Self-Guided Adventures

Please Note: In the cooler months (until approximately mid-March), Self-guided Adventures are offered three times daily. Please see our Calendar Page for the current schedule.

If you're looking for an adventure on a date or time that's not listed, please call. If you 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.

"They provided top of the line equipment, drop off and pick up right on time. By far the best canoe rental option in the Abq area! Highly recommended.‎"

Aaron Coffeen, Albuquerque

Local Adventures

Those who have some experience in paddling on moving water will find the middle Rio Grande an incredibly scenic and serene float. Our self-guided local adventures provide everything you need for an enjoyable day on the water – you simply arrive at our shop, and we’ll take it (and you) from there. We’ll provide the boat, paddles, PFD’s, all required equipment, and a shuttle in our air-conditioned van to and from your put-in and take-out.  

"Truly enjoyed our trip with you. We're recommending you to all our friends . . . "

Kathy Riggs, Ojo Sarco, NM

Self-guided trips involve various sections of the Rio Grande, from Algodones all the way to Albuquerque, and will involve anywhere from 2 - 6 hours of river time. Rates start at $25.00 per person for a tandem canoe, and $28.00 per person for a kayak or solo canoe. Just as with our guided adventures, kids12 and under who float along with their parent(s) in a canoe or kayak 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. (Recommended minimum age for kids is 3, and minimum weight is 30 lbs.) Our current schedule can be accessed via our calendar page. All trips can fill up fast, so book early!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).

"Quiet Waters Paddling Adventures was the best kayaking experience, fantastic views, great kayaks, and the best service . . . it was so much FUN! Thank you."

Reza Ahrabi, Englewood, NJ

Self-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).

"The Coronado" (Abbreviated) - Algodones to Bernalillo (Approximately two hours of "river time"): $28 per person for a tandem canoe, $31.00 per person for a kayak or solo canoe.

"The Coronado" (Standard) - Algodones to Corrales (Approximately three hours): $38.00 per person for a tandem canoe, $41.00 per person for a kayak or solo canoe.

"One Hour along The Bosque" - Bernalillo to Corrales (Approximately one hour): $25.00 per person for a tandem canoe, $28.00 per person for a kayak or solo canoe.

"The Bosque" (Extended) - Bernalillo to Alameda (Approximately four hours): $41.00 per person for a tandem canoe, $44.00 per person for a kayak or solo canoe.

"The Bosque" (Standard) - Corrales to Alameda (Approximately three hours): $31.00 per person for a tandem canoe, $34.00 per person for a kayak or solo canoe.

"The Expedition" - Algodones to Alameda (Approximately six hours): $59.00 per person for a tandem canoe, $62.00 per person for a kayak or solo canoe.

Please check our calendar page for our current schedule, choose your boat at the time of your reservation, and focus on having fun! (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.)

Destination Adventures (Canoe & Kayak Rentals)

Whether you’re heading to Cochiti Lake for an afternoon of recreation or fishing, or want to take a quality canoe or kayak along for a week at Elephant Butte, we have everything you need!

We'll provide you with the boat, paddles, PFD's, and all required equipment. If your vehicle doesn't have a factory rack, we can provide foam pads and straps that will allow you to car-top with most vehicles.

Quiet Waters Paddling Adventures equipment can be used on all lakes in NM, as well as rivers up to Class III. We do not rent paddlecraft for use on Class III+ whitewater.

Canoe & Kayak Rental Rates

Rates include Paddles, PFD's, and all required outfitting.

Tandem Canoes: $45.00 for the first day, $35.00 for each additional day.

Jackson Coosa Fishing Kayak: $45.00 for the first day, $35.00 for each additional day.

Jackson Day Tripper, Riviera or All Water Kayaks or Solo canoes: $35.00 for the first day, $25.00 for each additional day

We won't charge you for a partial day - if you pick-up a boat late Friday, and return it by 9:00 AM Monday morning, we'll treat it as a 2-day rental.

  • Reservations are held upon receipt of payment. We accept Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and Diner's Club.
  • Each paddler must sign a waiver of liability (Waiver in PDF) and a rental agreement (Rental Agreement in PDF) in order to rent our paddlecraft. 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 planned activity.
  • Alcohol use is strictly prohibited. We will not transport anyone who brings alcoholic beverages with them to our facility.
  • For our self-guided adventures, 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.
  • For destination rentals, we do require a refundable $25 cleaning deposit, which will be applied for any equipment not returned in clean and dry condition.

Cancellation Policy

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

Although we generally float rain or shine, if Quiet Waters Paddling Adventures cancels a scheduled self-guided trip as a consequence of inclement weather, we will issue a either a full credit towards a future trip, or a full refund.