Overview
Whitewater River Rafting Thrills in California’s Gold Country!
Craving adventure? Embark on an epic full-day escape from San Francisco to experience the wild thrill of whitewater river rafting on the legendary American River—where California’s Gold Rush began!
Travel in comfort through the scenic Central Valley with a stop in a charming gold rush town for breakfast. Then head to the South Fork of the American River for an adrenaline-pumping ride through 8–10 miles of class III rapids—perfect for beginners and intermediate paddlers. No prior experience needed. (Min age: 8 or 80 lbs.)
After your rafting adventure, enjoy a picnic lunch (included), then explore James Marshall Gold Discovery Park, sip at local wineries, or stop at one of California’s largest outlets.
This custom private tour blends thrills, history, and nature for the ultimate day trip. Let’s turn your bucket list into reality—one rapid at a time!
What's Included
- Snacks
- Bottled water
- Private transportation
- Pickup/drop off anywhere in San Francisco downtown, Fisherman's wharf area, Presidio, Sacramento
- Rafting equipment and river fees included
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Lunch
- Sorry, we cannot transport passengers with disabilities as our vehicles are not equipped for that
- Tips/gratuities are voluntary payments to your guides as a gesture of appreciation for good service
Meeting and Pickup
-We offer complimentary pickup and drop off in San Francisco, in the East Bay (Oakland, Emeryville, Oakland and in Sacramento areas ).
What To Expect
Experience our Whitewater Rafting Thrills
Brief Description: Book our private 4X4 SUV or luxury van and enjoy our ultimate thrilling escapade that will take you to the American River to experience a unique whitewater rafting adventure all inclusive.
Our River rafting guided tour will take you from San Francisco to the American River that lies in the heart of the Gold Country. We will drive through the Bay Bridge heading east on highway 80 through Sacramento and Central Valley. A relaxing drive will take you through the agricultural valley where deltas, rivers and lakes meet in the middle of large and flat agricultural fields and pastoral lands. A break may take place in a charming old gold country town to enjoy breakfast in a rustic cafe.
We will then wind our road up to the South Fork of the American River, located at the Sierra Nevada’s Foothills where Gold was discovered back in 1848. Please do not under estimate the safety instructions that will be given to you by your tour leader, your safety is very important to us.
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Our policy regarding passengers with disabilities: Sorry, our vehicles are not equipped for passengers with disabilities and therefore, our commercial insurance doesn’t allow us to transport persons with any kind of disabilities for the sake of their own safety and well-being
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Specialized infant seats are available
Frequently Asked Questions (8)
Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Private Whitewater Rafting Experience with San Francisco Pickup?
Cancellation Policy
Still have questions?
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Activity code: C-178032P35
Traveler Photos
Additional Info
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Frequently Asked Questions (8)
The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from Cool Shore Excursions customers.
Filter by:
- Snacks.
- Bottled water.
- Private transportation.
- Pickup/drop off anywhere in San Francisco downtown, Fisherman's wharf area, Presidio, Sacramento.
- Rafting equipment and river fees included.
- Air-conditioned vehicle.
- Lunch.
- Sorry, we cannot transport passengers with disabilities as our vehicles are not equipped for that.
- Tips/gratuities are voluntary payments to your guides as a gesture of appreciation for good service.
This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Apr 2025The minimum age to participate is 6..
Apr 2025If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.
If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.
Apr 2025Accessibility information for the Private Whitewater Rafting Experience with San Francisco Pickup is as follows:
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Our policy regarding passengers with disabilities: Sorry, our vehicles are not equipped for passengers with disabilities and therefore, our commercial insurance doesn’t allow us to transport persons with any kind of disabilities for the sake of their own safety and well-being
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Private Whitewater Rafting Experience with San Francisco Pickup will be included in your confirmation email from Cool Shore Excursions. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!
Mar 2024Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.
Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.
If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.
Oct 2026What's Included
- Snacks
- Bottled water
- Private transportation
- Pickup/drop off anywhere in San Francisco downtown, Fisherman's wharf area, Presidio, Sacramento
- Rafting equipment and river fees included
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Lunch
- Sorry, we cannot transport passengers with disabilities as our vehicles are not equipped for that
- Tips/gratuities are voluntary payments to your guides as a gesture of appreciation for good service
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Our policy regarding passengers with disabilities: Sorry, our vehicles are not equipped for passengers with disabilities and therefore, our commercial insurance doesn’t allow us to transport persons with any kind of disabilities for the sake of their own safety and well-being
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Specialized infant seats are available
