Are you interested in going rafting in the Grand Canyon but don't want to do a white-water trip? Consider taking a float tour. Perfect for travelers of all ages, these one-day trips are the ultimate way to explore the canyon from the inside out.
Head out from Grand Canyon National Park and Tusayan, AZ, the town just outside the Park's main gate. Transport to Glen Canyon Dam is by bus or airplane. At Page, AZ, you'll drive through a two-mile tunnel to the river at the base of the dam.
Here's where you'll board your motorized inflatable passenger river raft and start your 15.5-mile float trip down the refreshingly tranquil Colorado River. Immediately, the scenery gets interesting as you cruise around world-famous Horseshoe Bend. Further along you'll pull out on a remote sandy beach and take a guided walk to a rock wall to see ancient petroglyphs made by Native Americans.
Curious about the fantastic landscape your are seeing? Ask your professional river guide.
These individuals are well-educated on the river, it's history, topography, geology and the abundant wildlife that call the canyon their home.Expect to spend about 2.5 hours on this rafting trip with a break midway for lunch before continuing down the homestretch for iconic Lee's Ferry. Here, you'll transfer to an air-conditioned deluxe motor coach and start your journey back to the South Rim. En route, you'll pass through the mystic Navajo Indian Reservation while being treated to excellent views of the Painted Desert. Most trips will pull over at the Cameron Trading Post. I recommend going inside. They have excellent curios, souvenirs, and authentic Indian handicrafts.
These 1-day rafting trips operate from April to November and last an entire day. Departures are early in the morning. The float trip itself runs 2.5 hours. Summer, which runs from May through September, is hot. I highly recommend you pack a tube of sunscreen. Bring a brimmed hat and a light, long-sleeved shirt. Pack a swimsuit if you plan to take a dip. All rafts carry plenty of water and juice so you and your group stay refreshed and hydrated.
These water-rafting trips are all-inclusive and come with lunch, park fees, professional guide, deluxe motor coach, and free pick up and drop off at all hotel properties in Tusayan and Grand Canyon Village. Arrangements can be made to be picked up at Grand Canyon Airport, too.
Bus-rafting packages are the most economical and start at $170 per person. Airplane-rafting trips start at $329 per person. To get the best price, shop online. My research shows that you can get up to 35 percent off if you book on the Internet. Some of you may be hesitant to book online. Don't be. I purchase all my raft trips on the Web and I've never had any issues.
To really know the Grand Canyon is to go under the rim and ride the river. You don't have to conquer Class 5 rapids to do this. Just hop a bus or board a plane and make the trek upstream to the Colorado River's more calm waters. Put your feet in the water. Relax and observe the condors soar. Head for the banks and gaze at ancient Indian art. There isn't any rush. This is a smooth-water Grand Canyon rafting trip, and it's going to be the highlight of your vacation.
Grand Canyon | Tours | Rafting