White Water Rafting and Wine Tour

Setting out on a White Water Rafting and Wine Tour in Santa Fe promises a day packed with excitement, stunning scenery, and some seriously good wines. This tour offers a balanced mix of adrenaline-fumping river adventure in the morning and a relaxing wine tasting experience in the afternoon—an unusual but delightful combo that appeals to a wide range of travelers. With a reasonable price of around $290 per person, it’s designed to maximize the best of New Mexico’s natural beauty and local viticulture.

What we love about this experience is its small-group setting. Limited to just eight participants, it ensures plenty of personal attention from guides and a more intimate atmosphere. The guide’s knowledge and friendly approach seem to be a highlight for many, as seen in glowing reviews praising their professionalism and safety awareness. However, a potential consideration is the long day’s schedule—it’s around 9 hours, which might feel a bit packed for those wanting a more relaxed pace, particularly if you prefer savoring your wine at a leisurely pace.

This tour is ideal if you’re seeking an active day with a creative twist. It’s perfect for adventure lovers who also appreciate good wine, making it a versatile option for groups with mixed interests or couples wanting a memorable, varied experience. If you’re after a blend of fun, scenic beauty, and quality tastings, this is a great choice. Now, let’s break down what makes this tour a standout—and what to keep in mind.

Key Points

• Balanced itinerary: Combines river adventure with multiple winery visits.
• Small-group intimacy: Up to 8 travelers, ensuring personal attention.
• Guided expertise: Knowledgeable guides, with specific praise for safety and fun.
• All-in-one day: Perfect for maximizing your Santa Fe trip with just one booking.
• Value for money: $289.10 includes rafting, wine tastings, and tote bags.
• Consider the schedule: The full 9-hour experience is packed, so be prepared for a full day.

An In-Depth Look at the Santa Fe White Water Rafting & Wine Tour

Starting Point: River Adventure and Safety First

Your adventure kicks off with door-to-door pickup from Santa Fe, usually around 7:30 am. This is a thoughtful touch, saving you the hassle of figuring out transportation and ensuring a smooth start. Once at NM River Adventures’ headquarters, you’ll meet your guides, who seem to be a real highlight based on reviews. Guests often mention how knowledgeable, friendly, and safety-conscious the guides are—particularly Adrian, who was praised for making the day fun and secure.

At this staging area, you’ll find clean restrooms, changing rooms, and the chance to pack a change of clothes if needed. It’s recommended to bring a change of clothes for after your river trip since you’ll likely get splashed and possibly wet. The gear provided includes everything you’ll need for the rafting, and the tote bags handed out are a practical touch—so you can keep your belongings safe and dry during your adventure.

The River Experience: Rio Grande’s Best Sections

Once equipped, you’ll head to the river to challenge the most popular sections of the Rio Grande. Expect about three hours of rapids and scenic views. Based on a review, the guides are expert at balancing fun with safety, making sure everyone is comfortable regardless of skill level. The water is lively but manageable, with plenty of opportunities for photos and enjoyment.

The reviews emphasize how much fun this was, with one guest calling it “awesome” and mentioning their guide Adrian made it a pleasure. The guide’s clear instructions and safety briefing contribute to a stress-free experience, even for first-timers or those a little nervous about white water.

Moving to the Vineyards: A Scenic Drive and Delicious Lunch

After the river adventure, the tour transitions to a more relaxed pace with a visit to Vivac Winery for lunch and tasting. Though alcohol tasting fees are extra—around $24 for all three wineries—the experience of tasting in a scenic, rustic setting is well worth it. The wine tastings are described as excellent, with knowledgeable staff guiding you through each pour.

Following lunch, you’ll visit La Chiripada Winery and Black Mesa Winery. At Black Mesa, you’ll also enjoy some tasty snacks alongside your tastings. Reviewers consistently mention the expertise of the staff at these wineries and the quality of the wines, which adds to the overall value. For many, this part of the tour is a highlight—great wines, friendly hosts, and the chance to learn more about local wine production.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The tour provides a tote bag to carry your goodies, masks, sanitizer, and other essentials—showing an attention to detail and guest comfort. While the tour’s price covers the rafting experience, guides, and the tote bags, it does not include the wine tasting fees, which are extra.

This setup allows flexibility if you prefer to pick your wines or avoid additional costs. The small group size—a maximum of 8 travelers—means you’ll get personal attention from guides and hosts, making the experience more tailored and relaxed.

Additional Considerations

While most travelers find the schedule manageable, be aware this is a full day. From early morning pickup to late afternoon or early evening return, it can be a long but fulfilling experience. Weather can impact the trip, and the tour provider is clear that if canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. No mention is made of specific age restrictions, but one review notes that a 17-year-old granddaughter had a fantastic time, suggesting it’s suitable for teenagers as well.

The Authentic Touch: Insights from Reviews

Guests consistently praise the knowledgeable guides, especially highlighting how they make the adventure safe and enjoyable. For example, one reviewer raved about Cindy, who picked them up and handled the day’s logistics smoothly, from kayaking to winery visits.

Another review mentioned that the photographer could improve, noting that some photos focused mainly on two rafts while others weren’t as well captured. This minor flaw aside, guests appreciated the attention to safety and fun, especially for families or groups of friends looking for a lively, yet safe outdoor day.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for travelers who want a full-day adventure that mixes adrenaline with relaxation. It’s well suited for adventure lovers, couples, or groups of friends seeking a unique way to explore Santa Fe’s natural and culinary charms. The guided aspect, small group size, and scenic locations make it ideal for those who appreciate personal attention and insider tips.

If you’re someone who enjoys active outdoor pursuits but also appreciates good wine and local flavors, this tour hits the sweet spot. It also works well for first-time visitors wanting to see both the river and the vineyards without booking separate experiences.

The Sum Up

The White Water Rafting and Wine Tour in Santa Fe offers a well-rounded, engaging day for those eager to combine outdoor thrill with laid-back wine tastings. The guides’ professionalism and the quality of the wineries make this experience a worthwhile investment, especially if you value small group intimacy and expert guidance.

While the day is long and the costs for tastings are extra, the overall experience delivers a great balance of adventure, scenic beauty, and authentic local flavor. It’s a fantastic choice for travelers wanting to make the most of their time in Santa Fe with a memorable, multi-faceted outing.

This tour is best suited for active travelers who don’t mind a packed schedule, love discovering new landscapes, and enjoy sampling local wines. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply looking for a fun way to see the region from different angles, this experience offers a spirited and satisfying day.

FAQs

Is transportation included in the tour?
Yes, the tour offers door-to-door pickup from Santa Fe, making it convenient to start and end your day without worrying about logistics.

How long does the entire tour last?
The experience is approximately 9 hours, including rafting, winery visits, and lunch. It’s a full-day activity, so plan accordingly.

Are all age groups allowed on this tour?
Most travelers can participate, and a review notes that a 17-year-old had a great time, suggesting it’s suitable for teenagers. However, it’s best to check with the provider if you have specific age concerns.

What is included in the price?
The cost includes rafting, safety gear, tote bags, and guided tours of the wineries. Tasting fees at the wineries are additional, around $24 for all three.

Can I cancel or change the tour?
This experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed. If canceled due to weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

What should I bring for the rafting portion?
Bring a change of clothes, as you might get wet, plus any personal essentials. The rafting gear, including all safety equipment, is provided.

Is the tour suitable for beginners?
Yes, guides are experienced and safety-conscious, making it accessible for first-timers and those with some rafting experience alike.

How many people are on each tour?
The tour is capped at 8 travelers, ensuring a small, personalized experience.

Are there options for dietary restrictions or special needs?
While not explicitly mentioned, the tour includes lunch and snacks at wineries. Contact the provider directly for specific dietary needs.

Whether you’re craving an adventurous morning on the river or a relaxing afternoon sampling some of New Mexico’s best wines, this Santa Fe tour manages to offer both in one satisfying day.