12 Best places to go white-water rafting

South America’s best adrenaline rafting is on this glassy-clear, glacial river amidst the jaw-dropping scenery of Patagonia. It’s a day trip to tackle 40 miles of some of the toughest Grade III-V rapids anywhere – the river’s name is derived from a local Tehuelche Indian word meaning ‘big, big river’. There are half-day and lower-grade, family-friendly options too. December to March.

As white-rafting trips go, few can match the drama and majesty of the soaring Grand Canyon scenery.

The 280-mile stretch of the Colorado River passing through the canyon is home to more than 160 sets of rapids, ranging from Class I to Class 5 (though they have their own rating systems). The Lava Falls, with a 37-feet drop, is the mightiest of all.

The good news is there are a lot of options, from simple, fun day trip adventures covering low-grade rapids to more challenging multi-day camping adventures along the full distance.

For most, a simple one-day trip is enough. These are run from the West Rim by the native Hualapai Indians. Motorised rafts take you a mere 40 miles, the first 12 of which are low-grade rapids. The remaining 28 miles is flatwater where you can sit back and admire the view. The rafting guides tell you stories about the Hualapai and their cultural history as you go.

They also offer a 2-day version, with a night spent campaign in Spencer Canyon and including a hike to a natural waterfall.

The Hualapai’s 1- or 2-day trips are the best if you want the experience, but have limited time or desire for serious rafting, and/or you are coming from Las Vegas.

There are multiple operators offering longer adventures. These trips often include optional daytime hikes – usually no more than 2 miles to take in the scenery and to have a break from the rafting.

There’s edgier white-water rafting in Latin America, but you won’t find a more spectacular setting than Iguazu. And it’s not just the falls – where the rafting excursion begins. River descents run through the heart of the protected rainforest – so you’ll see parrots and toucans all around, and if you’re very lucky a jaguar, healthy populations of which live in the jungles around the river.

Depending on the water flow, the rapids vary from 1.5 (easy) to 3.5 level (intermediate). They can go up to level IV or even V after very heavy rains in December and January, but tour operators seldom run trips under these conditions.

Queenstown’s original adrenaline-pumping adventure, there are two white water trips on offer.

First-timers and scaredy cats should choose the grade 2-3 rapids of the Kawarau River. Daredevils should opt for the Shotover River, which features grade 3-5 rapids and a narrow passage called Skippers Canyon, which was carved by gold miners more than 120 years ago. Ever wanted to raft through a washing machine? Then try this. Guaranteed thrills (and hopefully no spills).

Tour operators also offer a 3-day, 2-night rafting trip to the Landsborough River, and an opportunity to explore a remote, magical setting of 10,000ft mountains, hanging glaciers, and pristine rainforest.

If a multi-day, whitewater rafting adventure in pristine wilderness is what you’re seeking, then head to Canada’s best river for a week-long odyssey.

Tackle Class IV and V rapids as you journey through pine-clad granite canyons, camp out on river banks under star-studded skies, and wildlife-spotting for bears, moose and ospreys.

Just south of Italy’s scenic Dolomites is the location for this multi-level white-water rafting river, suitable for anyone from families to adrenaline-junkies.

There are 28km of Class II, IV and V rapids on a spectacular stretch through the gorges of Mostizzolo and across the remote Val di Sole (Sun Valley). Half- and full-day trips run from June to September.

On the eastern edges of Costa Rica’s Central Valley, the Pacuare River cascades down a series of slopes on its way to the Caribbean Sea.

For decades, this has been ground zero for whitewater rafting – for good reason. The Pacuare is home to a series of Class III-V rapids that travel down a canyon wrapped in virgin rainforest.

It’s a thrilling ride and an essential stop for adrenaline junkies.

Arguably the US’s best white-water river, there are over 300 Class III-IV rapids in a 100-mile stretch of near continuous white-water on the river’s Middle Fork.

Trips start at Boundary Creek, then it’s a 5- to 6-day passage through spectacular, untouched wilderness. Daredevils can extend a few extra days to tackle the biggest rapids at the end.

There are also easier grade I-III options on other tributaries for families and scaredy cats. May to September.

Northern Europe’s best white-water river is characterised by fast-flowing, crystal-clear water churning through narrow gorges, amid a glacial landscape of valleys, lakes and waterfalls.

Rapids are Class II-V, handily grouped into easy and challenging stretches, so there’s something for all levels. Day trips from May to October.

Europe’s best white-water rafting is found in this, the deepest and longest canyon in Europe. 1.3 km deep and 78km long, the canyon is a stunning setting of cave-studded cliffs, rocky terraces, sandy beaches and churning turquoise water (that’s so clean, you can drink it). The 50+ rapids are Class III-IV. May-October, trips 1-3 days.

Australasia’s best rafting can be found 2 hours south of Cairns. The setting is valleys of pristine, centuries-old rainforest, dotted with ribbon waterfalls and aboriginal caves, and filled with exotic wildlife (including ‘salties’).

The nearby Baron River has gentler Grade II-III rapids. Full-day trips run all year round, departing from Cairns, Townsville, Mission Beach and Feluga or you can self-drive to Tully and do half-day.

Widely regarded as some of the best white-water rafting in the world, running the rapids formed by the Zambezi funnelling through the Batoka Gorge, is far and away the most popular adventure activity at Victoria Falls.

These are among the largest commercially rafted rapids in the world, and not for the faint-hearted. However, rafting companies take safety incredibly seriously and guides are trained in swift-water rescue and accredited by the International Rafting Federation.