White water rafting on the Davao River offers Class II to IV rapids through lush tropical scenery. The most popular stretch runs through the municipality of Calinan, about 30 km from the city centre. Trips typically take two to three hours and pass through narrow gorges flanked by dense vegetation, with calm stretches between the rapids where you can take in the surrounding hills.
Several operators run trips year-round, though the best conditions are during the rainy season (June to November) when water levels are higher. No prior experience is needed for the lower-grade rapids, but the Class IV sections will get your heart rate up.