Grand Canyon float tours wend their way down the calmest, most scenic sections of the Colorado River. There are no rapids or rough waters so senior citizens and kids age four and up can come along.
You can book one of these fun tours out of Vegas or Tusayan in Arizona. Tusayan is situated close to the main gates at the South Rim of the canyon and it is where GCA, or the Grand Canyon National Park Airport, is located. Grand Canyon raft tours take off every morning and last all day.
Las Vegas Raft Trips
The float trip from Vegas is extremely popular and would be blast on the Fourth of July. Getting started is a thrill in itself as you get to descend into the canyon by helicopter. You have the chance to explore the area on foot for about 30 minutes and then you get on a motor coach for a short ride to the Hoover Dam.
That's where you'll hop aboard your motorized pontoon raft and start your 11-mile cruise down the Colorado. You'll float through Black Canyon and other beautiful stretches of the lower Colorado before your boat pulls in at Willow Beach. Keep your eyes peeled for bighorn sheep!
Tusayan Float Trips
You can choose from two float tours at Tusayan, a basic tour, and a deluxe version.
A basic tour begins with a bus ride from the airport to Glen Canyon Dam. There you will get on a motorized pontoon raft that holds nineteen passengers and begin your scenic float that takes you over fifteen miles along the Colorado River. The rafting portion of the tour ends at the historic site, Lee's Ferry.
If you opt for the comprehensive tour, you will first board a plane that takes you to Page, Arizona. That is where you will get in a Jeep for a fun off-road trek to see the Slot Canyons in Antelope Canyon. Be sure to bring a camera so you can snap photos of this amazing place.
The Jeep then brings you back to Page where you get aboard the pontoon raft. Both versions (basic and upgraded) take you back to GCA by bus.
What's Included
Grand Canyon raft tours come with everything you need such as live vests, river guide, lunch, and water. Also included are taxes, park fees, and transportation. These tours are very well planned, leaving you free to worry about other things like what you should wear.
For clothing, I recommend wearing a lightweight long-sleeved cotton shirt, shorts, sunglasses, river sandals and a hat with a brim. Make sure you bring your digital camera or smart phone (charge it before you leave), sunscreen, lip balm, and a bag that contains an extra set of clothes (you'll probably want to go for a dip somewhere along the way). I also recommend bringing some salty snacks and extra water.
Summing Up
Grand Canyon float trips leave from Las Vegas, NV and Tusayan, AZ. When you leave from Vegas, you can choose the exciting tour that includes a helicopter descent to the canyon floor. People at the South Rim usually focus on trips that originate there.
Any of these tours would be great fun for the Independence Day holiday, but don't forget to book your seats as soon as you can. I'm expecting it to be a busy time at the canyon. Try to get your tour booked one week ahead of the holiday if at all possible, and even earlier if you can.
Also, be sure to get your seats online. The lowest rates are on the tour operator's website. Complete your purchase there and you'll snag a super Internet discount. Otherwise, you have to pay full retail price and spend more than you need to.
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