big bend river tours

We had 17 in our group and the guides were great. We took a canoe trip on March 11, 2015. They picked us up at Lajitas Golf Resort. All we needed to take were water bottles. They provide life jackets, water, drink mixes, & snacks (cookies, oranges, crackers, cheese, etc). It was $261 for our family of 4.

We hit a perfect day for this with cloudless blue skies and no wind. The company has good equipment, dry bags for your gear and very good professional guides that keep a watchful eye on their flock of canoeists. They provided good safety, basic technique, and river information, but the river is placid enough for even people who have never been in a canoe before to feel safe and have fun going down it.The river water was quite low when we went, so the canyon trip was not possible, but the soak in the hot springs along the way was a nice alternative.Our only complaint was we found it to be a bit pricey, and there was no alternative available for going by yourself rather than with the guided group. Overall, pretty highly recommended.

My husband I went there in October, 2013 and got a personal raft trip for a half a day. The guide knew the history of the area, and commented along the way. She let us take turns at the helm of the raft. It's not as easy at it looks. We stopped for lunch on the banks and the setup, along with the food was surprisingly good. Hard to believe they pack it along in the raft. I would highly recommend this company for value, knowledge and friendliness!

We took a full-day river tour through Big Bend River Tours in January 2015. With winter storms preceding our trip, river levels allowed for a choice between canoeing Hot Springs or Santa Elena Canyon. We chose Santa Elena and did not regret it.Our guide, Andy, was fantastic. He shared information about the park and offered advice on certain hikes during the drive to and from the canyon. You could tell that he takes pride in sharing his home with others.The trip itself went about 3 miles upriver into Santa Elena as far as Fern Canyon. We were able to explore the side-canyon a bit on foot and then set-up just downriver for lunch. Andy took care of everything with lunch, which included lunch meats and fresh veggies (along with condiments) as well as peanut butter and jelly for sandwiches, cheese, chips and salsa, apples, oranges, and cookies for dessert. I'm sure I'm forgetting something, but suffice it to say that the meal was exactly what was needed and was enjoyed in the most beautiful setting imaginable inside Santa Elena Canyon.After lunch, Andy packed everything back up and we paddled back down river to the take-out, which was about a mile below where we put in, for a total of about 7 miles. Andy loaded everything back up and we were off on our return trip, with a stop at Sotol Vista along the way to stretch our legs and take some photos. We made it back to Terlingua in time to take in the sunset.Our experience level varied greatly, but Andy had great patience and everyone was able to get used the the canoes and had a great time.I would not hesitate to recommend Big Bend River Tours. Thank you to Andy and everyone for a memorable experience.

Originally booked for a full day canyon trip, Big Bend River Tours allowed my wife and I to change our plans last minute to a 1/2 day trip due to bad weather coming through. By allowing us to change from a full day to 1/2 day, we avoided driving in a bad ice storm that came through the region later in the afternoon/evening. We were grateful we got to see the beauty of Big Bend State Park and the amazing Dark Canyon. La was a terrific guide and I would recommend her and this wonderful company to anyone looking for a safe and fun river trip in the region.

My husband and I booked a three day Boquillas River tour with BBRT back in March for a tour the week of Thanksgiving 2014. Not only was the company willing to book us that far in advance, they didn't even seem troubled by it. Anyway, The trip was amazing and our guide James was exceptional. Before we started our trip they asked us if we minded if a trainee Matthew tagged along with us and we told them we didn't mind. Matthew was wonderful, as well, and I hope to see him there in the future. James was friendly, informative and the food was amazing. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner was provided for our trip. Im talking eggs, bacon, coffee, pancakes, coffee...GOOD hearty breakfast. Lunch, fruit and sandwiches, Dinner....STEAK!!! Like filet mignon!! one night and fajitas the other night. So good! Wine, all the good stuff. I could go on and on but you will never know till you try BBRT yourself. You will not be disappointed. As far as a few tips. Regardless of when you go, definitely bring a hat and some sunscreen. Long sleeves and some shoes you don't mind getting wet. Perhaps a rain jacket or a water resistant windbreaker. In that we didn't really get splashed from rough rapids (weren't any) unless you get it on purpose (thanks James) just kidding, but your shoes will get wet at times from getting in and out of the raft or canoe. Lip balm is a must especially if you are prone to dry lips/sunburn. They will provide dry bags for your stuff and they give you tips on how to pack. Check in with them was easy and quick and your vehicle is safe and secure on BBRT premises. I even felt comfortable leaving our keys with them. Without rambling too much, I can't say enough about BBRT. We highly recommend them. Everyone we met there was just amazing, friendly and professional. Can't wait to go back. See you soon!!

We took the smaller (about 3 hour) cruise of the Rio Grande in the Big Bend State Park (not the National Park). The rafting trip itself was a little less than 2 hours in the dark canyon area. The guide was excellent albeit new in the job. They break for a quick snack of fruits, crackers and cheese in the middle. A few mini rapids (Level 1/2) are there so the kids got some excitement.They are very expensive though. We feel we should have gone to the Santa Elena Canyon instead of the Dark Canyon because Santa Elena is far more imposing. There is a 30+ min ride from their facility to the point where you get on the raft inside the park. Their van was in good shape and the driver is very careful.

We wanted to explore Big Bend National Park, but had limited time. So we booked a private tour with Big Bend River Tours. Lou was our guide for the day. We wanted to see it all, and Lou made it happen for us. One member of our group really wanted to make it to the Hot Springs & another member wanted to see the canyons. They are on opposite ends of a massive park, but Lou did it! Not only did we see and explore both of those, but we drove into the mountains where we had a lovely picnic lunch(provided by Big Bend River Tours). Lou is a former park ranger so she has an wealth of knowledge on the geology, geography, plants, & wild life. We loved it!

My husband and I took a full day tour. It wasn't certain until the day (and the river levels) which canyon we would be visiting but we were delighted to find we were going to do the Santa Elena canyon which seems to be the most spectacular with its 1500ft canyon walls.The company were extremely professional and safety oriented and yet completely relaxed and laid back (not an easy mix to carry off). We were four in our raft and James was our guide. He was superb.He was witty and shared so much knowledge about the history, plants, animals, geology etc etc of the area and simultaneously expertly maneuvered the boat through the choppy bits without any bother.The guide does all the work and the guests just look around and relax. We were not sure about this beforehand as we prefer to be more actively involved but it works perfectly and gives guests the chance to really concentrate on seeing everything.Lunch was 'do it yourself' sandwiches with a lovely (very extensive) array of fresh ingredients and fruit, chips, cookies, drinks etc. It was perfect.The canyon itself was absolutely stunning. This was a super trip and I would highly recommend going with Big Bend River Tours. They have got this right.

We took a half-day raft trip down the Rio Grande, in Big Bend Ranch State Park. Floating through the canyons was beautiful beyond compare! We saw great birds and plants. Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable. We are all couch potatoes, and it was our first rafting experience, and the guide could not possibly have been more helpful. Even the drive to the river access point was beautiful. The trip was topped off with a nice lunch -- cheese and crackers, fruit, peanut butter, cookies. The guide steers the raft -- you just relax and enjoy. (Bring water shoes or old sneakers -- your feet WILL get wet getting in and out of the raft.)

My husband and I took the full day Rio Grande tour. It was AWESOME!! The guides are super nice, knowledgeable, and take care of everything - you just sit back, relax, and enjoy the views! It's a perfect river trip for river beginners (as we were). A yummy lunch is also provided, which the guides take care of setting up for you. We spent several days in Big Bend and this was definitely a highlight. You must take a trip with Big Bend River Tours when you are in Big Bend!! PS. Hint: you can bring drinks aboard if you want, just as long as they are not in glass, so pack a few brews if you are so inclined!

did their morning river float which provided some Rapids, snacks, fabulous views down the Rio Grande between the US and Mexico in the Big Bend State Park. Both guides were personable, knowledgeable and fun. A great company to work with

My husband and I took this tour. this was the 5 hr Big Bend SUV tour not the River tour. Don Stanton was an EXCELLANT GUIDE. He was extremely knowledgable of Big Bend Nat'l Park, let us take our time with photos. He explained the area including wildlife, plant life and special attributes of the park. He also provided and great lunch for us and gave us time to be by ourselves as well during our tour. I would HIGHLY RECOMMEND Don and this company. You can do a tour by yourself but will never get the benefit of Don's knowledge. Well worth the money.Karen & Ben Funk

Just returned from a two-night guided raft trip through the Boquillas Canyon. My husband and I felt so fortunate that the river's water level cooperated for this trip we've been planning for several months. Before the trip, we were provided very detailed information and packing lists, and our calls to Big Bend River Tours were always met with good information and helpful guidance. The trip was amazing! And thanks goes to our guide, Andy. From the beginning, he insisted that we were on vacation and should leave everything to him, which we did! He guided us through the canyon, taught us about our surroundings, the wildlife, the climate, and the ecology of the river. We were pampered with amazing meals, comfortable campsites, and the watchful eye of an experienced guide who obviously loves what he does. We'll never forget this trip and the unbelievable sites, scenery, and fun times. For those who would consider an overnight trip, I would definitely recommend it. We saw and experienced so much by staying overnight in the canyon and on the river.

My daughter and I took a day-long canoe trip through Santa Elena Canyon with Big Bend River Tours. This was one of the most incredible sights I have ever seen. Our guides were very knowledgeable and were always there to help us if needed. This canoe trip through Santa Elena Canyon is absolutely amazing. I would highly recommend to anyone visiting Big Bend to not miss this. It will be the highlight of your trip. My daughter and I made memories that will last a lifetime.