Short Single Kayak Float
from 12pm - 3pm
Short Tandem Kayak Float
from 12pm - 3pm
Long Single Kayak Float
from 9am - 11am
Long Tandem Kayak Float
from 9am - 11am
If you’re looking to relax this weekend, kayaking the Illinois River in Tahlequah is a great option. The scenic Illinois River has a moderate current for a gentle ride experience, while also great for taking a dip in the swimming holes. This scenic river offers a breathtaking landscape including rocky bluffs and If you’re lucky, you might just spot a deer or bald eagle in the wild.
Single Kayak Short Float
Monday to Friday
Single Kayak Short Float
Weekend and Holiday
Tandem Kayak Short Float
Monday to Friday
Tandem Kayak Short Float
Weekend and Holiday
Single Kayak Long Float
Monday to Friday
Single Kayak Long Float
Weekend and Holiday
Tandem Kayak Long Float
Monday to Friday
Tandem Kayak Long Float
Weekend and Holiday
Dog Fee – $10 (Limit one dog per boat). Pay upon registration, not available for online booking
Experience Tahlequah, OK with us and we guarantee you a leisurely family trip. We offer short and long kayaking adventures to enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Illinois River and Oklahoma Ozarks. If you’re interested in booking with us, here’s the departure schedule for our floating tours:
Short Single Kayak 1-3 hours (Departs between 12 pm – 3 pm)
Long Single Kayak 3-6 hours (Departs between 9 am – 11 am)
Short Tandem 1-3 hours (Departs between 12 pm – 3 pm)
Long Tandem 3-6 hours (Departs between 9 am – 11 am)
Single and Tandem Kayak Float Trips
Kayaks are very maneuverable and can accommodate up to two people. So we’ve arranged single and tandem kayak floats for you. And here are some of the best features of our kayaking tours:
- We float the scenic Illinois River in Tahlequah, Oklahoma.
- All floating equipment including kayak, life vest and paddle are provided.
- Our float trips traverse the most beautiful sections of the river.
- Our area is peaceful and typically uncrowded.
- Registration & departure for long-trip floaters is available from 9 am until 11 am.
- The goal is to provide a fun Illinois River experience with our friendly staff.
The duration of our floats is between 1 to 6 hours and is ideal for kids 6 years old and above. We offer both single and tandem kayaks that seat 1 to 2 people. For the check-in process, kindly follow these steps:
- Park your car in the upper parking lot and proceed to the office.
- Check-in and register at our desk.
- All guests will need to register and fill out waiver.
- Proceed to our float parking lot down the hill.
- Unload your gear and cooler and proceed to the assembly area/bus stop.
- Wait for your ride at the bus stop in the shade near the picnic tables.
- Load the bus when your name is called and head up river to our private launch area.
- The kayaking trip will end at our landing adjacent to our parking lot.
We would like to remind every person to unload their gear at the lower float parking lot, and not at our office.
In float parking please do not wait at your car for the bus. Please go to the assembly area. Float guests load when we call their names. You cannot hear your name called if you are at your vehicle.
What You Should Bring
As you might have guessed, the peak season to float the Illinois River in Oklahoma is between Memorial Day and Labor Day. This busy season is a reminder that group floaters should prepare before heading to the river. To help you pack up for your float trip and have a great experience, make sure to bring the following essentials:
- Sunscreen.
- Water shoes or tennis shoes.
- Towel.
- Dry bag.
- Waterproof phone case.
- Bungee cords.
- Ziplock bags.
We highly advise you to observe the rules when taking a float trip to enjoy hassle-free outdoor activities while ensuring your safety. In case you’re curious about what not to take during the trip, note that children under two years of age are not allowed to float. In addition, the following are prohibited: glass, styrofoam, and hard liquor.
Late Fees & Other Important Information
Floats are approximate times and all boats including rafts and canoes should be at the landing at exactly 7 pm. Boats and rafts that complete their float after 8 pm will pay a late fee of $100. If you arrived between 7 pm to 8 pm, the late fee is $50. Kayaks have an dedicated space for small coolers, you are advised to bring your own strap in order to secure your cooler.
Quick Details
Duration: 2-8 Hours
Ages: 6+
Capacity: 1-2 People
Check in Procedures
- Park at the office
- Check-in at the desk
- Proceed down the hill to float parking
- Unload your cooler and gear
- Wait at the bus stop for your ride to the launch site
- You will finish your float at our landing which is adjacent to the float parking lot
Single or Tandem available!
- Riverbend Floats, on the scenic Illinois River! Our boats and equipment are fresh and clean.
- We float the most scenic section of the Illinois River.
- Our section of the river is typically uncrowded and peaceful even on the weekends and is very family-friendly.
- Long trip floaters must be signed in at our office no later than 11am.
- Long float departures cut off at 11am.
- Our goal is for you and your group or family to have an amazing river experience.
- Be happy and enjoy the ride!
What to Bring
- Tennis or water shoes
- Sunscreen
Late Fees and Additional Information
- Please note that floats are approximate times.
- All boats are due at our landing no later than 7 p.m.
- Any boat arriving after 8 p.m. will be charged a $100.00 late fee.
- Any boats arriving between 7 p.m. and 8 p.m. will be charged a $50.00 late fee.
- Any boat arriving after 8 p.m. will be charged a $100.00 late fee.
- Limit one 50-quart or smaller ice chest per boat.
Quick Details
Duration: 2-8 Hours
Ages: 6+
Capacity: 1-2 People
Check in Procedures
- Park at the office
- Check-in at the desk
- Proceed down the hill to float parking
- Unload your cooler and gear
- Wait at the bus stop for your ride to the launch site
- You will finish your float at our landing which is adjacent to the float parking lot