Outdoor Adventure

Boating & Water Activities

Arizona has its share of wonderful lakes and rivers—perfect for a day of boating, fishing, water sports, and enjoying the sunshine.

Boating & Water Activities
Rafting on the Upper Salt River, Globe

Arizona Boating, Canoeing & Kayaking

Travelers who may not be familiar with the desert Southwest might imagine it as a place with tumbleweeds rolling across a dusty, barren desert.

But actually, Arizona has its share of wonderful lakes and rivers—perfect for a day of boating, water sports, and enjoying the sunshine.

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Arizona's Water Destinations

Northern Arizona

Lake Powell

Lake Powell offers recreational boating experiences in a stunning setting of crystal water, red rock formations, and beautiful Arizona weather. It's also an ideal location for houseboating vacations.

Northern Arizona

Lake Havasu

Boasting the title of "Personal Watercraft Capital of the World," Lake Havasu is the perfect place to rent a boat, or bring your own. Located along Arizona's West Coast, it's also a great jumping-off point for boating the Colorado River as it heads south to Yuma.

North Central

Prescott

Boating, swimming, fishing, hiking, and picnicking are just a few of the ways to enjoy the day in Prescott, Arizona, where three picturesque lakes dot the town. Enjoy the stunning Granite Dells at Watson Lake and Willow lakes, or the pine-topped hills around Goldwater Lake.

Central Arizona

Tempe Town Lake

In the heart of Central Arizona, Tempe Town Lake is a two-mile boating wonderland. Rent a paddleboat or stand-up paddleboards for a fun-filled afternoon in Tempe with family or friends.

Western Arizona

Bullhead City

This 11-mile stretch of the Colorado River begins in Bullhead City. Perfect for canoeing or kayaking, the area is home to hot springs, a "sauna cave," and beautiful scenery.

Iconic Experiences

Rafting the Grand Canyon

Of course, don't forget the biggest adventure of them all: rafting the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon.

Must Do

Raft Through 'Arizona's Other Grand Canyon'

When the snow melts, the rapids start in the Upper Salt River.

Arizona Water Activities

Other Popular Destinations

Colorado River Indian Tribes

The Colorado River creates a vibrant backdrop on tribal lands south of Parker downriver to I-10.

Lake Pleasant Regional Park

Head north of Phoenix for boating and fishing at one of Arizona’s most popular outdoor playgrounds.

Canyon Lake

Outdoor adventurers enjoy this surprising oasis 45 minutes east of Phoenix.

San Carlos Lake

Enjoy fishing and outdoor recreation at this cool oasis on San Carlos Apache Tribal Lands.

Patagonia Lake State Park

Discover a refreshing oasis tucked away in the rolling hills of Southeastern Arizona.

Cattail Cove State Park

Enjoy swimming, fishing and boating on a wide expanse of the Colorado River.

Lake Havasu State Park

Arizona’s west coast serves up big surprises, including a state park on the banks of a reservoir formed by the Colorado River.

Outdoor Adventures

Shore Thing: Arizona's Best Beaches

Known for its iconic deserts, Arizona surprises with sandy beaches perfect for lounging or launching a water adventure.

Family Activities

Quick Trip Ideas Along Arizona’s West Coast

Let the Colorado River guide your vacation to the waterfronts of Yuma, Lake Havasu City, and the Grand Canyon, where sunshine and cool breezes...

Outdoor Adventures

Secret Arizona Swimming Holes Worth the Hike

The Arizona landscape is dotted with recreation areas where you can drive to the water's edge, but these five secret swimming holes require a...

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Boating & Water

REI Co-op Adventure Center

The REI Adventure Center in Scottsdale offers adventures for all, including guided hiking, road and mountain biking, kayaking, rafting, and...

Boating & Water

Riverbound Sports

Arizona does have water! In fact, Arizona has some of the most beautiful lakes and rivers to explore by kayak or paddleboard. Riverbound...

Boating & Water

Salt River Boat Charting

Book your next boat chart with Salt River Boat Charting to Saguaro, Canyon or Roosevelt lake with your captain, Matthew Bolt, who has more...

Boating & Water

Salt River Rafting

Salt River Rafting provides whitewater trips through the scenic Salt River Canyon. Trips range from a half day to four-day adventures...

Boating & Water

WazSUP Kayaks

WazSUP Kayaks rental in Page is all about human-powered fun at Lake Powell. Best of all it's affordable. For less than it cost to go to...

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Cities & Regions

From the abundance of Saguaro cactuses and unique wildlife in the Sonoran Desert to the high country and forests of the White Mountains to the breathtaking Grand Canyon, Arizona’s regions are full of experiences that don’t disappoint.