RIVER TUBING

Zen Tubing — River Tubing in Asheville, North Carolina

A Laid-Back French Broad River Float in Asheville

Zen Tubing is one of Asheville’s best-known river tubing outfitters, offering relaxing float trips on the French Broad River in Western North Carolina. For the 2026 season, their active tubing operation is focused on the South Asheville location at 1648 Brevard Road in Arden, NC, just minutes from downtown Asheville, the North Carolina Arboretum, and the Blue Ridge Parkway.

This location gives visitors a more natural, scenic float experience on a cleaner, quieter stretch of the French Broad River. Instead of worrying about where to park, where to put in, or how to get back to your car, Zen Tubing makes the whole thing easy: you park at their outpost, check in, catch the shuttle upstream, float back downriver, and your vehicle is waiting for you at the end. It’s simple, relaxed, and about as Asheville as it gets.

What Makes Their River Tubing Special

What makes Zen Tubing special is how easy they make the whole river experience. Your tubing reservation includes a super-deluxe tube, life jacket, free parking, and a shuttle ride, so you do not have to piece together the trip yourself. Their tubes are designed for comfort and include features like a headrest, bottom, and cup holder, which makes a big difference when you’re spending a couple hours floating down the river.

The South Asheville float typically lasts around 2 hours, though that can change depending on the river level and conditions. Higher water can speed up the trip, while lower water can slow things down. Either way, the experience is meant to be relaxing rather than intense. You’ll float through a scenic, natural section of the French Broad with mountain views, native landscape, and that easygoing Western North Carolina river feel.

Groups can also make the trip more social by using straps to stay connected on the water. Zen Tubing also offers cooler carriers, which are separate floating tubes made to carry drinks and snacks. These can be reserved during checkout and are a popular add-on for families, friend groups, bachelor or bachelorette parties, and anyone planning to make a day of it.

Operating Season & Hours

Zen Tubing’s South Asheville tubing operation is open seasonally during the warmer months. Recent operating information lists the season as generally running from mid-May through Labor Day / September, depending on weather, river conditions, and seasonal demand.

For the 2026 season, Zen Tubing lists the South Asheville operation as:

Open Tuesday through Sunday
Closed Monday
Hours: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM Eastern Time
Trips start at 10:00 AM

Reservations are highly recommended because they are often fully booked, especially on weekends, holidays, and busy summer days. Walk-ins may be accepted if space is available, but they are not guaranteed.

Guests should also remember that their reservation time is their shuttle time. That means you need to be fully checked in and ready to go before that time, not just pulling into the parking lot. Zen Tubing asks guests to arrive 30 minutes early so there is time to park, check in, get your ticket, complete the safety talk, and board the shuttle.

Prices for Tubing

Zen Tubing’s South Asheville river tubing pricing starts at:

Individual Tubing Ticket: Starting at $30 per person
Age Requirement: 6 and up
Group Tube Reservation: Starting at $25 per person for groups of 20 or more
Cooler Carrier: $20

The standard ticket includes your tube, life jacket, shuttle ride, and parking. Cooler carriers are extra and can be added when booking.

Zen Tubing also offers several discount options:

Military Discount: Active military members and veterans can receive $5 off per ticket using promo code USA when booking, with valid military ID required at check-in.

Local Love Discount: Local guests can schedule a trip on Tuesdays or Wednesdays and use promo code ZEN828 for a discounted rate of $25 per person. Each participant must show an ID with a local address at check-in. This offer excludes holidays and the week of July 1–10.

Frequent Floater Discount: After booking a trip, guests may receive a discount code in their confirmation email for a return float. The code must be used within two weeks of the previous trip.

Club Zen Tubing Passes: Zen Tubing also offers annual pass-style options:

• Single Club Pass: $150
• Duo Club Pass for two: $250
• Family Club Pass for up to four members: $400

They also sell gift cards, which can be purchased in any amount and do not expire.

How to Book a River Tubing Experience

The best way to book Zen Tubing is through their online reservation system. Guests choose the South Asheville float, select a date and time, add any extras like a cooler carrier, and complete payment online.

All guests must sign waivers before check-in. The waiver link is provided in the confirmation email and can be shared with others in the group. Anyone coming with a party should make sure every person has completed the waiver before arrival so check-in goes smoothly.

Zen Tubing no longer accepts cash. Payments must be made using major credit cards, Apple Pay, or Google Pay.

What Visitors Need to Know Before Going

Zen Tubing is a relaxed river experience, but guests should still come prepared. Wear water shoes or secure sandals, bring sunscreen, and dress for getting wet. A hat, sunglasses with a strap, and a reusable water bottle are smart choices on hot days.

Due to post-Hurricane Helene regulations, Zen Tubing no longer offers dedicated changing rooms. Extra-large porta johns are available, but guests are encouraged to arrive river-ready when possible.

Life jackets are provided. Personal flotation devices are optional for guests over age 14, but younger guests may be required to wear them. The minimum age for tubing is 6 years old.

Pets are not allowed on the tubing adventure. Guests should also avoid bringing loose valuables on the river unless they are in a secure waterproof bag.

The French Broad River is natural and conditions can change. Water levels, weather, and river flow can affect float time and overall conditions. Always check your reservation, the forecast, and any updates from Zen Tubing before heading out.

Zen Tubing is best for folks who want a calm, scenic, easy-to-plan river day. It is not a whitewater thrill ride — it is a slow-down, lean-back, enjoy-the-mountains kind of outing.