Family Float (FREE Lunch, Digital Photo, and Wetsuit Use)

If you’re considering a day on the water that’s both fun for the family and packed with value, the Family Float tour from Raft Masters in Cañon City might just be what you’re looking for. This half-day outing combines gentle rapids with the chance to see Colorado’s scenic landscapes from a unique perspective, all while your guide takes care of navigation. It’s designed to be accessible, enjoyable, and memorable—especially for families with children or those new to white water rafting.

What we particularly love about this experience is the inclusive nature — everyone gets gear, a tasty BBQ lunch, and digital photos to remember the day. Plus, the focus on safety and comfort makes it a wise choice for first-timers or families with young kids. That said, it’s not the most adrenaline-pumping ride out there, so if you’re craving big splashes or intense rapids, this might not satisfy your thirst for adventure. Overall, it’s a great fit for families, beginners, or anyone wanting a relaxed yet scenic river trip that doesn’t break the bank.

Key Points

• Ideal for families and beginners looking for a fun, safe experience.
• Includes all necessary gear plus a free BBQ lunch and digital photos.
• Averages 2.5 hours with convenient transport from Cañon City.
• Small group size (max 15), making it intimate and personalized.
• Expert guides who are praised for their friendliness and professionalism.
• Good weather policy and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

An Overview of the Family Float Experience

This tour is about enjoying the Colorado river’s gentler rapids—perfect for those new to rafting or traveling with children over age 1. The about 2.5-hour trip starts at a central location in Cañon City, where you’ll meet your guide and hop on the provided transportation to the river. The journey isn’t long, but it’s enough to get you out of town and into some beautiful scenery, with views that many visitors might overlook from the roadside.

Once on the river, your guide takes the helm, navigating through small rapids that are just enough thrill to keep everyone engaged without being intimidating. This hands-off approach means you can focus on soaking in the scenery or snapping photos, knowing that safety is a priority. The river’s calm stretches intermingle with fun rapids, offering the perfect balance for a family outing.

What’s Included and What’s Not

For $108.80, this tour delivers a good deal of value. You’ll get all the water safety gear—personal flotation devices, wetsuits, river boots, and splash jackets—ensuring you stay comfortable and dry. The BBQ lunch is a casual affair, with options like hot dogs or hamburgers, chips, cookies, and fountain drinks—simple but satisfying after a few hours on the water.

An especially nice touch is the digital photos included in the package. In many tours, memories can fade or be lost, but here, you’ll receive high-quality pictures capturing your family’s smiles and splashes, often at spots you might not reach on your own. Tips for guides are not included, which is common, but many reviews highlight the guides’ friendliness and professionalism, making gratuities well-deserved.

The Meeting Point and Logistics

The tour departs from 2315 E Main St, Cañon City, a location easy to find and close to many accommodations and attractions. Booking is straightforward, with confirmation received immediately, and the small group cap of 15 ensures a more personalized experience. Most travelers book about 3-4 weeks in advance, which suggests good planning is advisable—especially during peak seasons.

Transportation to and from the river is included, meaning you won’t have to worry about organizing your own logistics. The tour is suitable for most travelers, with restrictions only for children under one year old. The experience is weather-dependent, but if weather turns bad, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

The Real Experience: What Travelers Say

Reviewers consistently praise the knowledgeable guides for their friendly attitude and safety-conscious approach. One comment from a recent visitor sums it up: “Loved everything. The guide was wonderful. Perfect day. Granddaughter had a great time.” This highlights how well the tour caters to families and newcomers, making it a low-stress outing.

Another key aspect that gets high marks is the balance of activity and relaxation. The small rapids offer the thrill without overwhelming, and the scenic views give a sense of tranquility—something many travelers value after a busy trip. The inclusion of lunch and photos adds to the feeling of a complete, hassle-free experience, where you’re taken care of from start to finish.

Why This Tour Is a Great Choice

If you’re after a family-friendly, affordable, and scenic river adventure, this float ticks all the boxes. The inclusive gear, delicious BBQ, and digital photos make it feel like a well-rounded package. The small group size and professional guides ensure a safe, enjoyable experience for all.

While it doesn’t promise wild rapids or intense thrills, that’s part of its charm. It’s perfect for those who want a gentle introduction to white water or a relaxing day on the Colorado River. It’s also a fantastic way to see Colorado’s landscape from a different angle, with views that you simply can’t access from the roadside.

This tour is best suited to families, first-time rafters, or travelers seeking a relaxed but fun outdoor activity. It’s an experience that balances adventure with comfort—without pushing too hard.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, generally most travelers can participate, but it’s not recommended for children under 1 year old. It’s perfect for families looking for a gentle introduction to white water rafting.

What is included in the price?
The price includes all water safety gear—personal flotation devices, wetsuits, river boots, splash jackets—as well as a BBQ lunch, digital photos, and round-trip transportation from the meeting point.

How long is the trip?
The actual rafting adventure lasts approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, making it a manageable half-day activity.

What if the weather turns bad?
The tour is weather-dependent, but if conditions are poor, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. Good weather is required for the tour to run.

How many people are in each group?
Groups are small, with a maximum of 15 travelers, ensuring a more intimate and personalized experience.

Do I need prior experience?
No previous rafting experience is necessary. The trip is designed to be family-friendly and suitable for beginners.

What is the meeting point?
The tour departs from 2315 E Main St in Cañon City, a convenient central location.

Are gratuities included?
No, gratuities are not included, but guide quality and service have been praised highly, so tipping is appreciated if you’re satisfied.

Final Thoughts

The Family Float from Raft Masters offers a well-rounded, relaxed introduction to Colorado’s rivers for families and newcomers alike. It combines scenic views with manageable rapids, making it a safe and enjoyable outing. The inclusion of gear, lunch, and photos enhances the value, and the small group setting ensures personalized attention and a more relaxed atmosphere.

While it might not satisfy adrenaline junkies looking for a wild ride, it’s perfect for those wanting a fun, scenic, and family-friendly day on the water. The knowledgeable guides and thoughtful organization make it one of the most accessible river trips in the area.

If you’re after an affordable way to experience Colorado’s natural beauty with loved ones, this tour could be a highlight of your trip. It’s a straightforward, enjoyable, and memorable adventure that’s worth considering.

Remember: Book in advance, prepare for the weather, and get ready for a fun day with a guide who genuinely cares about your safety and enjoyment. Enjoy the trip!