Enjoying the Grand Canyon and the emerald waters of the Colorado River on a rafting trip is one of the best ways to immerse yourself in these natural wonders. One of the most important decisions you’ll make before joining a rafting trip is which type of vessel and therefore adventure to choose. There are primarily two categories; motor and oar power rafts. In this article we’ll help you decide which is more suitable for you.
Grand Canyon Motorized Trips:
- At 6 or 7 days motorized trips offer a quicker trip through the entire canyon as compared to 12 day oar trips.
- Motorized trips use much larger rafts and offer more security going through the rapids.
- Motorized trips offer more time in the evening for hiking and relaxing at camp.
Our motor-powered whitewater rafts are 15′ X 37′ neoprene crafts powered by quiet, environmentally friendly outboard motors. With two boats and fourteen passengers per boat, each trip can accommodate twenty eight passengers in addition to four guides. These rafts move securely through the canyon quicker than our oar-powered rafts. Their large size takes you through some of Colorado River’s biggest and best white water safely and comfortably. In order to maneuver the propeller away from obstacles such as boulders and debris, the craft will undoubtedly rush into the heart of the rapids at speeds up to nine mph. However, there is virtually no threat of capsizing in a vessel of this size, especially when manned by experienced guides. Therefore this ‘yacht-like’ option is great for families with any members who are nervous about navigating the whitewater.
The rafts’ powerful motors also offer a more flexible schedule than oar powered rafts, with the ability to stay longer at passengers’ preferred spots. Additionally, minimizing travel time maximizes the amount of attractions visited, such as off rafting hiking experiences that include jumping into waterfalls and spotting wildlife such as eagles, condors, or bighorn sheep coyotes. Depending on the itinerary, the extra time might allow you to see twice as much per day as you would on an oar powered trip. A motorized raft trip allows guests to explore miles of raw, spectacular landscapes, camp out under the stars, and enjoy expertly prepared gourmet meals. There will also be time for solitude and reflection inside one of the most awe-inspiring canyons on earth. Ultimately, there will be plenty of adrenaline and fun for everyone aboard our motorized rafts.
Additionally, no hiking in or out of the canyon is required on a motorized trip as they can easily go the full 226 miles (that would take an oar powered raft several weeks). If you are limited on time a motorized trip might be a better option as you won’t have to choose between either the lower or the upper half of the canyon. The full canyon is completely worth seeing if you have that option.
Grand Canyon Oar / Non Motorized Trips:
- Non-motorized trips go at a slower pace and the smaller boats get you closer to the river.
- The rapids are more challenging for the smaller non-motorized rafts.
- The rafting moves it a slower pace giving you plenty of time to take in the beauty of the canyon.
- Smaller boats means smaller groups. The typical non motorized boat carries 5 passengers vs 14 for the motorized craft.
Oar powered rafts are the best way to experience the traditional form of rafting in the US, the birthplace of rafting. These smaller water crafts come in at 18’ and transport five passengers per boat. A typical trip consists of five to six oar-powered rafts in the group, which enable participants to alternate which guides and fellow rafters they share their time with. Each guide shares their different perspective and insightful knowledge about the canyon as they expertly navigate you through the powerful currents. Thrill seekers enjoy these lighter, smaller crafts as they are a more challenging ride, get you closer to the water, and require passengers to hold on tight over the rapids.
As with the motor powered trips, you’ll traverse miles of spectacular canyons, camp out under the stars and enjoy spectacular riverside meals. Through the day you’ll glide through moments of immense and spiritual silence as the raft floats from one magnificent vista to the next. By evening, the fleet of oar-powered rafts will be securely docked on the shore as you settle in for an evening of storytelling, relaxing, and reflecting upon your day.
Both rafting trips allow you to hike, swim, and lounge on beaches at locations inaccessible from the rims. All trips through the Grand Canyon allow you to marvel at pristine waterfalls, ancient Indian ruins, and cliff walls rising nearly a mile overhead. You’ll be surrounded by diverse ecosystems of wildlife, among which are foxes and mule deer. At the end of the journey most travelers will agree that the amazing scenery and the bonds created or strengthened on the water are the most important things, but the added factor of adrenaline only adds to the enjoyment.
Additionally all rafting trips include…
- Plentiful, delicious meals
- Snack food
- A variety of sodas, along with drinking water
- Sleeping bag, cot, and ground tarp
- Tents
- Waterproof bags for clothing
- Camp chairs
- Waterproof container for camera and items used during the day
- Life jacket, which must be worn at all times on the river
After you decide on which vessel is right for you the next step would be to decide how long to raft for.
