Grand Canyon Tours | River Rafting | GrandCanyonWaterRafting.com

Grand Canyon rafting trips at the South Rim are basically smooth-water float tours that are fun for the whole family. This article spotlights the two best rafting tours currently being offered.

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. Perfect for travelers of all ages, these one-day trips are the ultimate way to explore the canyon from the inside out.

Begin from Grand Canyon National Park and Tusayan, AZ, the town just outside the Park's main gate. Transport to Glen Canyon Dam is by bus or airplane. At Page, AZ, you'll drive through a two-mile tunnel to the river at the base of the dam.

Here you'll come aboard a huge, motorized rubber pontoon boat and commence upon an exquisite 15-mile smooth-water tour down the world-famous 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. Here, you'll transfer to an air-conditioned deluxe motor coach and start your journey back to the South Rim. En route, you'll pass through the mystic Navajo Indian Reservation while being treated to excellent views of the Painted Desert. Most trips will pull over at the Cameron Trading Post. I recommend going inside. They have excellent curios, souvenirs, and authentic Indian handicrafts.

Smooth water float trips operate from April to November and require a full day. Departure time is always in the morning. The actual river float is less than three hours. Summer is hot (May through September), and I recommend you bring plenty of sunscreen. Packing a hat and dressing in loose-fitting clothing is suggested. Pack a swimsuit if you plan to take a dip. All rafts carry a lot of water and juice so you and your group stay refreshed and hydrated.

These water-rafting trips are all-inclusive and come with lunch, park fees, professional guide, deluxe motor coach, and free pick up and drop off at all hotel properties in Tusayan and Grand Canyon Village. You can also arrange to be picked up at the Grand Canyon Airport.

Bus-rafting packages are the most economical and start at $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 consumers are still wary of using the Internet for travel bookings. Don't be. I purchase all my raft trips on the Web and I've never had any issues.

To really understand the Grand Canyon is to go below the rim and ride the river. You don't have to conquer Class 5 rapids to get this done. 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 the banks and look at ancient Indian art. There isn't any rush. This is a smooth water Grand Canyon rafting tour, and it's going to be the highlight of your vacation.

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