Prior to Rafting
No matter what your experience level is, Cottam's Rio Grande Rafting will find a trip that works for you. No matter your experience we will find you a safe and fun-filled adventure!
We welcome rafters of all ages and abilities. The minimum age is 6 years at low flows and 12 years or 90 lbs. at high flows (3000 cfs and above). Cottam's Rio Grande Rafing reserves the right to raise the age limit depending on water levels.
If you have a medical condition please talk to your doctor before making the decision to go rafting.
Cottam's Rio Grande Rafing offers a discount to groups of 6 or more.
We recommend that you leave your personal camera at home due to the possibility of water damage. Professional photographers take group portraits and action photos of every trip.
All trips will meet at one of two locations depending on your trip selection.
Trips meet at various times. Refer to your trip to see meeting time.
Make a reservation by calling, emailing, or booking online
Cancellations made more than 14 days prior will receive a refund of the deposit minus a service charge of 25% of the deposit. Cancellations made less than 14 days prior to the trip will forfeit the deposit. Cancellations made within 48 hours of the trip forfeit 100% of the trip cost. Reschedules are $60.00 regardless of reason.
We reserve the right to cancel any trip due to weather conditions, river levels, acts of God, or other circumstances beyond our control, in which case a full refund will be given. We cannot be responsible for other expenses.
When on the river you are most likely going to get wet. If it is raining it just adds to the excitement. We raft rain or shine.
While on the River
One of the joys of rafting is being in the water. You will get wet when going through rapids. If you want to avoid getting wet, look into our calmer float trip - Orilla Verde Float.
You do not need to know how to swim, but please inform your guide so they are aware in the case of an emergency. Our guides are CPR and swift-water rescue certified.
Riding the river is a team effort and all passengers are encouraged to paddle along. Nevertheless if you feel you cannot paddle, your guide will make sure that you are made comfortable on your journey down the river.
The average river raft accommodates 6 to 8 people
A Funyak is an inflatable kayak. Each Funyak holds one person. These inflatable rafts are perfect as an introduction to kayaking and they make smaller whitewater more exciting.
Our full day trips provide lunch and our half day trips provide a snack and beverage.
There are changing rooms as well as public restrooms available at the Rio Grande Gorge Visitor's Center. This is where most trips begin and end. While on the river there are very few places to use the restroom.
It is customary to tip your guide. An average tip is between 10-20% of the trip cost.
Whether or not you fall out of the raft depends mostly on you and a bit on water conditions. Your guide will teach you how to stay in the raft. If you follow their instructions, the likelihood of you falling out is minimal.
We are the number one company when it comes to safety. In the lifespan of our operations we have not had any serious accidents or injuries.
The water depth varies from 1' to 100' depending upon water flow and location. Please contact us to learn about the current water conditions.
