Rafting the Delaware River: A Beginner-Friendly Adventure

If you want to be on the Delaware River with a group and don't want anyone stuck paddling solo, rafting is your move. Rafts hold 4 to 10 people, everyone paddles together (or doesn't — your call), and the vibe is more “floating party” than “wilderness expedition.”

Rafting the Delaware near the Water Gap is one of the most popular group activities in the Poconos — and you don't need any whitewater experience to do it. Here's what to know before you book.

Is There Whitewater on the Delaware?

Let's clear this up first: the Delaware through the Water Gap is a Class I river. That means gentle current with small riffles and waves — fun and splashy, but nothing that's going to flip your raft or scare the kids. If you're picturing Colorado-style whitewater rapids, that's not this trip.

What you will get is a beautiful, relaxing float with enough current to keep things moving and enough small rapids to keep it interesting. It's the kind of “rafting” where you spend most of your time floating, swimming off the side, and cracking open the cooler.

Raft Trip Options

We offer three raft routes, all on the scenic lower section of the Delaware:

• Kittatinny Gap to Portland (4 miles, ~1.5 hours) — a quick, easy float. Great if you have younger kids or just want a mellow afternoon on the water.
• Smithfield to Kittatinny Gap (6 miles, ~3 hours) — the most popular raft trip. A solid half-day with plenty of time to swim and picnic.
• Smithfield to Portland (10 miles, ~4.5 hours) — the full experience. You'll cover the most river and have the most time to explore.

How Many People Fit on a Raft?

Our rafts hold up to 10 people. There's a 4-person minimum per raft — and yes, kids count toward that minimum. If your group is smaller than 4, consider canoes or kayaks instead.

Large groups are where rafting really shines. If you've got 8, 12, or 20 people, we can put you across multiple rafts so your whole crew is on the water together.

Who Is Rafting Best For?

• Groups of friends who want to stick together on the water.
• Families — kids love rafts because they can move around, and parents love them because it feels safer.
• Bachelor/bachelorette parties — bring a cooler, bring a speaker, float together.
• Corporate outings and team-building events — nothing builds camaraderie like paddling a raft together (or not paddling and seeing what happens).
• Anyone who doesn't want to paddle solo — in a raft, the group shares the work.

Rafting vs. Tubing — What's the Difference?

Both are great for groups who want to float and hang out, but there are some key differences:

• Rafts keep your group together in one boat. Tubes spread everyone out along the river.
• Rafts have more room for coolers, bags, and kids.
• Rafts have paddles — you have more control over speed and direction. Tubes go where the current takes them.
• Tubing is more individual — each person gets their own tube and floats at their own pace.

If keeping the group together matters, go with a raft. If everyone wants their own float, check out tubing.

What to Bring

• A big cooler — rafts have plenty of room. Pack lunch, drinks, and snacks. No glass.
• Water shoes — you'll be stepping in and out of the river.
• Sunscreen and hats for everyone — you're on open water with no shade.
• Towels for the ride home.
• A waterproof phone case or dry bag — you're going to want photos.

A Note on Pets

Pets are not permitted on rafts. The risk to inflatable boats and the safety concerns with multiple passengers make it impractical. If bringing your pet is a priority, canoes and kayaks are your pet-friendly options.

Book Your Raft Trip

Chamberlain Canoes has been outfitting groups on the Delaware since 1968. We handle the rafts, the life vests, the shuttles — you just bring the crew. Check out our raft trip details and pricing, or go ahead and book.