What class are the rapids?
When is the final payment due?
Why should I choose Wilderness River Adventures?
What does your camping gear consist of?
What type of food do you serve?
I’d like to plan a trip for my family—what are the minimum ages for kids on your trips?
What’s the difference between your Oar Boats and Motorized Boats?
I can’t swim—can I still go on your trips?
How do you ensure the safety of your guests?
I’m fair-skinned. What do you suggest I do to protect myself from the sun?
What are the sleeping arrangements on your trips?
What about toilet facilities?
What is your cancellation policy?
What is the charge to transfer to a different date?
Where can I purchase travel and cancellation insurance?
What class are the rapids?
Unlike other rivers that use a scale of I-V, the rapids in Grand Canyon are rated on a scale of 1-10. A "1" is flat water and a "10" is the most difficult rapid to navigate although still considered “runnable.” The river is a pool drop river, which means before and after each rapid there is calm water. The river itself is dam controlled. During your trip you will see some fluctuations in the river levels. This change in water levels can change the ratings of rapids.
When is the final payment due?
Final payment is due 60 days prior to the date of departure. You will receive a statement in your confirmation packet. We do not automatically charge your credit card for the balance. You will need to contact our office for final payments by calling 800-992-802. We accept all forms of credit cards and checks for your payment.
Why should I choose Wilderness River Adventures?
One customer said it best, "The staff was phenomenal. Their love for the canyon, their knowledge of the geology, their respect for the earth, and their genuine love for the job they are so fortunate to have. From the first call I made to the office to the last day at the helicopter pad, I felt I was special."
We pride ourselves in the behind the scene things we do to develop professional, knowledgeable crew members, who are family to each other. We feel our crew is our most valuable asset. We guarantee you will see the Grand Canyon in all its splendor!
What does your camping gear consist of?
We provide sleeping bags, a cot on motor trips, a foam pad on oar trips, ground tarp, tent, waterproof gear bags, (one for your clothing and one for your sleeping bag) a waterproof box and dry bag for your day gear, and a folding camp chair. You’ll also receive a logo drinking cup, hat and t-shirt. We include all eating utensils, water, soft drinks and food.
What type of food do you serve?
You’ll enjoy three hearty meals a day, from menus covering a wide variety of home-style and BBQ meals. We serve the finest quality of fruits, vegetables, fish and meat. Your guides will prepare meals that will make you wonder which cooking school they attended Meals are cooked in Dutch ovens, on griddles and BBQ grills. If you have any special dietary needs please notify us at least three weeks prior to departure of your trip, we will do our best to accommodate your request.
I’d like to plan a trip for my family—what are the minimum ages for kids on your trips?
For Motorized Boat trips the minimum age is 8; for Oar Boats the minimum age is 12. We encourage family rafting trips—being together on these adventures is exciting for both parents and kids, and sharing the beauty and thrill of being on the river is an awesome family experience.
What’s the difference between your Oar Boats and Motorized Boats?
Our Motorized Boats are 15' X 37' neoprene rafts powered by 30 hp 4-stroke environmentally friendly outboard motors. Each boat can accommodate up to 15 passengers and two guides. On our motorized trips we utilize two boats that can accommodate up to 28 passengers per trip. These boats give you an opportunity to experience the Grand Canyon and its wonders at a slightly quicker pace than our oar boats.
Our Oar Boats are 6' X 18' rafts made of Class VI base fabric with a Urethane coating. They are rowed by one of our qualified guides and are capable of carrying five passengers per raft. On our oar trips as many as five rafts and 24 passengers can be on one trip this gives the customer a more intimate canyon experience. We also utilize a Motor Support boat to carry gear, food and equipment on our summer adventures.
Either type of trip, motor or oar, Wilderness River Adventures staff will work hard to make sure that your Grand Canyon experience is something that you will always remember.
I can’t swim—can I still go on your trips?
Yes. We provide Coast Guard approved life jackets. These are required to be worn by everyone at all times on the river.
How do you ensure the safety of your guests?
Our boats are rugged, designed for safety and equipped with complete first-aid kits and emergency communication equipment. Also, on our rafts, there's always a spare outboard motor, plenty of extra fuel and tools stored safely below—just in case replacement or repairs are needed.
All passengers and guides will wear a comfortable Class V life jacket at all times while on the raft.
Wilderness River Adventures guides are highly experienced. Not only are these exceptional young men and women trained to take you safely through the most challenging rapids, your trip leaders and guides are also required by Wilderness River Adventures and the National Park Service to:
- Be capable of safely navigating the river.
- Be capable of operating the emergency communications equipment carried and know the evacuation procedures.
- Be knowledgeable of State, U.S. Coast Guard and National Park Service regulations applicable to boats carrying passengers for hire.
- Must possess a current certification in Wilderness First Responder or a current certification in Emergency Medical Technician credentials.
- Must possess a current certification in CPR.
- Must possess a current Food Handlers Certification.
I’m fair-skinned. What do you suggest I do to protect myself from the sun?
Out on the river the sun can be intense. Prepare by bringing plenty of sunscreen, bring clothing that will let you dress in layers—including lightweight long pants and lightweight long-sleeved shirt. Be sure to bring a hat.
What are the sleeping arrangements on your trips?
You’re sleeping under the stars, lulled to perfect relaxation by the sounds of the nearby river! To insure a comfortable night’s sleep we provide you with a cot on our motor trips, sleeping pad on our oar trips and sleeping bag. Tents are available, but our guests love the experience of falling asleep under a canopy of shining stars.
What about toilet facilities?
During the day you will urinate in the river per National Park Service regulations. Each evening when we arrive in camp a sanitary portable toilet is set up just outside of camp in a scenic location along with a hand washing system.
What is your cancellation policy?
We highly recommend you purchase cancellation insurance. Please contact the insurance company before you make your final payment; we are unable to make exceptions to the following cancellation policy. From date of deposit to 90 days of departure date $50 per person is retained. From 89 days to 60 days of departure date $300 per person is retained. Final payment is due at 60 days prior to the trip. From 59 days prior to departure date of the trip no refunds will be issued. In the event you are unable to make the trip and wish to substitute another person in your place, the above cancellation policy will be enforced for your reservation and the substitute will be treated as a new reservation. All monies collected will be returned to the person who made the original payment in the manner in which it was collected.
For groups of 10 or more, from date of deposit to 60 days prior to departure your deposit of $300 is Non-Refundable. Final payment is due 60 days prior to departure. From 59 days to date of departure no refunds. Name substitutions will not be allowed.
Pay Now Rate, from date of booking no refunds, no transfers, and no substitutions.
Since we are unable to make any exceptions for any reason to our cancellation policy, “we strongly advise” all of our passengers obtain some type of trip cancellation insurance. As a service to our customers, cancellation information will be included in your confirmation packet.
What is the charge to transfer to a different date?
In the event you need to transfer to another trip date, we will on availability change your trip date. The charge for this will be a $50 re-booking fee per person. Once this change has been made no refunds will be issued. We are only able to transfer to dates in the same season; we cannot transfer to the next year. This does not apply to groups of 10 or more.
Where can I purchase travel and cancellation insurance?
Contact CSA Travel at 800.873.9855 or visit CSA Travel Protection online.