Take The Longest Float Trip In South Carolina This Summer On The Saluda River

South Carolina is known for its incredible southern hospitality, its coastal cities, and high temperatures come summertime. If you're looking for a reprieve from the heat no matter the time of year, getting out on the water helps stave off the discomfort that comes with high temperatures. South Carolina doesn't have many companies that offer river tubing and you'll undoubtedly want to try them all. We suggest you start that quest with the biggest outfitter and the longest float trip in the state from Palmetto Outdoor Center In Columbia. It's a locally-owned gem that's perfect for a day out and about on the water. If you're looking for the longest float trip in South Carolina, well, you just found it!

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You'll meet up with the trip at the West Columbia Riverwalk and Amphitheater where you'll check-in and then board a bus to the launch point upriver. This is where you'll meet the folks that will be joining you during your time river tubing in South Carolina.

The spot you meet is also the take-out point when your river float is over. Be sure to wear water shoes for the river and for the hot pavement when you return and walk back to your vehicle.

After a quick, 10-minute ride to the launch point upriver, everyone will launch in the same place.

When making reservations online, it's important to understand the different between the Regular tube and the Deluxe tube. Seen here in yellow, the regular tube is built so you can put your feet and body all the way through the tube.

And the Deluxe tube is covered in mesh, creating a cozy seat and different tubing experience altogether.

There's only a slight difference in the rental price, so it's really a matter of preference. Outdoor summer activities in South Carolina vary greatly, as do the requirements for each. Make sure to plan ahead and order the right tube, folks!

You can expect this tubing experience to be like none other in the Palmetto State!

While other tubing trips are just as peaceful and serene, they may not have some mini rapids to create a bit of excitement as you make your way over them.

Don't worry: if you fall out, the water isn't very deep at all!

And either way... you're guaranteed to get wet. During the height of the summer season, the water temps here barely reach 65 degrees, so prepare for a refreshing experience! The longest float trip in South Carolina has a few tricks up its sleeve, so be ready to adventure come rapids or slow-moving water. There's a lot of fun to be had, friends.

During the last few hundred feet of your trip, you'll get to float right under the historic Gervais Street Bridge...

...just before arriving at the take out point. In all, the trip takes 3-4 hours and you can move at your own pace since you don't have to meet a bus at the takeout point. Some people rent an extra Deluxe tube and secure a cooler to it with rope.

Palmetto Outdoor Center also hosts kayaking trips and rents tubes and kayaks for use in and around Columbia. Kids must be at least 10 years old and weigh at least 50 pounds. For this river tubing excursion, the meetup point is at this Address: 131 Alexander Road, West Columbia, SC, 29169

If you reserve your package online, then you'll be able to book with a credit card; however, if you are a walk-up customer at the address above, you'll need to bring cash.