Grand Canyon Rafting Try a 1-Day, Smooth-Water Float Tour By Sabine Warner | http://www.grandcanyonwaterrafting.com Grand Canyon river rafting but without the need of white-water rapids? Take a smoothwater float tour. Perfect for travelers of all ages, these one-day trips are the ultimate way to explore the canyon from the inside out. Commence from Grand Canyon National Park and Tusayan, AZ, the town just outside the Park's main gate. Tours start from the South Rim's Grand Canyon Village near Tusayan, AZ, inside the National Park. Tours start out 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's where you'll board your motorized inflatable passenger river raft and begin 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 its 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 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. The float tour, which takes approximately 2.5 hours, breaks for lunch at the midway point, then continue to historic 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. There's also a stop at the Cameron Trading Post where one can purchase 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 is hot (May through September), and I recommend you bring plenty of sunscreen. Bring a brimmed hat and a light, long-sleeved shirt. If you plan to jump in the water, bring a swimsuit. 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. 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. 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 understand the Grand Canyon is to go below 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 watch the condors soar. Head for shore and gaze at ancient Indian art. There isn't any rush. This is a smooth water float tour, and it's going to be the high point of your vacation. #30#