Rafting & KayakingAdventures2019/2020

OFC

In 1973, Richard Bangs and John Yost ventured to Ethiopia to be the first to run the Omo River. From that trip forward, Sobek and its guides have run close to 200 first descents across the globe. As a young guide, I lived vicariously through these exploits and dreamed of traveling to remote corners of the world to explore these incredible rivers. That same spirit of river exploration and discovery is alive and well—buoying MT Sobek into the future.  

With a wide variety of new offerings and options to experience the most amazing rivers and canyons in North America and around the world, there is sure to be an incredible river trip to be discovered by each of you. We are extremely excited about our newest flagship trips on the Colorado River through Cataract Canyon, as well as our other classics on the Alsek in Alaska, Middle Fork of the Salmon in Idaho, and the Zambezi in Zambia.  

We are also looking forward to carrying on our history of exploration by offering the first-ever commercial rafting descent of the Sezar River in Iran. Plus, we’re celebrating our 50th anniversary with a trip down the Sayan Oka River in Siberia with Sobek’s founders!  

The future of river trips with MT Sobek is very bright, so stay tuned for many new and wonderful journeys to come.

Matt Gontram Director of River Operations

Dear Fellow Paddler,

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The Best River Guides

When you paddle with MT Sobek river guides, you know that

you’re in safe hands from the moment you meet them. Their

knowledge of the river and the wilderness will inspire you to

respect the water and protect the land. When you hear “lean in”

you will do it instinctively—as an essential part of their crew.

Despite diverse backgrounds, a shared love of rivers brings our

guides together. They will teach you new things and make you

laugh. Here are just a few of the guides who will be on the river

with MT Sobek this season.

Richard Bangs

Sayan Oka River, p.18

“What an honor to purl down a river again with John Yost,

this time in Siberia. John could have retired from the noble raft

a while ago, but when it comes to rafting, he is as carnivorous

as a crocodile on the banks of the Nile. So, I say, if you come

to a fork in the river, take it!”

John Yost

Sayan Oka River, p.18

“After a lifetime pushing the boundaries of international

rafting, I’m still thrilled to expand them again with this great

whitewater journey through the forests of Siberia’s Lake

Baikal region.”

Pauly Borichevsky

Cataract Canyon, p.8

“After 20 years, I often get asked if leading river trips gets old, but

it never does. I get to see these beautiful places anew through

other people’s eyes, and I love helping to show them that they

can do something they didn’t think they could do before.”

Kevin “Thirsty” McDermott

Alsek River, p.14

“River rafting is about creating a tribe! We begin as individuals

but by overcoming adversity together we become one—we

look out for each other.”

Sage McDermott

Middle Fork of the Salmon River, p.13

“After more than 50 trips down the Middle Fork, I still love

waking up to the sound of the river and jumping in. It’s fun

sharing this unique wilderness area with others, and I enjoy

seeing people getting stronger every day.”

Christa Sadler

Alsek River, p.14

“The Alsek River is, quite simply, extraordinary. In 24 years

of working there, I have never failed to be amazed and

humbled by such spectacular wilderness.”

Brian Stevenson

Sezar River, p.17

“In May 2019, I will lead the first-ever commercial rafting

descent of Iran’s Sezar River. It’s a rare opportunity to be part

of a first descent, and this 75-mile journey will be both

challenging and exciting—just what I was hoping for.”

Taylor Wilcox

Middle Fork of the Salmon River, p.13

“I’ve been guiding on the Middle Fork for 15 years and I keep

coming back because it’s still the most fun thing to do in the

summer. I love it, every time!”

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SOBEK CO-FOUNDER SOBEK CO-FOUNDER

Our rafting trips range from gentle Class II family getaways to high-adrenaline Class IV-V adventures with miles of thrills. Seasonal water level changes make the same river a different beast, so it’s worth talking with MT Sobek experts to make sure that you are picking a date that suits your ability. As well as scheduled group departures, we can also accommodate private parties for a personalized adventure.

Here is some of the terminology that you might hear used on your rafting adventure.

Which MT Sobek rafting adventure is right for you?

OAR BOAT

Classic inflatable raft, equipped

with two long oars rowed

forward-facing by the guide.

Accommodates gear and 3-5

passengers. Perfect for relaxing.

INFLATABLE KAYAK

Also known as a “ducky,” this is

your chance to get intimate with

the river. Paddle or sit at river level

with a double-bladed paddle and

be in charge of your own destiny!

GEAR BOAT

Also called the sweep boat, the

gear boat carries all the food and

camp necessities, plus all our

waste—ensuring that we leave

the river as pristine as we found it.

PADDLE BOAT

Up to 6 passengers sit on the

perimeter of the raft with legs

inside and paddle under the

direction of the guide, who

sits in the stern of the raft.

STAND-UP PADDLEBOARD

Balance on these surprisingly

stable craft, also known as

SUP, and propel yourself

downstream with a single-

bladed paddle.

PORTAGE

When rivers become un-

navigable, the gear has to

be taken out and carried to the

next navigable stretch. This is

known as portage.

CLASS I-II RAPIDS

Sit back and enjoy the scenery.

Experience placid river conditions

with interspersed wave trains and

enjoyable splashes.

CLASS III-IV RAPIDS

Things are getting exciting! Begin

to see more frequent irregular

waves. This level requires a good

response to guide commands

and efficient team paddling.

CLASS V RAPIDS

This is the highest level of rafting

difficulty, likely involving long,

continuous rapids. Successful

navigation requires great physical

fitness and precise paddling.

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Cataract Canyon 7-Day Rafting Adventure

• Carving a chasm through Utah’s Canyonlands National Park, the red-rock wonder of Cataract Canyon begins at the confluence of the mighty Green and Colorado Rivers

• Discover the canyon’s splashy thrills on this classic 7-day rafting adventure, kicking off in Moab—Utah’s adventure hub

• Raft legendary Class III-IV “Big Drops” and enjoy comfortable riverside camping, all in the company of top river guides

• Short on time? Check out our 5-day version with just 4 fun-packed days on the river!

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7-Day Trip Departs May, Jun, Aug, Sep

Land Cost From $2,595

Activities Rafting

Lodging Hotel, riverside camps

Group Size 8-20 guests

Minimum Age 9 years old

Arrive Moab, Utah

Depart Moab, Utah

Activity Level

For more info, visit mtsobek.com/Cataract7

Details

Cataract Canyon Family Rafting Adventure

• Take the whole family on a river adventure to remember with four exhilarating days on the Colorado River and one night in Moab

• Experience all the thrills of our classic trip on a well-paced adventure, tailored for first-time paddlers aged 9 and over

• Run the rapids with expert guides, and enjoy fun riverside camping and nightly campfire feasts

• It’s a perfect way to unplug in nature this summer—plus kids under 17 save $250!

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5-Day Trip Departs Jul, Aug

Land Cost From $2,295

Activities Rafting

Lodging Hotel, riverside camps

Group Size 8-20 guests

Minimum Age 9 years old

Arrive Moab, Utah

Depart Moab, Utah

Activity Level

Details

For more info, visit mtsobek.com/CataractFamily

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Cataract Canyon Hiking & Rafting Adventure

• Hike deep in the heart of Canyonlands National Park on trails accessible only by the river

• Marvel at the sculpted red-rock landscape of southeast Utah’s high desert, with its canyons, arches, spires, and buttes

• Raft from the Green River to the Colorado River and through Cataract Canyon, tackling “Big Drops”—famed as some of the world’s best Class III-IV rapids

• Pair exhilarating days on the river with camping beneath desert skies and a scenic flight back to Moab

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11-Day Trip Departs May, Oct

Land Cost From $3,495

Activities Rafting and hiking

Lodging Hotel, riverside camps

Group Size 6-12 guests

Minimum Age 16 years old

Arrive Moab, Utah

Depart Moab, Utah

Activity Level

For more info, visit mtsobek.com/Cataract

Details

Cataract Canyon Women’s Rafting Adventure

• Rejuvenate mind and spirit as you raft exhilarating rapids on this special week- long getaway

• Feel the serenity of riverside camps with alfresco feasts and evenings around the campfire

• Enjoy camaraderie as you paddle the Colorado River together, tackling Class III-IV rapids through Cataract Canyon—gateway to the Grand Canyon

• Try out stand-up paddleboarding SUP or inflatable kayaking and experience the transformational energy of the river

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7-Day Trip Departs Jun, Jul

Land Cost From $2,595

Activities Rafting

Lodging Hotel, riverside camps

Group Size 8-20 guests

Minimum Age 16 years old

Arrive Moab, Utah

Depart Moab, Utah

Activity Level

Details

For more info, visit mtsobek.com/CataractWomen

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7-Day Trip Departs

Jun–Aug

Land Cost

From $2,595

Dates & Pricing

Crest more than 100 unforgettable

rapids in 100 miles on this adventure

down one of the world’s greatest

rivers. Get ready for a deluxe camping

and boating experience, guided by

Idaho’s strongest rafters. Relax on

an oar boat, get wet with a team of

paddlers, or captain your own vessel

on an inflatable kayak—choose a new

activity every day. With afternoons

spent relaxing in natural hot springs,

hiking, fishing, visiting ancient rock

formations, and cooling off in

refreshing waterfalls, this trip is a

don’t-miss experience for amateurs

and pros alike!

Rafting the Middle Fork of the Salmon River

Details

Activities Rafting

Lodging Hotel, riverside camps

Group Size 7-23 guests

Minimum Age 6 years old

Arrive Stanley, Idaho

Depart Salmon, Idaho

Activity Level

For more info, visit mtsobek.com/MiddleFork

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A C T I V I T I E S

Exciting whitewater rafting on Class II-IV

rapids, paddling 10-19 miles per day,

with short hiking excursions on the river’s

scenic banks.

L O D G I N G

A comfortable hotel in Stanley followed

by MT Sobek’s deluxe riverside camps,

with meals served around the campfire

beneath the stars.

C L I M A T E

Summer weather has daytime ranges

from 60°F to 90°F, and evenings between

40°F and 60°F. June trips are cooler.

What to Expect

Rafts & Drafts on the Middle ForkThe latest of our Specialty River Trips, this is a unique collaboration with Idaho’s

Payette Brewing Company. The folks at Payette are passionate, rebellious

pioneers who continue to innovate and make uncompromising, awesome beer.

On this trip, you’ll taste different varieties of Payette’s award-winning brews

each night and talk beer with the brewers themselves. Call us for details.

Charter the Entire DepartureImagine having an incomparable river vacation all to

yourself! Chartering an entire departure is a wonderful

way to relax and unwind with your family or group of

friends, creating lifetime memories for all. Call for details.

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Rafting the Alsek River

• Tackle Class II-IV rapids as you raft 160 miles down the Alsek River in Alaska and Canada

• Float past the largest icebergs in all of Glacier Bay National Park

• Take an exciting helicopter portage for a bird’s-eye view of thundering Turnback Canyon

• Experience raw nature on display at every bend with your expert river guides

• Enjoy hearty meals and legends told around crackling campfires beneath star-studded skies

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13-Day Trip Departs Jul

Land Cost From $4,995

Activities Rafting

Lodging Hotel, riverside camps

Group Size 6-12 guests

Minimum Age 16 years old

Arrive Haines, Alaska

Depart Yakutat, Alaska

Activity Level

For more info, visit mtsobek.com/RaftAlsek

Details

• Raft 100 miles on the Talkeetna—considered the best all-around whitewater river in Alaska

• View Denali from the air on a scenic flight over the mountains and tundra

• Explore the quaint Alaskan town of Talkeetna, the gateway to Denali National Park

For more info, visit mtsobek.com/Talkeetna

6-Day Trip Departs JunLand Cost From $2,795Activity Level

Rafting & Hiking the Talkeetna River

• Embark on a Class II-III wilderness rafting adventure over 132 miles from the Yukon to Alaska

• Immerse yourself in a remote land of grizzlies and black bears, moose, and wolves

• Hike through stunning glacial valleys and fields of wildflowers, and camp riverside

For more info, visit mtsobek.com/Tatshenshini

10-Day Trip Departs Jun, AugLand Cost From $4,295Activity Level

Rafting the Tatshenshini River

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• Feel the rush of this swift-flowing river as you raft almost 100 miles on Class III-IV whitewater

• Raft, hike, and camp in Alaska’s Arctic National Wildlife Refuge on your way to the Beaufort Sea

• Head to the skies on spectacular bush flights across northern Alaska

For more info, visit mtsobek.com/Hulahula

13-Day Trip Departs JunLand Cost From $5,695Activity Level

Rafting the Arctic Hulahula River

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17-Day Trip Departs

May

Land Cost

From $9,995

Dates & Pricing

Iran’s Sezar River cuts a seemingly

impossible path through the Zagros

Mountains’ defiant limestone canyons

and ridges. Join MT Sobek’s expert

guides on the first commercial rafting

descent of the Sezar! Be the first to

raft the river’s length, approximately

70 miles, from Dorud to Tele Zang.

Tackle challenging, boulder-choked

Class IV and V rapids, portage around

the unrunnable ones, enjoy some

hiking time, and camp under endless

stars. Before the river experience of a

lifetime, tour the cultural treasures of

Isfahan, Shiraz, and ancient Persepolis.

Come pioneer Sezar rapids on this

unparalleled rafting adventure!

Rafting the Sezar River in Iran

Details

Activities Rafting

Lodging Riverside camps, hotels

Group Size 10-14 guests

Minimum Age 18 years old

Arrive Tehran, Iran

Depart Tehran, Iran

Activity Level

For more info, visit mtsobek.com/SezarIran

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“This river adventure is true to the pioneering roots of MT Sobek along one of the few rivers in the world that hasn’t been fully rafted. It’s

an exploratory trip, which means that rapids and campsites aren’t named, and the itinerary is open to change along the way. The unknowns make this a true adventure that serious rafters shouldn’t miss.” Brian Stevenson

Our Guide

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Rafting the Sayan Oka River in Siberia

• Raft Class II-IV whitewater with Sobek founders John Yost and Richard Bangs— a one-time-only departure celebrating 50 years of MT Sobek!

• Experience mighty rapids such as Okinskiy and Buryatskiy, which boast giant water waves up to 11 feet high

• Visit Old Believers, a remote religious community who bravely survive Siberia’s harsh climate

• Experience the wonders of UNESCO-listed Lake Baikal, the oldest and deepest lake in the world

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12-Day Trip Departs Aug

Land Cost From $6,995

Activities Rafting

Lodging Hotels, riverside camps

Group Size 8-16 guests

Minimum Age 18 years old

Arrive Irkutsk, Russia

Depart Irkutsk, Russia

Activity Level

For more info, visit mtsobek.com/SayanOka

Details

Zambezi River Adventure

• Raft some of the best Class III-V whitewater in the world through the famous Batoka Gorge

• Experience 2 days of canoeing on the Upper Zambezi with great wildlife viewing opportunities

• Swim in the Devil’s Pool and peer over the edge of Victoria Falls

• Enjoy an evening cruise above the falls and experience the best view of a one-of-a-kind African sunset 21 3 54

9-Day Trip Departs Oct

Land Cost From $4,495

Activities Rafting, canoeing

Lodging Riverside camps, hotels

Group Size 6-16 guests

Minimum Age 16 years old

Arrive Livingstone, Zambia

Depart Livingstone, Zambia

Activity Level

Details

For more info, visit mtsobek.com/ZambeziRiver

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Rafting the Rivers of Central Chile

• Plunge into a fun whitewater rafting adventure on Chile’s remote waterways, including the Cautín, Liucura, Maichín, Trancura, and Fuy Rivers

• Paddle Class II-IV rapids with MT Sobek expert guides, and spend nights at boutique riverside hotels and eco-lodges

• Rejuvenate in soothing hot springs and take in views of the active Llaima Volcano

• Enjoy fascinating hikes in the ancient lava fields of Conguillío National Park

9-Day Trip Departs Nov, Dec

Land Cost From $5,695

Activities Rafting

Lodging Boutique hotels and eco-

lodges, riverside camp

Group Size 4-12 guests

Minimum Age 16 years old

Arrive La Araucanía, Chile

Depart La Araucanía, Chile

Activity Level

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For more info, visit mtsobek.com/RaftChile

Details

Apurimac River Adventure in Peru

• New for 2019! Raft Class III-V rapids through narrow canyons in Peru’s glaciated southwestern Cordilleras

• Mountain bike past ancient Incan ruins in the heart of the Sacred Valley

• Trek through high mountain villages and enjoy a private tour of mystical Machu Picchu

• Explore the ancient cobblestone streets of UNESCO-listed Cusco

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9-Day Trip Departs Sep

Land Cost From $4,595

Activities Rafting, trekking, biking

Lodging Riverside camps,

boutique hotels

Group Size 6-16 guests

Minimum Age 16 years old

Arrive Cusco, Peru

Depart Cusco, Peru

Activity Level

Details

For more info, visit mtsobek.com/ApurimacPeru

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We had the trip of a lifetime on the Tatshenshini and Alsek Rivers.

Our guides were wilderness superheroes—knowledgeable,

competent, fun. The scenery was breathtaking, and the

experience was both peaceful and exhilarating. W H I T N E Y A .

M T S O B E K G U E S T , R A F T I N G T H E T A T S H E N S H I N I R I V E R

My MT Sobek Middle Fork trip was outstanding in every

respect. The river is stunning, beginning with its intimate canyon,

flowing into a majestic riparian paradise! The guides’ skills,

knowledge, warmth, and repartee were all top notch.

D I A N E P .

M T S O B E K G U E S T , M I D D L E F O R K O F T H E S A L M O N R I V E R

Costa Rica is a vacation for those who like the water—we

were whitewater rafting, kayaking, rappelling down a waterfall,

and even soaking in hot springs. Great food and lodging,

interesting birds and animals to see, and excellent guides

made this our best adventure vacation yet.

G L E N N L .

M T S O B E K G U E S T , C O S T A R I C A R A F T I N G & K A Y A K I N G

“

”

• Kayak among thunderous icebergs of Glacier Bay National Park and marvel at wildlife up close

• Visit scenic Chichagof Island and the famous humpback feeding grounds of Point Adolphus

For more info, visit mtsobek.com/KayakGlacierBay

7-Day Trip Departs Jul, AugLand Cost From $4,995Activity Level

Glacier Bay Kayaking & Wildlife

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• Head off on a fun-filled kayaking adventure along western Sweden’s majestic fjords

• Explore the lush inner archipelagos, rocky islands, and historic fishing communities

For more info, visit mtsobek.com/Sweden

10-Day Trip Departs Jun, Jul, AugLand Cost From $4,895Activity Level

Western Sweden Kayaking & Hiking

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• Paddle crystal-clear waters and explore pristine white-sand beaches in the San Blas archipelago

• Learn about the fascinating culture of the indigenous Guna people and visit the epic Panama Canal

For more info, visit mtsobek.com/KayakPanama

10-Day Trip Departs Feb, MarLand Cost From $4,295Activity Level

Kayaking Panama’s San Blas Islands

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• Kayak turquoise waters to sea caves and underwater springs on the Mani Peninsula

• Summit Profitis Ilias at 7,897 feet and survey the broad Taygetus Massif, towering over ancient Sparta

For more info, visit mtsobek.com/Greece

8-Day Trip Departs May, SepLand Cost From $5,495Activity Level

Greece Hiking & Kayaking

21 3 54

• Raft one of the top ten whitewater rivers in the world, the beautiful Río Pacuare

• Zipline through a private rainforest reserve and explore secluded channels by kayak

For more info, visit mtsobek.com/CostaRicaRaft

9-Day Trip Departs Feb, Mar, JulLand Cost From $4,495Activity Level

Costa Rica Rafting & Kayaking

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• Take an exhilarating rafting trip through the granite gorges of the Buller River

• Hike for two days through lush coastal forest on the iconic Queen Charlotte Track

For more info, visit mtsobek.com/NewZealand

11-Day Trip Departs Feb, Mar, DecLand Cost From $6,795Activity Level

New Zealand’s Wild West Coast

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Kayaking & Multi-Adventure Options

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