Best Sunglasses for White Water Rafting

If you’re going river rafting, kayaking, or canoeing on a sunny day a good pair of sunglasses is a must-have piece of equipment. You don’t want to be stuck with the sun in your face all day making you uncomfortable. That is why we always recommend proper eyewear for sunny weather. Here we will take a look at some of the best options for sunglasses to take on the river.

Riversearch.com is Reader-supported. When you purchase gear through links on our site, we may earn commissions. 

Best River Rafting Sunglasses

  1. Bevi Polarized Sports Sunglasses for Men TR 90 Square Frame Glasses Flexible and Durable Sun Glasses 2701C6
  2. Cressi Ninja Floating TAC Polarized Wrap Around Sport Sunglasses Unsinkable
  3. Duduma Polarized Sports Sunglasses for Men Women Baseball Running Cycling Fishing Driving Golf Softball Hiking TR90 Unbreakable Frame
  4. WindRider Polarized Floating Sunglasses for Men Designed for Fishing, Sailing, All Water Sports. Lightweight, Comfortable, 100% UV Protection
  5. Pilotfish No Tail Adjustable Eyewear Retainer – Sunglass Holder Strap – Sunglasses Retainer

1. Bevi Polarized Sports Sunglasses for Men TR 90 Square Frame Glasses Flexible and Durable Sun Glasses 2701C6

 

Product Features

Brand Name: Bevi
Colors: Black, green, blue, red, yellow
Includes: Retainer cord

Our top pick for sunglasses to take out on the water is the Bevi Polarized Sports Sunglasses for Men. These sunglasses are made smooth for a comfortable fit even in rough rapids. The polarized lenses reduce glare and block of UVA rays while the thermoplastic frame is lightweight and comfortable. The lenses are polycarbonate which makes them impact-resistant and scratch-resistant. The best thing about these sunglasses is that they include a glasses retainer cord. If you’re going rafting or kayaking on rough rapids you will definitely want a retainer cord for your sunglasses. You don’t want to end up hitting some rough rapids and watch your sunglasses fall to the bottom of the river.

 

Pros
  • Budget friendly
  • Impact and scratch-resistant lenses
  • Includes a retainer cord
Cons
  • These are designed for men only, if you’re shopping for women’s sunglasses you may need to go with something else

 

2. Cressi Ninja Floating TAC Polarized Wrap Around Sport Sunglasses Unsinkable

 

Product Features

Brand Name: Cressi
Colors: Nine color options
Includes: Protective case, cleaning cloth

Our next recommendation for sunglasses is the Cressi Ninja Floating Adult Water Sports Sunglasses. These sunglasses feature polarized shatterproof lenses designed to block harmful UVA/UVB rays. The sunglasses float which makes them excellent for river rafting, kayaking, fishing, and any other water activities. The lightweight construction and soft rubber coating allow for a smooth and comfortable fit. These are unisex glasses designed to fit both men and women. The best thing about these glasses is that they float and include a protective case and cleaning cloth. They only drawback is that they do not include a retainer cord. We always recommend sunglasses with a retainer cord for going on the river. You will have to buy that separately.

 

Pros
  • Shatterproof lenses
  • Floating sunglasses
  • Includes protective case and cleaning cloth
Cons
  • We always recommend a retainer cord for your sunglasses when white water rafting, these do not include one (must buy seperately)

 

3. Duduma Polarized Sports Sunglasses for Men Women Baseball Running Cycling Fishing Driving Golf Softball Hiking TR90 Unbreakable Frame

 

Product Features

Brand Name: Duduma
Colors: Ten color options
Includes: Sunglasses only

The next spot on our list goes to the Duduma Polarized Sports Sunglasses. These sunglasses are designed for a variety of sports which makes them lightweight and durable. They are made from polycarbonate which makes them impact-resistant and scratch-resistant. The lenses block 99% of UVA and UVB rays and they are designed to fit both men and women. Overall these are solid sports sunglasses that would be excellent on the river. The only major drawback is that these don’t include a retainer cord, which again we always recommend for white water activities.

 

Pros
  • Unbreakable lenses
  • Lightweight and durable
  • Budget friendly
Cons
  • You will likely need to purchase a retainer cord seperately

 

4. WindRider Polarized Floating Sunglasses for Men Designed for Fishing, Sailing, All Water Sports. Lightweight, Comfortable, 100% UV Protection

 

Product Features

Brand Name: WindRider
Colors: Black or white
Sizes: Sunglasses only

The WindRider Polarized Floating Sunglasses are another excellent choice for river rafting. These sunglasses are shatterproof and designed to block 100% of UV rays. The polarized lenses reduce glare while the soft rubber ear and nose pieces provide ultimate comfort. These ones even float in water which is great in case they accidentally fall off. Overall these are excellent lightweight and durable sunglasses designed for water sports, but again we recommend buying a retainer so you don’t lose your glasses in rough rapids.

 

Pros
  • Lightweight and durable
  • Shatterproof
  • Float in water
Cons
  • These do not include a sunglasses retainer (which we recommend)

 

5. Pilotfish No Tail Adjustable Eyewear Retainer – Sunglass Holder Strap – Sunglasses Retainer

 

Product Features

Brand Name: Pilotfish
Colors: 8 color options
Includes: Retainer only (no sunglasses)

Lastly, we picked the Pilotfish no tail adjustable sunglasses retainer. Although these aren’t sunglasses, we highly recommend a retainer strap for white water rafting just in case you lose your sunglasses. This retainer is designed to fit all types of eyewear and comes in two sizes: 14 inch or 16 inch. We recommend using a retainer to avoid watching your sunglasses sink to the bottom of the river.

 

Pros
  • Budget friendly
  • Eight color options
  • Two sizes
Cons
  • This is a retainer only, no sunglasses included

 

White Water River Rafting Sunglasses Buying Guide

If you’re going river rafting or kayaking we recommend looking for these features in your sunglasses

  1. Shatterproof
  2. Floating
  3. Comfortable
  4. Retainer Strap

How to Choose Sunglasses for Going out on the Water

1. Shatterproof

Sometimes the rapids can get a little rough, which is why we always recommend shatterproof sunglasses. A durable pair of sunglasses that are designed to be shatterproof will save you a lot of headaches if you’re out for a long day and your glasses accidentally drop or fall. Especially if you’re hiking as well as river rafting.

2. Floating

Since you’re planning on going out on the water, a floating pair of sunglasses might not be a bad idea either. Although depending on the river you are on, even if they do float you might have a hard time retrieving them. If you have a good retainer strap this might not matter.

3. Comfortable

If you’re going out all day on the river you definitely want your face to stay comfortable. Choosing a good pair that feel good on your face is definitely something we recommend

4. Retainer Strap

Lastly, we always recommend a retainer strap for your sunglasses. Usually, you have to buy this separately (which is why we placed one at number 5 on the list).

Related Posts:
Rafting Shirts
What to Wear
Rafting Dry Bag