Are you interested in going rafting in the Grand Canyon but don\’t want to do a white-water trip? Take a smooth-water float tour. These one-day, no-rapids trips are perfect for the entire family and provide you with a way to experience the canyon from top to bottom!

Tours start from the South Rim\’s Grand Canyon Village near Tusayan, AZ, inside the National Park. Tours start out Choose to go by bus or plane to Page, AZ, where you\’ll end up making an incredible two-mile drive through a tunnel to the base of Glen Canyon Dam.

Here you\’ll board a pontoon river raft and start your 15.5-mile float trip down the refreshingly tranquil Colorado River. First up is incredible Horseshoe Bend, a landmark on the river know for it\’s red sandstone and blue waters. Further along you\’ll pull out on a remote sandy beach and take a guided walk to a rock wall to see ancient petroglyphs made by Native Americans.

Curious about the fantastic landscape your are seeing? Ask your professional river guide. These individuals are well-educated on the river, it\’s history, topography, geology, and the abundant wildlife that call the canyon their home.

Expect to spend about 2.5 hours on this rafting trip with a break midway for lunch before continuing down the homestretch for iconic Lee\’s Ferry. It\’s here where you\’ll step into a luxury, air-conditioned motor coach and make your way back to the South Rim. On the way, you\’ll views of the famous Painted Desert as you pass through a real Navajo Indian reservation. Most trips will pull over at the Cameron Trading Post. I recommend going inside. They have excellent curios, souvenirs, and authentic Indian handicrafts.

These 1-day rafting trips operate from April to November and last an entire day. Departure time is always in the morning. The float trip itself runs 2.5 hours. Summer, which runs from May through September, is hot. I highly recommend you pack a tube of sunscreen. Packing a hat and dressing in loose-fitting clothing is suggested. If you plan to jump in the water, bring a swimsuit. Each raft is stocked with free water and juice to keep you hydrated.

One day rafting tours come with everything including a guide, park fees, motor coach or airplane transportation to and from Page, AZ, and free hotel shuttle to accommodations in Tusayan and Grand Canyon Village. Arrangements can be made to be picked up at Grand Canyon Airport, too.

Rafting packages that include bus transport are the most affordable and start around $170 per person. Airplane-rafting trips start at $329 per person. To get the best price, shop online. My research shows that you can get up to 35 percent off if you book on the Internet. Some of you may be hesitant to book online. Don\’t be. I buy all my river rafting tours online and I\’ve never had any problems.

To really know the Grand Canyon is to go under the rim and ride the river. You don\’t have to conquer Class 5 rapids to do this. Just hop a bus or board a plane and make the trek upstream to the Colorado River\’s more calm waters. Put your feet in the water. Relax and observe the condors soar. Head for shore and gaze at ancient Indian art. There\’s no rush. This is a smooth water float tour, and it\’s going to be the high point of your vacation.

Author Bio: Mr. Magnus is a travel writer who frequently contributes articles about the Grand Canyon. He recommends this page about rafting the Grand Canyon, which identifies two the most popular float trips being run now.

Category: Travel
Keywords: grand canyon rafting, grand canyon river rafting, rafting the grand canyon, grand canyon float, gran