Grand Canyon Float Tours Offer Terrific Sightseeing

Those wanting to experience the Grand Canyon from a different angle, might want to look into the float tours that can be found here. Despite what you might know about the Colorado River, there are other ways for you to experience the waters, without a dangerous trek. In fact, some of the National Park’s most spectacular sights are along some of the calmest stretches of the river. You are going to find that there are some great 1-day Grand Canyon rafting tours that will opt for smooth waters over white water. Calm water lets you concentrate on the spectacular scenery rather than trying to negotiate the rapids. Perhaps the biggest perk of the float tours is that you can take your entire family on them in the Grand Canyon. They’re more comfortable for older people, and kids can participate as long as they’re at least four years old. You’ll find that the scenery you experience will depend largely on the area of the river you are rafting down. One-day South Rim Grand Canyon float tours begin at the foot of Glen Canyon Dam (just northeast of the National Park, near Page, Arizona) and finish at Lee’s Ferry. Your total time on the water during one of these float tours will be around three hours, and you’ll stop for lunch on a pleasant beach. You’ll also take a short walk to see ancient Indian symbols inscribed on the canyon wall. There are two types of South Rim smooth-water rafting trips. For this, the first choice you have is from the Grand Canyon National Park Airport that brings you to Page on a bus. The other tour begins with a plane ride. With a trip through Antelope Canyon by Jeep, you will then have a chance to raft down the river. It’s a more comprehensive but more expensive tour package than the first type. Las Vegas visitors can also take advantage of float tours down the river. A helicopter flight from Vegas lands on the canyon floor at the West Rim. During this tour, you will be provided with a half hour exploration period of the canyon floor, before you are flown to the top of the canyon and then taken to the Hoover Dam on a bus. The boat dock is located at the base of the dam. Once you get aboard, you’ll float ten miles down the river to Willow Beach, Arizona. Something to keep in mind is that different tour operators offer different crafts. For the journey, most operators have space for 19 people on motorized rubber pontoon rafts. Other tours will have a raft you row across the river that has a professional providing you with directions. If you take a physical adventure, you are going to need to be in great health. Also, passengers on these particular smooth-water rafting tours are usually required to be at least 16 years old. Typically; these tours are going to be experienced between June and August. If your schedule is flexible and you’d like to avoid the peak season, consider booking a smooth-water raft tour during September or between May and early June. On your journey, make sure you are drinking lots of water and have on sunscreen. If you’ll be rowing your boat, make sure you’re in good physical condition. A motorized boat is going to give you a better chance to experience the beauty of the area and to avoid too much physical exertion.