We LOVED Michelle and Pierce!!!! They were absolutely amazing. My dad, myself, and my two kids (9 and 6 yrs old) did a 2 day paddle and overnight with them. They were SO easy to talk to and SO knowledgeable about the area, the history, the plants and animals. They were perfect guides – helping us and making everything fun and easy but also encouraging us to do things for ourselves which is such a huge part of the experience. They both went out of their way to play with and really connect with the kids – indulging them in an extra paddle upstream after dinner or “one more ghost story” around the campfire. Michelle is probably the best campfire ghost storyteller I have ever met! The food they prepared was healthy and delicious and there were always a couple options…I can’t say enough good things. We absolutely loved them. Dynamic duo.
A family vacation that keeps everyone happy! From games and activities, to educational stories as we gently paddle down the river, this trip has all the ingredients for a trip your family will remember well into adulthood!
Trip Details
Price
$425 adults, plus sales tax and energy surcharge
$405 kids under 12, plus sales tax and energy surcharge
Required minimum age
6 years old
Departure time
8:30 a.m.
Check your time zone against FFOC’s time zone here.
Availability
2023 departure dates are: March 9, 16, 23
Minimum group size
4 people
Meeting point
Far Flung Outdoor Center. Click here to see how to find us.
Tour duration
2 days, 1 night. Return to Far Flung Outdoor Center at approximately 3-4 p.m. on day 2.
Difficulty
Easy; paddling will be required on trips traveling by canoe
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 will be conducted by canoe, except in limited cases when water levels are high.
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.
Included
- Transport to the river (15-passenger van)
- All Meals
- PFD (personal flotation device)
- Waterproof bags for personal items
- Tents
- River equipment
Not Included
- Sleeping bag, pad, and personal gear
- Energy surcharge of $5/person
- Texas sales tax at 8.25%
- Gratuities for staff (but only if they exceed your expectations!)
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 $50/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 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. 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.
We will never stay anywhere else! Thank you for the best stay in Big Bend! This is our 2nd time here and plan on many more trips! Santa Elena and the Window are definite “musts”, but this time we ventured to Balancing Rock & loved the views!
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!
