Disclosure:  I won a trip sponsored by Allegiant Air and Visit Mesa in which travel, accommodations, and tickets were provided in exchange for sharing my honest opinion.

While in Mesa, Arizona, my husband and I got the chance to do something I have always wanted to do, kayak!  Yes it sounds so simple and easy, but with three young kids we don’t get to do much adventure stuff yet.  Well thanks to Desert Voyagers in Mesa, Arizona, we got the chance to not only to go kayaking but also enjoy the beautiful scenery!

What does a kayak tour from Desert Voyagers involve?

Guided kayaking tour along the Lower Salt River (90 minutes)

Even though Mesa, Ariz. is in the heart of a desert, visitors can take advantage of the city’s close proximity to a water recreation paradise. There are three lakes and two rivers within 30 minutes of Mesa that allow for desert boating, fishing, rafting, kayaking, water skiing, wake boarding and jet skiing. Or, partake in the ever-popular activity of “tubing”, a leisurely float along the cool waters of the Salt River via inner-tube! The closest river to Mesa is the Salt River. Here, thrill seekers can book multiple day guided tours of the Upper Salt River featuring rapids and surrounding wilderness areas and canyons or the Lower Salt River where a more leisurely float awaits. Mother nature’s pool playground provides a cool retreat from the summer heat. For flyfishing, birdwatching and a more tranquil experience, the banks of the Salt River within the Tonto National Forest offer some of the best escapes with nearby offshoots like Granite Reef recreation area with riverbank trails and outposts.

16447 N. 91st Street, Suite 101, Scottsdale, AZ 85260

So what did we think?  Amazing!  First off I was petrified of falling in the river but really I barely got wet!  We were in a two-seat inflatable kayak where you sit up above rather than inside.  I was fine and the kayak really is sturdy. Desert Voyagers picked us up and drove us to the spot in Salt River where we would start.  There are different starting points and spots depending on how well of a kayaker you are.

We did an easy course that allowed us to relax and enjoy the scenery.  The person in the front paddled and the person in the back steered, you do need to work together and we eventually got in a good sync! Our guide told us about the mountains, desert, wildlife, cactus and supplied us with water and snacks. He was great!  Honestly, I can’t wait to kayak again, but somehow I think it is not going to be as beautiful when I do it here in Chicago!  Other than kayaking, Desert Voyagers offers other outdoor activities such as hiking and mountain biking.

Want to read more about my Mesa experience?  Check out my “A Trip to Arizona – More Than Just a Desert…” post and “Eating in Mesa, Arizona” post

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