Grand Canyon Whitewater’s motorized rafts are 35-feet-long, compartmentalized, rubber rafts. Each raft holds up to 14 guests for a total of 28 guests per trip. All of our motorized trips are run with two rafts. There will always be a guide driving each raft from the back (or stern). You will hear them while motoring downriver but history has proven that our passengers don’t find the motor noise intrusive to their rafting experience. During orientation, your river guides will point out the features of the raft including how and where to hold on.
You’ll be sitting on padded seats along each side of the raft facing the Canyon walls. Your feet will be slightly up on the side pontoons with a duffel pile to lean back against. We’ve been told that our motorized rafts are some of the most comfortable in Grand Canyon. Lay back and take in the breathtaking view or close your eyes for a nap while coasting the flat water. If you choose to sit up at the front you’ll be right in the action or move towards the back to dry off. Feel free to rotate seat positions and take turns up front. We also highly recommend switching rafts throughout the trip so you can experience the different guides’ interpretative styles and personalities.
To board a motorized raft use the small strap between the side pontoons and inner donut tube to step up with one foot as you place the other on the raft. From here some guests feel comfortable walking alongside the side pontoon. If this doesn’t work for you, sit down on the padded seats and shuffle down for other guests to board.
A benefit to motorized trips is motorized rafts allow people to see more of the Canyon by travelling twice the speed of the current. We aren’t talking major speed here; the current averages about 4 miles per hour, so we cruise along at about 8 miles per hour. You can expect a fun and exciting ride through the whitewater rapids on a motorized raft.
Each guest is issued a small, waterproof day bag to store personal things that they’ll need throughout the day. These will simply clip to the straps next to you on the boat.
Snacks, water and electrolyte mix will be available on the boat. Snacks include a variety of nuts, candy bars, fresh fruit, and granola bars. The snacks and electrolyte mix are stored under the back “princess” seats. You’ll find a 5-gallon water container on each side of the raft near the back. If you’re needing a refill on your water or are ready for a snack just ask your fellow guests.
Bring a carabiner with you to easily clip you your water bottle to the boat. Non-insulated water bottles work better so you can clip them where they’ll be cooled down by the river water. For soda and beer, drag bags are provided. Drag bags are mesh bags that drag in the water. Since the river is always about 50 degrees F, it helps keep beverages cool.
If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to call us, chat us or email us. Hold on, have fun and enjoy your trip!