The 7 Best Private Rafting Trips in the USA

1.Maui to Lanai Semi-Private Eco Raft Snorkel & Dolphin Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 225 reviews · from $96 a head Our pick

You’ll ride a fast eco-raft from Lahaina toward Lanai with fewer than 18 people, stopping to snorkel at weather-selected sites while guides point out fish, turtles, dolphins, and seasonal whales. Certified lifeguards provide instruction, gear, food, and drinks. The boat ride can be rough, so this suits confident ocean passengers.

“Captain Callen and First Mate Paul were PHENOMENAL! They took us to a great spot and had several anecdotal stories to share along the way! Captain Callen even spotted a Manta Ray and stopped the boat for us to see. Totally recommend this excursion! Thank you!!”

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3.Maui Eco-Raft: 2 Hour Dolphin Watch Sightsee Tour (Semi-Private)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 95 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $96 a head

Board a low-to-water eco-raft in Lahaina for a two-hour search for wild spinner dolphins along West Maui and Lanai. Marine naturalists such as Bree and Nicole share stories about dolphins, whales, turtles, and island life. You stay on the boat, enjoy snacks and drinks, and may add lunch. Sightings are never guaranteed.

“It was a beautiful day to go out on the water and watch so many dolphins swimming right next to the boat.”

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4.Private/High Adventure Whitewater Rafting Tour With Shore Snack

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 30 reviews · 5 hours (approx.) · from $115 a head

You’ll paddle the Ocoee River in a small Puma raft with a senior guide such as Travis, Ethan, Aaron, or Ryan. Expect technical rapids, wave surfing, swimming, a shore snack, and time to explore the middle section. This private trip suits ages 12 and up, runs about five hours, and is offered Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays.

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5.Super Raft – Private Charter Maui 3 Hour Snorkel to Coral Gardens or Molokini

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 21 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · $2,867 per raft, up to 15

Take a private 60-foot Super Raft from Maalaea Harbor with a captain and crew focused on your group. You may snorkel Molokini Crater, Coral Gardens, or another sheltered site if weather changes. Equipment, snacks, drinks, and an onboard restroom are included. The raft can carry up to 15 people.

“Fantastic experience on Super raft with the crew focused on making customers happy. We snorkeled at Molokini Crater and also did some sight seeing of top beaches.”

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6.Maui: Semi-Private Eco-Raft Lanai Snorkel & Dolphin Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 11 reviews · 4 - 5 hours · from $204 a head

Join Captain Jack, Jill, Mark, or another three-person marine crew on a 37-foot raft from Lahaina to Lanai. You will visit two or three snorkel sites, with beginner instruction, breakfast, wraps, snacks, and drinks included. Dolphin and whale sightings are possible, but never guaranteed.

“The trip was fun, beautiful and exciting. Captain Jack and crew were fantastic and very knowledgeable. We enjoyed the trip over in the Zodiac and the 2 snorkel spots were excellent. If you have some time, be sure to get this in.”

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7.Maui: Semi-Private 3 Hour Eco-Raft Turtle Snorkel Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 6 reviews · from $159 a head

Cruise Maui’s West Coast from Lahaina on a low-to-water raft carrying 18 or fewer people. A captain, three certified lifeguards, and marine naturalists provide snorkel instruction, gear, flotation aids, snacks, and drinks. Expect about two hours in the water, with tropical fish and green sea turtles possible.

“Wonderful staff took us to a great snorkeling location and was very helpful and patient with our 8 and 12 year old. Would recommend this experience for families.”

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