"I've been fortunate to experience the Rio Grande's many moods . . . kayaked the notorious Taos Box . . . played for hours on the quickly moving Racecourse . . . paddled calmer stretches of water further downstream. But a recent river trip through Albuquerque now rates as my favorite . . .
"Quiet Waters Paddling Adventures . . . are ideal for families and novices. Yet the trips are full of excitement."
New Mexico Magazine
With the highest extended flow conditions expected this year since at least 2005, the rare opportunity to see the bosque from the water, with secondary channels running, willow stands saturated, and overbank flooding nurturing all of the restoration work that's been undertaken over the past few decades is exceptional.
Peak flow levels are quite challenging for beginners and casual recreational paddlers though, so we're offering Guided Raft outings exclusively through Friday, June 28th due to anticipated flow levels in excess of 4000 cfs through that date.
Guided kayak, paddleboard and canoe outings are expected to resume (and are available to book) beginning Saturday, June 29th.
Guided Adventures include:
The watercraft rental* and paddle.
PFD (life vest) and all required safety equipment.
A 12 minute safety and instructional video prior to your departure.
An interpretive and instructional guide (or guides)
On-shore orientation prior to launch, including fundamental hydrology principals and basic paddling instruction
Bottled water throughout the tour
A light picnic along the river
Passenger Van Shuttle to and from the river.
*You are welcome to provide your own canoe, kayak or SUP. A discount of $10.00 per watercraft will be applied.
Recommended for those with limited experience paddling on moving water, our guided adventures offer an opportunity to take in the tremendous scenery of the middle Rio Grande valley while paddling your own canoe, kayak or SUP, all with the added benefit of a professional guide who is familiar with the nuances of this particular stretch of river.
Don't want to paddle your own watercraft?
Experience the Rio Grande by joining a crew on an inflatable raft! The best option for beginners at high flows (Above 2500 cfs), your whitewater raft will be piloted by one of our interpretive guides, while you'll pitch in as a member of the crew. As with all guided adventures, we'll provide bottled water throughout the trip, and a light picnic along the way.
Additional Details:
- All rates are per-person and vary throughout the year Please click through the calendar below to see current rates.
- Children under 90 lbs floating along with one adult in a kayak, solo canoe or SUP, or with two adults in a canoe: are approximately half the adult rate. (Does not apply to paddle rafts).
Full Tour Descriptions may be found at the Tour Descriptions page.
Information on Sunset Floats , Full Moon Floats , the Freedom Fourth Fireworks Float, and other special events may be found at the Special Events page.
Details on Albuquerque's popular International Balloon Fiesta Kayak & Canoe Tours can be found at the Float the Fiesta! page.
New Mexico Magazine
Current Guided Adventure Options
Please click through for current rates.
Additional Details
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Guided Adventures include rental of individual kayak, tandem canoe, stand up paddleboard, or paddle raft, paddle, life vest and a passenger van shuttle to and from the river, guide support, basic instruction, bottled water throughout the tour, and a light picnic along the river.
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Children under 90lbs floating along with one adult in a kayak, solo canoe or SUP, or with two adults in a canoe are approximately half of the adult rate. (Does not apply to paddle rafts).
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Limit of one adult per kayak or stand up paddleboard, or two adults per canoe
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Paddle Rafts can accommodate up to 8 adults
- River Classifications and degree of difficulty will vary depending upon flow levels. See the Current River Conditions page for current flow conditions and additional information on the Expanded Class I River Classification methodology used here.
- Please see the Waiver, Terms & Conditions page for links to download our waiver, as well as information on our policies and procedures.
Minimum Recommendations for Guided Guests:
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Be a competent swimmer, comfortable both underwater and swimming in current.
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Wear your life jacket! New Mexico requires the use of a life jacket at all times when paddling. A PFD provides additional flotation to swim safely in current, as well as core insulation in cooler water conditions.
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Be reasonably fit. While paddling is not a strenuous activity, participants should have sufficient fitness to walk a couple of hundred yards without assistance. (If walking 100 - 200 yards would be exhausting for you, please discuss with us prior to making a reservation. Choosing a guided raft tour may be more appropriate for you).
Reservations
Reservations are required for all guided adventures.
Call to book at 505-771-1234
New Mexico strictly prohibits operation of any watercraft while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Please save the party for after the river.