The FFOC staff were over the top friendly and very knowledgeable. Most of our group was very inexperienced in this sport, yet everyone felt safe knowing the guides were always close by. I can not say enough good things about this company and the experience my mates and I had. I highly recommend FFOC to anyone who wants to float the river in the Big Bend area.
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Trip details
Trip Description
Explore desert wilderness, float leisurely down the Rio Grande, and watch the sunset with a glass of wine on a deserted sandy beach. Disconnect from it all and embark on a wilderness adventure that doesn’t scrimp on comfort.
Departure Dates & Times
Dates: Every Thursday and Friday. Should you have a party of four or more, we can make other days available during the week – simply get in touch.
Times: 8:30 a.m. — please arrive at 8:15 a.m.
Inclusions
Include:
- Transport to the river (15-passenger van)
- The friendliest expert guides
- PFD (personal flotation device)
- Waterproof bags for personal items
- Tents
- River Equipment
- Safety talk
- Stories of the river
- All park use fees
- All meals
Not Included:
- Sleeping bag, pad, and personal gear
- Texas sales tax at 8.25%
- Energy surcharge
- Entrance fees (if applicable) or tips
Price
3-day trip price (3 days, 2 nights): $599/person
* Departs on Fridays
Please Note: In order to operate these trips, we must have at least a total of four booked guests. If you are a party of less than four, check our online calendar or call us at 432-371-2633 to see if the trip has other guests booked. Once the trip has a total of four guests booked, it will operate.
These trips require a $50/person, non-refundable deposit with the balance due 5 days prior to the departure date of the trip.
Meeting Location
Far Flung Outdoor Center. Click here to see how to find us.
Required minimum age
8 years old
Minimum group size
4 people
Deposit & Cancellation Policy
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About the canoe/raft
Since our river flows are largely regulated by seasonal rainfall and dam releases from Mexico, our ability to predict water levels too far in advance is limited. When planning your multi-day trip on the Rio Grande, please understand that the trip may be conducted by canoe or raft.
About the guide
Certified in wilderness first aid and CPR, our guides are outdoor enthusiasts with many years’ experience of running rivers. They’ll haul the gear and, with a little encouragement, even provide entertainment. Realizing that personal involvement increases one’s enjoyment of a trip, they will welcome your interest in learning how to row, paddle or better understand the desert plant and animal life. Our staff will enrich your experience by sharing their knowledge of Big Bend’s extensive natural and human history.
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. Our guides will carry a basic toilet system, but 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 retail store 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.
Multi-day river trips require a $20/person, non-refundable deposit with the balance due 10 days prior to the date of the trip. Cancellations 10 days prior to departure forfeit the deposit amount. Cancellations (including no-shows) within 10 days of the trip departure forfeit the entire cost of the trip.
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 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. See you on the river!
My husband and I really enjoyed the half day kayak trip. Reed, our leader, was witty and knowledgeable. Caroline was great with assistance. Going down the Rio Grande was one of our favorite experiences while visiting the Big Bend area.
If you like scenic river and mountain views, solitude, and camping out under the stars, the three day river trip was amazing. Hopefully we will be back again for a longer trip.
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WOW.they are organized and have it together. Great river adventure.
A Preview of Your Trip
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!
