Your Perfect Summer Day
Tube the Delaware, Explore a River Town, & Stay for Sunset
Start Your Day in Frenchtown
Begin with coffee and breakfast at Early Bird Espresso & Mercantile. Grab a table, ease into the day, and soak up the small-town charm before heading to the river.
Head to Big Bear Gear
Just a few minutes south of Frenchtown in Kingwood, Big Bear Gear is the starting point for River Tubing on the Delaware River. After check-in, a shuttle will take you to the launch point where you'll receive your tube and gear before entering the river.
River Tubing on the Delaware
This is what summer is all about. Set off on a scenic five-mile tubing adventure through one of the most beautiful stretches of the Delaware River. Drift past islands, wooded shorelines, and the dramatic Devil's Tea Table cliffs while enjoying a mix of calm water and gentle Class I rapids. Depending on river conditions, your tubing trip may take anywhere from 90 minutes to 3+ hours.
Refuel After Your Float
Grab a riverside table at Finnbar, enjoy handmade pizzas and Italian favorites at Piazzi, or settle in at Cocina del Sol for fresh Mexican fare. Both Piazzi and Cocina del Sol are BYOB, making them perfect spots to relax after a day on the river.
Shop & Explore
Spend the afternoon wandering Frenchtown's eclectic downtown. Browse independent boutiques, hunt for vintage treasures, flip through crates of vinyl records, discover one-of-a-kind thrift finds, and explore the galleries, specialty shops, and bookstores that make Frenchtown such a destination.
Take a Towpath Walk
Before dinner, take a stroll along the Delaware & Raritan Canal Towpath. This peaceful riverside trail offers beautiful views of the water and is the perfect way to slow down after your adventure.
Stay for Dinner
For a classic Frenchtown evening, head to The National Hotel, a historic landmark known for its charm, craft cocktails, and seasonal menu.
Looking for something more casual? Head back toward Kingwood and grab dinner at Tavern 519, a local favorite where you'll find great food, cold drinks, and a welcoming atmosphere after a day on the river.
RIVER TUBING ESSENTIALS
A little preparation goes a long way toward making your day on the river even better.
Bring
Sunscreen
A hat and sunglasses
Plenty of water and snacks
A waterproof dry bag for phones, keys, and valuables
A waterproof camera or waterproof phone case
A change of clothes and a towel for after your float
Wear
Closed-toe water shoes or secure sandals
Leave at Home
Flip-flops
Anything you can't afford to lose in the river
Know Before You Go
Your Big Bear Gear tubing adventure includes a river tube, personal flotation device (PFD), shuttle transportation, and a scenic five-mile float down one of the most beautiful stretches of the Delaware River.
After check-in, you'll board a shuttle to the launch point where Big Bear Gear's waterfront team will assist you with your tube and river entry.
Float Time
Most trips take between 90 minutes and 3+ hours depending on river conditions.
Tubing Hours
Weekdays
First tubes launch at 10:00 AM
Last tubes launch at 12:00 PM
All tubes must be off the river by 3:00 PM
Weekends
First tubes launch at 10:00 AM
Last tubes launch at 2:00 PM
All tubes must be off the river by 6:00 PM
Reservations are strongly recommended for all trips, especially weekends and holidays.
A day spent tubing the Delaware, shopping for vinyl and vintage finds, strolling the towpath, and enjoying great food is one of the best ways to experience summer in the River Loop. ☀️🛟🌊🍕🍷