Seeking a quick and tranquil getaway on the Rio Grande? Join us for a half-day float journey through the majestic terrain of Big Bend Ranch State Park. Whether you’re short on time or adventuring with young ones, this trip offers the perfect opportunity to soak in the natural beauty of the area. Don’t miss out on this unforgettable experience!

Trip Details

Price

$89

Our half day trips run in the lower section of Colorado Canyon (Dark Canyon) in Big Bend Ranch State Park, not in Santa Elena Canyon. 


Departure Dates and Times

Daily

Summer (May 1 – September 30) at 8:00 a.m.

Winter, Fall & Spring (October 1 – April 30) at 8:00 a.m. and at 1:00 p.m.

Please call our office at 432-371-2633 for any questions regarding availability.

Check your time zone against FFOC’s time zone here.


Includes

Guides, boats, equipment, waterproof bags; Guests should bring their own water bottle or vessel to hold water; Far Flung will provide plenty of iced water.


Meeting Location

Far Flung Outdoor Center (click here for directions)


Type of Boat Used

We use Jackson sit-on top single kayaks.  We have a limited number of doubles which are great for one adult and one child under 8 years of age.  During inclement weather or high water, the trip may run by canoe or raft.


Recommended Minimum Age

6 years


Difficulty

Easy; paddling is required on trips traveling by kayak.


Deposit and Final Balance

100% deposit taken at time of booking. Our cancellation policy is as follows:
Full refund- cancellations made within 48 hours of booking minus a $25 cancellation fee.

50% refund- cancellations made after 48 hours of booking and at least 8 days prior to trip date, minus a $25 cancellation fee.

No refund- cancellations made within 7 days of trip.


Included

 

  • PFD’s (personal flotation devices) and double bladed paddles
  • All park use fees
  • Waterproof bags for personal items
  • Iced water
  • Shuttle to and from the river

 


Not Included

  • Texas sales tax at 8.25%
  • Gratuities

Other Terms & Conditions

Prices do not include sales taxes.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Because the trip will take us through primitive areas of Big Bend, bathroom facilities are limited. The put-ins and take-outs along the half-day section have compost type toilets. Your choice of restroom will be “pink or blue” bushes or large rocks. You will have access to the Far Flung Outdoor Center restrooms before and after the trip.

You will NOT need a passport or any form of identification to float the Rio Grande, however, due to Homeland Security regulations, we won’t be stopping on the Mexican side of the river for hikes, snacks, or other activities.

If you are NOT a U.S. citizen, we strongly advise you to bring your passport, visa or other related documentation which will not be required on the river but will be needed to clear Border Patrol checkpoints on your way out of the Big Bend area.

We have a shop complete with t-shirts, shorts, hats, sunglasses, sunscreen, water bottles, and many other outdoor accessories. Our store will be open before and after your trip in the event you need to purchase any last minute article or trip mementos.

Half-day river trips require the full deposit when booking. Our cancellation policy is as follows: Full refund- cancellations made within 48 hours of booking minus a $25 cancellation fee. 50% refund- cancellations made after 48 hours of booking and at least 8 days prior to trip date, minus a $25 cancellation fee.

No refund- cancellations made within 7 days of trip.

It is rare that FFOC will cancel a trip, but in the event we do, all money (including deposits) will be refunded.

FFOC reserves the right to alter, modify or cancel any trip or a portion of any trip due to weather, water levels or the safety and convenience of our guests. It is the intent of FFOC to operate the river tours in cases where the safety of our guests is not compromised. Guests should appreciate that inclement weather may not be cause for a trip cancellation.

Trip participants must understand and appreciate that river rafting, canoeing, kayaking and wilderness travel involve certain inherent risks.

These risks include, but are not limited to, loss of or damage to personal property, personal injury, or fatality resulting from: capsize of raft or canoe, collision with a vehicle, vessel, rock, log, tree, or other obstacles; falling while aboard a raft; accident or illness in remote places with limited or no medical facilities; and exposure to temperature extremes or inclement weather.

We require all of our guests to sign an Agreement and Acknowledgment of Risk before taking the trip.

From time to time, we use photographs and videos of our trips for promotional and business purposes.  By going on our trip, you consent to the use of your image, without compensation, for FFOC marketing activities.

Get Out & Explore

Fresh coffee & merch

While you’re at the Far Flung Outdoor Center, start your day off right by indulging in a fresh cup of coffee, homemade muffins, bagels, and kolaches at our on-site coffee shop. Once you’re recharged and ready to go, head on over to our retail shop, pick up some merch, and head out into Big Bend wearing your new threads!