I know spring is around the corner once I start thinking about 1-day float tours. And I am because the first ones shove off from the banks of the Colorado River this March 2. I can't wait. It's like a homecoming!

And based on my interactions with you guys on live chat and email you, too, have got water rafting on your minds, too. That's fantastic because no other activity holds a candle to these float tours.

There are two places from which to take a float tour: Las Vegas and South Rim. The tour from Vegas is unique in the fact that it comes with a helicopter tour to the bottom of the West Rim (remember helis can only fly to the bottom of the WR).

Vegas Float

You can catch a Vegas smooth-water adventure from either the Strip or Boulder City. The former will cost you more and the later is the cheaper option. Following the bottom landing, you'll ascend back to the top, transfer to a bus and head to the base of Hoover Dam where the pontoon raft dock is located

The remainder of the trip is an 11-mile float from Hoover to Willow Beach, AZ. The views are spectacular, especially the part where you go under the magnificent Hoover Dam Bypass Bridge in Black Canyon. There's also wildlife and more to be seen but the Bypass for me was a real stand out.

Go here for complete details about the Vegas rafting tour.

This brings us to the South Rim, which is synonymous with the town of Tusayan. Please note this because all 1-day float tours start at the Grand Canyon National Park Airport. And by all I mean the one that requires a bus ride to Glen Canyon Dam and the other that uses a plane (this one comes with a Jeep tour to Antelope Canyon, too!).

South Rim Floats

These SR rafting trips, like their Vegas counterpart, are open to kids 4 years of age and up. This is great news for families and groups because now everyone can go regardless of age and fitness (I even recommend these trips to seniors). The reason why these trips do so well is because there's no white water rafting. If they were the age limit and physical requirements would go up big time.

Your typical SR water rafting adventure departs from the base of Glen Canyon and meanders down the Colorado past Horseshoe Bend until you wind up at historic Lee's Ferry (an old Mormon town and the only safe North-South crossing for hundreds of miles in either direction). En route, there' plenty of pullouts and even a small hike to see ancient Indian rock art. When all's said and done, it's a fantastic day and one I strongly recommend putting on your to-do list.

As noted, the first day for launch is March 2. From thereon it's non-stop and seats fill up real fast. How fast? As in don't try to book these tour within 72 hours or you won't be on the river. I know that planning can be especially hard if you're representing a large group. But this is one time where you will definitely want to get your foot in the door and lock down your seats. Believe me, it's worth the extra effort.

Conclusion

OK, I hope this article helped those of you considering a float tour down the Grand Canyon River. You can do these either in Las Vegas or the South Rim so determine your base first and go from there. Remember to dress accordingly for a day on the water. This means wearing clothes that are comfortable. I do recommend shorts and a hat and running shoes (river sandals are the most ideal). These trips are all inclusive (lunch, gear, permits, snacks, water, etc). The Las Vegas one as well as the South Rim raft/bus combo include free hotel pick up drop off. These are the most "done-for-you" kind of trips offered. And it's a vacation, right? So take advantage of the perks.

Click Here to Book 1-Day Rafting Tours!

Travel On!

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