Grand Canyon | Rafting | Float Tours

Grand Canyon river rafting but without the need of white-water rapids? Consider taking a 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. 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 come climb aboard a rubber pontoon boat and commence upon a beautiful 15-mile smooth-water tour down the world-famous Colorado River. Immediately, the scenery gets interesting as you cruise around world-famous Horseshoe Bend. 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 folks are a font of information and are more than happy to share their knowledge about the area's sandstone cliffs, it's blue-green travertine waters, and the abundant wildlife that make this pristine riparian area 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 begin 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. There's also a stop at the Cameron Trading Post where one can purchase 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. Bring a brimmed hat and a light, long-sleeved shirt. Pack a swimsuit if you plan to take a dip. All rafts carry plenty of water and juice so you and your group stay refreshed and 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.

Bus-rafting packages are the most economical and start at $170 per person. Airplane-rafting trips start at $329 per person. Shop the Internet for the absolute best price. 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 purchase all my raft trips on the Web and I've never had any issues.

To really know the Grand Canyon is to go below the rim and ride the river. You don't have to conquer Class 5 rapids to achieve 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 the banks and look at ancient Indian art. There's no rush. This is a Grand Canyon rafting tour, and it's going to be the highlight of your vacation.