River rafting gives humans the an opportunity to see the world from a perspective usually reserved for floating leaves, otters, and trolls who have turned into driftwood. Gaze upon new territories with today’s Groupon: for $33, you get a half-day rafting tour of the Rio Grande Lower Gorge with Big River Raft Trips in Pilar, launching near the Orilla Verde recreation area (a $60 value).

Big River Raft Trips leads journeys through both the calm and tumultuous waters of the Rio Grande. The Lower Gorge half-day trip traverses the calmer waters, allowing visitors to enjoy the serene beauty of the canyon’s chiseled rocks, wooded areas, and picturesque mesas, without the fear of losing a camera or ruining one’s bouffant in the rapids. Knowledgeable expert guides such as Big River Raft Trips owner Big River Billy, a class 5+ river boatman who has logged 10,000 river hours, lead the excursions, imparting wisdom about local canyon history and wildlife along the way.

Big River Raft Trips supplies all the boating equipment, life jackets, wetsuit booties, bottled water, and dry bags, but recommends that adventurers wear a bathing suit and bring basic outdoor essentials such as sunscreen and a hat. Post-voyage, a complimentary shuttle conveys guests back to their vehicles as they snack on chips, salsa, and popsicles and practice paddle high-fives.