Paddle the Mississippi River

Quapaw Canoe Company, Mississippi

True adventure awaits on the Mississippi River, one of the last great wildernesses in the United States. At first, the fast-flowing waterway with its tricky currents, mile-long river barges and unfriendly underwater life can be daunting, but you’re in the best of hands with the Quapaw Canoe Company.

Based in Clarksdale and Vicksburg, Mississippi these experienced river masters know the Mississippi like no other. With them on board of one of their handmade canoes or at the back of a kayak convoy, you’ll be navigating Ol’ Man River like a pro in minutes, including all of its backwaters, bayous and so-called blue holes - pristine swimming holes along the banks that move constantly and make every trip unique. John Ruskey of Quapaw Canoe Company has recently been named Mississippi's 2024 State Small Business Person of the Year! Ruskey’s passion brings people together through unforgettable Mississippi River adventures.

Quapaw has successfully guided over 10,000 people on the river. All expeditions are outfitted with first-aid kits, rescue ropes, life preservers, cellular communication, top-notch life jackets and VHF marine radio. Its guides stringently practice safe canoeing and are knowledgeable in all aspects of wilderness survival and canoe rescue. In other words: it’s safer than taking a bath at home.

Quapaw have also been featured on the BBC as the guides for their Earth’s Great Rivers series. Click here to watch again.

The most popular river offerings are Montezuma to Quapaw (day trip or overnight), The Muddy Waters Wilderness (2-7 days), Shelby Forest to Mud Island (day trip or overnight), the Chickasaw Bluffs (2-5 days) and Vicksburg to Natchez (2-5 days) with all picnicking and camping on remote mid-channel river islands. The range includes almost 1,000 miles of river, so there are many choices of river sections and beautiful places to paddle.

If that’s not enough to get you on board, it’s also good to know that Quapaw runs its own Apprenticeship Program for the youth of the Mississippi Delta. For several years now, these youngster learn just about everything there’s to know about the river, boating, responsibility and business – which turns out to be a life’s calling for some, but a stellar opportunity for all.

The rules at Quapaw: respect yourselves, respect others and respect the River.

Native Girl Kayaking in Natchez, Mississippi

With Native Girl Kayaking they'll take you 2-miles downriver, along the banks of the Mississippi River travelling south with the current, to experience breathtaking views of the historic Natchez bluff from a perspective that few ever see. The tour runs 7-days a week and takes approximately 90 minutes of paddling for a comfortable adventure on the Mississippi River. Then you kayak 2 miles back downstream to finish right where you parked...no experience needed, just bring your sense of adventure!

For more information email mississippi@deep-south-usa.com or visit Quapaw Canoe Company or Native Girl Kayaking.