Float The Canyons Of The Rio Grande

Lindsey and Andrew were both very good guides! Funny and informative. My husband and I truly enjoyed it.

This was a beginners class on kayaking, including how to portage. Be prepared to work and have fun! Once in a lifetime!

A great day on the river with Caleb and a crew of nice folks. Would recommend and consider a return for a different route!

We had an awesome time on this trip! Our river guide, Maggie was awesome and we learned a lot of information on the drive to the river from Andrew and Chris. Make sure to pack extra clothes/shoes incase you get wet or muddy.

Guides were very helpful and nice, you don't really know what part of the Rio Grande you're going on or what type of ride ( raft or canoe) until the day you show up depending on water level. Overall, a nice day on the water

River guide Amanda was excellent, made the trip enjoyable even though the Rio Grande was low. The scenery was dramatic

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!

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!

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.

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?

Guides were awesome! Very nice and knowledgeable. Highly recommend!

AWESOME. As a solo traveler I was having trouble finding an outfitter to take me on the Rio Grande during my trip to Big Bend. Not only did they take me on the trip, Erin opened a time slot just to work with my schedule. They said they'd have to refund if no one else booked, but they were optimistic. Two weeks later, we had a group of 12+ and I had an amazing afternoon kayaking down the Rio Grande. My tour guides Andrew and Amanda were amazing, super knowledgeable about the wildlife, the water shed, the town history, the local food, and everything else about the area. Sincerely thank you. I will highly recommend this outfitter to my friends and family

Unfortunately, I have to rate this company lower because of their ABSOLUTELY no refunds policy. We woke up and got ready for our tour and came out to a completely flat tire. With no time to spare and no cell service, we sent the rest of the group on their way and dealt with the tire. The closest tire company was 70 miles north and we were on back country roads. We called the owner of the company later and she was not tolerant of any excuse for cancellation. That was very disappointing to hear considering we would be out $170 for 2 people. She told me her Dad taught her to change a tire when she was 16 and said, what you don't know how? Then she told me to get out my calculator so I could add up how much money she would be losing by refunding me. Our conversation was disappointing. I understood her point, but it seemed a little unreasonable to me to not have a better solution. There's gotta be a better, more professional way to handle issues when they arise.

Hannah and Ernesto were amazing guides that took us through the hot springs and we even got to swim in the canyon! An amazing experience amidst the sweltering heat. Best part of our Big Bend trip.

Eric was a great guide and hugely knowledgeable about the area and especially the geography. I had a fun and informative trip up (and down) the Rio Grande river. I highly recommend him and the company.

Great people to guide with, very knowledgeable

Cody & Tanner were the best guides! Both had knowledge about the history of Big Bend along with current events. The float was very comfortable and it was nice to meet new friends! 10/10 recommend!

The kayak experience and the guide is great, but the surprised 7 days parking fee was a big surprise and never been explained that we are only there for a few hours why we have to pay 7 days parking fee?

Fun and beautiful float trip in kayaks. Canyon portions and mountain views were amazing. It's worth a day trip to see the area from a kayak!

I went on the full day canoe trip on April 13, 2026. We had two guides with us. I want to specifically commend Mr. Tanner Lancaster. . I nevenevet

Wonderful and relaxing float/paddle experience. Safe, well organized and guide was knowledgeable about wildlife seen during the trip.

The tour does not take you through canyons. It takes you through small hills to a hot springs which is not impressive. The guides are nice

Ernesto and George were terrific! Scenery was spectacular and this was such a peaceful experience. Being on the water to escape the heat is recommended! Great experience.

The team of Charlie, Lindsey & Johnny did a great job. We enjoyed a very warm, but lovely float down the Rio Grande w/ awesome, neat sights and enjoyed a soak in the natural hot springs. Our guide's knowledge of the park and surrounding area was also very helpful on the ride to and from the float......well done!🙂

Coby 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

The 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.

We 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!

Big 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.

My 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!

Our 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!

Great 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.

This 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.

Our Rio Grande canoe trip with Big Bend Boating and Hiking Company was fantastic. Beautiful views, a peaceful pace, and excellent guides who clearly love what they do. They made the experience both safe and memorable. A must‑do when visiting Big Bend.

Hannah is an excellent guide with great knowledge of the Park and its flora and fauna. Logistics are awkward but she handles it very well.

Great 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….

Wow! 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.

We floated the Rio Grande with Big Bend Hiking & Boating. Kat was our guide and she was simply amazing. She filled the day with information about the desert plants and the history of the area. Kat also did a wonderful job of getting novices comfortable paddling down the river. I thoroughly enjoyed the trip down the Hot Springs canyon and highly recommend Kat as your guide.

Highly recommend Big Bend Boating and Hiking Company! The Staff is extremely friendly and helpful! Half day float in the state park through dark canyon, Dana and Kat were the leads for the float. Full day float in the national park to the hot springs with Dana and Mike. Hot Springs is a great float, across from the hot springs a Mexican family cooks tamales and/or goat tacos, $10 plate, had the tacos, came with rice and salsa, it was a fun experience and delicious! Would recommend a state & national park float to experience both parks. Would ask for Dana as your guide, as a local she provided a lot of details on the history and background for both parks and Terlingua area, including hikes, restaurants, local watering holes. Five stars! Thumbs Up!

Did a river float through Hot Springs Canyon and really enjoyed seeing Big Bend from a different perspective. Went on the float with Dana and Mike and they were excellent as they were knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and safe.

Wonderful trip with a very informative guide on the area and the river. We would definitely recommend this trip to anyone of any skill level. The guides will definitely make sure day is memorable. The guy and gal we had as guides today were second to none, in my opinion and I canoe often on east coast. Thank you!!!! Job well done

Fun float canoe trip down the Rio Grande. Stopped at the hot springs for lunch. We hope to do an overnighted in the future.

Grace and Maggie were FANTASTIC! Very knowledgeable, friendly, and helpful! 10/10 - will absolutely book again when we come back!

What a wonderful experience! Being able to see a different side of Big Bend by kayak was absolutely beautiful! From the rock formations to the wild horses drinking water on the banks, I'd recommend this trip to everyone.

Guides were very helpful and informative. We were able to soak in the natural hot springs during the lunch break which was amazing. Views from the river were a great way to see the park.

Excellent float guides. Very knowledgeable about canoeing, water safety and respectful of all ages! Highly recommend.

We spent 5 days at Big Bend Natl Park and it was a wonderful change of hiking pace to paddle down the Rio Grande. The views are only visible from the River and we highly recommend the full day to see all of the changes in the landscape and soak in the amazing hot springs. Hannah, our guide, was unbelievable in her knowledge of facts about the wildlife, plants, land formation, and history (does she have some kind of photographic memory??). We received all sorts of recommendations for restaurants, which we tried and loved, and activities. Great, great adventure - make sure to sign up early enough to get a spot.

We had an amazing experience with this company! We did a day canoe trip on the Rio Grande doing the Hot Springs canyon/hot springs with Big Bend Hiking and Boating. Everything from booking to the trip itself was smooth. Even though there wasn’t a trip scheduled to go out on the day we wanted, the owners were responsive and set us up with a guide! Other companies in the area were not so flexible. We had an awesome time paddling and getting to stop at the hot springs.Our guide, Hannah, was so knowledgeable and helpful! We obviously felt safe the whole time. If we get the chance we will definitely use this company again!

My dad and I took a canoe trip down the Rio Grande through Hot Springs Canyon and absolutely loved it. The river was calm, the views were incredible, and the pace was perfect. We enjoyed lunch at the historic hot springs and took time to explore and soak our feet, one of the highlights of the day. Our guide, George, was excellent, knowledgeable, easygoing, and fun to spend time with. Highly recommend this adventure.

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!