Scenic Family Float Trips on a Nearby River

Families, tourists, vacation renters, birthday and reunion groups, and local clubs or camps.

Price per person or per raft for each trip. Private group bookings and add-ons such as a picnic lunch or photos raise the income per trip. Income is seasonal.

• Strong swimming and river reading
• Swiftwater rescue and first aid training
• Friendly, confident group leading
• Basic bookkeeping and scheduling

• Commercial use permits on public land and outfitter licensing, which vary by state and river, so check with the land manager and your state agency
• General liability insurance for adventure tourism, which can be costly and may limit what rivers or river classes are covered
• Customer safety: liability waivers, life jackets, water levels and weather, plus a written safety and emergency plan
• Vehicle and trailer needs for shuttles, and commercial driver or passenger rules to check with your state
• Seasonal income and dependence on river flows

Estimates put startup costs typically around $12,000 to $50,000, depending on your raft, safety gear, shuttle vehicle and trailer, and insurance. Adventure tourism liability cover can be costly, so get quotes early.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated around $2,000 to $10,000, depending on how many trips you run and your pricing. Income is seasonal and depends on river flows, so plan for quieter months.

Check commercial use permits on public land and outfitter licensing, which vary by state and river, with the land manager and your state agency. Also check insurance limits on rivers or river classes, and state rules for shuttle vehicles and passengers.