About New Wave Rafting
New Wave Rafting has been running whitewater trips on the Rio Grande since 1980, making them one of the most experienced rafting outfitters in northern New Mexico. Headquartered along State Road 68 between Santa Fe and Taos, their riverside base camp puts guests right on the water with minimal shuttle time, maximising time on the river.
Their daily trip menu covers the full spectrum of Rio Grande whitewater: the legendary Taos Box full-day expedition tackles 16 miles of Class IV-V rapids through a spectacular wilderness canyon; the Rio Grande Gorge full-day trip covers 8-11 miles of Class III rapids across two scenic canyons; the Racecourse half-day delivers six miles of Class III action in a rugged canyon setting; and the New Wave No Wave float offers a gentle Class II experience with lunch included for families and those seeking a more relaxed pace. They also run trips on the Chama River and other northern New Mexico waterways.
What distinguishes New Wave from the cluster of Taos-area rafting companies is their longevity and their location — over four decades on the river means their guides know every eddy, hydraulic, and rapid intimately. Their base camp's position between Santa Fe and Taos makes them equally accessible from either city, and their range from mellow floats to expert-level Class V runs means they can accommodate virtually any group composition in a single booking.
