Attention: For those driving from Santa Fe. Because of road construction in Espanola, you should give yourself extra time for the trip to the river. We suggest one and a half hours from Santa Fe to the County Line, and an additional 10 minutes to the Rio Grande Gorge Visitor Center

Our Rivers
Wild and Scenic describes the Rio Grande and Rio Chama of northern New Mexico, the sites of the best of New Mexico Rafting, and is the designation conferred on these two magnificent rivers by the U.S. Congress. The Rio Grande thunders in the depths of a precipitous gorge, with wild rapids boxed in by sheer cliffs, while the Rio Chama flows sedately through a canyon of multi-hued sandstone and stands of tall Ponderosa pine. To protect these rivers, use is limited.
 

Our Season

New Wave's New Mexico rafting summer starts with the first rush of snowmelt water, in April. This is the beginning of the white knuckles boating season, with big waves, fast water and lots of action, lasting usually through mid-summer. Air and water temperatures, initially cool, warm rapidly, with summer heat arriving by late May. Declining water levels in mid-summer usher in our more playful sporting season, where we weave our smaller rafts and funyaks in and out of the boulders that, only a few weeks before, made big waves. Swimming, raft surfing and other antics make this time of year the most fun for families.

Try a Funyak!
Try out our funyaks! These are stable and easily maneuvered individual craft that athletically-inclined folks who are in good physical condition and not overweight can handle. We use our funyak fleet at lower water levels. Call ahead to see if they're currently on the water. The funyaks accompany our regular raft trips and are available at no extra cost. For those wanting more excitement and are up for an individual challenge, you can't beat a funyak. Book your trip today and get in on the fun!