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Things to Know Before You Go

  • Check-in time for the Penobscot is listed under your specific rafting trip. Most Penobscot trips eat on the river and return by mid/late afternoon - with the day’s activities complete by 6:00 p.m.
  • We will provide you with a paddle, life jacket (PFD), and helmet - helmets are required on the Penobscot. Wetsuits are highly recommended on some early and late season trips and other times based on weather conditions; our staff will recommend what is appropriate. If you feel that some or all of your wetsuit was not needed at the end of the day, we will refund the rental fee. This is Maine whitewater rafting after all, and conditions can be highly variable!
  • For personal clothing on the river, we recommend a bathing suit or shorts, and sneakers or river sandals for your feet. Wool socks and polypropylene long underwear or fleece add comfort on cool days. (Do not bring cotton to wear on the river as it does not dry, and you will be cold). NEOC has plenty of cool weather rental wetsuits, booties, and spray tops to make you more comfortable and will advise you when you need them. At the base, leave a towel, a warm dry change of clothes (including socks), shoes, and underwear for post-trip showering and changing.
  • We sell inexpensive, waterproof cameras. In addition, we occasionally have a professionally produced video, and always have a slide presentation every day, no matter what the group size, after the trip. Prints, videos, and USB's available for purchase. (Not all outfitters offer this).
  • A detailed and entertaining safety orientation precedes all trips.
  • Our river lunch includes a choice of chicken, fish, steak, or a vegetarian option with your selection made prior to trip check-in.  On Penobscot trips, we serve lunch riverside after the morning run.
  • NEOC is a family resort and we welcome children. For their safety, the minimum recommended ages are as follows: Penobscot River - 10 yrs. on the Lower River; 15 yrs. for the Upper River (upper and lower). 
  • Our guides are professionals and work hard to give you an experience you won't soon forget. The price of all guided activities and instructional sessions does not include a gratuity; however, they are greatly appreciated and appropriate when exceptional service is provided.

Tips and Information for Planning for Your River Trip

  • Sunscreen. We recommend at least SPF 30 and make sure it's waterproof!
  • Sunglasses. While you might not want to bring your favorite and most expensive pair (in case they end up in the water), you will want protection for your eyes. The sun off the water can produce quite a glare. Attaching "Croakies" or a string to your sunglasses is also a good idea.
  • Water bottle. With the excitement and activity, you are bound to break a sweat, so be sure to stay hydrated during the trip.
  • Wetsuit or paddling jacket. These items are suggested for when the weather begins to turn, and it gets cold.
  • Water shoes. Your feet are going to get wet. Guests should enter the raft with shoes or sandals that can get wet, can protect their toes, and will stay on their feet. We recommend rubber-soled water shoes or sandals with Velcro.
  • Camera. If you're interested in capturing the moments of your Maine whitewater rafting trip on camera, be sure you bring your waterproof camera.
  • A good attitude. Whitewater rafting takes a group effort from everyone in the raft, and you will be an important part of a successful trip. Your attitude and willingness to be part of a team will be important to make sure everyone enjoys their experience.

If you have any questions about any of the items on the list or any questions about whitewater rafting in Maine, please give us a call. We are always ready to help. Call us at 1-800-634-7238 or e-mail [email protected].

Deposits, Cancellations, Refunds, and the Fine Print

  • New England Outdoor Center reserves the right to cancel trips and change itineraries due to weather, water flow, and our professional discretion. Please know that we will communicate these changes to the best of our ability to ensure our customers can prepare appropriately.  We have been rafting for 30 years and have rafted almost every single day as scheduled!
  • We require a deposit of 50% of the total reservation within 10 days of the date the reservation is made. We can either take a credit card payment at the time of the reservation or we will send you a copy of your reservation and expect payment within 10 days. We can also take deposit payments individually from more than one person in a group and apply and itemize that payment toward the reservation.
  • All reservations must be paid in full 45 days prior to the trip date. NOTICE: All reservations for which no deposit is received 45 days in advance may be automatically canceled without further notice to you.
  • For reservations made within 45 days of the trip date we require full payment when the reservation is made. All reservations confirmed with a deposit will receive our full confirmation literature. Rafting, snowmobile rentals, and our cabins are in high demand, and we enforce a strict cancellation policy. If we receive cancellation 45 or more days prior to the trip date, a full refund will be granted, minus the cancellation fee of $25 per person of your deposit for all activities. 
  • Cancellations made within 45 days of the trip date are non-refundable.
  • Cancellation Fee: $25 per person of your deposit is non-refundable and non-assignable.
  • Security Deposits are required for each accommodation and will be collected at the time of check-in. If we discover any damage or missing items, we will prepare a written estimate which will be forwarded to you, and your credit card on file will be charged the full amount of the repair or replacement costs. PLEASE note all accommodations are non-smoking. If we find that your accommodation(s) has been smoked in, an additional $200 per unit charge will be applied to your credit card on file.
  • ON RISK: Although we have an excellent safety record, our trips and activities are not without risk. It should be recognized that accidents can and do occur. All adventure participants must sign an Assumption of Risk and Agreement to Participate form, before participating in any activity with New England Outdoor Center. We reserve the right to switch rivers or rental locations if water, snow or weather conditions merit a change. All activities run rain, snow, or shine.
  • Finally, a few rules: Alcohol consumption is prohibited prior to and during trips, and quiet hours at 10 p.m are enforced to assure all our guests' satisfaction.

Pet Policy

Pets are allowed at some of our resort locations for a daily fee. Please call for details. Dogs are allowed at Twin Pine Camps Cabins with a prior reservation for $20 per dog/per night. We have a few rules that we ask you to follow:

  • Must be always on a leash.
  • You must pick-up after your dog.
  • You may not leave your dog unattended unless in a kennel due to barking, damage, and summer heat.
  • We may be able to arrange for dog sitting, just stop by the office at Twin Pines for details.
  • Please keep cabins picked up and clean if your dog swims etc.
  • No dogs allowed on beds and furniture.
  • You will be charged for any damage or extra cleaning.
  • A $200 security deposit is required. (We provide you with a clean dog bed and bowls.)

NEOC reserves the right to change or update prices at any time, without notice. Once you have booked, your booked price stands even if prices go up.