Floating Bar Crawl Tour

Our review focuses on the Floating Bar Crawl Tour in Asheville, a fun and laid-back way to combine river scenery with the city’s thriving craft beer scene. While we haven’t personally floated down the French Broad River on this tour, the enthusiastic reviews and detailed itinerary suggest it offers a distinctive blend of nature, local flavor, and small-group camaraderie.

What immediately appeals to us are two aspects: First, the easy, guided float stretch that promises relaxing river views and a chill atmosphere. Second, the small-group setup with a maximum of 12 travelers, which generally means a more personal, less rushed experience.

One potential consideration is that this isn’t a traditional pub crawl — there’s no shuttle back to your starting point, so you’ll need to arrange your own transportation afterward. This might be a minor hassle for some but is worth noting if you prefer door-to-door service.

This tour seems best suited for travelers who enjoy casual outdoor adventures, good beer, and scenic views — perfect for those wanting a memorable, stress-free day with a touch of adventure.

This experience made our article of 14 Of The Best Drinking Tours In Asheville.

Key Points

• Small-group experience with a maximum of 12 travelers ensures a relaxed and personable outing.
• Combination of river float and brewery visits offers a balanced blend of nature and local culture.
• Guided by knowledgeable hosts who are praised for making the day enjoyable and engaging.
• Includes gear and cooler for the river float, simplifying logistics for travelers.
• No transportation back from the final stop, so plan your ride accordingly.
• Affordable value at $90 per person, with many reviews highlighting the worthwhile experience.

An In-Depth Look at the Floating Bar Crawl Tour

What is the Floating Bar Crawl?

This tour in Asheville offers a unique way to experience the city’s breweries while floating down the French Broad River. The idea is simple but appealing: you start with a guided float on a commercial raft, equipped with life jackets, paddles, and a cooler filled with ice, then stop at a few of Asheville’s top breweries, ending at the famous New Belgium Brewing Company.

It’s a relaxed, small-group experience designed to blend the scenic beauty of the river with the lively atmosphere of local breweries. The tour’s emphasis on casual fun, authenticity, and local flavor makes it stand out from more conventional brewery tours or river trips.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Stop 1: Wrong Way River Lodge & Cabins

This cozy spot along the river is perfect for a pre-raft warm-up. Known for its affordable craft beers and inviting deck, it’s an ideal place to grab a drink and soak in the views before hopping onto the raft. One reviewer describes it as a “nice spot along the river,” perfect for relaxing and setting the tone for the day.

Stop 2: New Belgium Brewing Company

The tour culminates at this well-known Asheville brewery, famed for its variety of beers and lively atmosphere. Here, you’ll enjoy delicious beer and have access to food trucks, adding to the communal and tasty experience. Reviewers are quick to highlight how plenty of time is allocated at each stop, making it more than just a quick visit.

Stop 3: Wedge at Foundation

This final brewery offers amazing craft beer, according to several reviews. It’s a fitting capstone to the day, with a chance to sample more local brews and reflect on the river journey. The 45-minute stops at each brewery emphasize quality time rather than rushing through.

What to Expect on the River

The float down the French Broad River is designed to be easy and relaxing, suitable for most travelers. The raft is well-equipped, and the cooler filled with ice ensures your drinks stay cold. However, some reviews mention that the walk to the first bar can be a bit long and that the banks might be steep and slippery, so good footwear and care are wise.

The Group Size and Atmosphere

With a maximum of 12 travelers, the tour fosters a small-group atmosphere. Multiple reviewers describe guides who are fun, engaging, and knowledgeable, elevating the experience. Walker and Cody, the guides named in reviews, are praised for their friendliness and making everyone feel comfortable.

Price and Value

At $90 per person, the price covers the raft, gear, and stops at three breweries, which many reviewers agree is a good value. You’re paying for a mix of scenic relaxation, local beer, and guided expertise. It’s a laid-back outing that offers more than just a few tastings — it’s a full half-day of fun.

Logistics and Practicalities

The tour starts at 220 Hominy Creek Rd and ends at New Belgium Brewing Company. Since no transportation back is provided, you’ll need to arrange a ride share or shuttle. This is a minor inconvenience but important to consider for planning your day.

What Past Travelers Say

The reviews are generally glowing. Many mention how much fun they had, with timed stops allowing plenty of beer sampling and socializing. One traveler noted, “Cody was our guide and was so much fun,” highlighting the importance of a friendly, knowledgeable guide. Another loved the stunning views and the chance to see a bald eagle, adding a memorable wildlife sighting to the trip.

Of course, not every review is perfect. Some found the walk to the first stop a bit long or the banks of the river challenging. A couple expressed disappointment that the float didn’t involve much actual water contact, but these seem to be outweighed by the overall positive feedback.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for adventurous spirits who enjoy relaxed outdoor activities and want to combine nature with local brews. It suits those who appreciate small-group outings and are looking for a casual, social atmosphere. It’s also great for beer lovers eager to explore Asheville’s craft scene without the rush of a traditional brewery tour.

However, travelers who prefer smooth, door-to-door transportation or are less comfortable with uneven terrain or longer walks might want to consider other options or plan accordingly.

Final Thoughts

The Floating Bar Crawl Tour offers a refreshingly different way to experience Asheville. It’s a great mix of scenic float and beer tasting, with a focus on authentic local flavors and informal fun. The small-group size and friendly guides ensure a personalized experience that many travelers find memorable.

While it may not be for everyone — especially those seeking luxury transportation or a more water-intensive adventure — it excels as an authentic, laid-back day trip. The combination of beautiful river views, excellent breweries, and a relaxed pace makes it a worthwhile choice for anyone wanting to enjoy Asheville’s outdoors and craft beer culture.

In short, if you’re after a casual, social adventure that blends nature and local brews, this tour deserves a spot on your Asheville itinerary.

FAQs

Is transportation provided back to the start?
No, the tour does not include a shuttle or transportation back. You’ll need to arrange your own ride share or taxi from the end point at New Belgium Brewing.

How long does the tour last?
It lasts approximately 4 hours, including the river float and brewery stops.

Can I bring my own beer?
Yes, you’re welcome to bring some beers to put in the cooler provided on the raft.

Is the tour suitable for all ages?
Most travelers can participate, but it’s best for those comfortable with outdoor activity and walking on uneven terrain.

What gear is included?
A commercial raft, life jackets, paddles, and a cooler with ice are provided.

Are the brewery stops free?
Yes, the stops at the breweries are included, and you pay for your own food or additional drinks if desired.

What should I wear?
Comfortable clothes suitable for a float and walking, along with sturdy shoes for the bank walk, are recommended.

This floating bar crawl beautifully combines relaxed river scenery, lively local breweries, and small-group camaraderie. It’s a fun way to spend half a day in Asheville, especially if you love craft beer and outdoor adventures.