Grand Canyon Rafting Adventure
Advantage Grand Canyon — Grand Canyon Rafting FAQ
ADVANTAGE GRAND CANYON
Frequently Asked Questions
Your complete guide to planning, preparing for, and enjoying a Grand Canyon rafting trip.
Whether you’re a first-time rafter or returning for another run through the canyon, this FAQ covers the questions we hear most often — from trip selection and logistics to safety, packing, comfort, and everything in between.
1. Planning & Trip Selection
Start with three decisions:
- Motor or non-motor (oar/paddle/dory)
- Trip length (3–5 days, 6–9 days, 12–18 days)
- Canyon section (Full, Upper, Lower, Western)
If you’re unsure, our Personal Trip Match service recommends the best options based on your dates, fitness level, and travel style.
No. Most guests have never rafted before. Your guides will teach you everything you need to know. There is no requirement to be able to “read the rapids”, that’s all handled by your guides.
April–October is the commercial season.
- Spring/Fall: Cooler air, great hiking, clearer water
- Summer: Warmer, splashy, ideal for those who enjoy heat
See the Weather Guide for deeper detail.
6–12 months ahead is ideal. Some outfitters sell out 18–24 months early — but one of our specialties is finding last minute raft trips for travelers, 1- 3 months out.
2. Trip Types (Motor, Oar, Paddle, Hybrid, Dory)
- Motor: Fast, stable, great for shorter vacations (6–7 days sees the Full Canyon)
- Oar: Slower, quieter, more immersive (12–16 days sees the Full Canyon)
A raft where you paddle as part of the team. Active, hands-on, and great for adventurous fit travelers who preferably have multi-day paddle trips under their belt.
A mix of oar + paddle rafts. You choose daily which you prefer.
A beautiful wooden boat that slices through waves. Limited seats; high demand.
3. Canyon Sections — Full, Upper, Lower, Western
- Upper Canyon: Lees Ferry → Phantom Ranch (Mile 88), requires hiking UP Bright Angel
- Lower Canyon: Phantom Ranch → Whitmore/Diamond/Pearce, requires hiking DOWN
No — Full Canyon motor/oar trips do NOT require hiking in or out.
A 3–5 day warm-weather motor or non-motor trip starting with a flight + helicopter to Mile 188 (Whitmore).
4. Physical, Safety & Medical Considerations
Reasonably. You must be able to:
- Move in/out of boats
- Walk on uneven ground
- Carry your bag to and from camp
Paddle trips require more stamina; motor trips require less however are action packed days as you see nearly twice as much in a day vs non-motor trips.
Yes — guides are licensed, certified, and trained in Swiftwater Rescue & Wilderness First Aid.
Risks exist in any wilderness environment, and guides review safety daily.
You can still raft — a Type-V PFD is mandatory and provided.
Allergies, heart/lung issues, mobility limits, sleep apnea, insulin needs, medications requiring refrigeration.
Evacuations are possible but at times can be difficult due to the remote setting.
Highly recommended. It can protect against cancellations, delays and medical evacuation.
5. Logistics, Transport & Timing
Depends on the section and outfitter:
- Lees Ferry (Mile 0) – Upper & Full
- Phantom Ranch (Mile 88) – hike entry/exit
- Whitmore Wash (Mile 188) – helicopter exit
- Diamond Creek / Pearce Ferry – drive outs
Return transportation is almost always included; pre-trip transport varies.
See the Transport Guide for specifics.
Yes. Almost all trips have a required orientation the night before launch.
On some trips it is possible however return times vary by shuttle, weather, or helicopter so we generally recommend traveling home the next day.
6. Packing, Gear, Weather & Comfort
- Life jacket (PFD)
- Large dry bag + day dry bag
- Tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad
- Plates, utensils, cups
- Camp chair (usually)
- Food & water
See the What’s Included page.
Quick-dry clothing, river shoes, sun protection, headlamp, rain jacket, personal meds.
See the Packing List for a full breakdown.
Yes — in a waterproof case. There is no charging unless you bring a battery pack.
- Spring/Fall: cool mornings, warm days
- Summer: hot days, warm nights, possible monsoons
- Water temp: 48–55°F year-round
See the Weather Guide.
7. Food, Water, Sanitation & Hygiene
Fresh, hearty, and pretty much cooked from scratch:
Steak, salmon, fajitas, salads, pancakes, Dutch-oven desserts.
See the Sample Food Menu.
Yes — nearly all diets (vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, nut allergies) can be handled with advance notice.
A clean, private, eco-friendly portable toilet (“groover”) is set up at each camp.
During the day, guides explain river protocols.
Absolutely. Guides filter and provide an unlimited supply of clean drinking water daily.
8. Booking, Payments, Age Limits
- You inquire with us
- We match trips based on your preferences
- We handle you booking from start to finish
- You pay the same price as booking direct — our service is free
Outfitter policies vary.
Most deposits are non-refundable after 24 hours.
Typically:
- Motor trips: 8-9 years+
- Oar/paddle/dory: 12-14 years+
- Western Canyon: 8–12 years+
Customary gratuity is 8–12% of trip cost, split across guides.
9. Families, Groups & Charters
Yes — especially motor trips or shorter Western Canyon trips.
Yes. Private motor or oar/paddle/hybrid charters are available depending on date, boat type, and group size.
Charters often require 14–24+ seats depending on the outfitter.
All the time. Groups are mixed and very welcoming.
6–12 months ahead is ideal. Some outfitters sell out 18–24 months early — but one of our specialties is finding last minute raft trips for travelers, 1- 3 months out.
10. Environmental Stewardship
Yes — all outfitters adhere to strict National Park Service protocols:
- Pack-in/pack-out
- Leave No Trace
- Zero wildlife interaction
- Eco-friendly soaps, reusable containers
- Campsite rotation to reduce impact
See the Environment page for more.
11. Miscellaneous Questions
No. You are completely unplugged — and most guests love that.
The lead guide always has a satellite phone to call out in case of emergency
Yes, in moderation. No glass bottles.
Depends on season. Spring/Fall require warm layers; Summer is mild.
Motor trips offer the most stability; guides are trained to keep guests comfortable and will always explain the terrain and demanding nature of a future hike. You can elect to join or relax at the rafts.
- Motor: 28–35+ miles/day
- Oar/Paddle/Dory: 12-18 miles/day
Your Canyon, Your Pace.
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.
