Top activities
Top landmarks
Trip ideas
Nearby places
You booked this experience
Make your trip unforgettable

Rio Grande Gorge Full Day

199 Reviews 4.93 out of 5 stars Based on 199 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and TripAdvisor | Recommended by 98% of reviewers | Santa Fe, USA
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 16 (0) days in advance.

6 hours 30 minutes (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English
and 1 more
Spanish

Overview

The Lower Gorge of the Rio Grande is a broad canyon with lush riparian habitat along the banks of the Rio. A fantastic full day adventure for families, first time rafters and groups. The first half of the day is beautiful float through the Orilla Verde section of the Rio Grande with incredible scenery, gorgeous riverside lunch stops and ample opportunity to work on your paddling in preparation for the exciting whitewater of the Racecourse to come in the afternoon. The Rio Grande Gorge full day trip meets at our headquarters at 8:30 a.m. daily and the minimum age during most of the year is 5 years old

What's Included

  • Lunch
  • Safe, Secure Parking,
  • Full Service Headquarters
  • Gratuities
See 3 moreSee 2 more

Meeting Location

Meeting point

2217 New Mexico 68
Embudo, NM 87531, USA

Show on Google Maps

Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

Book Online

Our secure website provides real-time availability.
Read more

Safe & secure Easy breezy Hassle‑free

Rio Grande Gorge

Starting OutWe start at our headquarters where you’ll meet your guides for the day who will outfit you with all the gear necessary for the day on the river. At the headquarters, you will find safe secure parking, clean restrooms, changing rooms, shaded picnic tables on our patio rooms, and any last minute items you might have forgotten including sunscreen, water shoes, hats and much more. This is the perfect place to start your adventure.  Craft choices are dependent on water levels. The large majority of our guests like to participate and paddle along with the guide in the back of the boat giving paddling commands, however, you may also choose to sit back and let the guide do the work on an oar boat.  And for the adrenaline junkies, ask about an inflatable kayak at no extra charge.Floating the Rio Grande GorgeAfter the short drive to the starting point in our vans, your river trip begins with a placid morning float through one of the most scenic parts of the canyon with great opportunities to see a variety of wildlife including mule deer, river otter, beaver and many different birds of prey. This section also affords us time to practice paddling techniques, swimming and simply enjoying the Rio Grande. Somewhere in this stretch, we’ll stop on the side of the river for a nice lunch put together by your guides. After lunch, we run the Class III rapids of the “Racecourse.” The Lower Gorge of the Rio Grande is a broad canyon with lush riparian habitat along the banks of the Rio. As we enter the “Racecourse” section the geology radically changes as we pass onto the Rio Grande fault line, one of the largest intercontinental fault lines in North America. But let’s not forget the whitewater! The Racecourse is 6 miles of action-packed class 2-3 rapids. Perfect for everyone from beginners to intermediate/experts. There is something for everyone to enjoy on this section. With rapids like the Maze, Albert’s Falls, The Narrows, and The Thunderdome make sure you are braced in and ready to get wet! Listen to your guides as they negotiate these rapids and don’t forget to ask them to surf when the water levels are lower.Guides for the Rio Grande Gorge Full DayOur guides are the best in the business, focusing on safety and guest service as a top priority. All are extremely knowledgeable about the area’s geology, ecology and history and just love being on the river. Our Guides have experience on rivers all over the country and across the globe, I know you’ll enjoy each one as much as we do.   They will certainly help to make your day on the river the best possible.Full Day Rio Grande rafting trips available EVERY DAY starting in March through September. Our minimum age at most water levels is 5, however, at the higher flows, that minimum age rises to 13. Book online or call us anytime, 1-800-983-7756, to reserve your space.
Read more

6 hours Admission Ticket Free

Additional Info

  • Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Children must be accompanied by an adult
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 24 travelers

Frequently Asked Questions (8)

Q: Will I get seasick on Rio Grande Gorge Full Day?

A: If you have any doubts about becoming seasick on the water, we recommend taking a Dramamine® Motion Sickness Relief tablet the night before your trip. Some people recommend taking it the night before your cruise and then again that morning so you will not feel so drowsy. Read more Feb 2023

Cancellation Policy

This tour is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If you cancel or ask for an amendment, the amount you paid will not be refunded.

Still have questions?

We're here to help.
Activity code: C-22421P2

Traveler Photos

Reviews

4.93
199 reviews

Average 4.93 out of 5 stars based on 199 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
191
4 stars
4
3 stars
3
2 stars
1
1 star
0
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 16 (0) days in advance.

Similar Tours & Activities

Santa Fe Small Batch E Bike Tour

Experience Santa Fe like a local on our 3.5-hour Small Batch E-Bike Tour, an intimate adventure blending history, culture, and scenery. With a maximum of …More

Experience Santa Fe like a local on our 3.5-hour Small Batch E-Bike Tour, an intimate adventure blending history, culture, and scenery. With a maximum of...

3 hours 30 minutes Free Cancellation
5.0 (2)
from
$185

Private Historic Santa Fe E-Bike Old Town Tour

This private e-bike tour explores the historic and cultural heritage of Santa Fe through a refined journey. Ride across Old Town where ancient traditions and …More

This private e-bike tour explores the historic and cultural heritage of Santa Fe through a refined journey. Ride across Old Town where ancient traditions and...

4 hours Free Cancellation
5.0 (5)
from
$499

Historic Santa Fe Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour

Embark on a captivating journey through Santa Fe with this self-guided walking tour. Start at the historic San Miguel Chapel, the oldest church in the …More

Embark on a captivating journey through Santa Fe with this self-guided walking tour. Start at the historic San Miguel Chapel, the oldest church in the...

1 to 2 hours Free Cancellation
4.6 (60)
from
$13

Historic Downtown Santa Fe Walking Tour

Discover 400 years of rich history and culture on the Historic Downtown Santa Fe Walking Tour. Guided by NM History museum-trained docents, this two-hour journey …More

Discover 400 years of rich history and culture on the Historic Downtown Santa Fe Walking Tour. Guided by NM History museum-trained docents, this two-hour journey...

2 hours Free Cancellation
5.0 (95)
from
$40

Travelers Who Bought This Tour Also Bought

Santa Fe Ultimate History Walking Tour

“Mind Blowing” “The absolute best tour we've ever taken and we travel the world” “Great way to start the day and visit to Santa Fe” …More

“Mind Blowing” “The absolute best tour we've ever taken and we travel the world” “Great way to start the day and visit to Santa Fe”...

3 hours Free Cancellation
4.9 (628)
from
$135

New Mexican Flavors Food Tour of the Santa Fe Plaza

Join this fun food tour, with locally raised guides who have generations of knowledge! This tour is unique because you will enjoy a hand-picked New …More

Likely to Sell Out
Likely to Sell Out

Join this fun food tour, with locally raised guides who have generations of knowledge! This tour is unique because you will enjoy a hand-picked New...

150 to 180 minutes Free Cancellation
4.8 (519)
from
$187

Small-Group E-Bike Adventure Tour through Hidden Santa Fe

E-Bikes are what defines F-U-N! They have an integrated motor that offers riders a pedal assist option to give a little extra boost when needed. …More

E-Bikes are what defines F-U-N! They have an integrated motor that offers riders a pedal assist option to give a little extra boost when needed....

3 hours 30 minutes Free Cancellation
5.0 (334)
from
$195

Santa Fe Historic Downtown Smart Phone Audio App Self Guided GPS Walking Tour

Walk around historic downtown Santa Fe and discover it’s 400-year history and the stories behind the sites. Go at your own pace and schedule. Advantages …More

Walk around historic downtown Santa Fe and discover it’s 400-year history and the stories behind the sites. Go at your own pace and schedule. Advantages...

1 to 2 hours Free Cancellation
4.4 (130)
from
$10

What's Included

Activity name

  • Lunch
  • Safe, Secure Parking,
  • Full Service Headquarters
  • All rafting Equipment
  • Signature, Hot Chicken Fajita Lunch
  • World Class Guides
  • Gratuities

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Children must be accompanied by an adult
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 24 travelers

Report Product Issue

Activity name