What Navitat Canopy Tours is and who runs it

Navitat Canopy Tours is a zipline course operator based in Boone, North Carolina, in the Blue Ridge Mountains. The company runs guided tours where groups move through the forest on a series of cables, stepping between platforms built into trees. You are harnessed to the cable the entire time, and a trained guide leads each small group through the course.

Navitat operates two separate courses: the original canopy tour and a newer "Skyline" tour. Both follow the same basic model — you arrive, get fitted with safety gear, receive instruction, and then spend roughly two to three hours moving from platform to platform. The company has been running tours since 2006 and is one of the larger zipline operators in the Southeast.

Tours are seasonal. Navitat typically operates year-round, though winter hours are shorter and some dates close for maintenance. You book in advance through their website or by phone, and tours run multiple times per day depending on the season.

Key Takeaways

  • Navitat runs two separate canopy courses in Boone, North Carolina, each lasting two to three hours with a trained guide leading groups of up to eight people.
  • You must be at least 10 years old and weigh between 60 and 275 pounds to participate, though exact limits vary slightly between the two courses.
  • Tours cost between $99 and $149 per person depending on which course you choose and when you book, with discounts sometimes available for groups or advance reservations.
  • Safety gear is provided and fitted on-site, and guides teach you how to use the braking system before you step onto the first cable.
  • Tours operate year-round but with reduced schedules in winter, and you should book at least a few days ahead during peak season.

Age, weight, and physical requirements

Navitat sets specific limits on who can take the tour. You must be at least 10 years old. There is no upper age limit, but you do need to be in reasonable physical condition — the course involves climbing stairs, walking on narrow platforms, and holding yourself steady while moving on cables. If you have mobility issues, back problems, or fear of heights, contact Navitat directly before booking to discuss whether the course is right for you.

Weight limits are 60 to 275 pounds on the original canopy tour and 60 to 250 pounds on the Skyline tour. These are not arbitrary: the harness and braking system are calibrated for this range, and going outside it affects how the equipment functions. If you are near either limit, mention it when you book so staff can confirm your gear options.

Pregnancy, recent surgery, and heart or lung conditions are reasons to skip the tour. Navitat asks about these when you book, and they will tell you if you should not participate. Do not hide these details to get on the tour — the safety systems depend on honest information.

What the tour includes and how long it takes

A Navitat tour is not just ziplining. You arrive 15 to 30 minutes early for check-in and gear fitting. Staff fit you with a harness, helmet, and gloves, and they explain how the braking system works. This matters: you control your own speed on the cable by squeezing a handle, and learning to brake smoothly is the main skill you need.

Once everyone in your group is geared up and briefed, you walk to the first platform. From there, you move through the forest on a series of cables, stopping at platforms between runs. Most tours include 8 to 12 zipline segments, though the exact number varies. The whole experience — from arrival to leaving — takes about two to three hours. The actual time on cables is usually 45 minutes to an hour.

Groups are kept small, typically 6 to 8 people per guide. This means you get personal attention, and the guide can adjust the pace if someone needs more time or reassurance. Guides are trained in safety and in talking people through the experience if they get nervous.

Cost and how to book

Prices vary by season and which course you choose. The original canopy tour typically costs $99 to $129 per person. The Skyline tour, which is newer and slightly longer, runs $119 to $149 per person. Prices are higher during peak season (summer and fall weekends) and lower during off-season weekdays.

You book through Navitat's website or by calling them directly. Most tour operators offer a small discount if you book online in advance rather than showing up and paying at the gate. Group discounts may be available if you have 10 or more people, so ask when you call.

Cancellation policies vary by how far ahead you book. Generally, you can cancel or reschedule up to 24 hours before your tour without penalty. If you cancel closer to your tour date, you may lose your payment or be charged a fee. Check the specific policy when you book.

What to wear and bring

Wear closed-toe shoes with good grip — hiking boots or athletic shoes work well. Avoid flip-flops, sandals, or shoes with slippery soles. You will be climbing stairs and walking on platforms, so your footwear matters for safety and comfort.

Dress for the weather. You will be outside for two to three hours, and the Blue Ridge Mountains can be cool even in summer, especially in the shade of the forest. Bring a light jacket or fleece if there is any chance of cool temperatures. In winter, dress warmly.

Navitat provides the harness, helmet, and gloves. You do not need to bring safety gear. Bring water and a snack if you want one — there is usually a break midway through the tour. Leave your phone, wallet, and keys in your car or in a locker if Navitat offers one. Cameras and GoPros can sometimes be attached to your harness, but ask about this when you book.

Safety record and what happens if something goes wrong

Navitat has been operating since 2006 and maintains a safety record typical for the zipline industry. The equipment is regularly inspected, and guides are trained in rescue procedures. The braking system is designed so that you control your own speed — you cannot go faster than you brake — which is why learning to use it correctly matters.

Minor injuries on zipline tours are rare. The most common issues are blisters from the gloves or sore hands from gripping the brake handle. Serious injuries are uncommon when people follow instructions and stay within weight and age limits.

If you do get hurt during the tour, Navitat has protocols for getting you down safely and providing first aid. They can call for emergency services if needed. This is another reason to be honest about your physical condition when you book — staff need to know if you have a heart condition or other issue that could become serious if something goes wrong.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need experience or special training to do this?

No. Navitat teaches you everything you need to know during the pre-tour briefing. The main skill is learning to brake smoothly, and guides walk you through this before you leave the first platform. Most people with no experience do fine.

What if I am afraid of heights?

Many people who are afraid of heights do the tour and enjoy it. You are harnessed to the cable the entire time, and guides are trained to help people who get nervous. Tell your guide at the start if you are anxious, and they can go at a slower pace or give you extra time on platforms. Some people find that doing it once makes them less afraid.

Can I bring my own camera or GoPro?

Navitat allows cameras in some cases, but they must be secured to your harness or body so they cannot fall. Ask when you book whether your specific camera setup is allowed. Do not hold a camera in your hand while on the cable — you need both hands for safety.

What happens if the weather is bad?

Navitat cancels tours if there is lightning or heavy rain. If your tour is cancelled due to weather, you can reschedule for another day or get a refund. Check the cancellation and weather policies when you book so you know what to expect.

Is there a bathroom at the course?

Yes, there are facilities at the base and at the midway point. Use the bathroom before you start the tour if possible, since you cannot leave the course once you are on the cables. Let your guide know if you need a longer break midway through.