What you'll do:

You'll paddle a scenic stretch of the Verde River through Sycamore Canyon, weaving past red rock cliffs, cottonwood trees, and calm desert water with a guide leading the way the entire time.

• Guided kayaking tour!: A safety-certified OAC guide leads your group down the Verde River, balancing calm floating sections with splashy rapids that keep the experience active and fun.

• Roundtrip shuttle included!: Transportation to and from the launch site is handled for you, so there is no need to coordinate vehicles or worry about river logistics.

• All gear provided!: Every guest receives a kayak, paddle, and personal flotation device, with single, tandem, and high-capacity kayaks available depending on your group's setup.

• Photos along the way!: Your guide captures action shots and group photos throughout the float so you leave with memories already documented.

• Swim and float stops!: There are opportunities to hop into the river, cool off, float beside the kayaks, or start a spontaneous water fight during calmer sections.

The full experience runs about three hours from arrival to finish and works for both first-time paddlers and groups that already love outdoor adventures.

Why we love it for your group:

• No experience needed!: The pace and instruction are beginner-friendly, so everyone can participate comfortably even if they have never kayaked before.

• Actually interactive!: Rapids, swimming spots, and shared moments on the water naturally get people laughing and connecting throughout the tour.

• Perfect for celebrations!: Birthday groups, reunions, bachelor and bachelorette parties, and friend trips all work naturally in this format.

• Beautiful without trying too hard!: The Verde River scenery delivers the kind of backdrop people usually only see in Arizona postcards.

• Planning stays simple!: OAC handles transportation, equipment, and safety guidance, which removes most of the friction from organizing a group activity.

About this experience partner:

OAC Tours is an Arizona-based outdoor adventure company specializing in guided kayaking experiences on the Verde River near Cottonwood and Sedona. Their guides are safety-certified and trained to keep the experience approachable, social, and informative for groups of all experience levels. OAC regularly hosts birthday groups, bachelorette weekends, corporate outings, and family adventures throughout the year.

Additional information:

• Kayak, paddle, and PFD included for every guest

• Lockers, changing rooms, water shoes, and sundries available at check-in

• Opportunities to swim during the float depending on river conditions

• Suggested guide gratuity: $20 per guide for groups of four or fewer, or $10 per person for larger groups