9 "old farts" and 1 spring chicken ventured down class 5 and class 4 rapids for a thrilling Sunday in July. We stayed at the Moose Shed Lodge which was archetypal Maine snowmobile lodgings replete with neon beer signs and too-many-to-count antlers. Lodging is not part of this review. Arthur Dickey, the owner of Maine Rafting Expeditions, had been in touch with us to assure us that the trip could be flexible if we had members unwilling to do the class 5 part. Sure enough we had a few in the group with fragile body parts that required taking a bus through the class 5 rapids. Arthur let those folks ride in the bus and watch the group go through the crib works. The three guides on the river with us were excellent and each had no less than 8 years of experience guiding rafts. Although there is never a guarantee that the boat won't dump, none of the boats dumped except when some of the guests requested a swim. We got a "scary" safety lecture on our way to the put in and were well trained. Safety first is Arthur's mantra and it shows. Lunch was great. We would do it again in a heart beat and certainly recommend this outfit.
Had an absolutely amazing time with MRE. Such a blast and our guide Cory was clearly experienced and made our time together that much more entertaining. So great that there is a lunch included. Such a good price for a full day of rafting and a yummy meal. Highly recommend going with MRE. You won't be disappointed!
These guys are the best. We have nothing but praise about the crew and the experience. Arthur, P-Roy, Walker , Andy and Cory are experienced and friendly professionals. Despite of arriving late because of arriving at a wrong location, they waited for us with a smile and without an issue. Their gear is clean and serviceable. They accomodate every request we had. This is not a 2-3 hour trip and be gone, see you later.... this is a full day, non-stop adventure down river through exciting thrilling rapids and beautiful scenery of the Penobscot River. We had lunch at a beautiful location and the food, cooked by the crew, was great tasting too. Highly recommended if you're visiting Maine. You won't regret it.
I just went went white water rafting with this group on Saturday (7/26) and had an amazing time! My group of 7 had ever been white water rafting before; we had no idea what to expect, but loved every minute of it. The whole Maine Rafting Expeditions crew was incredibly friendly, helpful and a lot of fun. We camped out at their camp site the night before for a great price, took a 30 min bus ride to the rapids then met up with our awesome instructor Andy and got in the river. Not only did we navigate class 5 (and less intense) rapids, including 2 water falls where we surfed, but we stopped at a cool spot to cliff jump, went on a natural water slide and were fed a delicious grilled lunch on the side of the river. At the end of our day-long trip, there was an amazing video already put together for us to view along with a slideshow of high-res pictures. The whole Maine Rafting Expeditions crew was great, especially Sandy, who was very helpful with our pre-planning, and our guide Andy, who was not only great at his job, but was a funny and cool dude to hang with on the river all day. I HIGHLY recommend this group to anyone and everyone!
Guides are unreal. Awesome people with tons of experience. The ripping white water on the Penobscot combined with the guides makes for a hell of a trip.
Had a great experience with MRE. Many of the other rafting companies I've been with take these large trips down and you almost feel like cattle being herded. The smaller trip means you don't have to wait around after ever rapid and makes for a much more personal experience. Andy was an excellent guide who hit every rapid he could going down the river.
We did the family/soft adventure and we had the best time. Arthur tailored this white water adventure perfectly for my 8 & 9 year old. We got to do some rafting, some playing around, some swimming and floating down the river. I couldn't believe the smiles on my kids. We had lunch in a beautiful spot and then continued our rafting. We saw bald eagles and their nest, which was a huge bonus of the day! This trip was a perfect fit for us and when it ended the kids asked if we could come back the next day. I can honestly say you will not be disappointed. My husband had done the white water rafting with friends with MRE last year and was very happy with the time he had. I'm glad we choose MRE and we will go back!
MRE prides itself on following safety protocols for all river trips that are regulated by the State of Maine and by the industry. Our number one concern is safety on and off the river. Whitewater rafting is an extreme sport and our goal is to allow all levels of trips so that anyone can get the whitewater experience that they desire.
From booking the trip by phone to purchasing photos at the end, our entire experience with Maine Rafting Expeditions was great. We did the full day trip on the Penobscot, with class IV and V rapids. Our guide, Andy, was very good and we did not flip. But, the company is very aware of the dangers and does safety training before each trip. Also, on our trip was a group of 8 people who had not rafted before and did not even swim - their raft also successfully navigated all of the rapids. The lunch was delicious and cooked, served, and cleaned up efficiently. If you are not sure you want to scary, challenging rapids, MRE also does half day trips or trips on another river that is calmer - just ask! We also had the opportunity to "surf" the rapids and jump from a cliff into the river (if you chose to do so). This was one of the highlights of our Maine vacation, and I would recommend it to anyone who is reasonably fit and adventurous.
Arthur Dickey and crew are consummate professionals; period. This was my fourth trip with Arthur and crew and I can say now, with a level high of certainty, that there will be a 5th time. We have come up with a large group each time. Typically, we have around 3+ rafts. They have no problem accommodating our size. With that many rafters, you must know that we have quite a range in levels of bravery. That we have gone multiple times is considered, but they make sure we are fresh with the rules, safety, guidelines, and tips for fun! The veterans get the same info as the new folks.After reading a review below, I feel like it should be said: This is the real deal folks! If you're looking for an Orlando style Lazy River, Penobscot is not for you. You will have excitement like you haven't before and there IS ABSOLUTELY a RISK of injury. Arthur and crew are constantly doing everything they can to communicate between each-other as well as getting that information to us rafters to make certain that any risk is tempered with experience.The gear is nicely maintained, especially considering the abuse it takes. You need only to show up in clothes appropriate for getting wet...very wet! They have all of the additional accessories available for rental on-site, and most everything is included anyhow.You can set up a trip as minimal or as inclusive as you'd like. We go ALL-IN. Package deal with a full day of rafting and campsite right there at the base-camp. The facilities for the campsite are perfect. They have other offering as well; last year a subgroup of our did the RiverBoarding trip...what an experience that was. If you're fit, I highly recommend that one!In summary; these folks know this sport, this river, and how to have an exciting trip! If you are considering a run down the Penobscot for the full gambit class 1 - 5, you want to get in touch with Maine Rafting Expeditions. Be clear about your comfort level, and they will take good care of you.Oh, if you're like me and have a 6 hour drive afterwards, camp one additional night and leave in the morning. Trust me; it makes a real difference. This is a real workout...if you're doing it right!~Matty