Grand Canyon Rafting

Trip Notes

Click on the button below for detailed Trip Notes containing all the particulars about this trip, including kit lists and practical information.

Note: these can vary by departure; you can check out the specific Trip Notes for your chosen adventure on the dates & prices page.

Responsible Travel

At Exodus we believe in the power of Responsible Travel.

Every time we travel, we are part of a global movement that creates jobs, builds more sustainable societies, encourages cultural understanding and safeguards common natural and cultural heritage. To learn more about what Responsible Travel means to Exodus click here…

Itinerary

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Las Vegas

Day 1
Start Las Vegas; travel to Lees ferry
An early 05:00 hrs departure takes you to historic Lees Ferry, where your journey will begin and where you'll have your first taste of the mighty Grand Canyon and the snaking Colorado River. Don't let the calm waters fool you, the rapids aren't far away, and as soon as you see the boats you'll be eager to set off on your incredible voyage of discovery.
Accommodation: Camping on the banks of the Colorado River
Meals included: Lunch Dinner
Days 2-7
Colorado River - Grand Canyon (South Rim)
The Grand Canyon offers the most spectacular geological extravaganza on earth. Despite being a desert setting, plants and wildlife thrive. Cacti, wildflowers, Bighorn Sheep, Mule Deer, coyotes and Ringtail Cats may be seen along the banks, while overhead many species of bird may be observed, including hawks, Golden Eagles, falcons, Great Blue Herons and egrets.
You will have the opportunity to hike and swim inside canyons, as well as running class V whitewater rapids. Due to the length of river covered in eight days, specially crafted motorised rafts are used for safety and comfort while rafting in the Grand Canyon. These allow ample supplies to be carried for the entire journey so travellers of all fitness levels can enjoy this incredible experience.
Not all of your time is spent on the water, and you'll have ample time to hike some of the trails and stretch those legs. A visit to Havasu Creek is a highlight for most travellers on this trip with the incredible contrast of colours from the vibrant turquoise blue waters set against a backdrop of rich red rock, simply stunning.
There's no need to pack much for our Grand Canyon rafting trips, the climate is mild and just a few changes of clothes are needed. We supply waterproof river bags and camera boxes so you can focus on enjoying the sights and sounds of the river; hidden trails, secluded riverside campsites and stunning canyon sunsets and sunrises.
A TYPICAL DAY ON THE RIVER
7:00 AM
You awaken to the aroma of freshly-brewed coffee. Although the sun will not flood our camp for some time, the tops of the Grand Canyon's walls are already aglow with sunlight. While eggs, sausages and muffins cook, sleeping bags are being packed.
9:00 AM
You enter a series of rapids and a great Blue Heron takes off down-river, wings pumping; both bird and its surroundings seem somehow prehistoric. Embrace the coolness of the shadow, tilt your head back and see the sunlight slowly making its way down the epic canyon walls.
11:00 AM
South Canyon intersects the river, signalling that Vasey's Paradise is just ahead. A paradise, indeed! Sunlight seems to explode from the fountains of water gushing from the Grand Canyon's walls. Lush growths of moss and ferns seem strangely out of place in this desert setting. You drift close to the gushing water, giving everyone aboard a welcome shower.
12:00 NOON
Our boats stop for lunch in the shade of Redwall Cavern. Inside this great cave, there's room enough for a game of softball!
2:00 PM
As two Golden Eagles soar lazily overhead, you drift quietly along soaking in your surroundings and your boatman tells you the story of Bert Loper's historic river run in 1949. You feel the heat, but soon a roller coaster rapid refreshes you. We sight moon lilies abloom at the mouth of Saddle Canyon. A hike to explore Saddle is topped off with a cold soda.
6:00 PM
You make for Nankoweap, a site of ancient Indian ruins and your campsite for the night. After a dinner of fillet, Dutch-oven potatoes, green salad and cherry cobbler, we hike to the ruins and view the river below.
9:00 PM
Those who cannot stay awake find their sleeping bags. Bed tonight is beneath the Milky Way and a canopy of stars that dwarfs even the Grand Canyon.
Accommodation: Camping on the banks of the Colorado River
Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Day 8
Las Vegas
Your Grand Canyon white water rafting trip comes to an end with a thrilling jet boat ride along Lake Mead before transferring back to Las Vegas, where you’ll be dazzled all over again. Perhaps treat yourself to a celebratory drink after what can only be described as an incredible adventure, and slowly ease yourself back into normality.
Meals included: Breakfast

Trip Notes

Click on the button below for detailed Trip Notes containing all the particulars about this trip, including kit lists and practical information.

Note: these can vary by departure; you can check out the specific Trip Notes for your chosen adventure on the dates & prices page.

Essential Info

Visas

United States

British, New Zealand, Swiss and most EU passport holders do not need a visa (and enter the country under the Visa Waiver Program), provided they are in possession of an onward air ticket when entering the USA. Visas for the USA are required by some nationalities and it is always best to check with the relevant embassies. All passengers travelling to and from the U.S. under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) are required to hold a machine-readable passport (MRP). A MRP has the holder's personal details, e.g. name, date of birth, nationality and their passport number contained in two lines of text at the base of the photo page. This text may be read by machine. The US now charges $14 for the visa waiver program and must be paid by credit card. The US authorities have introduced a mandatory requirement for all passengers travelling under the Visa Waiver Programme to register for an Electronic Travel Authority. As of 21 January 2016, any person who has travelled to Iran, Iraq, Sudan, Syria, Libya, Somalia, or Yemen since March 2011, or have dual nationalities of these countries, may no longer qualify for the VWP. For additional specifics about the VWP please consult the VWP information on the U.S. Embassy London website. More information and all necessary Internet links can be found on our USA visas page.

Vaccinations

United States

There are no mandatory vaccinations required for this trip.

Eating and Drinking

7 breakfast, 7 lunches & 6 dinners included plus soft drinks

MEALS
The design of our boats enables us to carry several hundred pounds of ice, which will last the entire trip. Every meal is prepared with fresh meats and produce. All food is prepared by our boatmen, who have mastered the art of Dutch-oven cooking. We provide generous quantities of cold soft drinks, fruit juice and filtered water which are available to you throughout the day. A hearty breakfast of bacon or sausage, eggs with muffins, pancakes or French toast, fruit, cereal, juice, coffee, cocoa and tea is available each morning. Lunches are picnic style. They consist of a selection of delicatessen meats and cheeses, pickles, tomatoes, lettuce, onions and olives. You make your own sandwich with a choice of breads. Chips, cookies, fruit, nuts and candy are served and a choice of drinks (juice, soda pop, water) are all available. Included are seven breakfasts, seven lunches and six dinners. Dinners are filling, as they should be after an activity-filled day. Main dishes include filet mignon, halibut, Mexican dinners, shrimp, pork fillet, chicken and pasta. Each night we serve a salad, either tossed, green, fruit or vegetable. We also serve cooked vegetables such as corn, carrots, zucchini, tomatoes and potatoes. Desserts consist of Dutch-oven cakes or cobblers, pound cake, fruit and cookies. A selection of cold beverages is always available. Please make sure we are aware of any special meal requirements at the time of booking. We purchase food in advance so it is extremely important we are made aware well in advance.

ALCOHOL
You are welcome to bring your own beer, wine or spirits (no glass). All beverages should be in either plastic or aluminium containers due to limited space for trash. We suggest that you make these purchases in Las Vegas, the evening prior to your trip. Our representative will have suggestions concerning where to purchase beverages at the evening orientation meeting. Please be aware that the legal drinking age in Arizona is 21.

Weather

CANYON TEMPERATURES
Temperatures in the canyon vary depending on location, season, and year. During the warmest months of the season, you will find that it is extremely hot on our expeditions, but on early and late season departures it may rain and become cooler during the day. The dry climate of the Grand Canyon combined with swimming and frequent rapids will keep you comfortable. The water at Lees Ferry is quite cold (50 degrees) because it is released from the bottom of Glen Canyon Dam (Lake Powell) just 15 miles upstream. Sunny days and incoming side streams help increase water temperatures as you travel downstream. Regardless of the weather conditions, you will not be able to escape during the day so being prepared for all eventualities is extremely important.

FALL TOURS

Before May 15 and after September 15 we recommend bringing a warm jacket and polypropylene long underwear (two pair top and bottom); a hood or warm cap; gloves and wool or neoprene socks. This clothing may not be needed, but it’s better to bring it and be prepared than to wish you had it along. Since spring and fall trips have fewer hours of direct sun and lower daytime temperatures, it is important for your comfort to bring a two-piece rain suit. Waterproof ground cloths as well as two-person dome tents are provided for protection against rain.

Is this trip for you?

This tour is rated grade 2: Leisurely/Moderate

Rafting and camping along the Colorado River is the ultimate way to explore the Grand Canyon. With a relaxed pace and tranquil surroundings, this tour is perfect for experiencing the great outdoors and observing wildlife in its natural habitat.

No previous rafting experience is required, however we do suggest that you are confident in and around water and that you are willing to live without a mobile phone signal for the duration of the trip!

CAN'T SWIM?

No problem. Neither can many of the people who raft the Grand Canyon! We will supply US Coast Guard approved life preservers for all participants.

The normal maximum group size is 14 per raft and this tour normally operates with two rafts so the total group size is 28. On our early and late season tours the group size is typically around 20 as opposed to 28.

The entire trip is operated by our trusted partner company. As such the departures are not exclusive to Exodus and groups may be a mixture of Exodus and other clients. This trip is booked through Exodus and you will receive the same award winning customer service that you would expect.

Unlike shorter Grand Canyon rafting trips down the upper canyons of the Colorado River, the total number of raft trips allowed down the Colorado River are very limited and as such we strongly urge you to book early to avoid disappointment.

Following a review of all our trips we have categorised this trip as not suitable for full wheelchair users, but it may be suitable for other persons of reduced mobility. Please contact customer services to discuss the trip and your personal condition.

Call for general departures:

1 844 227 9087

Call for private group trips:

1 844 227 9087

Trip Notes

Click on the button below for detailed Trip Notes containing all the particulars about this trip, including kit lists and practical information.

Note: these can vary by departure; you can check out the specific Trip Notes for your chosen adventure on the dates & prices page.

Accommodation

Basic Camping

An essential part of a camping tour is helping out with the day to day camp duties and everyone will assist with the setting up and packing up of the campsite. Your river guides will provide guidance on what to do, and typically it will only take 15 minutes to set up or break down the tents and camp kitchen. Before you know it you’ll be enjoying ‘home sweet home’ in the great outdoors. Sharing the camp duties is a great way to bond with your fellow travellers and the group camaraderie is all part of the experience.

Please note that Single Supplements are not available on this holiday as there is not sufficient space to offer tents for single use.

Call for general departures:

1 844 227 9087

Call for private group trips:

1 844 227 9087

Trip Notes

Click on the button below for detailed Trip Notes containing all the particulars about this trip, including kit lists and practical information.

Note: these can vary by departure; you can check out the specific Trip Notes for your chosen adventure on the dates & prices page.

See all experts

Call for general departures:

1 844 227 9087

Call for private group trips:

1 844 227 9087

Trip Notes

Click on the button below for detailed Trip Notes containing all the particulars about this trip, including kit lists and practical information.

Note: these can vary by departure; you can check out the specific Trip Notes for your chosen adventure on the dates & prices page.