Float the Canyons of the Rio Grande

Overview

Available languages

English

7 hours 30 minutes

Mobile ticket

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.

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

Cancellation Policy

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

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

Lunch

What To Expect

Terlingua Ghost Town

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.

7 hours • Admission Included

Options

Float the Canyons of the Rio Grande

Reviews

4.95

195 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

188

Great tour!
noellew564,
Nov 15, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
This was a wonderful trip. Great way to explore the Santa Clara canyon. Went with our 3 kids age 4,6, and 8. Was nervous about it but they did great! Our guides were amazing. One of our kids rode with Charlie and he made it so fun. They even stopped on the way back for us to get a pic. I’d 100% recommend!
Halloween Weekend down the Rio Grande
SANDRA R,
Nov 10, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Eric and Grace were fantastic. We enjoyed their knowledge of the area down the Rio Grande and the history of Big Bend and Teralinga. The weather had changed that weekend and they knew our trip would be more enjoyable in a different area and ended in a area with a hot spring at the end with the weather dropping 20 degrees it was fantastic. Great trip to take with family or friends.
Magical Canyon
Thomas M,
Nov 9, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
It's not just floating, some aggressive paddling required at some points, and occasionally getting out and walking through the shallows, but totally worth it. Would do it again a dozen times over.
Excellent Experience!
Flyfritha,
Nov 1, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
What a fantastic experience! Our guide, Charlie is full of knowledge and an all around great person. He made the canoe trip that much more memorable and the scenery was absolutely beautiful. We highly recommend this trip!
A great experience for all levels
Janelle K,
Oct 30, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
What an amazing experience. The guides were very knowledgeable, nice and very helpful. My husband and I are beginners to say the least. They were very patient with us. Even when we tipped the canoe. We had a lot of fun and learned new things to about Big Bend. They even gave us some great recommendations about places to eat.
Letting guys be dudes
Mrbogusz123,
Oct 30, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Eric and Grace showed us a great time on a 1-day canoe float in Hot Springs canyon. The water was low and the wind was high (as were we), but they guided us through with smiles and jokes. We passed other groups from another company that were not faring so well, so we had the lower part of the float all to ourselves. They gave us space to get weird with it and protected us from wild beasts (Mexican horses) but more importantly they protected us from ourselves. Eric also gave great recommendations about where to eat and what to do in town. We would definitely come again for a longer trip. FYI, water levels and other conditions dictate which part of the river you float on and also if you're in a raft or a canoe.
Adventure Awaits…
julieeC511IX,
Oct 12, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Great Experience! Very knowledgeable tour guide and great team that guided us all down the river through the Santa Elena Canyon. Shout out to Chantal for hanging in the back with me. If you are thinking about going with someone or even by yourself- just do it!
Our guide was very...
llayron j,
Oct 11, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Our guide was very knowledgeable and helpful. We could not have made it without him. My wife and I had a wonderful time.
It’s a beautiful scenic...
MOlivia P,
Oct 5, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
It’s a beautiful scenic route. A little challenging but the guide is watching out at all times. Both physical and social
Awesome and unique experience
hockeydawg,
Oct 5, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Had a great time canoeing on the Rio Grande. Our guides, Cody and Hannah, were awesome. Super friendly and extremely knowledgeable. The river flow was perfect and the weather was around 90degrees and clear skies. Went to the hot springs and through the hot springs canyon My wife and I totally enjoyed the experience. Highly recommend this company for a unique adventure. Bucket list- CHECK.