Guided Adventures

Please Note: In the cooler months (until approximately mid-March), we'll schedule Guided Adventures once daily on Saturdays and Sundays. Please see our Calendar Page for the current schedule.

If you are looking for a Guided Tour at any other time, please call for availability. If you have a group of at least four adults, and can provide us with reasonable notice, we'll always try to accommodate you.

As the water temperatures from November through March can be very cold, please read the "Cooler Weather Paddling" page for important information. Our rates do include wetsuits and splash wear, so please check with us to ensure that we have availability in your size.

"I cannot express how much I enjoyed today's trip down the Rio Grande. It's amazing that such a peaceful and beautiful experience can happen right in our own backyard . . . Without a doubt, I will share my experience with not just corporate clientele, but my friends and family . . . Once again, I loved it and agree that this is something new that our area needs . . . "

Lisa Biby, General Manager, SouthWest HospiTotally @ The Hyatt Tamaya

Quiet Waters Paddling Adventures’ guided trips offer an opportunity to take in the tremendous scenery of the middle Rio Grande valley with the added benefit of a professional guide who is familiar with the nuances of this particular stretch of river. Our guides are personable, knowledgeable and fun, and are certified in First Aid and CPR at a minimum.

We strongly recommend that those who have limited experience in controlling paddlecraft on moving water begin with a guided trip. Although the middle Rio Grande is entirely Class I water, this does not mean that it is without hazards. Strainers and sweepers are present, as is the occasional obstruction in the river. Varying water levels throughout the year create very different paddling environments, and floating with a guide who is familiar with the river will enhance your experience.

"Paddling down the Rio Grande River with Quiet Waters still remains my #1 adventure in the Albuquerque area! The staff was curteous, pleasant, and well informed about the flora, fauna, and history of the river . . . "
 
Patty Anderson, Bernalillo
 
Quiet Waters Paddling Adventures offers guided trips at varying times throughout the season, from early mornings to early evenings. Our “Sunset Floats” provide an opportunity to take in the Sandia Mountains bursting into their rich, “watermelon” colors in the light of the setting sun, while Albuquerque’s annual Balloon Fiesta will provide a lucky few with an opportunity to “Float the Fiesta”, and take in the balloons as they soar over the river from the best seat in the house: relaxing in your canoe or kayak, far from the maddening crowds!

Family Fun!

Paddling a canoe or kayak down a gentle river is a delightful and healthy activity that can be enjoyed for a lifetime. As a means to encourage parents to introduce their children to the joys of paddling, kids under 12 who float along with a parent (or parents) in the same boat go for half-price!  Our Bell tandem canoes can easily accomodate a child or two along with two adults, and our Daytripper kayaks are ideal boats for a single parent to float along with a small child. (Our recommended minimum age for kids is 3, and minimum weight is 30 lbs.) Bring your family!

(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).

"We enjoyed our trip today so much! Thank you for taking such good care of us and showing us (natives) the river in a way we have never seen it. I will be back soon!"

Heather Armstrong, University of New Mexico

All guided trips include your choice of canoe or kayak, paddles, life vests, all required equipment, and we can provide dry bags for safekeeping of personal items or a change of clothing. You simply arrive at our location, and we provide a shuttle in our air-conditioned van to and from the river access points. Guided trips will involve anywhere from 2 - 6 hours of “river time”, and include a stop along the way for a light snack or lunch.

Rates and Reservations

Guided Adventures start at just $49.00 per person, and children under 12 who float along with a parent or guardian in a canoe or kayak go for half-price!  Individual trip details and our current schedule can be found on our calendar page. (Note: We intentionally leave some dates on our calendar open - if you're looking for a trip on what appears to be an open date, please call - we may be able to accomodate you.) Our guided trips can fill up fast, so book early!

Guided Adventure Tour Options and Rates:

Rates are per-person. Limit of one adult per kayak, or two adults per canoe. Children under twelve who float along with a parent or guardian in the same boat do so at half price (Applies to children floating along with one adult in a kayak or two adults in a canoe).

Regularly Offered:

"The Coronado" (Abbreviated) - Algodones to Bernalillo (Approximately two hours of "river time"): $49.00 per person.

"The Coronado"  - Algodones to Corrales (Approximately three hours): $59.00 per person.

"The Bosque"  - Corrales to Alameda (Approximately three hours): $55.00 per person.

"Sunset Float" - Algodones to Bernalillo, followed by a campfire, snacks and S'mores! $59.00 per person.

Occasionally Offered/Available by Request

"The Bosque" (Extended) - Bernalillo to Alameda (Approximately four hours): $65.00 per person.

"The Expedition" - Algodones to Alameda (Approximately six hours): $95.00 per person.

All the Details:

  • Reservations are held upon receipt of payment. We accept Visa, Mastercard, Discover and Diner's Club.
  • Each paddler must sign a waiver of liability  in order to participate. (Click here for PDF).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 45 minutes prior to the trip’s stated starting time.
  • As our guided trips do include a light snack or lunch, 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 a future trip, or in a refund less a 15% cancellation fee. We're sorry, but cancellations within 7 days of the event are not refundable.

Although we generally float rain or shine, if a trip is cancelled as a consequence of inclement weather, we will issue a either a full credit towards a future trip, or a full refund.