Float the Fiesta!

The best seat imaginable for Albuquerque’s annual International Balloon Fiesta! You’ll float along the river, far from the massive crowds, while dozens of balloons soar overhead!

With Albuquerque’s prevailing winds coming out of the south, many balloons fly directly up the Rio Grande, often attempting a “splash and dash” (Three of our four events in 2011 featured a balloon landing in the midst of our paddlers!)

These early morning float trips begin at our facility in Bernalillo at 5:30 AM, where we'll provide hot coffee and treats during the orientation. We'll then head out at about 6:00 AM, while continually monitoring the wind and weather conditions at Balloon Fiesta Park, usually seeing the Dawn Patrol in the early morning sky as we drive to our launch site. We'll choose our launch point in order to maximize our chances of seeing dozens of balloons soaring above, then time the launch to coincide with the mass ascension taking place at the Fiesta.

We'll stop along the way and enjoy an assortment of fresh fruits and baked goods. You can choose either a canoe or kayak, which includes PFD’s and all required equipment. You’ll be accompanied by a professional guide, and the views are sure to create memories that will last a lifetime!

Rates (per person) and 2012 event details 

Saturday, October 6th – Opening Ceremony Mass Ascension - $60.00 

Sunday, October 7th – Mass Ascension - $60.00

Wednesday, October 10th – Flight of the Nations Mass Ascension - $60.00

Thursday, October 11th - Special Shapes Rodeo - $60.00

Saturday, October 13th – Mass Ascension - $60.00

Sunday, October 14th – Farewell Mass Ascension - $60.00

• Each paddler must sign a waiver of liability (Waiver in PDF) in order to participate. A parent or legal guardian must sign for all minors under the age of 18.
• Although Quiet Waters Paddling Adventures is not responsible for evaluating a participant's skill or ability, we reserve the right to refuse rentals to those individuals whose skills do not seem suitable for the trip.
• Alcohol use is strictly prohibited. We will not transport anyone who brings alcoholic beverages with them to our facility.
• The trip starting time indicates when our van leaves our facility. As each trip includes a short safety and instructional video and orientation prior to departure, please arrive at least 30 minutes prior to the trip’s stated starting time.
• As our “Float the Fiesta!” events do include light snacks, please let us know of any special dietary needs at the time of your reservation.

Cancellation Policy

Cancellations 8 days or more in advance will receive your choice of a full credit toward another trip, or in a refund less a 15% cancellation fee. We're sorry, but cancellations within 7 days of the event are not refundable.

Please Note: Both Balloon Fiesta events and float trips are dependent upon weather and wind conditions. We'll be monitoring the conditions at Balloon Fiesta Park, and if a scheduled Balloon Fiesta event is canceled before we launch, we will offer our customers the choice of continuing with the float trip, or accepting either a full credit towards another trip or a full refund.

Balloons are more susceptible to wind conditions than paddlecraft, however. There's always a possibility that we could launch and that wind conditions will change to the degree that the balloons do not. If this should happen, we regret that we cannot issue any refunds.