Float the Canyons of the Rio Grande

Overview

Descend into the many canyons of the Rio Grande by boat. Float through the spectacular scenery of the international boundary. The water level determines which canyon we float through and whether we float in canoes, kayaks, or rafts. This scenic float is great for all ages. Come explore the Chihuahuan Desert and learn about the geology, plants, and history. This is a full day trip, you will be responsible for bringing your lunch, and we have the coolers to pack your lunch in.

City: Big Bend National Park

Tue 24 Dec

Other dates

You can choose the date already on the booking website

Starting at $156.00

Make a reservation

Tue 24 Dec

Starting at $156.00

Make a reservation

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What's Included

Private transportation

All equipment to float the river will be provided: boats, PFD- personal floatation device, paddle, and a dry bag to keep your valuables in

All Fees and Taxes

Additional Info

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Face masks required for travellers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Regularly sanitised high-traffic areas
Gear/equipment sanitised between use
Transportation vehicles regularly sanitised
Guides required to regularly wash hands
Regular temperature checks for staff
Temperature checks for travellers upon arrival
Paid stay-at-home policy for staff with symptoms
Contactless payments for gratuities and add-ons

What To Expect

Terlingua

The tour starts in Terlingua, TX. As we ride in vans to the river learn about the cultural history, geology, flora and fauna of the Chihuahuan Desert. Once at the river we will get outfitted in PFD's (personal floatation devices) and pack cameras and other valuables into dry bags. We will do a safety briefing and paddling instruction talk. After several hours of floating we will stop on the side of the river for a picnic and swim. You are responsible to pack a lunch and water bottle, we will have water to refill your bottles and coolers for your food. Alcoholic beverages are allowed in cans. We will continue our float down the international boundary.We typically return to Terlingua around 4:30 p.m.

Cancellation Policy

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.

Traveler Photos

Reviews (97)

SpiffyTumbleweed

Apr 2022

We visited in late March and the river was very low, to the point that canoes were the only viable way to navigate the river, but we knew that going in. We did a boomerang trip up into Santa Elena Canyon where we paddled upstream (there was no current to speak of) camped for the night, and returned downstream the next day. Our guide Katie was wonderful, knowledgeable, and very helpful in all aspects. She never stopped working to ensure the best possible trip in what were challenging circumstances. I would recommend Katie and this outfitter without any reservations, but I would recommend going when there is much more water flowing.

Alehman5

Mar 2022

We purchased our tickets online and received several emails and texts as our adventure was closer. We had all the pertinent details we needed in order to have a great time. We met Joe and Annie at the assigned place and they prepared us for our afternoon on the Rio Grande. They have ice water to refill your water bottles, dry bags and they provide a safe place for you to leave your vehicle keys if you wish so you don't feed them to the river on your vacation. The site where you enter the river is in the Big Bend Ranch State Park . The van ride took about 45 min and Joe gave us really great information and insights as we traveled. So many beautiful views along the way. Once at the site Annie gave an excellent tutelage on water safety and paddle strokes. We were in the water approx 2 hours and traveled 1.2 miles. It was breathtaking and the guides made it so enjoyable. They were present to help us over any difficult bits and taught us about the river, land, history and foliage along the way. Embarking and disembarking was easily performed under our expert guides. We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and would highly recommend experience.

Brian_W

Mar 2022

What an amazing day! Our float was gorgeous. The views are spectacular from the water. It was quiet and peaceful and we saw burros, horses, tons of birds, and fish. The team at Big Bend Hiking and Boating Tours was great! They were knowledgeable about the area, had tons of history to share, and were passionate and experienced on the water. Not only were the guys friendly, you could tell they loved their jobs. We had a great time and would highly recommend this adventure. Thank you to Dylan and the rest of the guys!