End to end a phenomenal experience! Great customer service, answered all our questions including insight to lower water levels this season. Rio Grande Racecourse is definitely a resilient track amidst low snow pack, the class 3 rapids were still great for first timers. Thanks Ryan for your professionalism and your puns. We've been looking for a new "school's out" tradition with our kids - and we have found it! read more

We had a great time, our guide, Sophie, was incredible. She knew so much about the terrain, plants & animals. I would definitely recommend NMRA to anyone. read more

Pete did such a phenomenal job. He kept us smiling the whole time and was very knowledgeable. read more

New Mexico River Adventures - Rafting/Kayaking Near Me - Embudo, New Mexico

My kids and I had a wonderful experience. We did the race course and choosing our first river rafting adventure down the Rio Grande was the perfect decision. In summer, the waters are low, so not much speed and more rock to avoid, but the guides are amazing and know the waters well. There were plenty breaks in between mini thrills, which made it perfect for beginners. Dan offered patience, humor, and history as we rafted and as long as we worked together and followed his directions, we were good. The opportunity to get out of the raft to swim and rock jump, was a nice treat. River adventures were organized, which made the experience easy and fun! A great water activity for families with all ages. read more

New Mexico River Adventures - Rafting/Kayaking Near Me - Embudo, New Mexico

See all

They should have told us about the water level... We spent over $400 for a party of three to raft down the Rio Grande with this company on August 10, 2025. Being from So. Cal, we had no idea that the water level would be a concern-- esp on the "Rio Grande." We wound up getting beached--stopped-- on at least 6-8 sets of "rapids" b/c the water level was WAAAAAY too low. We had to wiggle and squirm on the boat to try and get loose. No fun at all. It wasn't just our raft; it was most all of them. Then we'd have to wait for kayaks that got stuck too. The guides were very nice and did the best they could with a tough situation. They'd get out and pull and push us along to get us loose; wouldn't let me get out and help. I understand the concern but this was just no fun. I don't blame the guides but the company should let people know at booking that water level can be a concern on a trip like this. We have gone on paid rafting trips on other vacations on the Colorado River in Moab and on the Rogue River in Oregon and never had an experience like this, so we didn't know. Word to the wise-- ask lots of questions about the water level b/f you fork over $$. We never would have paid for this and devoted a full day of our vacation had we known how it would be. read more

First time rafting, and our guide Rachel was fantastic. She explained everything clearly, which made us feel at ease. All the guides were excellent. The lunch on the full-day trip was enjoyable, and we learned a lot about the history along the way. read more

New Mexico River Adventures - Rafting/Kayaking Near Me - Embudo, New Mexico

Absolutely had a great time! Our guide, Jade, was incredibly fun and knowledgeable of the river and the area. This will definitely be an annual event!!! read more

See all

Our Group of 12 experienced the 3 day Rio Chama trip in August 2023. The guides - Rachel, Jasper, Baker and Evan did an over the top job with us. The guiding down the river, cooking and feeding the crew and a GREAT can do attitude. We could not have asked for a better time than we had on the Chama! I recommend this experience for all to enjoy the beauty of this NM Wilderness Treasure! Thank you NMRA!!! Price Fielden Austin,Texas read more

See all

We had an amazing trip with NMRA! Everything was great through the whole process. What took it to the top though, was our amazing guide Jake! We also appreciated Isis and her patience with us at checkin. Wanting to go on a river ride while in Santa Fe or Taos, do not hesitate to book with NMRA! read more

Wife and I are big time rafters and enjoy the water. We never rafted the Rio Grand and wanted to since in the area. I must say we were impressed on the scenic adventure and our guide --thanks Austin for amazing, knowledgeable and safe experience. The other guides were also friendly and we did the long trip which included chicken fajitas with rice and black beans, all great with us. The checkin location was nice with nice kewl merchandise for purchase, clean restrooms and changing rooms. I only wished they had a few showers to use so we can change over for those traveling through. Definitely recommend this company and try to request Austin as a guide and don't forget to tip your guides. read more

See all

Every year on family vacation we try to go white water rafting. We've probably gone 5-6 times through the years. Of all the outfitters we've gone with NMRA is one of the best! Their customer service and staff are friend and attentive; always willing to answer questions and responsive to emails and phone calls. When we arrived at their pick-up facility we were super pleasantly surprised with how well equipped and CLEAN it was. There were plenty of changing rooms and an adequate number of restrooms for their guests. The wetsuits were in good condition and clean. The staff was very concerned about guest safety - being sure everyone was properly geared-up and understood exactly what to do once we hit the water. Our guide was Jaustin (spelled wrong I am sure) who was very professional and she made sure we got had a fabulous and safe down the Race Course. We had an absolutely fantastic time and if we come back to the Angel Fire/Taos area would hire NMRA again in a heartbeat! read more

We had a great time, so don't let any of my negative comments fool you. We would go back! I planned this trip for 6 of us to do some wild rapids with an overnight stay and for the most part, it was awesome! The people were nice, the food was great, but there are many areas for improvement. The biggest thing that happened was that the water was too low, so the main reason we came, the Taos Box, was closed. That was a huge downer, but what can be done! We were told that the Box had a very slim chance of being available the next day, but to expect to do the same stretch of river that we were going to do today, but with kayaks. That works for me, but a few others in my party did not like the idea, but we drove here from Dallas, so that was the revised plan. The first day starts with getting together with your guide and getting all of your gear ready. You should also bring sunscreen, a hat and a quality insulated water jug, unless you like drinking really hot water. If you don't get out in the sun much, then I suggest long stretchy hiking pants and long sleeves. For overnighters, this also means you put any bags you want taken to the camping site into the office and they will take whatever you want, including: coolers full of beer and drinks, your luggage, your camping gear, whatever! They do provide a tent, sleeping mat and sleeping bag, so you don't need any camping gear really. The only problem here was that they had two people yelling out what we needed to know about our gear and the trip, but they were only about 20 yards from each other. I would suggest putting one guy in the middle of both groups and getting a bullhorn if necessarry? The first part of the rafting was horrible! My group was in a horrible mood since Taos Box was closed and the first half of the day was on the Orilla Verde Family Float section. Ryan, our guide, did his best to make it interesting, but we were not in the best of spirits. The float is slow and you start getting uncomfortable on the raft and finally we pulled over to eat. We went for a short walk to a small clearing surrounded by tall grass and they started to set up tables to cook on. The location sucks. There was nothing interesting, or at least we weren't told about anything interesting and there was nowhere to sit except for one picnic table. I went through the grass to the riverside, but it wasn't very accesible. The main point being that this did nothing for my group's morale and the other groups seemed to be just quiet and looking around for anything of interest! Which is the opposite of the gung ho groups that began the day. Thankfully, the food was good. I was expecting fajitas, but it's a burrito instead with chicken, peppers, beans, rice and plenty of condiments to choose from. These are definitely large burritos and there were leftovers that a few people took advantage of. Thank goodness for the Rio Grande Racecourse section. It has plenty of small rapids, enough to get you wet and put smiles on everyones faces. None of the rapids were even sort of dangerous feeling, but the water splashed and I stopped worrying about my party drowning me for talking them into going on this trip. It was at this time that I learned that there was only one place where they take photos and it is at the last set of rapids. You are given plenty of warning, but not really given any instruction. You might want to plan something ahead of time, like everyone having their oars up, because just about anything would be better than our out of time group. There are several pictures and none of them are with the whole group looking good at the same time. I think I will try my hand at photoshop to see if I can get a photo with everyone visible in the picture? This is where most people end their adventure and head back to the boathouse, but we did the overnight trip and headed to the camping ground. Since the Taos Box section was closed, we were offered to take the same sections of river again, but this time on inflatable kayaks. I think everyone in our group had a little kayaking experience and no weaklings in the group, so we were actually looking forward to it. The bad news is, you have been out of the water for a while and gotten dried off and now you have to paddle your kayak across the river from the dropoff point to the camping side of the river. It absolutely makes sense to do it this way, because otherwise they would drive you to the other side and you would have to walk your kayak a good ways to the riverbed. I just didn't like having to get wet again, but there was hope in the air. Clouds had been moving in and we had been hearing thunder, but now the wind was picking up and you could feel a little rain. Please let it rain enough to open Taos Box! *CHARACTER LIMIT REACHED - SEE TRIPADVISOR FOR FULL REVIEW* read more

See all

This was my second time rafting with your company and WOW! What a great adventure. Ethan was the bomb! He got through the rapids like a pro. I'll definitely be back! Leadership Santa Fe Rafting May 20, 2023 read more

See all

Took a great trip down the Rio Grande Race track with a 9 and 6 year old. Our trip leader Rachel was very professional emphasizing safety and fun. I have done other trips on the river and this was the best staff and facilities. The kids rated the trip a 100 out of 5. read more

New Mexico River Adventures - Big splash - Rafting/Kayaking Near Me - Embudo, New Mexico

The owner saw my review and actually contacted me to talk about my experience. She apologized for how my trip went and I believe she was sincere. I really appreciate that I was listened to and based on how she handled this, I would give NMRA another try if I ever do go rafting again. read more

New Mexico River Adventures has it going on! My quaranteam recently did an afternoon float down the race course. NMRA's Covid protocols were outstanding. Masks are required everywhere until you are actually on the water. Hand sanitizer is provided every step of the way. Social Distancing practices are employed. Our guides, Luke and Jake made the trip fun for our whole group ages 7-77. They were incredibly knowledgeable about the geography of the area as well as the history. We had several opportunities to get out of the boats for a swim and water gun fight. PFDs were checked twice, helmets are required. We all felt safe and well taken care of! Crazy times but NMRA has it well handled. read more

New Mexico River Adventures - Rapid during the Race Course - Rafting/Kayaking Near Me - Embudo, New Mexico

Oh my gosh?!? So much fun!!!! You must do this! Honestly, all ages! My guy uses a cane and was fine - don't hesitate!!! Although my man has been rafting before, I'd never been rafting and I'm 61 years old. I was a tad concerned? Lol. From start to finish, this company nails it. So well organized! Make your reservation, get detailed instructions on when to show up, what to wear, what to bring, a link with exact directions - Total Win! You arrive, use car as locker (keep cell phone in car!), turn in keys so the river doesn't get them and go out back where they outfit you and ensure everything properly fits for safety. FYI, if you want to wear a hat, it has to be a ball cap to fit under mandatory helmet. Bean was our guide. Top notch, had tons of info about what we floated by, great at interacting with all our different personalities and an expert at getting a bunch of rookies to paddle like we were in the Olympics while ensuring we still had a blast. He's going to go far in life after he finishes his degree! Upon our return, they put up the pictures that were taken by another guide along the shore as we went through a big splash area. We bought the package ahead of time, zero regrets, they know what they are doing and you won't have to wait! The entire experience was worth a thousand stars!!! * Please consider leaving a gratuity - these "kids" work hard. read more

We took the all day Rio Grande Gorge tour on Father's Day with Katie as our guide. It was an amazing trip! The first half day was very chill floating with a few small rapids. Katie worked with the group on our rowing techniques while sharing cool stories and history of the areas we were passing through. We stopped for an excellent , hot, chicken fajita lunch before getting back in our gear for the second half, the racecourse! Katie navigated us safely through some amazing rapids. We were soaked but had so much fun. The boat stayed upright the whole trip! I would highly recommend this trip if you're ever in the Santa Fe or Taos area. Ask for Katie, she was the bomb. Thanks for the awesome day with the family!! read more

Lovely day, thorough information and guidance provided. Dan L. was knowledgeable and fun to hang with. Can't wait to come back next year!!

Our family of four (9 and 10 year old girls) did the 24 hour trip with Garret as our guide. What a fantastic experience. We started day one with the racecourse. I am a very nervous mom but I always felt that my kiddos were safe and I knew we were in good hands with Garret. We went to a campsite for our overnight. Great spot, next to the water. Garret had everything packed and prepared our dinner, the only thing we did was set up our tent. The company provides everything you in need and the gear is in good shape. Day two we got up and had a very filling breakfast and then headed for another day of rafting. A quieting morning floating down the river and stopped for lunch. We had a great hot meal of fajitas, rice and beans. Other tours make a quick stop for packed sandwiches but our guide took us to a quiet picnic area and grilled up an amazing lunch. From there we finished our rafting trip and headed back to HQ. I am sure the logistics involved to make these trips happen are extensive but this company makes it look easy. Every step of the way I felt like we were in good hands and I never had to worry about any of the details. The main headquarters is perfectly set up to accommodate everyone. They had changing stalls for getting ready before and after your rafting trip. I can't essay enough about our trip and this company. I am so glad we picked this company and added this trip to our New Mexico adventure. read more

New Mexico River Adventures - Rafting down the racecourse - Rafting/Kayaking Near Me - Embudo, New Mexico

Awesome time with the fellas. Guides were super attentive and helpful. We had a crew of 14 boys in kayaks and they helped everyone down the River safely with no issues. Highlight of the trip. Also, very well organized and professional at HQ read more

I am not much of a river rafting person so I was not psyched about this. But from the time we arrived Eric came over to great us! Everyone was super friendly and helpful! Our guide was eric and he was great! So knowledgeable and funny!!! He knew so much snd it was entertaining for our kids as well! We had a GREAT time!! Highly recommended!!! read more

Had an amazingggg time rafting here!! Our guide Baker was awesome and did a great job at telling us what to do and when to do it. He told us all about the surrounding nature and other stories of his time as a guide. We will definitely be coming back maybe even for the 3 day camping/rafting trip! Thank you again Baker!! read more

If you book with them, keep in mind their cancellation policy has no leniency for emergencies, even a family member's surgery is met with a cold, flat "too bad so sad give us the money" attitude. Will not book here again ever. When I found out my mom needed surgery, I called to cancel, but they would not waive the fee. So I rescheduled, hoping that she would be recovered in time, but it didn't work out. The complete lack of sympathy made me think twice about who I want to trust on a river raft. read more

My spouse and I completed a full day rafting trip. Auston was our guide and was EXCELLENT! I've gone kayaking and canoeing before but never rafting. Auston was engaging, knowledgeable about the topography/Rio Grande area, funny, and very skilled! Wow, he maneuvered that big raft through the tightest of places like a pro. We were also the only people in the raft besides Auston. From the second we walked into the lobby we were treated with great customer service. What a picturesque and beautiful landscape. I would recommend this to anyone. read more

First time here! This place is fantastic. I have been on many river rafting tours and this place is by far the best! The whole crew has so much passion for their job? You can't go wrong with this place! We will definitely be back! Great job guys n gals. read more

Had mixed emotions about this trip my wife planned for me and my family. She booked a half day trip and boy let me tell you it was more than enough. We had a great time and will most definitely do it again. We had an awesome river guide by the name of Hannah. She was from Louisiana and was pretty knowledgeable about rafting here in New Mexico. She kept us safe and let us even dip in the water for a cool off period. Get this I even got to take my camera which they told us not to but took the chance kept it in a baggie and walla.. pics for me and friends.. I highly recommend this for one of your to do list in New Mexico. Best time ever.. read more

See all

Me and my fiancé went and had a blast! Devin was awesome! Looking forward to our next trip! He did recommend calling about the water levels. We did 480 cubic ft per minute. It was a good starter run. read more

We had the best time on our excursion this morning. Thank you Eilish (I'm sorry if misspelled) you were a joy and we would definitely book with you again!!! read more

This review is a little late but we had a great time with Shea. Will definitely be back for a second run. We had so much fun!

Phenomenal trip and guides. Devin and Jacob were beyond amazing! We did the Ultimate 2 Day trip and holy moly was it more than we could have imagined. This was a trip that will be talked about for a long time. They took care of us beyond our greatest expectations. Their rafting skills was impressive and cooking skills to die for. We will be looking forward to our next adventure with this company (and hopefully same guides). read more

We took the half day race course rafting trip on a Saturday. From the get-go we were met with friendly faces and helpful people. This company runs a tight ship and is capable of processing large crowds in an organized and orderly fashion. The safety talk was informative and thorough, yet sprinkled with humor. Our guide, BRIAN, was AWESOME! He was a good communicator and was very personable. I would recommend this company to anyone in the Taos area desiring to white water raft. The attention to safety, combined with the amazing employees (who obviously love their jobs) makes for a wonderful experience. read more

The folks at NMRA were so accommodating to let my family join in on our friends' rafting group (planned through a camp, we were in town at the same time). We'd never white water rafted before and they kindly answered all my questions. Registering online was easy. Austone (not sure of spelling) was our guide and he was awesome! He gave directions clearly, so we'd know what to expect, all without freaking us out, haha. He was laid back and funny, remembered all of our names, gave us information about the area, kept us safe, and made the day super fun. We all had a blast, and would do it again in a heartbeat. We packed a cooler of food so we could sit at their picnic tables for lunch afterwards. The changing rooms were clean, the staff super helpful, the pictures came out so cute. Thanks NMRA! Y'all are top notch. read more

Our group of four 30ish guys took the half-day racecourse today as part of a bachelor party weekend. I think we're all very glad we did, including our first-time-rafter bachelor! Zach was a great guide, full of facts (and tall tales) about the course, and also plenty of "dad jokes." Kept us safe through the trip, while keeping it fun and making sure we got plenty of splashes. Highly recommend both New Mexico River Adventures and Zach. read more

Professional and efficient and welcoming crew. Great stretch of river (we did the half day racecourse trip). Capable and friendly guide. Fantastic all around experience. No complaints! Totally recommend. read more

As total newbies to any kind of experience like this, we were a bit nervous of both what to do and how to do it. NMRA took such good care of us from beginning to end. We added the photo package at the last minute after I decided not to risk taking my phone for pics, and I'm glad I did--not only did I save my phone, but also, their photographers got great pics of our whole fam. We went in July, and the rapids were fun but not scary; our eight-year-old loved every second. We would use them again if we ever come back! read more

We love NMRA!! Our guide, Shawn, was wonderful! Ow ow owwwwwwwwwww!!! He was fun and knowledgeable and took great care of us!!!

Amelia and the whole team were awesome! We loved everything about our trip down the river. They made it all so easy and fun. Will definitely return for another run when we make it back this way! read more

Our family of four (two adults and kids who are 12) took the half-day Racecourse today and it was amazing! My husband and I had been rafting twice before a long time ago, but our kids had never been. Brendon (Bean) was our guide and he was truly the perfect mix of safety, patience, chillness, humor, and had an adventurous spirit - he made everything just so fun and easy. When we checked in I mentioned that my son was very apprehensive, and the wonderful gals at the desk both immediately said Brendon would be just the right guy for our family. They were spot on! Brendon helped my son feel so confident that after we stopped for a nice snack (chips, salsa, cookies, watermelon and fruit punch), my son decided he wanted to move from sitting on the side in the middle of the raft, to sitting up front. That was a very BIG deal. Speaking of the snack stop, Brendon pointed out some petroglyphs and showed us how to find sand rubies (garnets). Along the journey down the river he also told us all about the local geology and some local legends and lore. Everything about NMRA was excellent, from the easy online booking, to the excellent directions on how to get there to the pre-communication emails and reminders - they leave nothing to chance to make sure you don't forget to show up and are ready to have a blast. We opted for the add-on photos and we are so thankful we did! What treasured memories we have now all captured forever. The other group on our outing had Jordan for their guide and he also was great. During the snack stop he took the time to chat with my kids and was really relaxed and friendly. One last thing I'd like to say: To the owners of NMRA - you could not have hired a more loyal employee than Brendon. He truly loves working for your company and told us how you go to great lengths to train your staff well and treat them well. He's a great representative for NMRA. I'd say he is a keeper for sure! Thanks again, Brendon and Jordan, for making our rafting adventure the highlight of our family vacation. read more

This was such a great adventure! My family and I had Auston, and he was such a hoot!!! We did both the climbing and the white water rafting trip. Could not recommend more! We are exhausted but we had the best day, and wouldn't change a thing. read more