I thought I reviewed this business when I was on vacation, but realized I didn't and will try now.
I didn't arrange this excursion; my wife's brother's wife did. It was a pirate family whitewater trip meant for kids of all ages. My older teens had a good time but the younger age set had seemingly more fun. Wife and I liked the trip.
We got there at our scheduled time, and certainly a lot of people decided to do the same excursion. It was a couple hundred with their kids in the mostly 8-12 age range, but also plenty of vacationers without children. It took a while in the hot sun to get the pre-trip talks out of the way, but the information was important, like what to do when you're stuck on a rock, and filled with a lot of fun puns.
We then boarded buses to get to the starting point where we were assigned rafts based on the number in the party. Once all the busses showed up and people had their assigned rafts, we got in the water.
OMG, the fun started. My raft consisting of my wife and I and my son and nephew, became "that raft." The ones who everyone "hated" because we splashed you no matter what and got you good. People got revenge on us everywhere or at least tried. The rapids were not immense on our trip that day, but fun enough. Got stuck and had to bounce to get off. A few sections of the trip you were allowed to get out to swim. The large majority of the trip the water was 3-4 feet if that. Shorter sections were much deeper.
After what seemed like an eternity and definitely an upper body workout, it was time to pull over for lunch. Provided lunch was hot dogs, potato salad, lemonade, water, and chips. Plenty for seconds if wanted, and in a nice big picnic area. Port-o-potties there, too. This would be a good stopping place overall, but no, we were told we still had another 1 1/2 hour of rafting to do.
This was too much for me, but it still turned out well for all. The splashing dropped down considerably the second half, but there were some pirates to get!
There was always someone from the business at the front and back of all the rafts, and they provided required life vests. Make sure you do not unbuckle any of the buckles lest risk a $100 fine which would add to your experience.
After an eternity in the hot sun (please bring sunscreen), the trip was over. We boarded the busses for the 25 minute trip back to headquarters. Headquarters has a snack restaurant, fire pit, and sells a lot of equipment. They also took a picture of every raft while on the river which was available for purchase.
I only knocked one star for the length of trip. With the smaller kids, I think it could have been shorter and still just as much fun. Staff were excellent and answered my questions on the bus rides. Tips are pooled, and I did give one to our guide.
All had a great time, got sunburned on the tops of their legs, got soaked (because of being "that raft"), and laughed a lot. Good family time together.
Can't say how much it was as I didn't plan it out, but I'm sure it was in the $50 or $60 range per person. Might have been more. Recommended! read more