Rafting outfitter with a base and small guide team

Tourists, school and camp groups, corporate team events, bachelor and bachelorette parties, and local adventure seekers.

Price per person per trip, with group rates, private charters, and add-ons like photos, lunches, gear rentals or merchandise. Income is concentrated in the main season.

• Experienced river guiding and safety leadership
• Hiring and managing seasonal staff
• Marketing and online bookings
• Budgeting through an off-season

• Outfitter and guide licensing and commercial permits, which differ by state and land agency, so check before spending money
• Insurance for adventure operators, plus workers' compensation once you hire guides and drivers
• Zoning, business license and health rules for the base, check with your city or county
• Employment rules for seasonal staff and guide training and certification standards
• Accident risk, high or low water, wildfire smoke and weather can cancel trips, so keep cash reserves

Startup costs are estimates, typically around $40,000 to $150,000, depending on how many rafts you buy, your shuttle vehicle, gear and base setup. Get quotes for insurance and permits as you plan, since they affect your total budget.

Monthly revenue is typically around $8,000 to $40,000, depending on the season, the number of trips you run and group bookings. These are estimates of revenue, not profit, and you will still have guide wages and running costs to cover.

Check outfitter and guide licensing and commercial permits, which differ by state and land agency, before spending money. Also check adventure operator insurance, workers' compensation once you hire, and zoning and business license rules for your base with your city or county.