Although traveling can be terrifically exciting, some destinations don't offer many activities. One place that is all around exciting is the Grand Canyon, since you have quite a few things you can do, including the Grand Canyon water rafting tours.

1-Day Rafting

Most people picture whitewater rafting when they think of rafting in Grand Canyon National Park, and that's understandable. But those kinds of adventures last anywhere from 3 to twenty days. For many folks, this is too much time or too costly. The best alternative? One-day river rafting tours, which gently meander down the Colorado River making stops for swimming and easy strolls into hidden side canyons.

Not everyone, has the time, inclination or level of physical fitness required for a white water river expeditions. Concerned? Then you are going to find that these Grand Canyon float tours will be ideal for you. Families (including children aged four years and up), active seniors and groups all enjoy rafting on the calmer portions of the Colorado River during these one-day trips.

Two of the best Grand Canyon smooth water float tours begin at the South Rim. For the first tour, you will end up on a bus that starts off at the Grand Canyon National Airport and then you will head out to page and go through a two mile tunnel that ends up at the base of the Glen Canyon Dam. Your three hour float tour is going to be on a motorized pontoon boat that starts at the Dam's dock and will take you to Lee's Ferry.

Antelope Canyon

The other popular choice you will have for this Grand Canyon water rafting trip will have you taking a plane to Page's municipal airport from the South Rim of the Canyon. There, participants are whisked away in a 4x4 for an exciting off-road excursion to renowned Antelope Canyon. As soon as you end up passing through the tunnel mentioned in the other tour; you will be ready for the river portion of this tour.

You are certain to agree that the Colorado River rafting is a beautiful experience. While traveling down the river, you will experience the sandstone cliffs and see the fascinating Horseshoe Bend. Just a short distance down the river, you will end up reaching land and with a short walk have the chance to see some petroglyphs on the walls of the cliff. On your rafting trip, you will have a chance to see even more of the natural beauty of the area.

Smooth water float tours are priced reasonably and include a professional driver, river guide, lunch and return transportation back to the South Rim on a deluxe motor coach. On the way to the South Rim you'll see the Painted Desert and the Navajo Indian Reservation. As you travel through the area, you will be able to stop by the Cameron Trading Post and experience authentic Native American handicrafts.

Morning Departures

These all day tours will typically begin at 7 AM. You won't find shuttle service included, so make sure that you do have arrangements in place to reach the airfield of Tusayan, Arizona. Thankfully, you can reach Tusayan within ten minutes of the hotels located at Grand Canyon Village.

Those wanting to swim should rejoice as you will be encouraged to swim on this trip. You'll want to have some extra clothes, sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, towel, sneakers and sandals on hand for your tour.

While whitewater rafting is the most publicized journey type, it is actually the slower water tours people prefer. This is why so many people prefer the one-day smooth water float trips. In addition to staying on the calmer portions of the river, several stops along the way allow you to explore the riverbanks. If you're traveling with active children, these opportunities are more than capable of keeping their interest.