Floating Bar Crawl Tour

A down-to-earth look at the Asheville Floating Bar Crawl Tour

If you’re considering a day that combines great beer, scenic nature, and a laid-back vibe, the Floating Bar Crawl Tour in Asheville might catch your eye. While I haven’t personally floated down the French Broad River on this tour, I’ve looked into the details, and it’s clear that this experience appeals to those seeking a relaxed way to enjoy Asheville’s top beer spots along with some beautiful river scenery.

What I really like about this tour are two things: first, the small-group setting (capped at 12 travelers), which promises a more intimate and fun experience; second, the combination of river float and brewery hopping, giving you a taste of both Asheville’s natural beauty and its vibrant beer scene. That said, a potential drawback is that the trip isn’t for those looking for rigorous water adventures or a full-on party on the river. It’s more about chill vibes, scenic views, and good beer — perfect for those who prefer a slow pace and plenty of conversations.

This tour generally suits travelers who want a blend of light outdoor activity and beer exploration without the hassle of planning each stop. It’s especially good if you’re in Asheville for a few days and want an easy, memorable outing that mixes nature with local flavor.

Key Points

• Intimate group size ensures a more personal experience.
• River float with coolers included offers a relaxing vibe.
• Multiple brewery stops, including New Belgium, showcase Asheville’s best.
• Duration of around four hours makes it a flexible addition to your day.
• You can bring your own beers to enjoy during the float.
• No shuttle back to the start point, so plan your transportation.

What to Expect from the Asheville Floating Bar Crawl Tour

The idea of paddling down a river while hopping between some of Asheville’s best breweries sounds pretty idyllic, but it’s good to understand what’s actually involved. This tour, priced at $90 per person, offers a relaxed four-hour window filled with river views, beer, and friendly company. It’s booked on average 18 days in advance, which suggests it’s popular but not overbooked, giving you a more laid-back vibe.

Meeting and Starting Point

The tour kicks off at 220 Hominy Creek Rd, where you’ll meet your guide. From there, a commercial raft is ready with life jackets, paddles, and a cooler filled with ice to keep your beers cold. The float itself is designed to be easy and leisurely, making it accessible for most people. The key here is the relaxing pace, with no intense rafting or adrenaline rush.

The Stops Along the Way

The first stop is Wrong Way River Lodge & Cabins, a lovely spot on the river with a decent selection of affordable craft beers. Here, you’ll get some time to relax on the deck, sip your beer, and soak in the river views. One review mentions, “We loved the way the guide made it easy to unwind, and the setting is just perfect for a lazy afternoon.”

Next, you’ll float to New Belgium Brewing, arguably Asheville’s most famous craft brewery. This stop is definitely a highlight, with plenty of delicious beers and food truck options. One reviewer called it, “the perfect end point with great food and tasty brews.” You’ll have about 45 minutes here, enough to enjoy a couple of beers and perhaps chat with fellow travelers or locals.

The final stop is Wedge at Foundation, known for its amazing craft beer. This last tasting spot gives you a final chance to sample some local brews in a relaxed, convivial setting, before heading back.

The tour wraps up at the New Belgium Brewing Company location, so you’ll need to arrange your own transportation back from there. The total distance from start to finish is about four miles, so it’s manageable, but you should plan your ride accordingly.

What’s Included and What’s Not

For the $90 price tag, you’re getting a lot of value. The essentials like a commercial raft, life jackets, paddles, and a cooler with ice are all included. This takes the hassle out of bringing your own gear, and you can just relax knowing everything’s provided.

However, alcohol is not included — you’re welcome to bring some beers to enjoy in the cooler during the float, which many reviews point out as a favorite part. Plus, food at the brewery stops is at your expense, giving you the freedom to choose what you want.

It’s important to note there’s no shuttle service provided back to the starting point or your vehicle. If you’re staying in Asheville or nearby, you’ll need to plan your own ride-share or arrange transportation to ensure you can get back comfortably after the tour.

Group Size and Atmosphere

With a maximum of 12 travelers, this tour keeps things cozy and social. It’s perfect if you prefer smaller groups where you can chat easily and really enjoy each stop. Multiple reviews specifically praised guides like Cody and Walker for making the experience fun and memorable, emphasizing the importance of knowledgeable, friendly guides to enhance the day.

The Pros and Cons, Based on Real Feedback

What travelers love:
– The friendly, engaging guides make a difference; reviews mention guides like Cody and Rachel as fantastic.
– The scenic river views combined with brewery stops create a laid-back but enjoyable experience.
– The ample time at each stop means no rushing and plenty of opportunity to taste and relax.
– The small-group vibe fosters a convivial atmosphere, often leading to new friendships.

Some downsides:
– A few reviews mention the walk to the first bar is a bit long or steep, which could be problematic if you have mobility concerns.
– Several reviews highlight that the float isn’t as active or “pub crawl” as some might expect — it’s more about relaxing than hopping rapidly between bars.
– A couple of negative reviews point out that the trip may not meet expectations for those wanting a more lively or party-oriented experience, and that some trails or banks are steep and slippery, requiring caution.

How This Tour Compares to Other Asheville Experiences

This floating pub crawl offers a unique blend of outdoor serenity and beer culture that’s hard to replicate. While Asheville has plenty of walking tours and traditional pub crawls, the river element adds a different twist — perfect for warm days and those who appreciate a more relaxed pace.

In terms of value, at $90, you’re getting roughly four hours of guided activity, brewery stops, and river time — not a bad deal when you consider the included gear and the unique setting. It’s especially appealing if you love the idea of combining nature with beer tasting without the fuss of planning every detail yourself.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is best suited for travelers who want a laid-back, social outing that mixes Asheville’s scenic beauty with its craft beer scene. If you’re someone who enjoys a gentle float, good company, and local brews, you’ll likely find this tour a highlight.

It’s also good for those who don’t mind a bit of walking or navigating uneven terrain, as some reviews mention steep or slippery banks. It’s not meant for thrill-seekers or those looking for a party on the water, but rather for relaxed adventurers and beer lovers alike.

Final Thoughts

The Floating Bar Crawl Tour offers a unique way to experience Asheville — combining the best of the city’s craft breweries with scenic river views. The small-group setting and guided experience ensure that you’ll have friendly company and local insights, making it a memorable day out.

While it might not satisfy those craving high-energy water sports or nonstop bar-hopping, it’s perfect if your idea of fun is unwinding on the water with good friends, tasty beer, and beautiful surroundings. Its value lies in its simplicity and the quality of experiences rather than extravagance, making it a solid choice for laid-back travelers.

This tour is an enjoyable, relaxed way to see a different side of Asheville, especially if you love beer, nature, and good company.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for kids?
This tour is primarily designed for adults, given the beer focus and floating experience. It’s best suited for travelers 21 and older.

How long is the entire experience?
The tour lasts about four hours, including floating, stops at breweries, and time for relaxing. The float itself is leisurely, with plenty of time to enjoy the scenery and drinks.

Do I need to bring my own drinks?
You’re welcome to bring beers to enjoy during the float. The cooler with ice is provided, but alcohol is not included in the tour price.

Is transportation provided back to the start?
No, the tour ends at the New Belgium Brewing Company, and you’ll need to arrange your own ride back, such as a ride-share or taxi.

What should I wear?
Wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing, and consider quick-drying clothes since you’ll be on a raft and near water. Shoes with good grip are recommended for the walk to the stops if applicable.

Can I bring food?
Food at the brewery stops is at your own expense, so feel free to bring snacks or plan to purchase food at the breweries.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour is weather-dependent. If canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. Always check the forecast before booking.

All in all, if you’re after a mellow, scenic way to enjoy Asheville’s beer scene, this floating pub crawl might just be the perfect match.