Page: Boat Tour of Lake Powell, Antelope, and Glen Canyon

Explore the Scenic Wonders of Lake Powell, Antelope, and Glen Canyon on a 1.5-Hour Boat Tour

Imagine gliding over shimmering waters, surrounded by towering Navajo Sandstone cliffs, while witnessing the engineering marvel of the Glen Canyon Dam. For $119 per person, this 1.5-hour boat cruise offers a taste of Arizona’s spectacular geology and man-made accomplishments, starting from Wahweap Marina. With a knowledgeable guide, you’ll get a close-up view of Antelope Canyon’s narrow, colorful walls and the sweeping landscape of Lake Powell—an experience that combines natural beauty with striking engineering feats.

What we love about this tour is how it balances scenic beauty and educational commentary—you’ll learn about the geology and history while soaking in breathtaking views. Plus, the boat’s open-air design and complimentary drinks, like water, lemonade, and coffee, make the experience comfortable and refreshing. One thing to consider is that water levels can fluctuate, and the tour might sometimes run longer than expected, so patience is key. This tour suits travelers craving authentic landscapes and a relaxed vibe, especially if you appreciate a knowledgeable guide and photo opportunities.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Stunning scenery of Antelope Canyon, Lake Powell, and Glen Canyon Dam.
• Expert guides provide informative commentary about geology and history.
• Comfortable cruise with complimentary drinks and open-air seating.
• Flexible booking with options to cancel 24 hours in advance.
• Small group experience limited to 8 participants for personalized attention.
• No hiking included, only a water-based view of the canyon walls.

An In-Depth Look at the Boat Tour Experience

What’s Included and How It Works

This scenic boat cruise takes you along Wahweap Bay, offering unique perspectives on some of Arizona’s most iconic sights. For $119, you’re paying for a 1.5-hour journey that’s ideal for those who want a quick but immersive glimpse of the area. The tour includes water, coffee, and lemonade, making it easy to stay refreshed without the hassle of purchasing drinks onboard.

The tour is run by Aramark Destinations, with a small group limit of 8 participants, which means you’ll receive more personalized attention and better chances to ask questions. The boat is accessible for wheelchairs, and the commentary is in English, providing insights into the landscape’s geology, history, and engineering feats.

The Itinerary: From Antelope Canyon to Glen Canyon Dam

Your adventure begins at the Wahweap Marina, where you’ll meet 30 minutes prior to departure. Once aboard, the first highlight is the Antelope Canyon segment. While this isn’t the hiking trail, boat viewing allows you to appreciate the narrow, sculpted, and vividly colored canyon walls from the water. You’ll see about 4 miles of canyon walls before it narrows further, giving you a sense of the intricate, layered geology that makes this canyon so famous.

Next, the boat slips into the side arm of Lake Powell, where the Navajo Sandstone Cliffs rise dramatically. These towering formations, with their deep reds and burnt oranges, offer perfect photo opportunities—especially with the sunlight casting shadows across their rugged surfaces. One reviewer noted, “The scenery was beautiful, and the commentary was very informative,” highlighting how guides add context that enhances the experience.

The final major sight is the Glen Canyon Dam, the second-largest concrete arch dam in the United States. We loved the way the tour brought the dam into perspective—seeing it from the water emphasizes its massive scale and engineering significance. It’s a reminder of how humans have reshaped this landscape, and many travelers appreciate the chance to see such an impressive feat up close.

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Authenticity and Authentic Experiences

While the tour doesn’t include hiking or walking through the canyons, the boat view offers an authentic perspective of these geological features. Reviewers have praised the knowledgeable guides, with one saying, “Doug was super nice and took his time,” which makes for a more relaxed and educational outing.

The Pros and Cons

One of the main advantages is the value for money—for just over two hours, you get to enjoy some of the best sights of Lake Powell with commentary that brings the landscape to life. The complimentary drinks are a bonus, especially on a warm day, and the small group size enhances the personal feel.

On the flip side, some reviews mention that water levels can vary, so the experience might sometimes take a little longer or have limited visibility depending on conditions. Also, since hiking isn’t included, if your goal is to explore Antelope Canyon on foot, this cruise won’t replace that experience.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour?

This experience is perfect for travelers who prefer a relaxed, scenic outing rather than strenuous hiking or multiple-day tours. It’s well-suited for those interested in geology, engineering, or photography, given the stunning views and commentary. Families, couples, and solo travelers alike will find value in the personalized attention and unobstructed views.

Additional Practical Information

Meeting Point and Timing

Make sure to arrive at Lake Powell Resorts 30 minutes early, as boarding begins 15 minutes before the scheduled start. Tours usually operate in the afternoon, making it a great way to unwind after morning activities.

Important Considerations

• No food for purchase onboard, but snacks are encouraged to bring.
• The tour is ADA accessible.
• Smoking is not permitted onboard.
• There’s a $30 park fee per vehicle, valid for 7 days, which helps fund park improvements.
• Water levels may impact the tour experience, potentially extending the trip or limiting views.
• Winter tours require at least 20 bookings 48 hours prior to run, so plan ahead if visiting in cooler months.

Booking Flexibility

You can reserve now and pay later, with full refunds available if canceled 24 hours in advance, providing peace of mind for flexible travel plans.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Right for You?

This boat tour offers a well-rounded, budget-friendly way to experience some of Arizona’s most spectacular scenery without leaving the water. If you cherish stunning vistas, enjoy informative guides, and prefer a relaxed pace, this cruise hits the mark. It’s particularly ideal if you want a shorter, accessible experience that still covers key landmarks like Antelope Canyon, Glen Canyon Dam, and Lake Powell.

However, if you’re after hiking adventures or in-depth exploration of the canyon interiors, you might find this tour a bit limited. The experience is best suited for those who enjoy photography, geology, and engineering marvels from a comfortable boat with plenty of photo stops.

In summary, this cruise balances scenic beauty and educational insights beautifully. It’s a charming, low-pressure way to appreciate the natural and human-made wonders of this part of Arizona, especially if you’re looking for a family-friendly, accessible, and value-driven outing.

FAQ

Is transportation included to the meeting point?
No, you’ll need to arrange your own transportation to Lake Powell Resorts, but the location is easy to access.

What should I bring on the tour?
Snacks are recommended as no food is sold onboard. Also, bring your camera, sunglasses, and sunscreen for the open-air experience.

How long is the tour?
The cruise lasts approximately 1.5 hours, usually in the afternoon.

Is the tour suitable for wheelchair users?
Yes, the tour is ADA accessible.

Are drinks available during the cruise?
Yes, water, lemonade, and coffee are provided at no extra charge.

What if water levels are low or high?
Water levels can fluctuate, which might affect the duration or views, but the guide will do their best to showcase the highlights.

Can I cancel my booking?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund.

Is there a limit to the group size?
Yes, the tour is limited to 8 participants for a more intimate experience.

Are there any hidden costs?
Apart from the $30 park fee per vehicle, which is separate from the tour price, no hidden costs are involved.

What makes this tour stand out?
The combination of expert commentary, stunning scenery, and small group intimacy makes it a memorable way to experience Lake Powell’s natural beauty.

This boat tour offers a practical, scenic, and accessible way to see Arizona’s natural and engineering marvels. Perfect for those seeking a relaxed yet enriching adventure—whether you’re a photographer, geology buff, or just want a beautiful day on the water.

You can check availability for your dates here: