Tubing the Delaware River: The Complete Guide

There's nothing quite like floating down the Delaware River on a warm summer day — cold drinks in the cooler, sun on your face, and absolutely nothing on your to-do list. Tubing the Delaware is one of the most popular outdoor activities in the Poconos, and for good reason. It's easy, it's affordable, and you don't need any experience to have a great time.

Whether you're planning a day out with friends, a family adventure, or a bachelor party on the water, here's everything you need to know about tubing the Delaware River with Chamberlain Canoes.

What Is Delaware River Tubing?

Tubing is exactly what it sounds like — you sit in an inflatable river tube and float downstream. No paddling required (though a little hand-paddling helps you steer). The current does most of the work while you relax, swim, and take in the scenery along the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area.

Our tubing route runs from Kittatinny Point (right in the Delaware Water Gap) down to Portland, PA — about 4 miles of scenic, easy-going river. Expect the float to take anywhere from 3 to 5 hours depending on water flow, wind conditions, and how much time you spend swimming and hanging out along the way.

Who Is Tubing For?

Everyone. Seriously. You don't need to be athletic, outdoorsy, or even a strong swimmer (life vests are provided and required at the start of every trip). Tubing is the most beginner-friendly way to experience the Delaware River.

That said, tubing is especially popular with:

• Groups of friends looking for a low-key day on the water
• Families with kids who want an easy outdoor adventure
• Bachelor and bachelorette parties
• Corporate outings and team-building events
• First-time river-goers who aren't ready for a canoe or kayak

What to Bring

Packing smart makes a big difference. Here's what we recommend:

• Cooler with drinks and snacks — we encourage it. Just no glass on the river.
• Water shoes or old sneakers — you'll be getting in and out of the water. Flip-flops tend to float away.
• Sunscreen — you're on the water for hours. Reapply.
• Sunglasses with a strap — the river doesn't give them back.
• A dry bag for your phone and keys (or leave valuables in the car).
• Swimsuit and a hat — dress for the water, not the trail.

What About Pets?

Unfortunately, pets are not permitted on tubes or rafts — the risk of puncture and the difficulty of keeping an animal safe in an open tube is too high. If you want to bring your dog on the river, check out our canoe and kayaktrips — dogs are welcome on those.

How the Trip Works

1. Check in at our base at 103 Five Star Lane in East Stroudsburg, PA.
2. We'll fit you with a life vest and get you set up with your tubes.
3. Our shuttle takes you to the launch point at Kittatinny Point in the Delaware Water Gap.
4. You float downstream to Portland, stopping to swim, eat, and explore as much as you want.
5. At the takeout point, our shuttle picks you up and brings you back to base.

You're renting the equipment for the day, not by the hour. Take your time. Just be at the endpoint and ready for pickup by closing time (5pm or 6pm depending on season).

When to Go

Tubing season runs from our opening day (typically early May) through September, with the best conditions from June through August. Water levels and temperature make mid-summer the sweet spot.

Weekdays tend to be quieter if you prefer a more peaceful float. Weekends and holidays are busier and more of a party atmosphere — both are a great time, just depends on the vibe you're going for.

Why the Delaware?

The stretch of the Delaware River through the Water Gap is one of the cleanest in the eastern United States. The scenery is stunning — forested ridges, eagles overhead, and clear water you can see through. It's protected as part of the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, which means no development along the banks. Just river, trees, and wildlife.

You're less than 90 minutes from New York City and Philadelphia, which makes this one of the most accessible river trips in the Northeast.

Ready to Float?

Chamberlain Canoes has been running trips on the Delaware since 1968. We handle the logistics — tubes, vests, shuttles, and pickup — so all you have to do is show up and enjoy the ride. Check out our tubing trips and pricing, or go ahead and book your spot.