RAFTing in denali
VOTED BEST TOUR IN DENALI!!! BOOK NOW LIMITED SPACE AVAILABLE!!!
VOTED BEST TOUR IN DENALI!!! BOOK NOW LIMITED SPACE AVAILABLE!!!
raft trips
WILDERNESS WAVE
RAFT TOUR
AGES: 5+ (Min. weight 50lb/23kg)
CHECK-IN: 8am, 12pm, 2pm & 6pm
DURATION:3-3.5 hours start to finish
LOCATION: Denali National Park, Alaska
RIVER: Nenana River 11 miles
LEVEL: Class II-III rapids
COST: Child: $100, Adult: $147
Enjoy a mild rafting tour along the natural boundary of Denali National Park. On the Wilderness Wave Raft Tour, you’ll cruise through 11 miles of glacially carved valleys and amazing vistas with panoramic views of Mount Fellows and Flat Top mountain. You will ’ll encounter the occasional rapid and possibly some wildlife. This option is perfect for the whole family. Fun and Splashy
Book your Wilderness Wave Raft Trip!
CANYON WAVE
RAFT TOUR
AGES: 12+ (15+ to paddle)
CHECK-IN: 8am, 10:15am & 2pm & 6pm,
DURATION: 3-3.5 hours start to finish
LOCATION: Denali National Park, Alaska
RIVER: Nenana River 11 miles
LEVEL: Class III-IV rapids
COST: $147
On the Canyon Wave Raft Tour, you’ll journey through 11 miles of a glacial river with spectacular views of Denali National Park gems. Raft into the gorge running rapids with names like Razorback, Train Wreck and Coffee Grinder. Most rapids are Class 3 with a couple Class 4 rapids Join the team as a Paddle Rafter or play it cool and just ride as an Oar Boat Rider. This is our most popular trip and books up quickly with limited space.
Book your Canyon Wave Raft Trip!
AGES: 12+ (15+ to paddle)
CHECK-IN: 8:00 am
DURATION: 5.5 hours start to finish
LOCATION: Denali National Park, Alaska
RIVER: Nenana River 22 Miles
LEVEL: Class III-IV rapids
COST: Adult: $290
Enjoy the best of both worlds and book our combo package! After experiencing breathtaking views of the Wilderness Wave section, continue downstream and raft through action-packed rapids on the Canyon Wave section, for a total of 22 miles. We recommend this trip for parties who want an half-day adventure and experience all that the Nenana River has to offer.
New wave combo
Raft tour
Book your New Wave Combo Raft Trip!
STEp one: Pick the trip you want to go on!
BEST TRIp Every Trip.
Experience the thrill of brisk, mild currents offering up the opportunity for a bit of splash-filled fun. This section features fewer rapids, followed by relaxing float periods where you can take in the breathtaking scenery around you. The stunning views of the surrounding valley and mountains make for a peaceful and playful adventure. It’s the perfect trip for young kids and anyone looking for a fun, easy-going day on the water, blending beauty, fun with moments of tranquility.
WILDERNESS WAVE
RAFT TOUR
Along the way, you'll tackle 8 named rapids, each adding its own unique challenge and excitement. You can actively participate by paddling or just enjoy the ride while you take on the splashy rapids. You’ll raft for about an hour and a half, with the river moving at a quicker pace. The faster current means you'll be paddling more frequently, making it a more active, splashy and thrilling adventure. The combination of rapids and swift-moving water ensures a fun and exhilarating ride from start to finish!
CANYON WAVE
RAFT TOUR
This trip combines both sections of the river for a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation. You’ll start at 8 AM, easing into the mild stretch of water, before making your way into the canyon for the second part of the journey. It's a half-day adventure, lasting a total of 5.5 hours from start to finish, and you'll be back by 1:30 PM. This is a fantastic way to to enjoy both scenic tranquility and thrilling moments. There’s a short break between sections, allowing you to recharge.
New wave combo
Raft tour
STEp two: Pick what style of rafting you want to do!
OAR BOAT RIDER
YOUR GUIDE WILL DO ALL THE WORK . YOU CAN JUST SIT AND HOLD ON FOR THE RIDE. PERFECT FOR FIRST TIME RAFTERS.
SIT AND HOLD ON FOR THE RIDE
PADDLE RAFTER
YOUR GUIDE WILL BE IN THE RAFT GIVING YOU INSTRUCTIONS ON WHAT TO DO. PERFECT FOR FOLKS THAT WANT TO BE MORE ACTIVE DURING THE TRIP.
ACTIVELY PADDLE ON YOUR RIVER TRIP.
STEp three: book the time and date you want to go!
BOOK A RAFT TRIP AND GET 25% OFF A HIKING TRIP
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BOOK A RAFT TRIP AND GET 25% OFF A HIKING TRIP 〰️
Fun Facts Before You Hit the River
Every raft is led by a professional New Wave Adventures guide. You're never on the river without an experienced guide leading the way.
Oar boats and paddle rafts follow the same route. Both trips run the same section of river, tackle the same exciting rapids, and last the same amount of time. The only difference? In a paddle raft, you get to help paddle!
We've got your gear covered. Every guest receives everything needed for the trip, including river shoes. Your own shoes stay safe and dry back at our office.
Dress for warmth, not fashion. Sweatpants, leggings, yoga pants, jeans, hoodies, sweatshirts, and lightweight jackets all work great. Please avoid shorts, and don't forget a pair of warm socks!
Our drysuits go over your clothes. They're designed to fit over warm layers, so don't worry about wearing bulky clothing underneath.
Your drysuit keeps you dry—your layers keep you warm. The Nenana River averages around 36°F, so dressing warmly is important, even on sunny days.
"Dry" really means "mostly dry." We regularly inspect and repair our drysuits, but an occasional small leak can happen. If you notice one, let us know after your trip so we can fix or replace the suit.
Bring warm socks! Trust us—they make a big difference.
Want to bring your phone? No problem! We sell waterproof phone cases in our office to help keep it protected during your adventure.
Wear glasses? Bring them! We also sell eyeglass retainers so you can keep your glasses secure through every splash and wave.
Personal belongings stay safe with us. Wallets, purses, keys, and other valuables can be securely stored at our office while you're out enjoying your rafting adventure.
ARE YOU STAYING AT A HOTEL IN THE DENALI AREA?
Pick up & drop off information
New Wave rafting guests can be picked up at the provided list of hotels. Please wait in the front lobby of the hotel.
8AM TRIPS
7:15 am Denali Cabins
7:20 am Denali Park Village
7:25 am Grizzly Bear
7:30 am Visitor’s Center Bus Stop
7:35 am Riley Creek Mercantile Bus Stop
7:40 am Grande Denali
7:45 am Princess & Holland America
7:50 am Denali Bluffs
7:55 am Salmon Bake/Crows Nest (Lower)
10:15AM TRIPS
9:25 am Denali Cabins
9:30 am Denali Park Village
9:35 am Grizzly Bear
9:40 am Visitor’s Center Bus Stop
9:45 am Riley Creek Mercantile Bus Stop
9:50 am Grande Denali
10 am Princess & Holland America
10:05 am Denali Bluffs
10:10 am Salmon Bake/Crows Nest (Lower)
12PM TRIPS
11:15 am Denali Cabins
11:20 am Denali Park Village
11:25 am Grizzly Bear
11:30 am Visitor’s Center Bus Stop
11:35 am Riley Creek Mercantile Bus Stop
11:40 am Grande Denali
11:45 am Princess & Holland America
11:50 am Denali Bluffs
11:55 am Salmon Bake/Crows Nest (Lower)
2PM TRIPS
1:15 pm Denali Cabins
1:20 pm Denali Park Village
1:25 pm Grizzly Bear
1:30 pm Visitor’s Center Bus Stop
1:35 pm Riley Creek Mercantile Bus Stop
1:40 pm Grande Denali
1:45 pm Princess & Holland America
1:50 pm Denali Bluffs
1:55 pm Salmon Bake/Crows Nest (Lower)
5:30PM TRIPS (End of season only)
4:50 pm Denali Cabins
5:00 pm Denali Park Village
5:05 pm Grizzly Bear
5:05 pm Visitor’s Center Bus Stop
5:10 pm Riley Creek Mercantile Bus Stop
5:15 pm Grande Denali
5:15 pm Princess & Holland America
5:20 pm Denali Bluffs
5:25 pm Salmon Bake/Crows Nest (Lower)
6PM TRIPS
5:20 pm Denali Cabins
5:25 pm Denali Park Village
5:30 pm Grizzly Bear
5:30 pm Visitor’s Center Bus Stop
5:35 pm Riley Creek Mercantile Bus Stop
5:40 pm Grande Denali
5:45 pm Princess & Holland America
5:50 pm Denali Bluffs
5:55 pm Salmon Bake/Crows Nest (Lower)
cancellation policy.
To book a trip full payment is required at the time of booking. We provide a full refund up to 2 days before your trip. There will be NO refund available for trips cancelled within 1 Day or less of the trip. All trips depart, rain or shine, as scheduled. If we need to cancel your trip and it cannot be rescheduled we will issue a refund in full. Please note the booking fee will not be refunded for partial refunds per our agreement with our booking platform.
New Wave Adventures LLC. reserves the right to cancel or switch the trip section or time of its' raft trips to ensure safety is our top priority.
To participate in any activity with New Wave Adventures LLC. you must accept the risks of designated activity by signing our Liability Waiver.
High-water / Wind Policy
(Canyon Wave Only)
If New Wave cancels a Canyon Wave trip due to high water, wind or other safety reasons you will automatically be rebooked to the Wilderness Wave at the same time slot. We will send emails and texts for notification.
Trip Minimums
Please note that a minimum of 5 rafters must be booked in order for the tour to run. If this minimum is not met, the trip may be canceled or rescheduled for a different time slot.
PURCHASE
GIFT CARDS
Gift Cards are a great option to help support small businesses during this time while sharing a bit of adventure with a loved one.
