I had a great time whitewater rafting and felt very safe and our guide was knowledgeable. However, our guide "Scuba" Steve made several inappropriate and rude comments about women, people's weight, and race. This made several people on our boat uncomfortable. I did not appreciate this treatment and wish our guide was a little more kind. read more

Trip of a lifetime!! These guys know what they're doing and will give you all the tools you need to stay safe. Our guide Stevie was a gem, navigating us through a whirlwind of class V rapids. Before each set of rapids, we were given clear instructions on what to do if you ended up in the river, and there were several kayakers around the river for support (but we didn't need them).You'll get a chance to swim through some smaller rapids at the end, plus they provide snacks and a beer on the last leg. Great people, great experience, definitely do it!!! read more

Adirondack River Outfitters - Rafting/Kayaking Near Me - Watertown, New York

Unreliable - SAME DAY CANCELLAION. Booked a 2pm rafting trip with ARO back in June and even confirmed the day before. Yet at 10am on the day of the trip (Aug 1), they abruptly canceled, saying they couldn't fill the boat. When I asked why they didn't tell us earlier (even the day before) so we could make other plans, the rude staff admitted they were hoping more people would sign up last-minute. I was promised a call back from management--never happened. They refused to run the trip with just two people. Thankfully, I called B.O.B. Rafting and spoke to Bob directly--he got us on the water  (with just two people)  and we had a fantastic trip with a great guide, Scott.  Numerous rafting companies use the same stretch of the Black River, but we found one who treated us with respect and reliability--unlike ARO, which put profits over customer experience. Go with a rafting company who cares -  ARO doesn't. read more

First time white water rafting, this company was extremely professional and funny. Our tour guide was Nate, he was awesome. Lots of fun, highly recommend using this company. read more

Had such a great time white water rafting! It was such a fun time! We took the whole family and everyone enjoyed it! Had a super funny and informative guide, Scary Larry!!! He made the experience super fun, safe, and a really good time! I would definitely recommend! ( The snacks and beer that they give you...such a fun addition!) read more

I went with some friends and had an amazing time! Our rafting guide was awesome! I forgot to post earlier so I don't remember his name. My friends and I refer to this trip as a core memory read more

Adirondack River Outfitters - The best rafting guide - Rafting/Kayaking Near Me - Watertown, New York

What a letdown....We had Scary Larry as our guide. 80% of the ride, he was funny, great and an excellent guide. Then, he shared his story and asked others to share theirs. When talking about our careers, Larry became upset and mad at one of us and was completely judgemental. For someone who was creating a "safe space," he surely shared his negative opinion and ruined the rest of the trip, in addition to complaining about his wife. Sucks...we would have recommended you to all our friends. read more

We had an absolute blast, and even with a five hour car ride from Brooklyn, it was well worth it, and we'd do it again in a heartbeat. I cannot stress to you enough how much fun we had. The guides were all very helpful and professional, but Alex was a piece of work. He knew the full run to a T, and when we go back, we'll ask for him. read more

Wow! What a great time we had on our rafting trip. The ARO staff is great and our guide, Todd was awesome.

Great time On the black river. Wonderful guide, Alex. Exciting ride Lots of local history and funny stories from our guide. read more

Ran the black river with high water. Guides set up a good mix of hitting rapids followed by a stop to jump off a rock outcropping, a swim, etc. Why 3 stars? Relatively insensitive stories about 'big women' getting caught in certain river features or a group of girls not taking orders and getting wet. Not sure why the gender or lack of fitness are notable aspects - an athletic person will also have problems with a whirlpool. And who cares if a 'bunch of girls' weren't listening to the commands intently? Did they complain to you after getting wet? Is there little margin in your guides skill set that a little goofing off on a nice day by clients warrants complaining about them later on? One of the guides, Larry, rightly pointed out that it ultimately falls to the guide. Agreed. Also I have been on trips where the guide spent just a bit more time selecting the front paddlers, such that synchronicity and boat control are improved. Better to spend that time than mildly reprimanding your clients later, even in thinly veiled jest, when it's really important that they act in concert. read more

I was on vacation with my family and this was by far our favorite part of the trip! The guides are all super friendly and sooo funny. They gave directions calmly and made sure you were as safe as possible. We had Alex as our guide and I didn't question his abilities once. They even made snacks for us half way through the trip. This was an amazing experience and I recommend to anyone looking to have fun in Watertown. (I seriously cannot stress enough how amazing and funny the guides were) read more

My wife booked a trip with Adirondack River Outfitters as a birthday surprise. My back was injured the week prior to the trip. My wife called and the manager stated the company would refund the trip fee. If not for this assurance, my wife would have used the tickets with one of my daughters. No check was ever returned and now they are reneging on their word. Is this the type of company you want to do business with? read more

This place is amazing! I highly recommend using this rafting company for black river rafting. The staff was courteous and knowledgeable. They truly know the river and make it a fun and safe trip down the river. read more

Paddles up! The fiance and I had a great time white water rafting with ARO. We ended up coming here by accident after trying to book Hudson River tours and finding that we were the only people scheduled for the day. Rather than do all the paddling, we opted, to their suggestion, to try ARO instead. There were LOTS of people there - several families and groups of friends, which altogether I would estimate at, roughly, 50-100. Each rafter was suited up with a life jacket, helmet, paddle, and, if necessary (as it was in my case) water booties. Before heading out, they gave us a very detailed safety briefing, primarily on what to do when someone falls out of the raft. Our tour consisted of 7 miles of Level 2 and Level 3 rapids, but I've heard in the springtime the waters get more intense. The 2's were perfect for me, as a first-timer, but they were also just "practice rounds." The 3's had me anxious a couple of times, especially when a few people fell out their rafts at certain points, like at the aptly-named "Crusher." We must have went on an off-day because not only did several people fall out (unharmed, fortunately), but one guide flew out of the raft and struck his face on a boulder, leaving a couple of cuts. I don't let that affect my view of the company though; adventure sports are undoubtedly dangerous, and injuries are possible even while taking safety precautions. Our guide was Mikey, an intimidating-looking, big and tattooed biker type who actually turned out to be pretty friendly. His rowing directions were perfectly clear, and by the time we had all adjusted to the paddles, we were an efficient paddling machine. Ladies, beware of his Black River Facial tradition. I won't describe it because that would spoil the surprise, but make sure you don't come onto the raft wearing earrings as I did, lest you lose them. As a plus, they give out quite a bit of free food and drink along with the package! Peanut butter & honey wraps mid-trip, beers during our 2-mile tow back to the shore, hot soup upon arrival to the shop (and you will be dying to put something hot in your body, especially if you've been swimming), and a barbecue to top it all off. Unfortunately because of time constraints, we weren't able to attend, but I've left this experience much more open to rafting and other adventure sports! read more

Always the best in Watertown. Go every year I can make it. Can't wait for Sunday! I bring new friends every year. Alex is amazing and so is Larry! I highly recommend it to all locals and tourists. As a former local there is no other company with more experience than ARO on the black river, and the BBQ and beer make it even that much better while you enjoy a ending tugboat pull in an area only few locals, boaters, fishers, kayakers, and rafters normally experience. Even as someone who grew up on the black river - it is still magical and different than seeing it any other way. read more

Our first time to NY and went here and got an awesome experience! Benny was our guide and kept us entertained the whole way down, he made the day one to remember! ...And then we got an ice cold beer and a relaxing tow to the bus that took us back for a nice BBQ and more beer! I recommend Benny and ARO to anyone in upstate NY looking for a great adventure. read more

Went rafting with ARO today and we had a great time. The guide did a great job getting us around the river as well as explaining a lot about the river. We will definitely be visiting ARO again. The staff from when we walked in until when we left wad great. They also included a bbq and beer once you completed the trip. read more

Great time. Larry was very knowledgeable/kept everyone engaged. Would definitely go again

We had a great time with ARO. From start to finish our experience was great. The trip package was definitely worth the money. Compared to the other outfitters in the area we certainly got more for our money. The guides were experienced and a lot of fun. Big shout out to Erica our guide! read more