Grand Canyon Raft Types

Grand Canyon Raft Types | Compare Motor, Oar, Paddle, Hybrid & Dory Trips

Grand Canyon Rafting TRIPS

Speed, Comfort & Adventure Levels Explained by Experts

Your raft choice defines your adventure. At Advantage Grand Canyon, we’ve helped thousands of travelers choose between motorized speed and human-powered serenity.

This page compares all five Grand Canyon raft types—motor, oar, paddle, hybrid, and dory—so you can understand the differences in comfort, pace, and group style. Whether you want a smooth, social ride or hands-on whitewater action, here’s everything you need to know to pick the perfect rafting style for your trip.

ADVANTAGE GRAND CANYON

Quick Reference Table

Motorized J-Rig

Seats / Raft

14 – 18

Daily Miles¹

26–32

Trip Length (Full Canyon)

6–8 days

Best For

Riding “finger-like” pontoons like a bull

Vibe

Social, roller-coaster waves

Motorized S-Rig

Seats / Raft

14 – 18

Daily Miles¹

25–32

Trip Length (Full Canyon)

6–8 days

Best For

“Bath Tub” seating, back support

Vibe

Thrilling, more legroom

Motorized C-Rig

Seats / Raft

16 – 20

Daily Miles¹

Trip Length (Full Canyon)

6–9 days

Best For

Front-facing rapids, tight groups

Vibe

Fast, intimate group

Oar Raft (18')

Seats / Raft

4 – 6

Daily Miles¹

8–15

Trip Length (Full Canyon)

12–15 days

Best For

Photographers, hikers

Vibe

Quiet, relaxed pace

Paddle Raft (15')

Seats / Raft

6–8 + guide

Daily Miles¹

8–13

Trip Length (Full Canyon)

12–15 days*

Best For

Active, fit crews

Vibe

Hands-on teamwork

Hybrid Trip

Seats / Raft

Oar + Paddle mix

Daily Miles¹

8–15

Trip Length (Full Canyon)

12–15 days

Best For

Mixed-ability groups

Vibe

Rotate boats daily

Dory (17')

Seats / Raft

Daily Miles¹

8–15

Trip Length (Full Canyon)

12–15 days

Best For

River classicists

Vibe

Surfing feel, wood craft

Motorized Rafts

J-Rig vs. S-Rig vs. C-Rig

J-Rig (37′ twin-pontoon)

Seats:

Center bench + front “bull” seats on finger-like pontoons

Pros:

Fastest canyon coverage, large capacity, stable

Cons:

Slight engine noise (quiet 4-stroke), less intimate

S-Rig (33′ pontoon)

Pros

Most popular and most comfortable motor option; back-supported seating; more legroom; easier gear access

Cons:

Engine noise, slightly less social

C-Rig (38′ pontoon)

Pros

Intimate group size; front seats hit rapids hardest; ideal for those who want a tighter bond with crew

Cons:

Fewer launch dates available; larger raft can feel heavier

Oar, Paddle & Hybrid:

Motor Rafting Adventure

Pros & Cons Snapshot

Raft Type	Biggest Pro	Potential Con
Motor (J/S/C)	See entire canyon in one week, lots of action each day	Larger group on raft
Oar	Quiet, hike-heavy days	Requires longer vacation
Paddle	Active thrill every rapid	Physical effort; need to stay attentive
Hybrid	Choice on daily activity level	Very limited in inventory
Dory	Classic river heritage feel	Few seats; high demand

Trip Lengths & Map

How to Choose the Right Raft for Your Group

Ask yourself two key questions:

6–9 days: Motor trip

12–15 days: Oar, Paddle, or Hybrid

Want to relax? Choose Motor or Oar

Want action? Choose Paddle or Hybrid

Compare Trip Types

Grand Canyon Trips

Still Unsure Which Raft Fits Your Style?

Let us help you choose the perfect Grand Canyon adventure.

Our team has rafted every route and raft style and will match your group to the best option based on dates, fitness level, and adventure preference.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some major questions related to Grand Canyon Rafting Trips asked by customers.

Are motor trips less scenic?

No — you’ll see the same iconic canyon sections, just at a faster pace.

Will prices differ by raft type?

Yes. Motor trips are often less expensive per day due to shorter durations.

Can children paddle?

Most outfitters require paddlers to be age 12+ and strong swimmers.