Do I need prior kayaking experience for this tour?

No experience is required; guides provide safety briefings and assist all skill levels throughout the trip.

What type of kayaks are used in the tour?

Single kayaks are standard and recommended, but tandem kayaks are available upon request.

Are children allowed on the tour?

The tour is intended for adults 21 and over, though tandem kayaks may accommodate children 12 and under with prior arrangement.

Will I get wet during the kayak trip?

Yes, expect to get wet from the waist down and potentially splash or swim in the river during warm weather.

Where does the tour start and end?

The tour shuttles guests from OAC Tours’ boathouse in Cottonwood to the Verde River launch near Clarkdale and back.

What refreshments are included after the kayak tour?

After paddling, guests can enjoy wine tasting and snacks at local venues like Tantrum Wines or private patios at The Krow or Blazin’ M Ranch.

Verde River Kayak Tours with OAC Tours in Arizona | Guided Tour | Boat Tour

Arizona’s Verde River carves a refreshing ribbon of life through the high desert, offering one of the state’s rare Wild and Scenic River experiences. OAC Tours, based in Cottonwood, invites paddlers of any skill to take in this vibrant riparian corridor aboard private kayak tours designed for ease and immersion alike. Launching from a well-equipped boathouse in Cottonwood, guests take a guided 3-hour journey down calm waters framed by towering cottonwoods, sycamores, and volcanic outcrops marking the Verde’s unique geological story.

This stretch of river, near Clarkdale, stands out not only for its striking scenery but also its quiet wildlife: beavers busily maintain lodges while kingfishers dart along the banks. The calm current and gentle entry points make this kayak trip approachable, whether you’re a novice or a seasoned paddler. After the float, the experience spills into the local culture with stops at nearby venues like Tantrum Wines, a Parisian-style café that pairs artisan wines with the rugged backdrop of Arizona’s Verde Valley.

OAC Tours blends wilderness with local flavors, hosting private groups at distinct spots such as The Krow or Blazin’ M Ranch. Their professional guides handle all logistics—safety gear, shuttles, and paddling instruction—so guests can focus on the pleasures of water and land. The tour’s accessibility, combined with this seamless river-to-table transition, makes it a unique outdoor escape.

Cottonwood’s convenient location near Sedona and Phoenix positions OAC Tours as a standout choice in Arizona’s outdoor scene. Participants walk away refreshed by serene paddling, enriched by countryside vistas, and satisfied through thoughtfully paired local refreshments. This kayak tour isn’t just a paddle down a river—it’s an inviting entry into the Verde Valley’s natural and cultural heart.