CKAPCO organizes and outfits a variety of local and destination trips including calm water, whitewater and sea kayaking. Bring your own craft or let us put you in something appropriate. Our local area provides an opportunity to regularly see some of the DC sights from a unique perspective and also to enjoy its less-developed side. The Florida Keys is a “must see” destination that combines trips through the mangrove tunnels, to historic keys only accessible by boat and fun restaurants to try the local fare. A drive to Key West over turquoise waters is generally a popular request. Our annual trips to Idaho's and Costa Rica's whitewater wilderness rivers will have satisfy that urge to get away. See what people are saying about our most recent trip:

  • “ This was a fabulous trip that balanced the excitement of white water paddling and the beauty of nature with the comfort of camping on sandy beaches, no bugs , wonderful meals and a great group of people. I'm already looking forward to next year! ”
    — Debbie N.
  • “ The Salmon River trip was awesome. No phone or email service for five days. ”
    — Joe S.
  • “ I was the whitewater newbie on the trip. Long time sea kayaker but the first day of the trip was only my fifth on whitewater. Simply put it was one of the most memorable experiences of my entire life and at 73 I have had a few. ”
    — Bob M.
  • “ I was way out of my comfort zone, even in an inflatable kayak, but I have confidence in Mike and he said I was ready. The really reassuring thing was that there were amazingly skilled folks with me and even when I went for a long swim I knew the experts would get me back in my boat. Yes I will do this again. ”
    — Bob M.
  • “ My family of four had a very fun trip on the Main Salmon River... The river made the whole trip for us. We enjoyed the sights, the group of people and a couple campsites were favored over the rest, not to leave out the hot springs stop during mid day. ”
    — Jack F.
  • “ [The 2017 Salmon Trip] was fantastic!! Great river and rapids; fun group of paddlers and rafters; organized outfitter; and fantastic sandy beach camping with beautiful views, comfortable quarters, tasty food, and no BUGS! ”
    — Jim M.
  • “ I am looking forward to next August's Salmon river trip already!! If you have not paddled out west, this trip would be a great introduction to Rocky Mountain paddling. Sign up and go! ”
    — Jim M.
  • “ Mike clearly explained how each day would unfold, and knows the nuances of all the rapids so we could safely run, and enjoy them. He has a warm sense of humor and deeply cares about the safety and harmony of the group. ”
    — Lynn S.
  • “ The clear waters of the Main Salmon and surrounding wilderness are a joy to experience. The river has fascinating history and a beautiful hot spring to soak in. I wholeheartedly recommend joining one of Mike's river trips. ”
    — Lynn S.
  • “ The trip was excellent. The organization was terrific, scenery was great. Camping on pristine beaches and no bugs! It was great to have guides who were enthusiastic and worked as a team. I hope I can do this again and wish I had done it sooner ”
    — Ken J.

See Washington, D.C. like you never have before. CKAPCO leads trips along the Potomac River throughout the spring, summer and fall. See the cherry blossoms and the historic monuments and memorials from the water’s perspective. Contact us for more information.

See some photos of past DC trips!

The photos in this gallery are from some of our many trips on the Potomac River. We love to show off our hometown river and offer trips from Riverbend Park, Algonkian Park, Old Angler's, and Riley's Lock. Contact us for more details.

Check out the Potomac River fun!

Looking for a laid-back winter getaway in the United States' tropical paradise? The Florida Keys is a great warm weather vacation with paddling trips and our winter home in Ft Myers, or to local Keys trips/instruction. Use the opportunity to snorkel, SCUBA and bike in the warm. A trip to Key West and the search for the best key lime pie are always popular requests. Mike will lead guests here and in the Keys through arranged trips in the winter months. If you can bear the thought of a warm, relaxing vacation in the Keys (and who can't?), give Mike a call at (703) 850-1257. 

See some beautiful photos of the Keys in winter!

CKAPCO has been leading trips along the Main Fork of the Salmon for years in partnership with Action Whitewater Adventures. As you can see by the testimonials on our 2017 Salmon River Trip, Idaho's Main Salmon River is a crowd favorite and accommodates a wide range of paddling experience.

Main Salmon 2024

River days are August 13-17 every year, plus a day early in Boise and day later in McCall, for pre- and post-trip lodging. Back to Boise on the 18th by noon.

Main Salmon trip includes lodging before and after and transportation to the put-in from Boise and back to Boise from the trip’s end. The price is generally less than that offered to the general public and includes all Forest Service fees and taxes. Deposit is $400 per person.

Typical Trip itinerary:

  • Day 1: Go to river put in at Corn Creek and begin the river trip.

  • Days 2-4: Travel on the Salmon River. Run rapids, hike, camp explore, fish, and generally play without any distractions such as email or cell phones.

  • Day 5: Paddle or raft to take out at Carey Creek and return to McCall, Idaho. Most guests stay in McCall on the 5th night and then head for home the next morning.

The outfitter provides tents, cots, sleeping bags, life jackets and waterproof bags. Guests just need to provide their own personal items.

Give Mike a call at (703) 850-1257 with any questions and to book your adventure! Full description of the Main Salmon trip at our partners Action Whitewater Adventures.

Enter the password “Mike” to view the details.

Great photos of the 2017 Main Salmon Trip!

CKAPCO has been leading trips along the Middle Fork of the Salmon for years in partnership with Action Whitewater Adventures. We typically head to Idaho in August where we enjoy exciting whitewater and relaxing evenings in camp. See America like never before. Contact us for details on the whitewater adventure of a lifetime.

Photos of past Middle Fork Salmon trips.

Week of Rivers in Costa Rica: Advanced Trip Class III+IV-
Intermediate Trip Class II-III (1-day of Class IV Rafting)
These are prime dates providing the best in water levels.stay tuned for dates. Usuall led by Ben Morton.


8 days / 7 nights
Rafters/Non-Paddlers Welcome (on both trips)

Price: $tbd (Double Occupancy) 
(Additional $350 for single occupancy option)

*Price Includes: all-inclusive hassle free Costa Rica vacation. All lodging, all meals, private transportation within Costa Rica, English-speaking qualified guides, kayak rental, life jacket, sprayskirt, helmets, all park entrances, and off river activity fees.

*Not Included: Airfare to (and from) San Jose, Costa Rica, airport departure tax ($29 payable at airport on departure), alcoholic beverages, guide gratuities, medical or travel insurance. 

Trip Itinerary:
Day 1: Airport or San Jose Hotel Pick Up
Day 2: Rio Pejibaye - Middle or Lower
Day 3 Rio Sarapiqui
Day 4: Rio Sarapiqui
Day 5: Day Off Option or Upper Upper Pacuare
Day 6: Lower Pacuare Day 1
Day 7: Lower Pacuare Day 2
Day 8: Airport or San Jose Hotel Drop off

For questions and registration information contact Ben Morton

 

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Our completely organized and all-inclusive Costa Rica whitewater kayaking trip allows you to have the most hassle free experience possible while maximizing your time spent on the river. Ben Morton and the highly skilled guides of Costa Rica Rios are able to accommodate a variety of experience/skill level. By being able to personalize your trip specifically to your kayaking abilities and paddling aspirations, we work very hard so you get the most out of your boating adventure in Costa Rica. Precision Paddlesports work with Costa Rica Rios to provide the highest quality whitewater trips offered in Costa Rica.