
Float the Canyons of the Rio Grande
Traveler rating
4.9/5
Based on 254 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Float the Canyons of the Rio Grande worth booking?
Float the Canyons of the Rio Grande is a 7.5-hour experience in Big Bend National Park, United States, from $155 per person. It scores 73 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 254 reviews. This booking is non-refundable, so pick your date carefully. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 73 / 100
- Rating
- 4.9/5 (254)
- Duration
- 7.5 hours
- From
- $155 per person
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.
What you get
About this experience
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.
What's included
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
Not included
- Lunch
What you'll see and do
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.
420 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Big Bend National Park
We will meet at our office 53570 Firestation Road,Terlingua. It is located on Hwy 118, 3 blocks North (towards Alpine) of the junction of Hwy 118 & Hwy 170 (gas station).The meet up time is 9 a.m. Central Time Zone, watch your clocks to make sure you are in the right time zone as they can change!
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
We will meet at our office 53570 Firestation Road,Terlingua. It is located on Hwy 118, 3 blocks North (towards Alpine) of the junction of Hwy 118 & Hwy 170 (gas station).The meet up time is 9 a.m. Central Time Zone, watch your clocks to make sure you are in the right time zone as they can change!
Before you book
- Cancellation
- All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Big Bend Boating and Hiking Company
Know before you go
- 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
Photos





What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 250 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
8 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
6 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Good for families
2 mentionsReviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.
Traveler reviews
250 verified traveler reviews for Float the Canyons of the Rio Grande. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
1st timers
It was our first time canoeing. George and Amanda were amazing guides and made the trip a lot better! I would definitely recommend this place to anyone and will be coming. Make sure to bring lots of water and do check the weather before you arrive!
via Viator
Amazing Time on the river at Big Bend
George our guide was very knowledgeable and helpful with the whole experience. He made our family and the other families feel safe and encouraged on the waters. We had such a great time and enjoyed the wonderful views!
Response from the operator: Thank you for paddling the Rio Grande with us! We are glad you brought the family, it is a great experience that we hope you have long lasting memories of.
via Tripadvisor
We had such a great day...
We had such a great day on the river with Amanda! She taught us so much about the area and made the experience so much fun. The water was really low, but we were able to canoe most of it and Amanda helped us through the hardest parts. I wish everyone could do this at least once.
Response from the operator: Thank you for paddling the Rio Grande with us- it is a unique way to experience the border.
via Viator
Rio Grande River Tour!
Float the Canyons of the Rio Grande River was an amazing trip. Our guide Nester was very knowledgeable. We had a lot of fun. I even caught a fish with my hand. I was wondering why the water was very muddy?
via Tripadvisor
Great Experience
Guides were awesome! Very nice and knowledgeable. Highly recommend!
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 7.5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Non-refundable
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 89
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Why this scores 73
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Float the Canyons of the Rio Grande: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Big Bend National Park.
How much does Float the Canyons of the Rio Grande cost?
+
Prices start at $155 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Big Bend National Park usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Float the Canyons of the Rio Grande take?
+
Plan for about 7.5 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Big Bend National Park is not rushed.
Is Float the Canyons of the Rio Grande worth it?
+
It holds an Outty Ranking of 73 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 254 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable culture & history in Big Bend National Park, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Float the Canyons of the Rio Grande?
+
No. This experience is sold on a non-refundable basis, so only book a date you are confident about. Similar experiences in the city do offer free cancellation if flexibility matters more than price.
Is Float the Canyons of the Rio Grande suitable for kids and families?
+
Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 7.5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Float the Canyons of the Rio Grande?
+
Around 89 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Big Bend National Park can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
+
Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Big Bend National Park and add a light layer if any part of the 7.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Float the Canyons of the Rio Grande start and how do I get there?
+
The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Big Bend National Park within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Big Bend National Park?
+
On Outty we rank every Big Bend National Park experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Big Bend National Park Self-Guided GPS Audio Driving Tour, Hot Springs Canyon Full Day, Big Bend National Park Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Big Bend National Park?
+
Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Big Bend National Park?
+
Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
+
Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Float the Canyons of the Rio Grande?
+
Included: Private transportation; All equipment to float the river will be provided: boats, PFD- personal floatation device; and All Fees and Taxes. Not included: Lunch. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Float the Canyons of the Rio Grande?
+
We will meet at our office 53570 Firestation Road,Terlingua. It is located on Hwy 118, 3 blocks North (towards Alpine) of the junction of Hwy 118 & Hwy 170 (gas station).The meet up time is 9 a.m. Central Time Zone. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Float the Canyons of the Rio Grande offered in?
+
It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Float the Canyons of the Rio Grande?
+
Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Float the Canyons of the Rio Grande wheelchair or stroller accessible?
+
The operator notes: Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Float the Canyons of the Rio Grande if the weather is bad?
+
This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about Float the Canyons of the Rio Grande?
+
Across 254 reviews averaging 4.9 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, good for families. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Ready to lock in your spot?
Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Float the Canyons of the Rio Grande.
Pick your date


