Grand Canyon Rafting

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 white-water 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. (Bx6/Lx6/Dx6)

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.