People tell us they've lived in Albuquerque their whole life and never knew they could kayak in the Rio Grande, and how beautiful the river really is when removed from the hustle and bustle of a busy city.  Visitors to Albuquerque tell us how amazing it is to paddle in the middle of a major city, and see only a few signs of human intervention.  Still others tell us how great it is to be in or on the water in New Mexico.  Virtually everyone leaves the trip having been connected to the river and changed by the experience.

Protected from development by the levee system and irrigation acequias, the Rio Grande Bosque is a hidden gem in the heart of the state's largest city. The 5400 acre urban forest separates you from civilization with only a few signs of human intervention. Aside from a few homes, we see nothing but stunning views of the Sandia Mountains and assorted wildlife and waterfoul as we paddle through 10 miles of one of the largest urban forests in the world. Great Blue Heron are seen year around near the river and we often see Snowy Egrets, Cooper's Hawks and Great Horned Owls, among others.  It's not uncommon to sight coyotes, grey foxes, porcupines, dessert cottontail rabits and common raccoons.  Beavers are often seen on sunset or full moon tours.

Choose your adventure!

• Rio Grande Bosque Kayak Tours
• Balloon Fiesta Kayak Tours
• Corporate Team-building Tours
• Specialty Tours (coming soon!)

What makes New Mexico Kayak Instruction unique?

NMKI operates a little differently than your typical "outiftter", livery or guide service.  Here are a few differences you'll notice!

• Most outfitters use a one-size-fits-all kayak and a one-size-fits-all life jacket.  Because it's a one-size-fits-all, it is easy for manufacturers to produce thousands of them at a time, bringing the cost down so outfitters, liveries and guides can pick this equipment up for a very low price.  But could a group of 10, 20 or 30 people wear the same size shoes?  Or the same size clothes?  They might, but would they function very well?  Of course not.  And should everyone really wear the same size life jacket?  Lower price almost always means lower quality, function and performance.  Using one-size-fits-all equipment is time-efficient, but there is very little personalization to the tour and guest become part of the process -- not part of the experience.
  
  At New Mexico Kayak Instruction, teaching is our passion. To truly learn, a student needs equipment that is tailored to their body and their paddling goals. No one can really learn using a one-size-fits-all kayak, paddle or life jacket.  With more than 120 kayaks in our program, we have a range of whitewater, touring and recreational kayaks that set our students up for success on the water.   We pay significantly more for our boats and equipment but the reward is seeing our students on the lake or river, years later, in a boat they love to paddle. 
  
  In our guided kayak tours, each guest is provided with a fitted kayak based on their height, weight and paddling experience, as well as a fitted type III lifejacket specifically designed for paddlesports and variable length carbon-fiber paddle.  You will feel a difference -- not only in how your boat performs, but with personalized experience on and off the water.
• The industry standard for guide ratios is 1:10 -- that's one guide to 10 guest.  New Mexico does not have a standard for this safety requirement.  At New Mexico Kayak Instruction, we maintain a 1:6 guide ratio.  A 1:6 guide to guest ratio means an expert guide is never far away to escort you down the river, so you can enjoy this “Bucket List” experience!
  
  
• New Mexico Kayak Instruction's tours are strictly limited to 12 guest; specialty tours may include up to 15 guests, and a 1:5 guide ratio.  Small group sizes means more time on the river, and less time waiting on others.