River Tubing 101: Everything You Need to Know Before You Go

Are you ready to immerse yourself in the beauty of nature while tubing down a scenic river? River tubing at Harpers Ferry Adventure Center offers the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned tuber, here’s everything you need to know to make the most of your tubing experience.

What to Bring When Tubing on the River

Before you embark on your river tubing adventure, it’s essential to pack the right gear to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable trip. Here’s a checklist of items to bring:

Bathing suit or clothes that can get wet: Opt for quick-drying materials for comfort.
Water shoes or water sandals with an ankle strap: These provide traction and protect your feet.
Sunscreen and sunglasses with a strap: Protect yourself from the sun and keep your sunglasses secure.
Waterproof case for your phone: Capture memories without worrying about water damage. Hook it to something stable if you can so you don’t drop it or lose it if you tip over!
Change of clothes and a towel: For after your tubing adventure.
Drinks and snacks: Keep hydrated and energized throughout the day.
Coolers and cooler floats: Available to keep your refreshments chilled and easily accessible.

Top Tips for River Tubing

To maximize your enjoyment and safety while river tubing, consider these top tips:

What to Do

Stay relaxed and go with the flow of the river.
Keep a lookout for wildlife and enjoy the natural surroundings.
Hold onto your belongings securely, especially during gentle rapids.
Follow the instructions provided by the Harpers Ferry Adventure Center staff.

What Not to Do

Stand up in fast-moving water; always stay seated in your tube.
Bring glass containers or litter in the river—respect the environment.
Forget to apply sunscreen or stay hydrated.

Frequently Asked Questions About River Tubing at Harpers Ferry Adventure Center

Curious about the details of your tubing adventure? Here are some common questions answered:

How Long is the River Tubing Adventure?

Depending on the river conditions, your tubing experience will typically last between 1.5 to 2 hours.

Is River Tubing Done on Flat Water or White Water?

Harpers Ferry Adventure Center caters to both preferences, offering relaxing flat water tubing and exhilarating whitewater tubing options.

Is a Shuttle Service Offered?

Yes, we are the only outfitter in the area that provides a one-way shuttle service for your comfort and convenience. Shuttles depart every 30 minutes on weekends and hourly on weekdays. Please check in at least 30 minutes before the last daily departure time.

I’m Ready! How do I Sign Up for River Tubing at Harpers Ferry Adventure Center?

Booking your river tubing adventure is easy. Simply book now here to secure your spot and prepare for a day of fun on the water.

Whether you’re planning a solo outing, a family adventure, or a group trip, river tubing at Harpers Ferry Adventure Center promises a memorable experience surrounded by the natural beauty of West Virginia. Embrace the tranquility of the river and create lasting memories with friends and family. Get ready to float, relax, and enjoy the journey!

Don’t Just Take Our Word for It…

Reza Farsi

23:14 12 Oct 24

Had an amazing time ziplining at my friend's bachelor weekend. I am terrified of heights but Logan and Caiden did and excellent job of making the whole experience more enjoyable and laugh filled. Will come back whenever I'm in the area

Joel Frick

19:37 06 Oct 24

Fantastic experience in a one-of-a-kind environment! Super friendly guide Tristan also talked about historic events and landmarks during our rafting trip. Highly recommend it!

Alexander Johnson

14:36 03 Oct 24

The employees were very patient and helped us with any issues we had. We had a great time, would recomend

Trinity Bunting

16:40 24 Sep 24

Staff was very friendly and everyone enjoyed their time would go again.

Teri Gunter

16:21 24 Sep 24

I absolutely love it!! The staff was super friendly, and we were all laughing and cracking up. It was just such an amazing experience to be able to go. Anyone that goes should definitely do the tires because it really challenges you but it's worth it.

kyla okeefe

19:15 21 Sep 24

we had so much fun, thank you hfac and spider for an amazing time!

David Hinds

18:09 21 Sep 24

We had a fabulous experience rafting with the Harpers Ferry Adventure Center. It is a top-notch operation, and our guide Chris was great! Not only does he have a library of jokes to tell he also has a wealth of knowledge of the history of the area and the local wildlife. Given the lack of rain this summer the river has been lower than normal but given Chris's 18 years of experience he was still able to take us down the more fun route which travels both the Shenandoah and Potomac Rivers. The trip itself was great but the day was topped off with fabulous views from the outside area of the brewery owned and operated by the Adventure Center located and on the property. Chris is not only a great guide but had great recommendations for the food we should try and the area of the brewery where we could get a great view of the Potomac just beyond the historic town of Harpers Ferry. I would highly recommend Chris and Harpers Ferry Adventure Center if you are considering a rafting experience.

anita williams

12:31 17 Sep 24

We had logan and Tristan as guides. Poor guys had our women's group of six. They were awesome. Very patient with us. They made our trip very fun. Thank you guys! I would have love to do the 2nd level of ropes course but could not get up that straight pole. I feel like they should offer steps to it. Or if there was something behind me like a wall, I could have made it. Food for thought.. none the less. Us 6 ladies had a great time

Karan Kumar

21:02 16 Sep 24

Went Rafting here for the first time and it was a blast! Our guide Chris was hilarious and so knowledgeable of the rich history of West Virginia.

Qinfen Song

17:26 15 Sep 24

woops！ So delicious！I never taste this Chinese food in US before. Let me feel i am in China. Recommend to everyone！

Thane Gum

15:54 13 Sep 24

Fun

Isaac Johnson

15:51 13 Sep 24

Great service, had a great time

Ty McCloud

15:51 13 Sep 24

Easy to use and enjoy ropes course with plenty of challenges for thrill seekers along with a much easier section for those who are afraid of heights. Plenty of well experienced and well caring staff members.

Samuel James

15:45 13 Sep 24

scott baber

01:59 12 Sep 24

Went on a company outing, due to time of year water was down but still had a great time. Charlie -boy was our guide and was great! Get ya a Paw Paw!

Mike

13:41 05 Sep 24

The camping is really good if you want to reconnect to nature

Vicki Wheatley

02:12 01 Sep 24

What a great time! It is a must do if you are visiting Harper's Ferry WV. Ask for Cody he was a great, knowledge and laid back tour guide!

Sandy Flip Flops & a Backpack Full of Love

03:05 27 Aug 24

We went white water rafting in August. The water levels weren't very high but we still had a blast! It was totally worth doing. Every staff we spoke to was very nice and our guide, Charlie, is the BEST!! He was so knowledgeable, super friendly, an all around fun. We will be coming back next year.

Sandra C

18:19 25 Aug 24

Had a great time!!! Went twice! Parked, they offer life vest and tubes then they shuttle you to put in location took about 2 hours to float down to take out location (big orange hvac sign). Very friendly in the little hut where you pay, and very friendly where you get tubes. Will definitely go again. Was on a Sunday 50$ for everything 30$ if you bring your own tube.

Christina Gaffos

23:32 01 Aug 24

We had a blast! Chris was our guide and seemed very knowledgeable. The river was low due to the drought but it didn't stop us from having a blast. We rafted and zip lined. Both were great! The brewery on site was wonderful as well with a great view!

Lydia Thompson

14:50 07 Jul 24

Our group of 4 had the absolute best time flat water tubing! The team was all incredibly nice, helpful, and contributed to the great experience. We 100% plan on doing it again. Sarah was particularly very sweet and drove us separately after our group didn’t fit on the main bus!Be mindful of the water level because we were walking through rocks to avoid getting stuck a good bit and water shoes are definitely recommended

JOSEPH LEONGUERRERO

16:49 30 Jun 24

We had a great time on the zip line course at the Harpers Ferry Adventure Center. We did the 9 am tour to avoid the summer heat. The tour guides did an excellent job explaining everything and keeping safety a priority. Will definitely return again soon. It was a lot of fun! Thank you to Jack, Matt, Zander, and Colin who led the zip line tour. We may be 65 and 60 years old but still enjoy getting out and doing things that excite you.

Yaira Ramos

13:38 09 Jun 24

The best experience ever. I am horrible with names but our guide was the sweetest girl in the group. The main guy Chris is hilarious and every single other guy in his group yesterday afternoon. They all are humorous, respectful and very informative. They made the experience 20/10. I will definitely go back.

Mz Pao

17:27 20 May 24

Alex was our Guide during rafting💕I even said I was the only one English speaker that I will translate to the other guys and he was patient enough to pause and give me time to explain to my group in Spanish😊 If your are looking to have a great time please ask for him!! He will make you laughing and is very knowledgeable about history and the area🫶🏻 it was my first time rafting and it was a blast. He also recommended the Brewery and I was not disappointed I loved the beet cheese 🧀💖 I will visit again💕

Kathleen Nelson

19:49 05 Feb 24

Exciting enough for the twenty something's, gentle enough for my grandkids, great time for all

Kelly Rhodes

01:04 06 Nov 23

Excellent experience! Group of kids did the zip line tour and had an absolute blast. The guides Logan and Caden were excellent! So fun and everyone felt very safe and comfortable because of them.

Gabriel Lee

17:56 05 Sep 23

We went white water tubing here with a party of 10 people and had blast. The initial bus ride to the drop off point was a bit long but they sent us in right away. The entire trip down stream took about 2 hours. The water level is a bit low and towards the end the water does get fairly shallow and you need to be careful with the slipper rocks. The white water wasn’t intense at all with it maybe passing as a category 1 not the 3-4 as noted but that was also due to the low water levels. Definitely pack sunscreen and water shoes and you’ll have a great time

Liam Amiri

13:11 27 Aug 23

This adventure center is very well organized and safe. Loved it.Just make sure before coming for water activities you are wearing proper shoes and you have phone and wallet bags that can be attached to you at all time. Don't lose your stuff in the water...

Alexia Strickland

15:11 14 Aug 23

I normally do not write reviews but A group of us went for my boyfriend’s 29th birthday and had a blast. Bella and Kayden were the absolute best Zipline instructors. They were fun, personable and informative with our instructions. We did the Zipline/White water Tubing package and enjoyed the whole day. The facilities were clean, friendly staff, and the team were very accommodating to our requests even when they didnt have to. Definitely want to come back!

Elizabeth Houston

03:47 26 Jun 23

Such a great and full day for our family! Would highly recommend! We did ropes course and rafting. Patrick was awesome with the ropes! He was helpful and so patient. My 10 year old was not feeling the 3rd level fall-but really wanted to do it. Patrick really encouraged him in the best way to jump to it! We had a break in between and the Harpers Ferry Brewery next door was an added bonus we could walk to easily (we went back after too). We ended the day rafting with Liam as our guide. What an experience! He was very friendly, funny and confident on the water. He went out of his way for us to get the most out of the rafting experience. Such a great day-we all really enjoyed ourselves.