It's almost Memorial Day! Have you booked your vacation? This time of year will be perfect for adventuring at the Grand Canyon, and if you're looking for plans for a short vacation, you should seriously consider a float tour.
Safe Rafting Tours for All Ages
Sometimes it can be difficult to find a tour that is suitable for the whole family. The Canyon rafts follow a section of the Colorado River that is relatively smooth, and there are no white water rapids. This means that children as young as four, and even active senior citizens can enjoy one of these amazing sightseeing tours.
Tours run for the whole day, and leave from Tusayan in Arizona. You can fly to Tusayan from a number of domestic airports, and if you're already going to be in Las Vegas, there will only be a short one hour flight.
Deluxe Tours – Go For Something Extra
There are basic and deluxe tours available, although deluxe is the most recommend and the most popular, as it adds on plenty of benefits that make it the best value.
Basic tours take a bus from the airport, down to the Glen Canyon Dam. It takes about 2.5 hours on the bus, but this is also the most affordable option.
If you can stretch your budget a little more, you will be rewarded with a flight to the Glen Canyon Dam, which takes around 60 minutes. With the time saved you will then take a 4×4 tour in a Jeep that will have you travelling to the Horseshoe Bend and the Slot Canyons. There are plenty of photo opportunities, and you'll get to enjoy a whole lot of sightseeing, even before you board the boat. After the Jeep ride, it's off to the river to begin the float tour.
Almost 16 Miles of Breathtaking Scenery
Rafting tours are provided on 22-seat pontoon rafts. They're motorized, so all you need to do is sit back in awe, and take in all that you see. It takes around two and a half hours to complete the float, during which you will go through the Marble Canyon, and you'll also go through the Horseshoe Bend. The view from the river is unlike any other tour experience, and even if you took the deluxe option in the 4×4, the float tour will definitely be the highlight.
The raft will stop at multiple rocky beaches on the journey, including a lunch stop. On another stop, the boat will go ashore near the hidden canyon. It's a short walk to this small section of the canyon, where you can view ancient Native American art on the rock walls. Make sure you do take this short hike, especially if you have kids. Viewing something with so much history is a once in a lifetime opportunity.
Preparing for the Trip
It can get seriously hot inside the Canyon, so you need to be prepared for the weather. Apply sunblock before you start the tour, and keep a bottle on you so that you can continue to reapply as directed on the packaging. You'll also need sunglasses, and a hat to create shade on your face or neck. You should pack all your valuables into a dry bag, and bring a change of clothes with you. Clothes should be light colored and loose fitting. You should also pack some salty snacks to keep you going throughout the tour. Water is provided, so make sure you keep hydrated during the journey.
Conclusion
These tours are all inclusive, including taxes, so you won't have to worry about additional fees. If you're taking the basic tour, pickup is free from your accommodation in Arizona. For deluxe tours you'll need to begin your journey from the Airport. Book early, and also book online, because you don't want to miss out on the best prices. Confirm with your credit card and you will be sure that your float tour is locked in.
Now that you know all about the Grand Canyon rafting tours, it's time to start making your plans. Book soon and you won't regret it, because Colorado River tours allow for some of the most impressive sightseeing that you can do in the US.
Martin Wynn
