
Tour Overview
Experience Arizona's breathtaking Salt River on a premier, expert-led stand-up paddleboarding tour. Navigate calm, moving waters while looking for majestic wild horses and bald eagles in their natural habitat for an unforgettable adventure.
Duration: 2-2.5 hours total, with approximately 1.5-2 hours on the water.
Tour Highlights
- Moving-Water SUP: Navigate the gentle but consistent current of the Salt River on a high-performance board.
- Wild Horse Scouting: Keep an eye on the riverbanks for the resident wild horse herds often seen cooling off in the water.
- Professional Guiding: Benefit from a guide who understands the river's flow and can point out the best lines through the water.
- High-Performance Gear: We provide quality stand-up paddle boards and paddles suited for river conditions.
Tour Itinerary
The tour begins at the Canal/Hawes Park & Ride, where you will meet your guide and receive a safety briefing focused on moving-water techniques. After ensuring all high-performance SUP equipment is fitted and ready, we head to the water's edge to launch. The initial stretch allows you to find your balance and get a feel for the river's pace.
As we move downstream, the itinerary follows the natural curves of the Salt River through the desert landscape. We spend the next few hours paddling through scenic corridors where wild horses and bald eagles are frequently active. The tour concludes downriver, where we exit the water and provide snacks and water before wrapping up the session.
Pricing
$156/person (4-9 participants, 4-person minimum).
Private tours available for an additional $200 per activity.
Hotel pickup is available for $295 per activity.
For groups over 9 participants, please contact us.
Requirements
- Skill Level: Experienced paddlers only; must be comfortable on moving water.
- Minimum Age: 12+ years.
- Minimum Weight: 90 lbs.
- Walking: There is minimal walking to and from the river.
- Special Requirements: Must be able to stand and paddle for the duration of the tour.
What's Included
- Guide: Skilled professional guide(s).
- Equipment: High-performance SUP equipment, paddles, PFDs, and dry storage.
- Snacks & Water: Bottled water & healthy snacks provided
- Safety: Your guides will conduct a safety briefing prior to launch.
- Transport: Roundtrip shuttle from the meeting point to the river.
- Permits & Fees: National Forest entry fees.
What to Bring
- Water shoes or sport sandals
- Comfortable athletic clothing
- Change of clothing
- Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen)
- Medications & camera
Season & Departure Times
This tour operates daily with prior reservation. The morning timeframe is 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM. Afternoon departures are offered on our sunset paddleboarding tour.
Important Notes
RESERVATIONS REQUIRED: Please note that wildlife sightings such as horses and bald eagles are not guaranteed. Sunscreen and hats are highly recommended for all departures. Shoes that cannot fall off are required; hiking sandals with a backstrap are permitted.
Every attempt will be made to adhere to the tour itinerary. However, safety issues, weather, or other extenuating circumstances beyond our control may result in unexpected changes.
Cancellation Policy
This tour has a 72-hour cancellation policy. Please read your confirmation email for details.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the tour?
Approximately 1.5-2 hours on the water, within a 2-2.5 hour tour window from meet time to finish - an advanced-level moving-water paddleboard tour on the Lower Salt River.
What time do tours depart?
Tours run daily with prior reservation, with a morning timeframe of 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM. Afternoon departures are offered on the sunset paddleboarding tour.
Will we see wildlife?
Wild horses and bald eagles are frequently seen along the river, but sightings are not guaranteed. River birds and other Sonoran Desert wildlife are common along the corridor.
What's included in the price?
A professional safety-certified guide, high-performance paddleboards, paddles, PFDs and dry storage, National Forest entry fees, snacks and bottled water, and roundtrip shuttle from the meeting point to the river.
What are the requirements?
Guests must be at least 12 years old and weigh at least 90 lbs. This is an advanced-level tour for experienced paddlers - you must be comfortable on moving water and able to stand and paddle for the duration of the tour.
Where do we meet?
We meet at the Canal/Hawes Park & Ride, then our shuttle takes you to the river launch. Roundtrip transportation is included.
Have more questions? View our full Salt River SUP FAQ →









