Sunset Magazine's #1 Outdoor Day Trip in the Albuquerque Area!

"Quiet Waters Paddling Adventures is making noise with its guided kayak and canoe tours . . . paddlers can relax and enjoy the parade of old-growth cottonwoods, red desert vistas, and songbirds that provide the soundtrack for the journey.”

Sunset Magazine, May 2011 

(Full Article (PDF) or online:

NEW! -Save 10% on "The Best of Sunset" or "Mild to Wild" Combination Tours!

Join us as we explore the historic and scenic Rio Grande, floating along with the quietly rippling water as it winds its way through central New Mexico's famous cottonwood bosque, which opens regularly to spectacular views of the Sandia Mountains - all just minutes from downtown Albuquerque!

While the upper Rio Grande is renowned for the wild whitewater rushing through the canyons of northern New Mexico, the middle Rio Grande provides a much gentler, family-friendly experience. The river feels remarkably remote given the close proximity to a major metropolitan area. Blue Heron, Snowy Egret and numerous varieties of waterfowl call the river home at various times throughout the year, while songbirds flock to the forested river banks. Beaver, wild turkey, and even an occasional coyote may be spotted along the way, as the Rio Grande remains a critical resource for wildlife in the arid, high desert climate of central New Mexico.

Also featured in the June, 2011 issue of New Mexico magazine!

"I've been fortunate to experience the Rio Grande's many moods . . . kayaked the notorious Taos Box . . . played for hours on the quickly moving Racecourse . . . paddled calmer stretches of water further downstream. But a recent river trip through Albuquerque now rates as my favorite . . .

"Quiet Waters Paddling Adventures . . . are ideal for families and novices. Yet the trips are full of excitement." (Full Article in PDF - Great Photos!)

Quiet Waters Paddling Adventures provides guided canoe & kayak tours of the middle Rio Grande Bosque, as well as kayak and canoe rentals for those who would prefer to embark on their own river adventure  - whether that involves renting a boat to explore the local waters, or taking a quality canoe or kayak along on your next weekend (or weeklong) getaway.

All local trips, guided and self-guided, include your choice of canoe or kayak, paddles, life vests, all required equipment and a shuttle in our air-conditioned van to and from the put-in and take out. If you’d like to take a boat for a day of fishing at Fenton or Cochiti Lake, or want to float the Rio Grande between Elephant Butte and Caballo Lake, we can provide the equipment needed to car-top for most vehicles, even if yours doesn’t have a factory rack.

Which should I choose?

If you have limited experience (or none at all) in controlling a canoe or kayak on moving water, we strongly suggest that you begin with one of our guided tours. Although the middle Rio Grande is entirely Class I water, there are hazards present. Sweepers and strainers are common, as are occasional obstructions in the river. There are a few tricky bends and some small rapids to contend with as well. It is important to know how to control your boat in order to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

Those who do have some experience paddling on moving water will find little along the middle Rio Grande they haven’t encountered before. As long as you know how to avoid sweepers and strainers, (and what to do if you can’t avoid one), the difference between an upstream and downstream “V”, know what an eddy is, and have a fundamental understanding of river dynamics, and reading a river, you’ll be fine. If you’re asking yourself what “sweepers”, “strainers”, “V’’s, “eddy’s”, “river dynamics” and “reading a river” are . . . please start with a guided tour.

Family and Beginner-friendly!

"It is truly the best thing I've enjoyed with my kids in New Mexico . . . "

We have plenty of experience in introducing beginners to paddling, and find that in most cases our customers get up to speed quickly. Families discover that the gentle character of the middle Rio Grande provides a great introduction to paddlesports for their kids – teens love the opportunity to paddle their own boat, while the littler ones (under 12) can float along with a parent or guardian for half-price! (Please Note: Half-price rate for children under 12 applies to children floating along with two adults in a canoe, or with one adult in a kayak).

All local tours include a short safety and instructional video before we leave our shop, followed with an additional live clinic prior to launch. Our guides are very helpful – they are accomplished paddlers familiar with this section of water, and will provide basic instruction on everything from paddle strokes to “reading” a river. They are also trained in rescue in case of a mishap, and are required to maintain certification in First Aid and CPR.

“We loved the whole experience, from the professional instruction and service, to the fall colors along the bosque, to the wildlife (Blue heron, Canadian geese, Sandhill cranes... and a curious coyote), to the open skies above. Truly, you made our day!”

Group Outings

Planning an event for your scout group, school or church? Looking for a unique team-building concept for your business? Want to do something fun and different for a birthday or bachelorette party, or a family or class reunion? Consider a float trip through the bosque! We have relationships with several caterers too, so whether you're interested in an educational interpretive tour, or a fun-filled outing followed with a great lunch or dinner, we’ll work with your group or organization to develop an event that will exceed your expectations!

New Mexico strictly prohibits operation of any watercraft while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Please save the party for after the river.

"The river always purified. It seemed to bring some thoughts from far above, who knew from where, and carry others far downstream, who knew whither. Using the river, a person could dream awake, like a child."

Paul Horgan, “Great River – The Rio Grande in North American History”

Thank you for visiting our website – please take a few moments to look around, choose the adventure that’s best for you, and feel free to contact us at anytime! We hope to see you on the water soon, and until then, please visit us on Facebook!

Quiet Waters Paddling Adventures