Into the Zone of Totality

The Solar Eclipse 2024 is guaranteed to be an astronomical experience, one that we won’t be able to experience again in Missouri until the year 2178! BMA is thrilled to offer an epic journey into the zone of totality on a secluded island on the Mississippi River perfectly situated to maximize time within totality! Avoid the crowds, and enjoy this magnificent solar event from a white sand beach right here in Missouri! 

We’ll paddle in voyageur canoes through the magnificent Middle Mississippi Valley just 80 miles south of St. Louis to a pristine island to make camp, celebrate the connections of the sky and the river, and enjoy BMA’s notorious campfire gourmet meals. 

No paddling or camping experience is necessary.  BMA guides will assist in all aspects of the journey, including setting up your tent, leading a hike, preparing delectable meals, and ensuring that we enjoy this amazing solar event. BMA’s guide staff provides the expertise and knowledge to ensure that the expedition runs safely, and that you are delivered a world class adventure. 

Our trip will start with a morning meetup at the BMA warehouse where our expert guides will assist in outfitting you for the expedition and packing up your gear into our 29 foot voyageur canoes. We can supply waterproof dry bags for all of your things and additional camping gear upon request. We’ll leave your cars in our secured parking lot and shuttle all together to the put-in on the Mississippi River. The trip will include all meals, snacks, canoes, paddling gear and transportation. No paddling experience or special equipment is necessary, we’ve got you covered! Guests will need to provide their own tent and sleeping bag or rent one from BMA for a small additional charge.

Details:

How often does this trip run? - This is a once in a lifetime experience!

What are the dates for the eclipse expedition?

  • Sunday, April 7th - Tuesday, April 9th, 2024

Who is this trip best for? - This trip is best for anyone (18+) who enjoys paddling, unique outdoor experiences, camping, history, adventure and campfire fine dining!

Where and when does this trip start and end? - This trip starts at 9 am on Sunday and ends around 3pm on Tuesday. The meet-up location will be the BMA warehouse, located in Midtown St. Louis. Paddlers will be shuttled from the warehouse to the put-in location and from the takeout location back to the warehouse.

What is included in this trip? - We provide all necessary safety and paddling gear including life jackets, paddles, and dry bags. Our experienced river guides will be available to you the entire trip to assist you and answer all of your questions. No need to worry about transportation as our crew will take care of shuttling you to and from the river. We’ll provide eight meals (lunch and dinner on Day One, breakfast, lunch and dinner on Day 2 and breakfast and lunch on Day 3) and we are able to accommodate most dietary restrictions. We will supply a cooler for any BYO beverages.

What do I need to bring? - Please make sure you bring the following items with you on your trip:

Required Gear:

  • Tent

  • Sleeping bag

  • Weather appropriate clothing (We will have plenty of extra dry bags, so feel free to bring as many layers as you may need for comfort.)

  • River shoes/sandals with a backstrap, waterproof boots, or old sneakers that you don’t mind getting muddy or wet (NO FLIP FLOPS)

  • Reusable water bottle

  • Headlamp/flashlight

Suggested Gear:

  • Sleeping pad

  • Personal items

  • Change of clothes

  • Camera

  • Hat

  • Sunscreen/bug spray (weather permitting)

  • Swimsuit and towel (weather permitting)

  • Dry bag or box for personal items

  • Any adult beverages you’d like to enjoy while camping

  • Cash to tip your awesome guides

How much does this trip cost? - $400 for adults, $350 for kids (under 18yo)