Tubing on the Delaware

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For anyone who visits Washington’s Crossing of Pennsylvania, whether to learn the history of the famous crossing in 1776, experience the vast landscaping of Bucks County, or just want to get out of the house for something to do; the Delaware River offers you a wide array of activities and adventures.

During the summer months, one of these activities is tubing on Delaware. 

In Pennsylvania and New Jersey, it can reach temperatures of 90 and higher during the months of June, July, and August. Add in the high humidity, there are days that it can feel impossible to move let alone enjoy a staycation or getaway. 

However, with the shore being over an hour away in the opposite direction many of us rely on local or backyard swimming pools to help cool us off on those long summer days.

This doesn’t help tourists or even locals like Melissa and I, who opt for an apartment over homeownership at the moment.

This is where River Country comes into play.

River Country is on the Pennsylvania side of the Delaware River. 

How do you get to Bucks County River Country?

To get here from New Hope or Washington’s Crossing, just take River Road north until you come across the intersection of Point Pleasant Pike, Tohickon Hill Rd, and River Rd. Make a right to stay on River Road.

You will cross over Tohickon Creek and shortly after need to make a right onto Byram Road. 

Follow Byram Road as it turns into Walters Lane. You will see the entrance on your right into the parking lot of Bucks County River Country (click for map). 

How much does it cost to park at Bucks Country River Country?

The price for parking was $7 (in 2019) at Bucks County River Country. They do offer plenty of parking spaces but be aware that it is all on gravel. 

Once you have parked, remember to apply your sunblock before heading up to the ticket counter.

At the ticket counter, you will have to sign a release form for safety and liability. 

Bucks County River Country does offer other options beyond tubing such as kayaking and canons if you are interested. 

What is the weight limit for the tubes at Bucks County River Country?

There are a few styles of tubing offered at Bucks County River Country.

The traditional single tubing weight limit is approximately 250lbs 

The blue tubing (sorry forget the name) went up to 350lbs

While the double-seated tubing has a noted weight limit of 450lbs.

We both personally chose the blue tubing for our own minds but Melissa could have definitely gone with the traditional single tube. 

What should you prepare for when going tubing on The Delaware?

The first thing you want to do is definitely check the river conditions. Bucks County River Country does a great job of trying to keep everyone safe by keeping track of the conditions each day on the river. 

The second thing we recommend is to bring a jump rope or rope of some sort so you can stick together, especially if you are in many of the single tubes with your family. 

Unfortunately for us, we learned the hard way about the sticking together portion. From losing my favorite water bottle, learning how to paddle upstream without paddles, and just overall frustrations of dealing with the water’s current, it’s a lesson we don’t take lightly at this point. 

How much time do you need to go tubing on The Delaware river?

When we opted to go tubing on The Delaware, there were two tour options available. 

• 2 hours
• 3 hours

*As of 2020, the option for 3 hours was no longer listed as available for the season.*

We opted for the 3 hour tour considering it was a gorgeous day and really had nothing better to do than relax. And if you know Melissa, this is an extremely difficult thing for her to do unless forced!

How much does it cost to go tubing at Bucks County River Country?

All tours start at $25 per person. 

There are group tours (greater than 19 people) available as well, but it is requested that you call ahead for reservations. 

How do you get on the river to go tubing with Bucks County River Country?

Once you pay for your tickets and grab your tubes you might be thinking you just head off to the edge of the river and launch yourself into the water. 

WRONG!

The truth is that the location of Bucks County River Country is actually the end of the tour. 

To get into the river with your tube you will get on board a converted school bus (yes it’s converted so you and your tube will fit). 

The bus driver will then take you up the river and drop you off at your launch locations. 

Since we choose the 3-hour tour, we were the first drop off on the bus. However, with no signs and the instructions were given to us so quickly it became more of an adventure to find the edge of the river than expected. 

Here is a quick guide on how to find the river when taking the 3 hour river ride. 
Exit the Bus facing the river (not the street)

1. Walk to the bridge
2. Cross the bridge of the left
3. Turn right
4. find the stairs & descend
5. find the next flight of stairs by walking a few feet to the left
6. descend stairs and walk into the river
7. Enjoy!

What is it like tubing on The Delaware?

If you are thinking that the adventure of riding on a tube down the Delaware river is similar to a lazy river at a water park. You are extremely misinformed. 

Melissa tried to warn me, but I had extremely high expectations and wasn’t willing to listen to reasoning. 

This is how for about a good 30 minutes of the river tour we spent our time apart. Remember the jump rope idea, definitely tie your tubes together before you get in them if you want to stay together and not have to paddle like we did. 

With Melissa paddling upstream and me, paddling downstream. 

It must have been a hilarious sight for anyone around, thankfully we were pretty much alone. 

After a frantic lesson of river currents, we finally were able to reach each other. We entangled our feet together and found a rhythm to take us through the few rapids we experienced. 

The joy about the three-hour tour is that you get about an hour of peace before coming upon the two-hour tour groups.

There is a point around the 1.5 hour mark in the 3 hour tour where you can stop to grab a bite to eat. Yes, there is literally a hot dog stand in the middle of the Delaware river!

We opted to continue down the river, ironically, as we made this decision we drifted into the fork of the river that became extremely rapid. This made the trip for Melissa all that more exciting and for me, tested my heart.

When taking on an adventure involving water there are numerous things that can go wrong and my mind was reeling through all of them as we prepared for each rapid.

Despite my sheer panic, Melissa stayed calm and guided us through the rapids. I’m so thankful that we have opposite personality traits. Only one person can panic at a time in our relationship!

What do we need to bring for tubing on the Delaware?

We definitely recommend some form of water shoe. Although you might get a weird food tan, the bottom of the Delaware houses not only rocks, algae, and animals, it is also a well-known fishing location that hooks get lost in.

You definitely don’t want to have to pull one of those out of your foot!

The Vifuur Water Sports Unisex Shoes come in Wides!

If you are anything like Melissa and burn even the slightest, you will want to ensure you have plenty of sunscreen. 

Melissa’s favorite is Neutrogena. 

If you do opt to take your phone on the river with you be sure to have a protective water proof case. Despite watching many other groups lose phones in the river (and I myself almost dropping Melissa’s) the water proof case will help ensure your phone is protected even from the splashing waters in the rapids. 

Conclusion

If you are going to take the three-hour tour, be prepared, bring things to drink, keep your phone in a waterproof container if you must bring it with you, use a lot of sun-block and just enjoy the day. 

Would we do go again?

Yes! Although we wouldn’t take the three-hour tour again, we definitely wouldn’t mind going again. 

The Portly Passengers provides plus size inclusive travel tips and advice for anyone who is looking to explore the world. From seat sizes on airplanes to exploring museums, restaurants, and nature Melissa & Peter have the experience and stories to help guide you through it.