subject: Key Information About Grand Canyon Smooth Water Float Tours [print this page] While traveling to some locations can be very exciting, they often lack in the number of activities they can offer. When you head on out to the Grand Canyon, you will find that you never run out of things to do, especially when you take note of the Grand Canyon water rafting tours you can find.
1-Day Adventure
Most people picture whitewater rafting when they think of rafting in Grand Canyon National Park, and that's understandable. But those kinds of adventures last anywhere from 3 to twenty days. For many of us, this is too much time or too costly. the ideal alternative? One-day float tours, which slowly meander down the Colorado River making stops for going swimming and easy walks into secret side canyons.
Not everyone, has the time, inclination or level of physical fitness required for a white water river expeditions. Concerned? Then taking one of these one-day Grand Canyon smooth water float tours will be ideal for you. Those looking for calmer water, including families with kids four and older and senior citizens, will find these tours to be the perfect choice.
One thing you will find is that the South Rim of the Grand Canyon does offer some of the best water rafting tours. Your first tour will start on a bus trip from the Grand Canyon National Park Airport that takes you to Page and passes through a two-mile tunnel that goes to Glen Canyon Dam's base. On this three hour tour, you will be taken aboard a motorized pontoon from the dam's dock and then travel to Lee's Ferry.
Option #2
Your second choice for a smooth water Grand Canyon rafting trip is going to start from the South Rim on a plane and head to Page's municipal airport. There, participants are whisked away in a 4x4 for an exciting off-road excursion to renowned Antelope Valley. After passing through the same tunnel as the other tour, the river portion of the tour begins at the base of Glen Canyon Dam.
There is no denying that floating down the Colorado River will be a breathtaking experience. You'll pass by red sandstone cliffs, including those at spectacular Horseshoe Bend. Just a bit down the river, you will reach a beach and take a little walk to experience the petroglyphs of the ancient Indians. During your trip, you will experience even more of the natural beauty of the area.
Perhaps the best part of these water rafting tours is that they do include lunch, professional drivers, river guides and even return transportation. While going to the South Rim, you will have a chance to see the Painted Desert and the Navajo Reservation. Most of these excursions give you the opportunity to shop for authentic Native American handicrafts by stopping at the Cameron Trading Post.
Shuttle Service
Most of the day tours are going to begin at 7 AM. Shuttle service isn't included, so you'll need to make arrangements for your transportation to the airfield at Tusayan, Arizona. You will note that since Tusayan is only a ten minute journey from the hotels of Grand Canyon Village, which makes getting there easy.
Those wanting to swim should rejoice as you will be encouraged to swim on this trip. On this tour, it is recommended that you have a fresh set of clothes, towel, hat, sneakers and sandals to wear.
While whitewater rafting is the most publicized journey type, it is actually the slower water tours people prefer. One-day smooth-water float trips fill this need perfectly. Along with calmer waters, you will also have the chance to experience the riverbanks. If you're traveling with active children, these opportunities are more than capable of keeping their interest.
