Are you wondering what to do for Spring Break this year? Are you getting bored with the usual spring getaway destinations? Then you should do something totally different, like go to the Grand Canyon and take a float tour. If you go to the South Rim, you can book a full day floating tour along the Colorado River.
Arizona Tours
All tours of the South Rim take off from the airport in Tusayan, Arizona, which is near the main gates of the National Park. You can book a basic tour or upgrade to the deluxe version.
The basic tour starts out with a 2 1/2 hour bus ride to the Glen Canyon Dam. The bus takes you to the pontoon raft where you begin your float tour, but the ride on the bus isn't wasted time since you'll see many interesting sights along the way. The raft flows along the river for 15 miles, giving you a unique perspective of the beautiful landscape around you until you arrive at Lee's Ferry where the floating trip ends.
Luxury Coach Tours
After your river tour, you'll get back on your air conditioned sightseeing bus and complete the land portion of your adventure. There will also be a stop-off for some handicrafts and souvenirs, as you visit the Cameron Trading Post, before heading back to the airport.
Now if you want something different and a little bit more 'VIP', then make sure you book a deluxe tour. Instead of going to the Glen Canyon Dam by bus, the deluxe upgrade flies you there on an airplane, and in addition, you get an air tour of the South Rim and Vermilion Cliffs while you're in the air. The flight takes around 60 minutes and allows you to catch some views that simply aren't possible on the ground.
You'll also get to travel by Jeep before your floating tour begins. You'll ride with eight other passengers for a tour that includes highlights such as the mysterious Slot Canyons and Horseshoe Bend. The deluxe tour does cost more, but it is worth it.
Touring Along The River
No matter which tour option you choose, your river tour will be the same. The river tour is an experience you don't want to miss. Grand Canyon rafting in this portion of the river is only over smooth waters, so you don't have to worry about rough waters, you can just relax and soak up the amazing views. There are several beautiful beach areas along the tour where your raft will make a stop so you can explore on foot or swim. These tours are ideal for seniors and families since they stay on tame waters.
Just be aware that tours sell out fast, especially over the Spring Break. So, buy your tour ahead of time, by booking it online. Buy your tour when you finalize your hotel stay, or at least try to get your seats about two weeks in advance. Buying online gives you the lowest price and you'll have your seats reserved and waiting.
Wrapping Up
Make this Spring Break an exciting one by taking a tour of the Grand Canyon that includes a raft ride along the Colorado River. My own recommendation is that you take the deluxe tour, because you will make the most of the time between leaving the airport, and setting off on the float tour. However, the basic tour is great too and they both offer the same river experience. Either way you are going to have an awesome adventure that is completely unique to the Grand Canyon. Don't forget to buy your tour as soon as you can so you won't lose out on the chance to have a day of fun!
Arizona Tours
All tours of the South Rim take off from the airport in Tusayan, Arizona, which is near the main gates of the National Park. You can book a basic tour or upgrade to the deluxe version.
The basic tour starts out with a 2 1/2 hour bus ride to the Glen Canyon Dam. The bus takes you to the pontoon raft where you begin your float tour, but the ride on the bus isn't wasted time since you'll see many interesting sights along the way. The raft flows along the river for 15 miles, giving you a unique perspective of the beautiful landscape around you until you arrive at Lee's Ferry where the floating trip ends.
Luxury Coach Tours
After your river tour, you'll get back on your air conditioned sightseeing bus and complete the land portion of your adventure. There will also be a stop-off for some handicrafts and souvenirs, as you visit the Cameron Trading Post, before heading back to the airport.
Now if you want something different and a little bit more 'VIP', then make sure you book a deluxe tour. Instead of going to the Glen Canyon Dam by bus, the deluxe upgrade flies you there on an airplane, and in addition, you get an air tour of the South Rim and Vermilion Cliffs while you're in the air. The flight takes around 60 minutes and allows you to catch some views that simply aren't possible on the ground.
You'll also get to travel by Jeep before your floating tour begins. You'll ride with eight other passengers for a tour that includes highlights such as the mysterious Slot Canyons and Horseshoe Bend. The deluxe tour does cost more, but it is worth it.
Touring Along The River
No matter which tour option you choose, your river tour will be the same. The river tour is an experience you don't want to miss. Grand Canyon rafting in this portion of the river is only over smooth waters, so you don't have to worry about rough waters, you can just relax and soak up the amazing views. There are several beautiful beach areas along the tour where your raft will make a stop so you can explore on foot or swim. These tours are ideal for seniors and families since they stay on tame waters.
Just be aware that tours sell out fast, especially over the Spring Break. So, buy your tour ahead of time, by booking it online. Buy your tour when you finalize your hotel stay, or at least try to get your seats about two weeks in advance. Buying online gives you the lowest price and you'll have your seats reserved and waiting.
Wrapping Up
Make this Spring Break an exciting one by taking a tour of the Grand Canyon that includes a raft ride along the Colorado River. My own recommendation is that you take the deluxe tour, because you will make the most of the time between leaving the airport, and setting off on the float tour. However, the basic tour is great too and they both offer the same river experience. Either way you are going to have an awesome adventure that is completely unique to the Grand Canyon. Don't forget to buy your tour as soon as you can so you won't lose out on the chance to have a day of fun!
About the Author:
Grand Canyon National Park specialist Rick Sneeds suggests these Canyon tours and especially these Colorado River one-day rafting tours within the National Park: http://www.grandcanyondaytrips.com/float-trips/