Trips › Full day
Guided TripsFull Day Rafting in Moab
A full day covers more river at a slower pace, with lunch on a sandy beach in the middle of it. Same water as the half day for the most part, but the extra hours change the character of the trip entirely.
Six to eight hours including shuttle and a beach lunch, usually on a longer run of the Moab Daily. Class II to III. Better value per hour than a half day, and a far more relaxed experience.
What the Day Looks Like
Morning departure, shuttle upstream, then a longer stretch of river than the half day covers. Somewhere near the middle you pull onto a beach and the guides put out lunch, which is a bigger production than most people expect.
The afternoon is warmer, often with more swimming, and the light on the canyon walls improves as the day goes on. You are typically off the water by mid to late afternoon.
The rapids are the same class as the half day. What you gain is time: time to swim, time to look at things, time for the guide to actually tell you about the place rather than deliver the compressed version.
Full Day or Half Day
| Choose | If |
|---|---|
| Half day | You are short on time, travelling with very young children, or fitting rafting around a park day. |
| Full day | The river is the day, not a slot in it. You want the lunch stop, the swimming and a pace that is not rushed. |
Who It Suits
- People who came to Moab for the river rather than adding it to a park itinerary.
- Groups of friends. The beach stop is where a full day trip becomes sociable.
- Families with older children who will not run out of patience by hour four.
- Photographers. More time, more light, more stops.
In July and August a full day means six to eight hours of exposure in a place that routinely passes 100°F. On the water you can cool off whenever you like, but sun protection and water intake matter far more than on a half day. See summer conditions.
What to Bring
- Everything on the half day list, plus more water than you think.
- Long sleeves in light technical fabric. Better than sunscreen alone over a long day.
- A hat with a chin strap. Wind on the water takes hats.
- Any medication you need during the day, in something waterproof.
- Tell the outfitter about dietary requirements when you book, not on the beach.
Outfitters hold the permits, supply the gear and run the shuttle. Read the section in detail first so you know what you are booking: the Moab Daily in detail.
Commercial trips near Moab have a strong safety record and guides are trained in swiftwater rescue, but whitewater is inherently dangerous. Tell your outfitter honestly about swimming ability, medical conditions and the fitness of everyone in your group. That information changes what they recommend.
Full Day Rafting FAQ
How long is a full day rafting trip?
Six to eight hours including shuttle time and a lunch stop, with most of the day on the water.
Is lunch included?
Usually yes on full day trips, prepared and served by the guides at a beach stop. Confirm when booking and mention dietary requirements then.
Is the whitewater harder than the half day?
Generally no. Most full day trips cover a longer stretch of the same Class II to III water rather than harder rapids.
Is a full day too much for children?
It depends on the child. Older children usually thrive on it. For under sixes, a half day is normally the better call.
Last reviewed: July 30, 2026. Trip options, prices and minimum ages are set by individual outfitters and change season to season. Confirm details directly before booking, and if something here is wrong, tell us.