Looking for a fun way to stay cool in Arizona’s summer heat? The Beat the Heat Guided Kayak Tour in Cottonwood offers a refreshing escape, scenic views, and wildlife encounters—all led by expert guides from OAC Tours. Discover the perfect outdoor adventure today!
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
Hang tight — photos are loading
This usually takes just a second.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
2–3 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels; moderate paddling effort required.
Wildlife
History
Cottonwood has a rich history rooted in the Colorado River settlement and early gold mining days, which can be observed through local architecture and museums.
Conservation
OAC Tours emphasizes eco-friendly practices, including sustainable paddling and minimizing environmental impact to preserve the natural beauty of the waterways.
OAC Tours
Looking for a fun way to stay cool in Arizona’s summer heat? The Beat the Heat Guided Kayak Tour in Cottonwood offers a refreshing escape, scenic views, and wildlife encounters—all led by expert guides from OAC Tours. Discover the perfect outdoor adventure today!
OAC Tours is a Cottonwood, Arizona-based outfitter specializing in guided and self-guided paddling experiences on the Verde River. Operating from the Verde Valley region, OAC Tours offers a diverse lineup of river options including guided 2-hour kayak tours, self-guided launches, stand-up paddleboard and inner tube rentals, and pre-arranged back shuttle service to simplify logistics.
Trips are tailored to a variety of interests: seasonal winter floats (Polar Bear Float), private and small-group guided tours for families or friends, multi-activity packages that pair ATV rides with river time, and curated local experiences such as Kayak to Cocktails and Kayaks 'N' Cowboys featuring wine tastings and chuckwagon dinners. Equipment and safety gear are provided for rentals and guided outings, and selected seasonal trips include specialized cold-water gear as described in trip descriptions.
OAC Tours partners with local venues and outfitters in the Verde Valley for combined experiences, and offers private tour options for groups seeking a personalized outing. Launch points and shuttle arrangements are organized to keep focus on the river experience. For visitors to Cottonwood and the Verde Valley, OAC Tours provides accessible river recreation, flexible booking options, and a range of trips that highlight the natural and cultural offerings along Arizona’s Wild and Scenic Verde River.
Base Location
Cottonwood, AZ
Launches on the Verde River
Tours Offered
11 experiences
Guided, self-guided, and rentals
Trip Lengths
2–4 hours
Short to half-day options
Private & Group
Available
Small-group and private tours
Secure guided kayak tours, self-guided rentals, or private experiences from Cottonwood, AZ — online booking and shuttle services available.
Wear sun protection
Apply sunscreen, wear a hat, and sunglasses to protect yourself from the Arizona sun during the tour.
Stay hydrated
Bring plenty of water to keep yourself hydrated throughout the kayaking experience.
Check water levels
Confirm water levels and weather conditions beforehand to ensure safe paddling conditions.
Wear quick-drying clothing
Choose lightweight, moisture-wicking clothing for comfort on the water.
Sun protection
Essential to shield yourself from strong sunlight during outdoor activities.
summer
Hat and sunglasses
Helps protect your face and eyes from the sun while on the water.
spring|summer|fall
Quick-drying clothing
Keeps you comfortable in case of splashes and quick water drainage.
spring|summer|fall|winter
Waterproof sunscreen
Provides protection from UV rays without washing away in water.
spring|summer|fall