Rafting the Actopan River

Our ticket read, "Be prepared to get wet. Leave your valuables on the ship. Bring water, sunblock and a hat." It was all the issues that weren't mentioned that made some of us nervous. They provided bottled water as we stepped on the bus. I didn't need to lug a large bottle off the ship. We could have taken a change of cloths, in fact there was a changeroom with a shower after we stepped out of the rafts. Putting on sunblock probably was unnecessary because much of the trip was in shade and we were in and out of the water frequently. The bus was ours to leave things behind. I could have had a camera and a few pictures for the beginning launch and then had our tour guide deliver it to the lift out location. A hat was helpful but not essential because everyone was issued a special helmet for protection against rocks. Some of us left our caps on under our helmets.

Washroom facilities were at the river's edge and on the bus. They weren't well explained. Paddlers who changed before loading, did so in the bus washroom.

The most daunting challenge for the paddlers was a steep ladder leading down a cliff to a walkway that crossed below a tumbling, roaring waterfall. The walk took us to a side pool shaded by a high cliff, covered in vines and other clinging plants. It was truly a spectacular spot. We were invited to swim with our helmets and life preservers in place. Many of us took up the offer and we were soon taking great leaps into the refreshing pool from a large flat boulder. We were cautioned to "keep our mouths closed," but... Stepping into the boats was also a challenge for a few. The slope down to the river was steep with precarious footing on rough, loose material.

The river was narrow and often shaded by the branches of mango trees. The rapids were constant over the entire 15 miles although never beyond the level two category. We were four to a small raft with a guide, paddling on the command "avante" whenever we needed momentum to carry us around an obstruction. Where other larger rivers might offer more challenging rapids, the Actopan offered charm and interest. People were fishing, swimming, washing clothes or lounging at many of the quieter spots. Each time we paused to wait for a raft to catch up, several of us jumped in the water to cool off. There were a few places where rocks loomed up to give us a little excitement but mostly the ride was brisk but smooth over 14 miles. Once we had to duck low to pass under a bridge. Another time we had to portage around a rustic, foot bridge that hung just above the water. Several times we ducked for low hanging branches.

Lunch was two tuna fish sandwiches and an apple in a styrofoam box lifted from a larger styrofoam cooler. We had been advised not to eat fresh fruit without peeling it. I wondered how long the sandwiches had been sitting out but dug in anyway. Many people found a shower and change room but I boarded the bus wet since I hadn't been told changing was possible.