ABOUT

Big Muddy Adventures was established in 2002. We are the first professional outfitter/guiding company providing access to the wild wonders of the Middle Mississippi and Lower Missouri Rivers. We are located in the great river city of Saint Louis.

BMA has guided and outfitted thousands of people from all over the world, and we are recognized as a world class adventure company.  With a full fleet of paddling vessels, including canoes, kayaks, stand-up paddle boards and voyageur canoes, BMA takes great pride in our focus on safety and personal attention. 

IS IT SAFE TO PADDLE THE MISSISSIPPI & MISSOURI RIVERS?

This is the number one question asked. The response is absolutely and without reservation–Yes it is safe (with BMA)! We provide professionally guided and outfitted trips.  For those interested in paddling on your own, we advise that you have advanced paddling skills and big moving water experience. We do not advise anyone without advanced paddler level skills to attempt a self-guided trip on the Mississippi or Missouri River without proper skills, boat choices and gear.

BMA is proud of our expertise at guiding and outfitting on the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers. We have helped pioneer the understanding and practice of the techniques that enable safe paddling on the Great Rivers. BMA strictly and faithfully adheres to the Safety First policy. We make all decisions with safety as the primary focus. From the trip planning process to the trip completion, we have a comprehensive system that works well.

BMA’s cancellation policy reflects our commitment to safety first, “We go only if it is safe.”

For those interested in do-it-yourself trips on the Great Rivers, BMA offers American Canoe Association certified paddling courses, as well as additional workshops for self rescue and team rescue. Contact us if you would like to join one of our paddling education events.

For an even deeper dive, check out Quapaw Canoe Company’s definitive guide to paddling the Middle and Lower Mississippi River, see rivergator.org.

WHY CHOOSE BIG MUDDY ADVENTURES?

Choosing a river trip on the Mississippi or Missouri River is one of the greatest experiences of a lifetime. Paddling on these rivers is our passion. BMA has more than two decades of experience. You do not need any paddling experience to join us on a trip. We plan our trips to adapt to the conditions of the river and weather and the needs of our clients. The variety of options and opportunities makes us the go-to specialists on the Great Rivers.

BMA guides receive training and certifications in safety, rescue, food service and wilderness first aid.  BMA boats and gear are chosen with regard to their high standard of quality and our personal experience using them.

BMA guides and staff truly love all things about our Great Rivers. We come to this with a myriad of life experiences. We are teachers, river stewards, historians, artists, musicians, cooks, storytellers and above all great paddlers. Our goal is to mix our knowledge and talent with your desire to have fun, enjoy a world class experience, satisfy your curiosity and provide great food and entertainment. We have made partnerships with professionals and the best providers in the region regarding river advocacy, gourmet food and entertainment. Regardless of conditions, we know that “River Time”, as we call it, is always exciting and new and fun!

OUR FLEET

• Voyageur Canoes

  • Junebug 1

    • 29' Cypress-strip Voyager Canoe

  • Stan The Man

    • 29' Fiberglass Voyager Canoe (Clipper)

  • Rosie

    • 29' Fiberglass Voyager Canoe (Clipper)

  • Avo

    • 29' Fiberglass Voyager Canoe (Clipper)

  • Heron

    • 29' Fiberglass Voyager Canoe (Clipper)

  • Aloha

    • 29' Fiberglass Voyager Canoe (Clipper)

  • Bob

    • 24' Fiberglass Voyager Canoe (Clipper)

• Touring Canoes

  • 17' Spirit II (Wenonah) x 6

  • 20’ Minnesota IV (Wenonah) x 4

• Touring Kayaks

  • 15' Whistler (Current Designs) x 12