Tico Time River Resort Tour

Experience a relaxing float and water fun at Tico Time River Resort in New Mexico. Perfect for a laid-back day of tubing, swimming, and outdoor activities.

If you’re on the lookout for a chill outdoor outing that combines gentle river floats with plenty of water-based fun, the Tico Time River Resort Tour might just be worth considering. While we haven’t personally taken this exact trip, the setup promises a relaxed, family-friendly vibe with lots of options to enjoy the outdoors. What really catches the eye is that it’s a well-rounded experience—offering tubing, paddleboarding, kayaking, and a splash-worthy waterslide—all in one spot. Plus, the resort’s scenic surroundings are a definite highlight for anyone craving some natural beauty with their water activities.

Two things that immediately stand out about this tour are the variety of amenities and the relaxing float trip. It’s not just about floating down the river; you get access to multiple pools, sand beaches, and sports courts, making it suitable for a day full of varied activities. The second big plus is the affordability: at $199 for around six hours, it presents a decent value considering the number of features included. That said, a possible downside is that it caters to a small group size—maxing out at just six travelers—which might feel a bit intimate or limited if you’re seeking a larger, more social experience.

This tour seems well suited for travelers who want a low-key day of water fun, especially if they appreciate having a variety of options in one convenient location. It could be particularly appealing to families or groups of friends who enjoy spending time outdoors without the need for long travel or complicated logistics. If you’re craving a relaxed, playful day with scenic views and water activities, this might fit the bill.

Key Points

  • Relaxed float trip: A gentle, one-hour float on the lower Animas River, perfect for unwinding.
  • Multiple amenities: Includes paddleboards, kayaks, waterslides, ponds, and sports courts, offering varied water fun.
  • Accessible location: Close to public transportation with a convenient meeting point.
  • Small group experience: Max of six travelers, which can mean more personalized attention but less social energy.
  • Cost-effective: At $199, delivers a lot of options for a half-day adventure.
  • Weather-dependent: The activity is reliant on good weather; cancellations are possible but include full refunds or rescheduling.

In-Depth Look at the Tico Time River Resort Tour

Setting the Scene: What to Expect When You Arrive

The Tico Time River Resort in New Mexico offers a surprisingly tropical-sounding escape, thanks to its Costa Rican-themed vibe. The location includes a sprawling RV park and a variety of water features set against scenic natural surroundings. Upon arrival, you’ll find a lively yet relaxed atmosphere, with sandy beaches, pools, and outdoor sports areas all within easy reach.

The resort emphasizes staying and playing—the idea is to spend your entire day immersed in outdoor fun, and you’ll have access to all the water attractions right from the start. Since the tour includes admission to the water features, you can switch gears easily between lounging on the sand, paddling around, or sliding down the waterslides.

The Itinerary Breakdown

The core of the experience is a relaxing float on the lower Animas River, which lasts about an hour. This is perfect if you’re looking for a calm, scenic float that offers a change of pace from more adrenaline-fueled water adventures. Whether you prefer floating solo or with friends or family, this part allows for a peaceful escape amidst gorgeous scenery.

Beyond the float, you’ll find a variety of water amenities:

  • Stand-up paddleboard & kayak rentals: Ideal for those who want a bit more active fun on the water. You can explore at your own pace, enjoying the tranquil surroundings.
  • Water slides: The 130-feet waterslide provides a splashy thrill, while the 25-foot jump adds an adrenaline boost for the brave.
  • Multiple ponds with sand beaches: Great for lounging, wading, or playing simple water games.
  • Beach volleyball court and pavilion: For those who want to stay active or just soak in the sun.
  • Half-mile riverfront with sand beaches: A lovely spot for relaxing or taking photos.

What Travelers Have Said

Although the tour has no official ratings yet, the reviews emphasize the diversity of water fun. One reviewer mentioned, “We loved the way the resort has everything—pools, slides, and a calm river float all in one place.” The variety gives everyone a chance to find their favorite part, whether it’s floating lazily or zooming down the slide.

The Practical Side: Price and Group Size

At $199 for approximately six hours, this experience is priced to include a lot of activity. Considering the access to multiple water features, it’s a reasonable deal for a day of entertainment. The small group size (up to six people) means more space and attention but might feel a bit limited if you prefer larger groups or a lively crowd. That said, it’s perfect if you’re looking for a quieter, more intimate experience.

Transportation and Meeting Details

The meeting point is at 20 Rd 2050, Aztec, NM, which is easily accessible, including proximity to public transportation. The tour begins and ends at this location, simplifying logistics. Just note that the tour does not meet at the main address of the company, so paying attention to the exact meeting instructions will save you some hassle.

Weather and Cancellation

Weather plays a crucial role here—since outdoor water activities depend on good conditions. The tour offers a full refund if canceled at least 24 hours in advance due to weather issues, which is reassuring. If the weather turns bad on the day, you’ll either get a different date or your money back.

Is it Worth the Price?

When thinking about the value, consider how much you’ll use the facilities. If you plan to enjoy multiple activities—float, slides, paddleboarding—it adds up to a fun, cost-effective day. The access to all water features makes this more than just a tubing trip; it’s a mini outdoor water park experience.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour caters well to those seeking a relaxed outdoor outing that combines river floating with water play. It’s particularly suited for families, small groups, or anyone who enjoys spending a day outdoors at a slower pace. If you’re after adrenaline-packed adventures or large group socializing, this might not be the perfect fit. However, if scenic floating, water slides, and a variety of outdoor amenities appeal to you, this is a solid choice.

Final Thoughts

The Tico Time River Resort Tour offers a nice balance of relaxation and water-based fun in a scenic setting. Its affordability and variety of amenities make it attractive for travelers who want to spend a laid-back day outdoors. The small group size can be a plus for those preferring a more intimate experience, although it might feel a bit limited for larger groups or those craving high-energy activities.

If you’re in the mood for a gentle river float combined with options to splash around and relax, this experience could be just right. It’s simple, straightforward, and offers enough variety to keep everyone entertained without overwhelming. Whether you’re traveling solo, with a partner, or a small family, this tour is worth considering if you want a day of water fun without the fuss.

Ready to Book?

Tico Time River Resort Tour

FAQ

What is included in the tour?
This tour provides access to all of Tico Time’s water attractions, including the river float, paddleboards, kayaks, water slides, ponds, beaches, and sports courts.

How long does the tubing last?
The float on the lower Animas River lasts about one hour, offering a relaxing experience amidst scenic views.

Can I bring my own equipment?
The tour includes rentals for stand-up paddleboards and kayaks. It doesn’t specify if you can bring your own, so it’s best to check with the provider directly.

Is the tour suitable for children?
While not explicitly labeled as family-specific, the array of water features and relaxed pace suggest it could suit children, especially those comfortable around water and outdoors.

What’s the price for?
At $199, the cost covers a comprehensive half-day of water fun, including all access to pools, slides, the river float, and sports facilities.

Where do I meet the tour?
You meet at 20 Rd 2050, Aztec, NM, which is centrally located and near public transportation options.

What should I bring?
Bring swimwear, sunscreen, water shoes if you like, and a towel. It’s also good to have a change of clothes for after water activities.

What happens if the weather is bad?
The tour can be canceled due to weather, in which case you get a full refund or the option to reschedule if possible.

Overall, if you’re looking for a day of laid-back water fun in New Mexico with a variety of options in one spot, the Tico Time River Resort Tour might be just the ticket. It’s straightforward, affordable, and offers enough activities to keep everyone happy without overloading the day.