New Wave Rafting

New Mexico River Rafting Since 1980

Opening Day is March 15, 2025

Welcome to New Mexico Rafting with New Wave Rafting LLC, since 1980, New Mexico’s preeminent river outfitter. Serving all of northern New Mexico and headquartered on the Rio Grande river between Santa Fe and Taos, we offer family-friendly trips from the mildest to the wildest in spectacular settings.

Book Online & Get 10% OFF!

Code: Online Special

Book & Save

Our Trips

Taos Box

This full-day river trip traverses 16 miles of wilderness gorge, encountering demanding rapids guaranteed to get you wet.

View Trip

Morning Rio Grande Racecourse Rafting Trip

Racecourse AM

This half-day morning river adventure features an action-packed 5 miles of moderate whitewater perfect for beginners and families.

View Trip

Afternoon Rio Grande Racecourse Rafting Trip

Racecourse PM

This half-day afternoon river adventure features an action-packed 5 miles of moderate whitewater perfect for beginners and families.

View Trip

Rio Grande Gorge

This full-day trip combines a morning float in the very scenic Orilla Verde Recreation Area, with an exciting afternoon of white water on the Racecourse.

View Trip

New Wave No Wave - Rio Grande NM Rafting Trip

The New Wave 'No Wave'

For those with young children (4 or 5 years of age), aged or timid family members or non-swimmers, this half-day family rafting trip with lunch is just the ticket!

View Trip

Monument Scenic Float

Our easy Monument Scenic Float full-day trip traverses the entire Orilla Verde Recreation Area section of the Rio Grande and includes a buffet lunch.

View Trip

Rio Chama 1-Day

A very scenic full-day trip through the canyon of the lower Rio Chama, from the Christ of the Desert Monastery to the Big Eddy take-out.

View Trip

Funyak Rentals

Funyak rentals, for 4 hours, with shuttle provided. The rental trip goes from Taos Junction Bridge to Quartzite site, on the Orilla Verde (Monument) stretch.

View Trip

Our Rivers

The Rio Grande

The Rio Grande thunders in the depths of a precipitous gorge.

The Rio Chama

The Rio Chama flows sedately through a canyon of multi-hued sandstone cliffs.

Rafting Testimonials

"We have been rafting with New Wave for the last 4 years straight. We bring groups of people (adults and kids) and everyone says this is the highlight of their vacation! We have been with most of the guides and all are amazing. We’ve done the racecourse and the box and we have all had the best time!"

"From the time we booked the rafting trip, the staff was nothing but helpful. I had to call twice and they were very accommodating and helpful both times. The family had a wonderful time rafting... I couldn't say enough about how good the experience was for the family."

"The best water rafting experience of my life. New Wave Rafting crew went above and beyond to accommodate everyone in our group. There were 17 of us including some awesome kids and teenagers and the 3 guides were amazing. They are fun and experienced. Safety and fun are their priority. Did I mentioned the spectacular views!!!?"

"Absolutely the best! Orlando was our guide. He moved the raft like magic. He told us about the area we were rafting as well as suggested at my request where to go for dinner (Orlando's was delicious) we had so much fun. I can not recommend them enough. Thank you for making our anniversary trip that much better."

"I had such a great experience with New Wave Rafting. The river had just the right mixture of little rapids to make it fun, and calm areas to unwind and enjoy the scenery. I’m a total newbie, yet my guide Tristan made everything easy. Enjoyable and worthwhile!"

"Had a blast with the team at New Wave! It was a fabulous day for our party of 7. We split the group - 5 teenage boys in one boat and 2 adults in the other. Orlando was an incredible guide and gave us fascinating information all day. Our boys had a blast with their guide Rui. We will definitely be back next year for sure!"

"I have booked with New Wave about a half dozen times: three times in the Taos Box and about three or four times on the racecourse. I have been very happy with the guides. They are experienced and emphasize safety. They also know a lot about the gorge’s geologic and recent history."