From tanning along the West Side Highway to squeezing onto packed trains bound for the beach, New Yorkers often have to get creative when it comes to summer traditions. But just two hours from the city, there’s an outdoor adventure that feels a world away from the concrete jungle.
Winding through the scenic Delaware River in Bucks County, this beloved tubing excursion offers hours of floating past lush forests, rocky riverbanks, and rolling countryside views. Equal parts relaxing and adventurous, it’s the kind of summer escape that makes you forget you’re anywhere near NYC, and it’s officially back for the season.
What to Know Before You Float: Essential Delaware River Tubing Tips
Before you pack your swim gear and head out to Point Pleasant, Pennsylvania, there are a few strict rules and expert tips to ensure your day on the river goes smoothly. The Delaware is a dynamic, living river, and the local outfitters—specifically Bucks County River Country (the top-rated rental outfitter in the area)—keep things highly organized for visitor safety.
- Strict Cooler & Alcohol Ban: To protect the local ecosystem and ensure safety, coolers, cans, glass bottles, and alcohol are strictly prohibited on the river. You may only bring non-disposable water bottles or jugs with non-alcoholic drinks.
- Age and Safety Requirements: The minimum age for tubing is 4 years old. Children aged 10 and under must be physically tethered to an adult’s tube while on the water. Life jackets are mandatory for all participants aged 12 and under, as well as any non-swimmers.
- Smart Footwear is Required: Leave the flip-flops and slides in your car. The riverbed is incredibly rocky and slippery; you will need an old pair of sneakers or sturdy water shoes that secure firmly to your feet.
Choose Your Adventure: Lazy Floating vs. Active Paddling
When you book your trip online, you get to choose exactly how you want to cruise. Depending on your mood and who you are traveling with, you can customize your river experience:
The Classic Tube Float
This is the most popular option. You can choose between a 3.2-mile float (roughly 2 hours) or a 4.3-mile float (roughly 3 hours). Prices start around $36 on weekends, with mid-week specials from $26 on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. The current does most of the heavy lifting, allowing you to kick back, look up at the trees, and soak in the sun.
Multi-Person Raft Rentals
If you are visiting with young children or prefer a highly stable, shared experience, look into renting a multi-person raft (starting at $126). Rafts hold up to 4 adults, are much harder to tip than tubes, and allow groups to stick together without drifting apart in the current.
Single and Tandem Kayaks or Canoes
For those looking for a workout and a bit more speed, the outfitter offers Old Town canoes and a variety of single or tandem kayaks. Keep in mind that boating and tubing launch from entirely different locations miles apart, so your group will need to commit to one style of watercraft for the day!
How to Get to Bucks County River Country From NYC
Getting to 2 Walters Lane, Point Pleasant, PA 18950 from New York City takes just under two hours, making it the perfect day-trip distance.
- By Public Transit: If you don’t have access to a car, you can catch a Trans-Bridge Lines bus from the Port Authority Bus Terminal to Frenchtown, NJ or Doylestown, PA, and then take a short 15-minute rideshare (Uber or Lyft) straight to the River Country parking lot.
- By Car (Most Convenient): Take the Lincoln Tunnel out of Manhattan and hop onto I-95 South towards New Jersey. Transition onto I-78 West, then follow NJ-29 South along the scenic New Jersey side of the Delaware River. Cross the bridge into Pennsylvania at Frenchtown or Stockton, and follow the river roads right into Point Pleasant.
