What Sets Us Apart
When deciding which outfitter to use on the Kings River, we ask you to consider the following:
I would like to thank everyone at Zephyr who contributed to our
great experience on the Kings river July 20-21. The river
was excellent, the other rafters were fun and sociable, and the
food was the best. I heard that Zephyr has the best food
of all the companies, and I have no complaints at all. It
was just remarkable and totally worth every penny.
R Sky Kogachi, Kings river, July 2005
- Zephyr is the only outfitter on the Kings river
that routinely provides one oar-powered cargo raft on each trip
(with the exception of
our 1/2 day express trips). Why is this beneficial for you? It
allows us to carry lunch with us on the river, so we can stop
at some of the more pristine and secluded lunch spots, with side
creeks, swimming holes, water slides, and Native American interpretive
sites. Our trips are not restricted by having to stop where the river
has road access. Also, the oar powered raft does not require guests
to paddle and is more stable and easier to control than are pure paddle
rafts. This allows us to accommodate those with physical restrictions,
families with younger children, or people who just want to ride and enjoy
the day without paddling, This oar powered raft costs us an extra guide
wage each trip, but we feel that the additional cost is worth the elevated
trip quality that Zephyr provides. - We prepare all of our food on site, provide freshly baked dutch oven desserts, and are the only outfitter to employ a professional chef to purchase our food and supervise our meals. Our reputation for the best food on the Kings River is well deserved.
- Generous group discounts. Our group rates are unbeatable. You start saving money with a group of only 6 people. Not only do we give your group 1/2-fare off with every 6 participants (and 1 full free trip with 12, etc.), but we also offer additional group rates when your group size reaches 12 rafters. If you get 72 participants, you receive 6 full free trips plus the already reduced "12 or more" rates. See our rates and schedule page. Also we offer a 50% discount for all kids, when accompanied by a full paying adult, for all weekday 1 and 2-day trips. (Kids 17 years and younger raft for 50% of the adult rate)
- All Government user fees are included in our prices. No additional charges will be assessed over and above our published prices.
- Our base camp, which is situated right on the Kings river as shown in the photo, features flush toilets, sinks, mirrors, changing rooms, and one rinse-off shower (beach type shower). We have picnic tables, volleyball, horseshoes, and beautiful campsites right next to the river. We have 3 wooden platform tent rentals available, as well as our regular tent and sleeping bag rentals. The sounds of moving water will lull you to sleep each evening. We are convinced that our facilities are the finest on the Kings river.
- Our guides are the most experienced on the Kings River. Most of our staff rotates between several rivers, including the Tuolumne and Merced, thus offering you the additional experience, safety, and knowledge gained by being certified on these more advanced rivers. Each has had training in CPR , First Aid, and several have certificates as Swiftwater Rescuers, Emergency Medical Technicians, and Wilderness First Responders.
- Free use of wetsuits and paddle jackets for all spring trips. Other outfitters charge you for using theirs, but we provide ours free...you save money by rafting with Zephyr.
I just wanted to say (again) thanks to all
your crew down on the Kings river. We had a grand time. Chef Ed was
a marvel, Tater was a gracious host, and Lara a great raft boss and
wonderful source of wildflower info. I know you folks are proud of
your new facilities down there, but the staff was the star for us.
I'm sure you've received many thanks over the years, but we'll still
add our voices to the crowd. Thanks again!
Bernadette Gerber, Kings river, May 2000
Zephyr did it again!! Its now been 7 years that
I've been going to the Kings river for my annual trip, and once again my
group was provided with outstanding service. Zephyr is pure QUALITY! Between
your first rate qualified guides, the most delicious food, the security
of knowing safety is your #1 concern and the guarantee of such GREAT FUN…Zephyr
is simply unbeatable.
Gaye Daniels, King river, June 2000
