The Grand Canyon rafting
"The Grand Canyon is not like anything else, anywhere in the world. Every day the vista changes, and the colours and rock formations are fascinating."Elizabeth H
Few conversations about “classic” rafting holidays go much further than talking about the Grand Canyon. This is one of the worlds’ best trips, not just for the 226 miles of rafting, but also for the side hikes up canyons and to ancient Indian ruins. For those of you who have seen the Grand Canyon from the rim, that in itself is a stunning experience, set amidst gorgeous granite and marble walls, we camp on spectacular beaches with just the sound of the Colorado River in the background to send us to sleep. We visit ancient Indian ruins high above the Grand Canyon river and view the scenic beauty of this canyon. We run the rapids that Major John Powell ran in this gorge in the late 1800’s in wooden dories. Similar boats are still in use in the Grand Canyon! We are amazed at the cleanliness of the campsites and absolute beauty of this area… There is frequently a two year waiting list for a commercial trip and up to 12 years for a private trip. We are so happy to have these departures and very much hope you will be able to join us…
Itinerary & Map
Arrival into Flagstaff. Overnight hotel.
No meals included
We’ll transfer you from Flagstaff to Lees Ferry where you’ll meet the rest of the crew for the trip. We’ll give a full safety and paddle briefing before embarking on our journey.
Included: All meals
Every day on the canyon brings something different. Whether it is visiting the incredible “Redwall Cavern” or hiking up to the Anasazi Indian ruins, the vistas you will have on your trip are unforgettable. The hikes on this trip are broken up by world-class rapids such as Hermit, Crystal and Lava Falls. On top of these big rapids, this river trip abounds with 226 miles of wavetrains and fun filled rafting sections. As we’ll be taking paddle rafts with stern assist (the guide will sit on the back of your raft with oars) you’ll actively participate in your navigating some of the best whitewater in the world.
Our knowledgeable guides will give you the best possible practical Geology lesson on the earth’s history as well as checking out fossils that are hundreds of thousands of years old. Every evening we’ll pull into a suitable spectacular white sandy beach for an incredible feast of steaks, fish, chicken and salads along with the customary beer or glass of wine to discuss your day in depth. This is living. Many people never get to sample the beauty of the Grand Canyon from within…. For those of you who have seen it from the rim, that in itself is a stunning experience, set amidst gorgeous granite and marble walls, we sleep on beaches with just the river in the background to send us to sleep. We visit ancient Indian ruins high above the river and view the scenic beauty of this canyon. We run the rapids and see where Major John Powell ran this gorge in the late 1800’s in wooden dories. Similar boats are still in use in the Canyon today!
There is ample time to adjust to river life during the trip. You wont need watches, cellphones or to worry about anything. This trip offers 100% relaxation.
We have no “fixed” itinerary for this trip, preferring instead to set ourselves up for hikes and ruins that we can do as a group. This adaptability allows us to remain on our own and away from other groups that may be in the canyon at the same time to us.
All meals included days three – fourteen.
We finish off our journey at Diamond Creek. We take the scenic trip back to Flagstaff and we enjoy a celebration, post trip meal together, sharing stories and adventures from our trip.
Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Depart our hotel for Flagstaff airport and connect to our flight back home!
Included: Breakfast
What you should bring
We find most of our clients have in their posession already what is needed for a river journey. We have broken down here the items into what you’ll need on the river and in camp. An equipment list of what you will require for your adventure will be sent to you prior to your departure.
Download equipment file- A pair of trainers or Keens that cover your toes and provide grip on wet rocks.
- 2 pair of river shorts (longer leg length) shorts can be purchased from our online Water Shop.
- 2 Swimming costume or bikinis for ladies.
- 2 sets of long sleeved thermal top and bottoms to wear under your personal floatation device. Capilene, Polypropylene or Merino wool is best. (not cotton)
- A rash vest (not cotton) as an alternative to the thermal layer.
- A baseball cap for under the helmet to keep sun off – can be purchased from our online Water Shop.
- Sunglasses.
- Chums for fastening your sunglasses to your head – can be purchased on line.
- 1 Litre Nalgene / Sigg or similar water bottle or Camel-back hydration system.
- Carabiner for fastening water bottle to your boat.
- Waterproof camera such as GoPro for the ‘action’ shots
- Waterproof sunscreen and lip balm SPF30 minimum.
- 2 pairs of warm tracksuit pants or trekking trousers.
- 2 Lightweight tops – long sleeved shirts or t shirts.
- Fleece or wool jumper.
- Light weight down jacket.
- Shorts.
- Wide brimmed sun hat.
- Underwear.
- Woollen socks
- A 3-season sleeping bag. (Can be hired in advance)
- Travel Pillow.
- Walking shoes.
- Trainers or flipflops for wearing around camp.
- Thermal top and bottoms. (Good to sleep in)
- Glasses or Contact lenses. Disposable lenses are ideal.
- Toiletries. Toothbrush, toothpaste, biodegradable soap and shampoo.
- Forget the cosmetics and hair dryer! But we do suggest moisturizer.
- Hand wipes and a small bottle of hand sanitiser.
- Small pack towel.
- Insect Repellent.
- Personal first aid kit.
- Headlamp or head torch with spare batteries.
- Small day pack (Without a frame)
- Your favourite book/kindle or a journal for recording your river memories.
- Sketchpad.
- Binoculars.
- Photographic or video equipment. We recommend a cleaning kit as sand gets everywhere.
- Spare memory card.
- Solar or portable charger.
- Zip lock bags to keep valuables dry and sand free.
- Rehydration tablets (Phizz, Nuun and O.R.S are easily available)
- The only money that you need to bring is for meals in town, souvenirs, personal items, gratuities and the beer kitty for the raft trip if you drink.
The Grand Canyon rafting Reviews
Awesome, in the true meaning of the word!
The Grand Canyon is not like anything else, anywhere in the world. Every day the vista changes, and the colours and rock formations are fascinating. Throughout the trip the guides educated us on the geology, wildlife, birds and history of the area which added a great deal to the experience, and the optional side-hikes were a nice addition. The river is very deep and very cold, and there are so many different levels of rapids throughout that it was exciting and mellow in equal measure. An awesome river!
Trip of a lifetime!
I did the Grand with Water by Nature a few years back and it was by far the best rafting trip I’ve done ever! ( and I raft guided for 15 years! )
The information the guides delivered throughout the trip was next level, taking a journey through the geology and history of the canyon is mind blowing for anyone!
The food, the equipment, the on river entertainment, the paddling, the rapids, the hikes, the scenery, the stars, the jokes and anything else you can think of was all outstanding and just gets better and better as each day unfolds.
Befriending my fellow rafters making friends for life on opposite sides of the globe!
I’ll be back one day again, thats for sure!
Epic rafting trip
My wife and I did this trip to celebrate her 50th Birthday – I wanted to do something memorable for her and this trip did not disappoint.
The Grand Canyon is epic and the guides on the trip were amazing with their knowledge of the Canyon, the original inhabitants, the wildlife in the Canyon and the rock formations. The rapids are good as well..!!!
There are mini adventures up the side canyons, where you will see the bluest water and also waterfalls – simply stunning. There’s also a large natural cavern with the acoustics of an opera house and the remains of indian ruins.
The rock formations in the sunlight are something else, with reds, purples, yellows and golds being predominate. Then theres a section which is deep black and you could be forgiven for thinking it was Mordor out of the Lord of the Kings..!!
An epic trip which will not be forgotten.
Water By Nature News
