Top Durango Cruises & Sailing: Your Guide to Water Adventures

Looking for some on-the-water fun? Well, Durango’s got quite a scene that’s just waiting for you! Whether you’re dreaming of peaceful sailing on a calm lake or maybe more of an exciting river cruise, that town is actually a great jumping-off point for all sorts of water-based explorations. We are going to check out the five best cruises and sailing tours near Durango, to maybe help you plan your next aquatic adventure. So, grab your sunscreen, because it could be that we’re about to set sail!

1. Lake Nighthorse Cruise: Relax and Enjoy the Scenery

Lake Nighthorse is this man-made reservoir which actually sits pretty close to Durango, and its super inviting for folks wanting a peaceful cruise experience. Lots of tour companies nearby are providing narrated cruises where you can totally sit back, and basically take in the gorgeous mountain scenery. That’s not a bad way to spend an afternoon at all! It turns out that these cruises are usually a great pick for families or individuals wanting a calm day on the water.

While you’re gliding on the water, keep your eyes open for local wildlife, too. The lake’s pretty well known for some bald eagles and plenty of different kinds of water birds. So, do not forget to bring your camera!

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2. Mild to Wild Rafting & Jeep Tours: A Combo Adventure

Okay, this is where things begin to get interesting. Now, for people that like to mix things up, you might want to check out Mild to Wild Rafting. They actually provide packages which combine rafting trips along the Animas River and some jeep tours into the surrounding backcountry. This thing is basically your ticket to a little something for everyone: exciting rapids combined with awesome views. So, it should give the best of both land and sea.

As I was saying, the Lower Animas River trip could be just the ticket if you are searching for a less intense rafting experience, especially nice if there’s children with you. What’s cool, too, is they often will include some meals along the riverside and that provides the ideal amount of time relaxing and just appreciating that natural splendor all around.

Read our full review: Mild to Wild Rafting & Jeep Tours Full Review and Details

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3. Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad: River Views From a Train

Well, okay this may not be technically a cruise or sailing tour, but what it is, is a ride on the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, that is providing some amazing views of the Animas River, right from the comfort of a vintage train car. Is that something or what? Along with that, it follows the river gorge for some ways and also delivers a really special view which lots of river-based excursions are simply unable to match. In a way, the train ride gives this very amazing historical vibe too, and what is offered is a unique perspective that merges Durango’s history with all its beautiful landscapes. It’s almost as if you are seeing the land the way old timers used to. So that, in itself, is quite impressive.

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4. Twilight Lake Cruise on Vallecito Lake: Evening Magic

Now just a short drive from Durango will take you to Vallecito Lake, a little place where a few companies give some evening twilight cruises. These things will typically begin just before sunset, thus supplying some stunning views as the sun slips down right behind the mountains. They seem to also give you a special atmosphere with softer lighting, a fresh coolness in that air and calm water. That, you have to admit, just feels better after baking under the sun all day.

And, the tours frequently mix a little bit of regional history along with information on the lake’s natural environment to make it both fun, plus educational, very. So, it’s all up to your needs.

Read our full review: Twilight Lake Cruise on Vallecito Lake Full Review and Details

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5. Stand-Up Paddleboard (SUP) and Kayak Tours: Paddle at Your Own Pace

For the people which actually like to be more hands-on and set their own pace, maybe checking out the stand-up paddleboard, so SUP, plus kayak tours may be much better choices. And the lakes just right outside Durango—for example, right on the Vallecito plus also up on Lake Nighthorse—rent out equipment so tourists can take some time exploring all these waterways by their selves.

Several local outfitters do offer instructed tours as well, teaching folks some paddle techniques, showing important security information and sharing insights regarding the ecosystem. That activity could turn out to be perfect for people which want both a work out with some gorgeous scenery, and too it’s almost a real win/win. In that case, grab a paddle and hit the water, I would imagine. Also, keep safety a top priority and plan out your course.

Read our full review: SUP & Kayak Tours Full Review and Details

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