Rafts

 

For the ultimate in stability and family/group adventure, try our 5-person and 7-person rafts. Made of extremely durable Hypalon, these are the same rafts used on major whitewater rivers (but of course, there is NO whitewater). The river does most of the work as far as taking you downstream, but it's up to you and your crew to work together and steer/navigate your Raft down the narrow passages & around obstacles. Rafts are spacious and promote TEAMWORK. They also decrease your chance of accidentally getting wet - a real relief for those with young ones! Trips end in beautiful Burt Lake State Park — swim, picnic, play!

Sorry, NO Pets or large, heavy coolers in rafts, and NO 7-person Rafts on the 3½-4 hr trip.

Recommended for: all ages (young to the young at heart!) and all skill levels (beginner to advanced). Wonderful group or family activity! We recommend the shortest trip for extremely young children and the longest trip only for older and/or more adventurous, experienced paddlers.

Raft Rates: are per person. During the summer season there is a minimum of 4 paid people in the 5-person rafts and 6 paid people in the 7-person rafts.

1 child age 5 & under allowed to go FREE per raft! (as long as the paid minimums are met)
 

Raft Pricing
Approx. Float Time Price Per Person Departure Times
1 Hours $20 9-5:30 (every 1/2 hour)
2 Hours $27 9-5 (every 1/2 hour)
3.5 - 4 Hours $38 9-2:30 (every 1/2 hour)

 

Who would you recommend to raft?
Rafts are a great option for people of all ages and skill levels (beginners to advanced). This is a wonderful group activity that promotes teamwork and togetherness. We recommend the shortest trip for extremely young children and the longest trip only for older and/or more adventurous paddlers.
Can my group tube and raft?
Groups can choose to tube and raft together, and is a great option for groups that want to try a variety of watercraft while on the Sturgeon. Many groups enjoy this mix of equipment because everyone gets a chance to try something different! However, please do keep in mind that tubes travel much slower downriver than rafts. The approximate 1 ½ hr tube trip, take approximately 1 hr by raft. Also, all of Big Bear Adventures trips end in Burt Lake State Park (directly across the street from our location). However, all paddlers end on the sandy beach of Burt Lake inside the State Park while tubers end approximately 10 minutes prior to the lake. Mixing of the tubes with other paddlecraft is feasible, but please be sure to keep this in mind when planning your trip.
Can I fish on the trip?
The Sturgeon River has a swift current that descends approximately 14 feet per mile. While fishing is a sport that you can enjoy on the Sturgeon, it is NOT recommended to do while paddling. There are many tight, narrow bends, overhanging trees/branches, and a swift current that will occupy you while paddling, and not leave you with time to fish. Also, there is a lot of private property along the river, and we must respect private landowners by remaining off their property. (Absolutely NO fishing allowed in rafts, tubes, cats, or other inflatables).
Can I bring a dog?
We do not recommend bringing a dog on the river. Depending on the size of the dog and their ability to sit still, they frequently increase the risk of capsizing because they throw off the center of gravity in the boat. This is not recommended for inexperienced paddlers, or animals that are not used to sitting still in a canoe. With that said, we do occasionally allow dogs in canoes provided that the owner has complete control of the animal in all equipment and vehicles! (Absolutely NO dogs allowed in rafts, tubes, cats, or other inflatables).