Float the Canyons of the Rio Grande
Overview
Available languages
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 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.
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
Options
Float the Canyons of the Rio Grande
Reviews
214 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Outstanding
Cruiser317501,Mar 28, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Coby and Dana were awesome. Great trip. There was also another young lady guide on the trip who was very helpful when i flipped over. Never cauyher name
Great experience
Stacey M,Mar 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00The staff and equipment were great. I would recommend this to a solo traveler since they have both dual and solo kayaks. The hot springs stop was very nice. The guides are very knowledgeable and friendly. I would have given 5 stars but I think the group should have been divided into 2 heats - fast and slow group. I would have enjoyed more time to just kind of float, but because I’m slow, I was paddling the whole time to keep up with the group and not able to enjoy the views as much as I would have liked. I think we finished early too. I just felt kind of rushed to keep up with the younger and fitter folks.
Great activity when visiting Big Bend!
Sheila C,Mar 25, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We had a great day of kayaking down 6 miles of the Rio Grande. George, our guide, did a wonderful job talking about the history of the park and the flora and fauna on the drive to and from our launch point and exit point. I highly recommend doing this if you visit Big Bend!
Beautiful Trip on the Rio Grande
adamp603,Mar 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Big Bend Hiking runs a great operation from start to finish. The area is beautiful, the guides did a great job of keeping us informed and educated through the whole experience, from the van ride out to the put in, all the way through the time on the river and ride back to Terlingua. I highly recommend using their services and recommend getting in the water in this area to see the canyons up close.
Relaxing float
Molly H,Mar 18, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00My family of 5 had a wonderful experience floating the Rio Grande. The tour group was informative and very helpful. I would highly recommend this experience!
Easy, Family friendly and informative. Our guide Eric was incredible and imparted so much knowledge.
maria s,Mar 17, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our guide Eric was so knowledgeable. He imparted so much historical, geological information about the area. He knew so much about the flora and fauna, the native tribes and the hikes in big bend as well as the best places to visit inside and out of the park. The 5 of us paddled easily through the Rio Grande. Along the way he explained so much about ancient seas and geological formations as well as how the ancient peoples use to live in the area. It was a beautiful and serene trip. We stoped along the way at the hot springs. It was a freezing cold day and they were a welcome soak to warm up. Highly recommend this tour company. Next time we will do a multi day trip not during high season where we can take in the beauty. Regardless it was well worth it!
Unique opportunity to paddle down the Rio Grande
cwa62869,Mar 13, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great communication, well-organized, experienced, well informed, and fun guides, spectacular scenery, especially once in the canyon. Beginner-friendly paddling with very gentle “rapids.” Ample bathroom facilities both before and after the float with facility-trees at other times. You’ll learn a lot about the flora and fauna native to the Big Bend region. Guides carry coolers to store lunches as well as extra water to refill water bottles. Layers and sun protection essential. Tandem and single kayaks available.
Fun & educational!!
Aurora S,Mar 11, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This is a fun, active trip down the beautiful Rio Grande (expect to be sore the next day)! Our tour guides were very knowledgeable about the history and biology of the park. Emphasis was put on petitioning not to continue building a wall which would ruin the park and local economy. Their attitude about it was impactful, they offered real solutions and ways we could help out! A very passionate crew and a wonderful time.
Great fun through dark canyon
Mark W,Mar 6, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great canoe trip down Rio Grande through Dark Canyon. Hannah and Andrew did an excellent job and, regardless of skill level, ensured all travelers were catered to….
Great day on the Rio Grand
SALXB,Mar 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Wow! What a great day on the Rio Grand. Hannah was our guide. She shared so much information about the area . Before we entered the water she explained in detail how to steer the canoe. I had never been in one in my life. She did such a great job I felt comfortable the whole time. I would book again.
From US$155.00
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Operated by Big Bend Boating and Hiking Company