The Company

• How long have you been in business?
• Do you carry liability insurance?
• Are you a certified guide service?
• Do you have licenses on National Forest Service, National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management lands?
• Are you bonded?
• May I have a list of references?

Guides & Instructors

• How long have your guides been with your company?
• How much experience do they have on this particular river?
• Does your state have minimum requirements for guides to be licensed?
• Are your guides advanced first aid and CPR certified?
• Do you have both male and female guides?
• What is you guide-to-client ratio?
• What kind of additional wilderness first aid experience do your guides have? (EMT, nurse, etc.)
• Do your guides have special training working with children?

The Trip

• How new are your boats and equipment?
• Do your boats represent the latest in technology? (Are your rafts self-bailing?)
• What kind of transportation is provided and what do I have to take care of? (Cars, trucks, buses, planes)
• How many other participants are on the trip?
• How strenuous is the trip? What kind of physical health fitness is necessary?
• What other activities occur while on the river trip? (Hiking, exploring, wildlife and bird watching, historical and biological walks)
• Do you bring different types of boats to try on your trips? (oar rafts, paddle boats, inflatable kayaks, dories, whitewater canoes)
• What am I expected to do (or not to do) on this trip? Cook, clean up, carry gear?
• Is the gear for the trip carried on the rafts or on separate boats?
• Are camps set up each night?
• What riverside comforts are provided? (Warm water, chairs, etc.)
• Do I have to rent additional equipment for the trip? (Sleeping bags, tents, life vests, etc.) How new is it?
• What kind of food is served on the river? Can accommodations be made for special dietary needs? What type of beverages are supplied?

Your Family

• Can I bring my children on this trip? How old should they be?
• Do you have children's life jackets?
• Are there activities for children of various ages?
• Do you provide breaks for parents to take time for themselves?
• Do you provide anything special for children on you trips?
• Do you allow pets?

The Environment

• Do you have special programs to provide information about the areas you will be visiting?
• Do you practice low-impact camping techniques on your trips?