Those wanting to experience the Grand Canyon from a different angle, might want to look into the float tours that can be found here. Not every trip down the Colorado River involves shooting rapids and avoiding dangerous rocky outcroppings. What you might not realize is that the calmest waters in the area, actually offer some of the best sights in this National Park.

Family Activity

There are many reasons to choose a smooth-water rafting trip rather than white-water rafting. By floating through calm waters, you have a chance to experience the scenery, instead of trying to maneuver your raft. Best of all; the float tours in the Grand Canyon are going to be family friendly. Children as young as four can take most of these tour and older adults who have some health concerns will find that there is less stress and intensity, so they can enjoy the trip.

You'll find that the scenery you experience will depend largely on the area of the river you are rafting down. For the 1-day Grand Canyon rafting tour, you will start your journey up by the National Park in the Page area and then finish your day at Lee's Ferry. The entire journey will last about three hours and your lunch will be spent on a beautiful beach. While you are experiencing the scenery, you will have a chance to see the canyon walls and see some ancient Indian symbols inscribed on it firsthand.

Kinds of Tours

There are two types of South Rim smooth-water rafting trips. Your first tour will bring you to Page, AZ on a bus from the Grand Canyon National Park Airport. Your other tour option begins on a plane. With a trip through Antelope Canyon by Jeep, you will then have a chance to raft down the river. While this is a more comprehensive choice, you will need to note it will be a bit more than the first tour type.

Visitors in Las Vegas will also have a chance to explore float tours on the river. With a trip that kicks off in a helicopter, travelers will then have a chance to begin their experience at the West Rim of the Grand Canyon. With this tour, you will have about 30 minutes to look around the floor of the canyon, before you are flown up to the top and then taken to the Hoover Dam by bus. At the base of the dam, you will find the boat dock. Once you get aboard, you'll float ten miles down the river to Willow Beach, Arizona.

All Ages

The type of craft used will vary by tour operator. Most operators use motorized rubber pontoon rafts that can accommodate 19 people comfortably. Other tours will have a raft you row across the river that has a professional providing you with directions. If you take a physical adventure, you are going to need to be in great health. Also, passengers on these particular smooth-water rafting tours are usually required to be at least 16 years old.

Most people book these tours between June and August. It should be noted that those who can adjust their vacation will want to book between May and the early part of June if possible, or during September if they need to wait until later.

Be Prepared

On your journey, make sure you are drinking lots of water and have on sunscreen. Should you decide to row your own boat, make sure you are in good physical condition first. What you will want to keep in mind is that motorized boats require almost no physical exertion and they allow you to experience the beauty of the area.