The Memorial Day holiday is just around the corner and if you\’ve got plans to do a 1-day Grand Canyon float tour at the South Rim, you\’d better book it soon as this adventure is super popular during this time and sells out early.

No White Water Rapids

Float tours take a full day and are done on the smooth part of the Colorado River and do not include any white water rapids. Thus kids as young as 4 years of age and active seniors are welcome to participate in this fantastic journey through the Canyon.

The tours depart once a day in the early a. M. From the parking lot at Grand Canyon National Park Airport in Tusayan, AZ, the small town that\’s just outside the main entrance gates of America\’s best national park.

There are two versions of float tours: Basic and deluxe. Basic tours are cheaper because they require a 2.5-hour bus tour to Glen Canyon Dam in Page, Arizona, which is the location from which float tours start. If you go deluxe, you take a 60-minute airplane ride to the Dam.

Deluxe Option

Further, the deluxe version includes a 4×4 Jeep tour of the slot canyons as well as Horseshoe Bend, one of the most picturesque bends in the Colorado you\’ll ever experience. After the 4×4 trip is over, you\’ll join the others at the base of the Dam and get situated in one of the 22-seat motorized pontoon rafts.

The float itself is 15.3 miles long and takes about 2.5 hours to complete. It goes through majestic Marble Canyon, wends its way through Horseshoe Bend, and continues on through sheer beauty until it reaches Lee\’s Ferry, the terminus for all float tours and the starting point for all multi-day white water rafting trips.

During the river portion of the tour, you\’ll make multiple stops. For example, you\’ll pull out at a secluded beach and have lunch. Then there\’s another stop where you can opt for a short hike into a hidden canyon wherein you\’ll see some ancient Indian rock art. There\’s also hidden waterfalls and plenty of opportunities to jump in the River and cool off.

What to Pack

It\’s hot at the Canyon during summer so prepare for heat. That means wearing sun block, sunglasses and a brimmed hat for sun protection. Further, I recommend you wear shorts or light pants and running shoes or river sandals. Bring a dry bag for your camera and cell phone. Water is provided for free so make sure you stay hydrated.

Float tours include all taxes and fees so when you purchase your tour online the price you pay at check out is final and there are no additional fees. The basic tour includes free pick up and drop off at your hotel; the deluxe tour requires you provide your own transport to the Airport. Lunch, all gear and guide service are included in the price of both options.

Conclusion

I hope this article about Memorial Day Grand Canyon 1-day float tours proved helpful. I recommend you book your float tour as soon as possible. This is one of the biggest holidays of summer and rafting trips will sell out. I also recommend you purchase your tour online as that\’s where you\’ll get the best rate. Just remember to complete your booking on the Internet in order to qualify for the special discount priced.

The author is an expert on Grand Canyon tours and recommends that readers go here for the best 1-day South float tours that start from the South Rim of the National Park: http://www.grandcanyondaytrips.com/float-trips/

The author is an expert on Grand Canyon tours and recommends that readers go here for the best 1-day South float tours that start from the South Rim of the National Park: http://www.grandcanyondaytrips.com/float-trips/

Author Bio: The author is an expert on Grand Canyon tours and recommends that readers go here for the best 1-day South float tours that start from the South Rim of the National Park: http://www.grandcanyondaytrips.com/float-trips/

Category: Travel
Keywords: rafting, grand canyon float, national parks, tusayan, south rim, deals, reviews, tips