If you're planning a summer holiday, then maybe it's time to do something special. If you want to enjoy a break with something out of the ordinary, a Colorado River float could be exactly what you need. The river is one of the best ways to see the Canyon, and there are some awesome tours on offer, and I'm going to share my top three picks so you can make the right decision.
#1 Grand Canyon Rafting Float Tour
My favorite tour begins in Arizona, which is where you will find the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. Although this tour is the least expensive, it offers some fantastic sights, and the lower price makes it an easy decision for people travelling from all over the country, or even from overseas. The raft tour is preceded by a scenic bus ride, taking you through a Native American Reservation, the Painted Desert, and eventually to the Glen Canyon Dam. The Dam is where you will set off on your rafting adventure, and because these motorized boats can carry 19 passengers, it's a great option if you're travelling with family or friends.
If you're worried about whitewater rapids, you can rest assured knowing that this Grand Canyon rafting tour only goes through slow moving sections of the Canyon, allowing you to enjoy the sights more than you would on a whitewater tour. The tour runs around three hours, and it covers almost 16 miles of the Colorado River. There are plenty of stops for swimming and stepping off of the float to explore, and you won't want to miss out on the Secret Canyon where you can see some ancient Native American rock paintings.
Another Bus Ride to Round Off the Tour
After the boat you'll be back on another tour bus, with Wi-Fi and televisions on board. Most importantly, this bus has an extremely powerful AC system which will help you to cool down after your day out in the sun. Before you get back to Tusayan at the South Rim, you'll get to stop by the Cameron Trading Post where you can pick up some authentic Native American craft work.
#2 Grand Canyon Rafting Deluxe Tour
My second favorite tour is the deluxe version of #1. Rather than taking the first bus ride, this Colorado River tour includes a plane flight. There's also a Jeep Tour included, which takes advantage of the time saved by flying instead of taking the bus. You'll get to see some incredible landmarks on the Jeep, including the Slot Canyons.
#3 Helicopter Tour from Vegas
My third favorite is based near to the West Rim of the Canyon, where you will take a helicopter flight from Vegas to the Hoover Dam. This section of the Colorado River covers 11 miles, and might be more convenient if you want the closest tour to Las Vegas.
Prepare for the Weather
It's going to be hot out, so make sure you dress appropriately. Keep all of your electronics in a dry bag, along with a change of clothes. Make sure you apply sunblock before you head out, and reapply it at the recommended times as indicated on the packaging. Bring a wide brimmed hat, and some sunglasses, and make sure you have loose clothing that covers you up (without making you too hot). It's also a good idea to include some salty snacks in your day pack, but don't worry about water as this will be provided by the tour operator.
Conclusion
Now that you're familiar with some awesome Grand Canyon rafting adventures, I hope you'll have no trouble making your decision. If you're concerned about the budget, then go for option #1, but if you have some extra to spend, then #2 gives you some added adventure with a jeep ride. Finally, if you want the closest possible tour to Las Vegas, or if you want to see the majestic Hoover Dam up close, then go for option #3. Whichever option you choose, prepare for the weather, and get yourself ready for an action packed day through some of the most spectacular canyon formations on earth.
Martin Wynn
