
1
L

Lesley

Oct 2015

Written on

I enjoy intrepid but the style of

I enjoy intrepid but the style of travel doesn't suit everyone.

C

Carol

Oct 2015

Written on

Good size group, great tour leader (on

Good size group, great tour leader (on this occasion), pretty good value for money on the whole.

a

alexandra

Sep 2015

Written on

good balance of guidance and free time

good balance of guidance and free time

R

Rodney

Sep 2015

Written on

Inexperienced leadership resulting in some wasted time.

Inexperienced leadership resulting in some wasted time. Too much time traveling in buses and small vans. Our leader was not confident in communicating information to...

R

Ric

Sep 2015

Written on

Very knowledgeable, competent, personable guide. Fun and

Very knowledgeable, competent, personable guide. Fun a...

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California Tour Selection Trips

  • California is quite expansive, and unless you have an extended amount of time to devote, it’s worth just focusing on one specific area. Try a wine-tasting tour, or a stay at Yosemite Valley Lodge.
  • California is more than just sun and surf! There’s also mountains, snow, vineyards, and desert.
  • Wine tasting is a popular activity for locals as well as visitors. Heed proper wine tasting etiquette to ensure an enjoyable time for all. 

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