Black Canyon Motorized Raft Tour: 3-Hour Colorado River Float from Hoover Dam
Trade the Strip for a three-hour motorized float through Black Canyon, where basalt cliffs, hot springs, and Hoover Dam history meet clear swimming beaches. This guided Colorado River trip is an accessible day escape from Las Vegas with optional round-trip transport.
The Experience
Before You Go
Bring water shoes
Beaches and the Lower Portal landing are rocky—closed-toe water shoes with a grippy sole make boarding and swimming safer.
Sun protection is non-negotiable
The canyon amplifies sun exposure—wide-brim hat, sunglasses, and reef-safe sunscreen will keep you comfortable for the full three hours.
Plan for pickup timing
If you select transport, pickups begin about two hours before the listed check-in—confirm your exact pickup time with the operator after booking.
Respect currents when swimming
Enjoy the water at beach stops but stay close to shore and follow guide instructions—currents can be deceptively strong in narrow sections.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Lower Portal Road viewpoints where you can see original worker access scars on the canyon walls
- •A small hot spring seep accessible at certain low-water stops—ask your guide about safe access
Wildlife
- •bighorn sheep
- •desert bighorn lizards
Conservation Note
The Black Canyon is part of a National Water Trail and visited lands require Leave No Trace practices; use reef-safe sunscreen and pack out all trash to protect aquatic life and fragile desert soils.
The Lower Portal Road and the raft launches connect directly to the era of Hoover Dam construction in the 1930s, when workers carved the canyon access that modern tours now use.
Photographer's Notes
- • From the raft near the Lower Portal entrance looking upstream
- • Beach stop looking downstream toward the canyon throat
- • Willow Beach approach for dam-and-canyon juxtaposition
What to Bring
Water shoesEssential
Protects feet on rocky beaches and gives traction when boarding the raft.
Sun hat and polarized sunglassesEssential
Reduces glare off the river and protects your face and eyes during exposed stretches.
Light windbreaker or fleece
Desert mornings can be cool; a thin layer is useful for early pickups or late- season trips.
Reusable water bottleEssential
Staying hydrated is critical in the Mojave heat; refill before boarding.
Common Questions
How long is the float portion of the tour?
The on-water portion is about three hours covering around 12 miles of the Black Canyon National Water Trail.
Is swimming allowed?
Yes—there is a scheduled beach stop for swimming; follow guides for safety due to currents and rocky shorelines.
Is lunch provided?
Yes—an included packed lunch is provided in an insulated souvenir bag; vegetarian and gluten-free options are available with advance notice.
Can I book hotel pickup?
Yes—optional round-trip transport is available from select Las Vegas hotels; pickups typically begin roughly two hours before check-in, confirm timing with the operator.
Is the trip suitable for children or those with mobility issues?
The tour is described as physically easy, wheelchair accessible options may be available—contact the supplier ahead of booking to discuss specific needs.
What happens in bad weather?
Tours may be canceled for bad weather or insufficient travelers; full refunds are available if you cancel at least 24 hours prior under the standard policy.
Book This Experience
Check AvailabilityDuration
3 hours (6 hours door-to-door with transport)
Location
Boulder City, Nevada
Difficulty
easy
Fitness Level
Suitable for most activity levels; must be able to step into/out of a raft and walk on uneven beach terrain.
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