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New Mexico Sunset Dinner Float

River
Rio Grande
Duration
Half Day
Minimum Age 6
Meals
yes
Price
$100

About the trip

Are you looking for something different this summer? Do you crave quiet and scenic floats through desert river canyons?

  • Gorgeous scenery for the whole family to enjoy
  • Riverside, delicious dinner prepared at the finishing point
  • Mellow stretch of river suited for all ages
  • World class guides offering thorough information about the history and nature of the area

This trip meets at our private, Rio Grande Headquarters which is conveniently located 1 hour north of Santa Fe and 30 min. south of Taos. Our fully stocked Headquarters and Outfitters Shop is in the heart of the Rio Grande Gorge right across the street from the river, less than 1 mile from the finishing point of the most popular trips and offers safe, secure parking in our private parking lot.

For directions to our Rio Grande Headquarters click here!

Do I need to know how to swim?
It is recommended but not mandatory that all our guests know how to swim. All guests are given Type V, US Coast Guard approved flotation devices (lifejackets) that are designed to float you on your back, nice and high in the water. For all our class 3 and above sections on the Rio Grande, you will also be issued a helmet.

What do I need to wear?
We have packing lists for you to review for each of our different trip types. Remember that the weather changes dramatically throughout the New Mexico rafting season. It can be significantly colder during March-May we encourage our guests to always be prepared.

What if it’s my first time, do I need experience?
There is no experience required for any of our river trips. However, we encourage experience for our more difficult, Taos Box and Razorblades trips. Please feel free to call us with any concerns or questions about appropriate trips for your group.

Can I bring my dog?
Unfortunately, we cannot bring our furry friends on our river trips. We ask that you leave your pets at home before heading to our headquarters.

Can I leave my dog with you?
We do not have a secure area to keep your dog at our headquarters. Moreover, the temperatures get extremely hot during our season, because of this, you will NOT be able to leave your pets in your car. We ask that you leave your pets at home before heading to our headquarters.

» Read all Rafting FAQ

» Plan Your Trip

» Trip Forms

WHAT TO EXPECT

How about gourmet meals waiting for you along the side of the river as the sun sets? We have just the trip for you!

Where the Sunset Dinner Float Begins

For years now, New Mexico River Adventures has set the standard for new and exciting trips and itineraries in Northern New Mexico. We are also known for taking standard trips and making them amazing. Our Sunset Dinner Float is no different. It is a spectacular twist to the standard half-day river trip. Great for all types of groups including families, friends, and couples alike. The trip starts at our Headquarters at 3:30 pm. Here we will outfit you with all of the necessary equipment needed for your river trip. Don’t worry if you forgot any necessary items for the trip, we’ve got you covered in our outfitter store. After you’ve received and properly fit your river gear, we’ll cover a detailed safety orientation in the comfort of our Headquarters porch.

The Float

It’s off to the river where we’ll begin a 2-hour float through the magnificent Rio Grande del Norte National Monument. Your river trip starts with a placid float through one of the most scenic parts of the canyon with great opportunities to see a variety of wildlife including mule deer, river otter, beaver and many different birds of prey. This section of the river, known as the Orilla Verde, affords us time to practice paddling techniques, go swimming or simply enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Rio Grande. The vast majority of our guests like to participate and paddle along (with the guide in the back of the boat giving paddling commands). You may also choose to sit back and let the guide do the work on an oar boat. For the adrenaline junkies, ask about an inflatable kayak at no extra charge.

The Dinner

After close to 4 miles on the river, we will begin to notice some amazing smells coming from the shore. It could be coming from a hot dutch oven or a glowing grill with a variety of mouth-watering entrees cooking to perfection. Your guide will secure the boat to shore as you take off your life jacket and treat yourself to appetizers and drinks prepared for you by our cooks who have been awaiting your arrival on the banks of the Rio Grande. Grab a seat or wade out in the river as the finishing touches are put on an amazing meal. As the light just gets better, so does the food, ending with a freshly baked dessert right out of a traditional dutch oven.

The End

After the meal and a little relaxing by the river, we’ll board our van and take the short drive back to our Headquarters somewhere around 7 pm where your vehicle will be waiting. Please feel free to use our private dressing rooms, restrooms and other amenities at the Headquarters before saying goodbye to the guides after a special afternoon/evening on the Rio Grande.

**There is a minimum of 10 people required to operate this trip. If you don’t see your preferred trip date available online, please call for availability**

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