You will get wet, that's the whole point. Every package includes life jacket, helmet, and paddle, so the real packing question is what to wear underneath the gear, what to bring for after, and what to leave behind entirely. Here's how to pack so you're comfortable before, during, and after your rafting trip, whether you're doing a quick 2-hour run to Nim Beach or the full-day Kaudiyala to Nim Beach expedition.
Wear
- Quick-dry shorts or leggings. Avoid cotton, since it stays wet and heavy for the rest of the day and doesn't insulate once soaked.
- A t-shirt or rash guard, ideally quick-dry synthetic rather than cotton, for the same reason.
- Secured footwear: sports sandals or old sneakers with a back strap. No flip-flops; they'll come off in the water within the first rapid.
- Sunscreen, applied before you arrive, and reapplied if you're on a full-day route like Kaudiyala to Nim Beach, since reflected sunlight off the water adds up even on an overcast day.
- In winter (December to February), a thin thermal or fleece layer under your rafting clothes. See our best time to raft guide for what water temperature to expect by season.
Bring in a Sealed Bag
- A full change of clothes for after the trip, including dry footwear.
- A towel, and a second smaller one if you're not changing at a proper changing area.
- A dry bag or ziplock for your phone and wallet if you want to keep them nearby, though we recommend leaving valuables at your hotel entirely rather than risking them on the water.
- Any personal medication you may need for the duration of the trip, especially on full-day routes where you won't have access to your hotel for several hours.
- A reusable water bottle. Staying hydrated matters even though you're surrounded by water, particularly on longer runs.
Leave at Your Hotel
- Jewelry and watches.
- Non-waterproof electronics you're not willing to risk, such as cameras, e-readers, or anything without an IP-rated case.
- Loose sunglasses without a strap. They will end up in the river the first time you lean into a wave.
- Passports, large amounts of cash, or anything you'd genuinely be upset to lose in the water.
Packing for the Full-Day Kaudiyala Expedition
If you're booking Kaudiyala to Nim Beach, our longest run at 32 km, pack for a full day on and around the water: everything above, plus a packed snack or two if you tend to get hungry between the riverside lunch stop and drop-off, and a light jacket for the drive out to the Kaudiyala base point early in the morning. You'll be on the river for several hours longer than our shorter routes, so reapply sunscreen at the lunch break rather than only before you launch.
On the Day
Arrive a little before your reporting time. Every trip starts with a safety briefing, plus life jacket and helmet fitting, so build in a few extra minutes rather than arriving right at the start time. Bring your booking confirmation (a WhatsApp message is fine) and be ready to sign a standard participation waiver at check-in, standard practice for any adventure-sport operator. If you've pre-arranged hotel pickup, be ready 10 to 15 minutes before the agreed time.
Ready to book? Check our full list of packages or get in touch to plan your trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need my own life jacket or helmet? No, a properly fitted life jacket, helmet, and paddle are included in every package. You just need to show up in the right clothing.
Can I wear glasses while rafting? Yes, but secure them with a strap (a cheap sports strap works fine). Without one, they're very likely to come off in a rapid.
What if it rains on the day of my trip? Light rain doesn't stop a rafting trip, since you're getting wet either way. Heavy rain or unsafe river conditions may lead us to reschedule your slot; we'll always confirm this with you directly rather than leave you guessing on the day.