Overview
Outdoor Adventure River Specialists for over 35 years, O.A.R.S. is known worldwide as an industry model for adventure outfitters. That's because in 1969 they decided to forever change the face of adventure travel. First off, they challenged the myth that adventure had to be ridiculously uncomfortable. Instead, they built a reputation for leading guests on ultra-comfortable expeditions that are accessible to everyone - no matter who you are, you can experience the joys of the wilderness: relaxing at the confluence of the Tuolumne and Clavey Rivers; camping under the uncomparable Idaho sky; photographing Utah's brilliant sunsets; enjoying Wyoming's abundant wildlife, and the thrill of the natural world. O.A.R.S. is so confident you'll completely enjoy your time with them that they guarantee your satisfaction. One of their motto's is, "Life is too short and vacations are even shorter."
George Wendt, owner and president of O.A.R.S., is a true pioneer in the adventure industry. His passion for adventure was born in the 60s, when he descended the yet untouched, unknown, and seldom-traveled Colorado River through the Grand Canyon. According to Wendt, "The trip introduced me to a world I didn't know existed." That fascinating new world soon became one that Wendt dedicated himself to completely, one that he dreamed of bringing into the lives of others. In 1970, the company was selected as the first small-raft, oar-powered operator on the Grand Canyon. Today, O.A.R.S. runs unique whitewater rafting, sea kayaking, and multi-sport trips on over 35 rivers and coastlines of the world, and have positively affected the lives of over 300,000 customers. With over 35 years of experience and attention to customer needs, O.A.R.S. has become an industry leader. Enjoy fantastic whitewater on paddle and oar rafts, inflatable kayaks, and historical dories, or mix it up on a multi-sport vacation or a pristine and relaxing sea kayaking getaway.
Food ... O.A.R.S. would never dream of serving you "grub" in the wilderness. They understand the importance of a hearty, fragrant breakfast of pancakes, omelets, or French toast laced with fresh fruit after a night under the stars. They appreciate the Zen-like pleasure of a perfect picnic or barbecue. When it comes to the evening meals, they know it's an art form - a blend of abundance, beauty, and gourmet camp cuisine, like grilled steak, scampi, or chicken fajitas, not to mention the multitude of side dishes and scrumptuous river-baked desserts. Best of all, they take care of all the cooking so you can visit a meadow at sunrise, enjoy a pre-lunch swim, or sit beneath an ancient tree and write a long-ago friend before dinner.
In addition to their customers' needs, one of O.A.R.S.' highest priorities is taking care of the environment. As a company, they consistently donate 10% of gross profits, time, and energy to protecting and conserving natural places. O.A.R.S. employees enthusiastically implement recycling drives in their respective areas of operation. In the Grand Canyon alone, one year's efforts saved the equivalent of 154 trees, 68,000 gallons of water, and up to 95% of energy costs from recycling glass, aluminum, and paper. They actively support Friends of the River, the Environmental Defense Fund, the Grand Canyon Trust, and the Tuolumne and Clavey Wild & Scenic campaigns.
O.A.R.S. believes in the kind of adventure that comes from wearing your most comfortable shirt and your most relaxed frame of mind. It may be as bold as trying something you've never done before, like paddling an inflatable kayak on the Main Salmon in Idaho, or as wondrous as exchanging a knowing glance with a frisky Gray Whale off the Baha Peninsula. It may be as soothing as an evening of campfire legends among old and new friends, or as subtle as hearing a family of elk roaming near the river camp. However the spirit of adventure sings to you, O.A.R.S. will make sure you hear it. You just be sure to pack the right shirt.
Email This Page
Click here to email this page of information on "O.A.R.S." to yourself or to a friend.
Affiliations |
- America Outdoors
- California Outdoors
- Friends of the River
- Environmental Defense Fund
- Grand Canyon Trust
- Adventure Collection
- International Ecotourism Society
|
Payments Accepted |
- American Express
- Cash
- Discover
| - MasterCard
- Personal Checks
- Traveler's Checks
| |
Cancellation Policy
If you find it necessary to cancel your trip, notify O.A.R.S. as soon as possible. All payments are nonrefundable and O.A.R.S. regrets that they cannot make exceptions for personal emergencies. For this reason, they strongly urge participants to investigate trip cancellation insurance.
If you transfer from one trip to another, there is a $50/person charge up until 60 days before the trip. Transfers made after this time will be treated as cancellations.
|
Other Travel Offerings |
|
RELATED VACATIONS
In addition to whitewater rafting, browse related adventure travel and active vacations such as canoeing, and kayaking.
|
|
|
TRAVEL & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINES |
 |
6 issues
$7.95
Save $21.99! |
 |
 10 issues
$12.00
Save $33.00! |
|
Featured Adventures
