Inflatable Kayak Trips in Jackson Hole
Guided Snake River TripsThe Most Thrilling Way to Experience the Snake River
Pilot, Not PassengerWhile traditional raft trips pack you onto buses and herd you into boats with strangers, our inflatable kayak (“ducky”) trips put you in control. You navigate your own line through rapids, feel every wave directly, and leave with real paddling skills you can use on future adventures.
Our stable, maneuverable tandem kayaks are designed for whitewater. They are forgiving enough for beginners but responsive enough to challenge experienced paddlers. No experience necessary, just a positive attitude and willingness to paddle.
Inflatable Kayak Trips
Choose Your Adventure
Morning Group Whitewater Inflatable Kayak Trips
Group WhitewaterSmall-group whitewater inflatable kayaking in Alpine Canyon with certified guides and hands-on instruction.
Private Scenic Inflatable Kayak Trips
Family FriendlyPrivate scenic float-style kayak trip on Snake or Hoback; perfect for families and beginners.
Private Whitewater Inflatable Kayak Trips
YOUR OWN ADVENTUREPrivate Alpine Canyon whitewater with your own guide and custom coaching; half or full day.
Why Paddle a Ducky with Rendezvous?
You Paddle Your Own Path
Real River SkillWhile traditional raft trips herd you onto buses and pack you into boats with strangers, our ducky trips put you in control. You navigate your own line through rapids, feel every wave directly, and leave with skills you can use on future adventures.
Small Groups, Big Attention
Small-Group TripsWe keep group sizes intentionally small so our guides can provide personalized coaching and ensure everyone feels supported. You’re not lost in a crowd. You’re part of a crew.
More Time, Better Experience
4–5 Hours, Not 3Unlike commercial operators who are racing to turn boats for the next group, we take our time. More paddling, more fun, more opportunities to catch eddies and play in waves. This is how river trips should feel.
Expert Local Guides
ACA-Certified InstructorsOur guides aren’t just boat drivers. They’re certified instructors passionate about teaching people to paddle. They know the rapids of the Alpine Canyon and they love sharing their knowledge with our guests.
Frequently Asked Questions
Before You GoA ducky is a stable, maneuverable inflatable kayak designed for tandem paddling. Think of it as a cross between a traditional kayak and a raft. It has the maneuverability of a kayak but with much more stability and forgiveness. Our fleet features Hyside Padillacs, which are top-of-the-line boats that can handle serious whitewater while remaining user-friendly for beginners.
Our inflatable kayaks are very stable, but yes, flipping can happen and is often part of the excitement! The river is deep and forgiving in most places, and we’ll teach you proper river swimming techniques before you launch. Many people find that getting wet makes the trip even more memorable!
No kayaking experience necessary! While you don’t need to be an athlete, having a basic level of fitness helps you enjoy paddling more. The most important requirements are a positive attitude, ability to follow instructions, and willingness to work as a team with your paddle partner. If you can get in and out of a boat and swim if needed, you can handle a ducky trip.
In a raft, you’re a passenger sitting on the sides while a guide rows from the middle or stern. In a ducky, you’re the pilot actively navigating your own boat through rapids. You’ll feel every wave and ripple more intimately, have the freedom to choose your own line (within boundaries), and develop actual paddling skills rather than just holding on. Plus, our groups are smaller (12 people max vs. 80+ on some commercial trips) and we spend more time on the water.
For our group trips, children must be at least 8 years old, competent swimmers and paddle tandem with an adult. For private trips, we can sometimes accommodate younger children (especially on scenic routes and at lower water levels) depending on their size, maturity, and swimming ability. During high water periods, we may raise the minimum age for whitewater sections. Give us a call at (307) 733-2471 to discuss your specific situation.
We paddle rain or shine! In fact, rainy days are great days to kayak. You’re going to get wet anyway! We provide appropriate gear to keep you comfortable. We closely monitor water levels and weather conditions. If flows are high, we may adjust our route to a different section like the Hoback River or South Park to Astoria. Managing risk is our priority and we have the flexibility to customize your trip to the conditions of the day.
Ready to paddle your own kayak through the Snake River?
Ready to grab a paddle instead of just grabbing a seat? Let’s make your Snake River adventure one you’ll actually remember doing, not just watching. Email info@jacksonholekayak.com or book online.