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.

No Whitewater!

If you look around, you will find that while there are some white water rafting choices, you can also find some calm 1-day Grand Canyon rafting expeditions that are family friendly. 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.

The scenery you\’ll enjoy depends on the part of the river you\’ll be rafting. For the 1-day Grand Canyon rafting tours, you will begin at the foot of Glen Canyon Dam out by Page and complete your journey 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. During the trip, you will also be able to explore the canyon wall and experience some ancient Indian symbols that are on it.

There are two types of South Rim smooth-water rafting trips. The first and most popular tour takes you by bus to Page, Arizona from Grand Canyon National Park Airport. Your other tour option begins on a plane. Once you have traveled through Antelope Canyon by Jeep, you will begin to raft. This trip may be a little more expensive, but it does offer a larger journey full of breathtaking scenery.

Hoover Dam

Visitors in Las Vegas will also have a chance to explore float tours on the river. A helicopter flight from Vegas lands on the canyon floor at the West Rim. If you take this tour, you\’ll have half an hour to look around the canyon floor before flying to the top and boarding a bus bound for Hoover Dam. At the base of the dam, you will find the boat dock. While on the river, you will have a chance to slowly float for about ten miles and finish at Willow Beach, Arizona.

Something to keep in mind is that different tour operators offer different crafts. Most operators use motorized rubber pontoon rafts that can accommodate 19 people comfortably. In some cases, however, you\’ll be able to row your raft down the river, accompanied by a professional guide. You\’ll need to be in good physical condition to take one of these rowing tours. With these unique physical tours, you will need to note that only those who are at least 16 will be allowed on the raft.

Most people book these tours between June and August. It should be noted that those who can adjust their vacation will want to book between May and the early part of June if possible, or during September if they need to wait until later.

Need to Know

During your float trip, apply plenty of sunscreen and drink lots of water. 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.

Cindy Doughtery is a travel editor and an authority on Grand Canyon trips. If you need canyon rafting tours, she recommends these 1-day float trips: http://www.grandcanyonwaterrafting.com/

Cindy Doughtery is a travel writer and an expert on Grand Canyon tours. If you\’re looking for canyon rafting tours, she recommends these 1-day float trips: http://www.grandcanyonwaterrafting.com

Author Bio: Cindy Doughtery is a travel editor and an authority on Grand Canyon trips. If you need canyon rafting tours, she recommends these 1-day float trips: http://www.grandcanyonwaterrafting.com/

Category: Travel
Keywords: grand canyon rafting, float tours, smooth water trips, south rim, grand canyon national park