Kayaking Rio Grande Canyons: Float the Chihuahuan Desert
A full day floating the international boundary instead of watching it from a viewpoint.
Float the Rio Grande canyons by kayak, canoe or raft (the boat type depends on water levels) starting from Terlingua, Texas. You get all equipment, a guide, van transport to the river, a safety briefing and paddling instruction, plus a midday stop to swim and eat lunch you bring yourself. The full day on the water takes about seven and a half hours, and you return to Terlingua around 4:30 p.m.
Step-by-step itinerary
Float the Rio Grande Canyons
- Start tour in Terlingua, TX
- Ride vans to the river
- Learn about desert history and geology
- Get outfitted with PFDs and dry bags
- Attend safety briefing and paddling instruction
- Float down the river through canyons
- Stop for picnic and swim
- Continue floating along international boundary
- Return to Terlingua around 4:30 p.m.
The experience
The day starts in Terlingua with a van ride to the river, and that's when the guide walks you through the geology, plants and history of the Chihuahuan Desert. The landscape you're about to float through. Once at the water, you get fitted with a personal flotation device, pack cameras and valuables into a dry bag, and sit through a safety briefing and paddling instruction. The boat you paddle depends on the Rio Grande's water level that day: canoes, kayaks or rafts all work, and the guide chooses based on conditions.
You float for several hours down the international boundary, watching the canyon walls rise around you. The water moves at its own pace, so there's time to look: at the desert plants clinging to the rock, at the geology the guide points out, at the way the light hits the canyon. Partway through, you pull onto the riverbank to swim and eat lunch. You're responsible for bringing your own food and water bottle, but the guide brings coolers to keep it cold and water to refill your bottle. Canned alcoholic beverages are allowed. After lunch, you continue floating until you're back at the vans around 4:30 p.m.
What’s included
- Van transport from Terlingua to the river and back.
- all boats, paddles and personal flotation devices.
- dry bag for cameras and valuables.
- safety briefing and paddling instruction.
- a midday stop on the riverbank to swim.
- all fees and taxes.
Information
Lasts 7h 30m, runs every day at 09:00, from US$ 155 per person and with a live guide in English.
Prices and times updated yesterday
Operated by Big Bend Boating and Hiking Company
Is this one for you?The van pickup from Terlingua means you don't need a car to reach the river or navigate the desert roads. The guide handles the drive and the logistics, so you show up ready to paddle.
Traveler reviews
Top questions
What happens if it rains?
It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. No refund if you cancel.
What determines whether I kayak, canoe or raft?
The Rio Grande's water level on the day of your float decides which boat you paddle. The guide chooses canoes, kayaks or rafts based on conditions, so you find out when you arrive at the river.
Do I need to bring my own lunch?
Yes, you pack your own lunch and water bottle. The guide brings coolers to keep your food cold and water to refill your bottle during the midday stop on the riverbank.
What's included in the equipment?
The boat, paddle, personal flotation device and dry bag for your valuables are all provided. You don't need to bring or rent any gear to float.
How long does the whole day take?
The float is about seven and a half hours total, including the van ride to the river, paddling instruction, several hours on the water, a lunch and swim stop, and the return drive to Terlingua around 4:30 p.m.
Where does the day start and end?
Both the start and finish are in Terlingua, Texas. The guide picks you up there, drives you to the Rio Grande, and brings you back to Terlingua at the end of the day.
Kayaking Rio Grande Canyons: Float the Chihuahuan Desert
7h 30m · EN
from US$ 155 per person