Grand Canyon Rafting Adventure
What’s Included in Your Grand Canyon Rafting Trip — Gear, Meals & Comfort Essentials
Your adventure, your power.
Everything Provided (and What You’ll Bring) for a Seamless Canyon Experience
When you book a Grand Canyon rafting trip, you’re not just reserving a seat on a raft — you’re joining a fully supported wilderness expedition. From expert guides and high-quality camping gear to chef-prepared meals and all river safety equipment, nearly everything is included once your trip begins.
This guide details exactly what’s provided on a guided Grand Canyon rafting trip — including river gear, tents, sleeping kits, meals, and transportation options — plus what to pack yourself. Whether it’s a motor, oar, paddle, or hybrid adventure, you’ll know precisely what to expect before launch day.
Motor, Oar, Paddle & Hybrid
What’s Included with Every Trip
River Gear
Everything you need to stay safe, comfortable, and organized on the water:
- U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket (PFD)
- Dry bags – large waterproof bag for clothing and sleep gear, plus a smaller day-use bag for easy access on the raft
- Ammo can or dry box for small personal items (on some motor trips)
- Cup, utensils, plate, and bowl (you’ll reuse these throughout the trip)
- Camp chair – lightweight, comfortable, and ideal for evenings at camp
Camping Equipment
No need to pack a tent or sleeping bag — your outfitter provides:
- Two-person tent (solo travelers get their own; odd-numbered groups receive individual tents)
- Sleeping bag and cotton sheet
- Sleeping pad or cot, depending on trip type (foam or self-inflating pads for oar/paddle trips; cots often on motor trips)
- Ground tarp for extra protection and comfort
Every night, you’ll set up your own gear — but guides demonstrate setup on Day 1 and help ensure everyone’s comfortable and organized.
Meals & Beverages
This is where most first-timers are surprised: Grand Canyon river meals are fantastic.
- All meals from launch to take-out — fresh, hearty, and prepared by your guides
- Breakfasts like pancakes, eggs, and fruit
- Lunches of deli wraps, salads, or cold cuts
- Dinners featuring grilled meats, vegetables, and Dutch-oven desserts
- Snacks and appetizers between meals
- Water, coffee, tea, juice, and electrolyte drink mix
- Dietary accommodations (vegetarian, gluten-free, vegan, etc.) with advance notice
Expert Guides
Every trip is led by experienced, certified river professionals who are part naturalist, historian, and outdoor chef. Expect:
- Licensed guides trained in Swiftwater Rescue and Wilderness First Aid
- Interpretive talks about the canyon’s geology, wildlife, and Indigenous history
- Assistance on side hikes and camp setup
- Safety briefings and technique demonstrations throughout the journey
Sanitation & Comfort
- Portable, private toilet system (“groover”) set up daily in a discreet area
- Hand-wash station with biodegradable soap
- All waste packed out per Leave No Trace protocols
- Ample clean drinking water filtered daily
Lodging & Transfers
Many Grand Canyon rafting trips include transportation or lodging support—so your journey to and from the river is simple and stress-free. Depending on the outfitter and trip type, you may receive:
- Pre-trip hotel night near your launch city (Flagstaff, Marble Canyon, South Rim, Page, or Las Vegas)
- Helicopter or charter flight transfers – always included for Western Canyon trips; occasionally for Full Canyon motor trips
- Return transportation from the take-out point back to your meeting location (always included)
- Ground shuttles between outfitters, hotels, and airports
- Vehicle or luggage shuttle service if you’re driving to the launch point
What You’ll Bring
You’ll pack your own personal clothing and essentials; your outfitter provides the rest.
Bring:
- Clothing appropriate for rafting and hiking (see our Packing List)
- Personal toiletries and medications
- Travel to and from the trip’s meeting location
- Gratuities for guides (customary, usually 8–12% of trip cost — but always optional)
- Specialty drinks or alcohol (alcohol not provided however allowed on all trips in moderation; no glass bottles)
What’s Not Included
- Travel insurance – strongly recommended
- Park entrance fee – usually around $20 per person (waived if you hold a valid National Park Pass)
- Lodging before or after the trip (unless specified)
- Charging for electronics – there’s no power on the river; bring a solar charger or battery pack if needed (sometimes provided once or twice per person per trip)
Optional Add-Ons & Upgrades
- Car shuttle service (if driving your own vehicle)
- Waterproof phone/camera case
- Quick-dry towel or sarong
- River sandals or neoprene booties
GRAND CANYON RAFTING TRIPS
Comparing What’s Included by Trip Type
Not sure which raft is right for you? Get a Personal Trip Match and we’ll help you choose the perfect one.
Motor Trips
Trip Type
Motor Trips
Meals
All meals
Camp Gear
Tent + cot
Dry Bags
Large + small
Transfers
Often includes helicopter return
Lodging Included
Sometimes
Extras
Camp chairs always
Oar Trips
Trip Type
Oar Trips
Meals
All meals
Camp Gear
Tent + pad
Dry Bags
Large + small
Transfers
Ground shuttle return
Lodging Included
No
Extras
Camp chairs sometimes
Paddle Trips
Trip Type
Paddle Trips
Meals
All meals
Camp Gear
Tent + pad
Dry Bags
Large + small
Transfers
Ground shuttle return
Lodging Included
No
Extras
Camp chairs sometimes
Hybrid Trips
Trip Type
Hybrid Trips
Meals
All meals
Camp Gear
Tent + pad
Dry Bags
Large + small
Transfers
Ground shuttle return
Lodging Included
No
Extras
Camp chairs sometimes
Dory Trips
Trip Type
Dory Trips
Meals
All meals
Camp Gear
Tent + pad
Dry Bags
Large + small
Transfers
Ground shuttle return
Lodging Included
No
Extras
Camp chairs sometimes
Motor Rafting Adventure
Pro Tip: Don’t Overpack
Most guests bring more than they need — and regret the extra weight.
You’ll receive a detailed packing checklist with your reservation. Use it as your bible; if it’s not on the list, you probably don’t need it.
We Specialize Exclusively in Grand Canyon Rafting
Why It Matters to Book with Advantage Grand Canyon
- Transparent comparisons between outfitters
- No hidden fees or mark-ups — ever
- Real-time trip availability across all 16 Grand Canyon rafting companies
Your Canyon, Your Pace.
Ready to Plan Your First Trip?
Your guides, gear, and gourmet meals are waiting.
All you need to bring is your sense of adventure.
Let’s help you find your perfect oar-powered adventure.