Thinking about exploring the Colorado River while in Moab? This half-day inflatable boat tour offers a relaxed way to see some of the most striking scenery in Canyonland. It’s a great choice for anyone looking to combine adventure with some downtime, especially if you prefer a small-group atmosphere over busy, crowded excursions.
Two things that really stand out about this experience are the guides who make the trip both educational and fun, and the chance to enjoy stunning views of Meander Canyon and the surrounding landscape from a different perspective. The waters are described as calm, making it suitable for most travelers, even those new to river outings.
However, a possible consideration is that this tour is quite focused on tranquility and scenery rather than adrenaline or high-speed adventure—so if you’re after big thrills, this might not be your best fit.
The guide, Josh was great! It was a beautiful day! He was so knowledgeable and fun to be with. He pointed out so many things and took us on a hike as well. It truly was the most memorable event of our 12 day trip. Thank you Josh for making this such a special day.
Super enjoyable afternoon on the Colorado River. Our guide was knowledgeable, courteous, and congenial . We learned about history, geology and nature of the Colorado River. We highly recommend the tour.
Our guide Warren was extremely knowledgeable and funny! Absolutely beautiful scenery! Run upon several sand bars which added to the fun!
This tour is best suited for those who love nature, want a peaceful float with some interesting stops, and appreciate the comfort of a small-group setting. Families with older children, couples, or anyone wanting a laid-back yet scenic experience will find plenty to enjoy here. If you’re looking for a relaxing break amid spectacular surroundings, this could be just the ticket.
- Key Points
- What to Expect from the Moab Inflatable Boat Tour
- Scenic Highlights Along the Route
- The Stops and What They Offer
- The Experience on the Water
- The Guides and Their Role
- Practical Aspects and Comfort
- Who Will Love This Tour?
- The Bottom Line
- FAQs
- More Boat Tours & Cruises in Moab
- More Tour Reviews in Moab
Key Points
- Relaxed half-day experience on calm waters of the Colorado River
- Small group for a more intimate, personalized feel
- Beautiful scenery including Meander Canyon, Dead Horse Point, and the Goose Neck
- Educational guides sharing insights on geology, history, and natural features
- Multiple stops including Native American ruins and an ancient petrified forest
- All-inclusive with hotel pickup, water, and safety gear
What to Expect from the Moab Inflatable Boat Tour
When you book this tour, you’re signing up for a relaxing float that offers a unique vantage point on some of Utah’s most iconic landscapes. The tour lasts roughly 5.5 hours, which includes transportation, the boat ride, and stops. You’ll start your experience with hotel pickup in Moab, making logistics simple and stress-free.
The guides are described as courteous and knowledgeable, ensuring you get more than just a boat ride—they bring the area’s geology, history, and natural features to life.
The boat itself is a rigid hull inflatable (RHIB), which combines stability with a smooth ride—great for viewing the scenery without feeling like you’re on a rollercoaster. The waters are described as calm, making this suitable for most people, even those who are a bit wary of water-based activities.
Our guide Warren did an awesome job! We really enjoyed the motor boat ride in the Canyon of the Colorado River. Everything was so beautiful?
We enjoyed everything about the trip. Brian was great – he shared a lot of information as well as stories. He took us in a short hike too. And we enjoyed the other couple that went with us.
This was so much fun. Beautiful scenery, beautiful sunshine, and a great guide who was knowledgeable and helpful in and out of the raft.
You can also read our reviews of more boat tours in Moab
Scenic Highlights Along the Route
As you drift south of Moab, you’ll get views of Canyonlands National Park from the river, which is quite special because most visitors see this landscape from land. Floating under Dead Horse Point allows for stunning photo opportunities, and your guide will point out native American art and ruins along the way, adding a sense of history and culture to the journey.
One of the key stops is an ancient petrified forest, which involves a short walk. This stop is particularly popular among those interested in geology and natural history, with many reviewers saying it’s a highlight of the trip. The scenery around the Goose Neck of the Colorado River is breathtaking, and you’ll enjoy seeing the river’s twists and turns firsthand.
The Stops and What They Offer
- Native American art and ruins: Your guide will likely share stories about the indigenous history of the area, adding context to the sights.
- Petrified forest: A brief walk to see these ancient trees turned to stone, connecting you with the natural history of the region.
- Goose Neck of the Colorado: A scenic bend of the river, great for photos and soaking in the views.
- Meander Canyon: The main highlight, with walls rising on either side and the calm water providing a peaceful cruise.
The Experience on the Water
Most reviews mention how beautiful and peaceful the float is. The water is described as calm, which makes for a relaxing experience over the course of about 2.5 hours on the river. It’s a chance to slow down, enjoy the scenery, and listen to insightful commentary from your guide.
More Great Tours NearbyThe Guides and Their Role
A recurring theme in reviews is how knowledgeable and personable the guides are. Whether they’re sharing geological facts, historical anecdotes, or just cracking jokes, guides like Warren and Cole seem to elevate the experience. Several reviewers note how much they appreciated the stories and insights, which added depth to what might otherwise be just a pretty boat ride.
I loved floating down the river. It was so beautiful. Katie was a wonderful guide. She kept it fun and interesting.
Cole was great! He was knowledgeable about the geology and the flow of the water. The scenery was beautiful.
Cole was our guide. Super nice and shared several stories about the history and geology of the area. Fun, relaxing trip down the Colorado River. Wife and I thoroughly enjoyed the entire experience. On-time pick up at hotel and safe return.
Practical Aspects and Comfort
The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, which makes logistics simple. You are provided with ice water, lemonade, life jackets, a river bag, and a camera box—so you won’t need to worry about bringing too much along or risking your electronics.
Remember to bring sturdy footwear (no flip-flops) and a reusable water bottle for staying hydrated. Pack a rain jacket or fleece if you’re visiting in spring or fall, just in case the weather turns.
The tour is priced at $154 per person, which generally reflects good value considering the transportation, guide expertise, and scenic stops. For those interested in geology or history, the stops and guide commentary offer a lot of educational value. You might find that this experience suits travelers who want a scenic, peaceful outing rather than an adrenaline rush.
Who Will Love This Tour?
If you’re after a peaceful yet scenic trip with interesting stops, this tour hits the mark. It’s especially good if you enjoy small groups, as the intimate setting allows for more personalized attention. Nature lovers will appreciate the views of Canyonlands, the Native American sites, and the petrified forest. It’s also suitable for those who prefer a relaxed pace over high-energy adventures.
This was an awesome experience! Our guide was fantastic and had lots of good info to share. We and our boys had a blast
Being a hobby geologist it was a very rare but wonderful opportunity to see so many layers of Earth’s history along the very waters that helped sculpt it! Our guide, Josh, was not only knowledgeable about water craft, but also any number of topics, including geology. As we were paired with another group, it was great fun to swap stories and chat while learning and just being in the moment. Thank you for such a lovely mini-adventure!
We had a great time cruising down the Colorado River through canyons plus a nice hike down river to a spot with petrified logs. Also stopped on the road to see some petroglyphs and dinosaur tracks. Our guide Will was knowledgeable about the area and very engaging especially toward our kids (ages 8-15 who all had a great time). Highly recommended.
While not geared toward families with very young children (due to the need for sturdy footwear and the nature of the boat ride), older kids and teens who enjoy learning about geology and history would likely find this trip engaging. People who enjoy guides who share stories and insights tend to rate this experience highly.
The Bottom Line
This inflatable boat tour combines stunning scenery, relaxed cruising, and educational stops, making it a well-rounded choice for many visitors to Moab. The small-group format and guides ensure that you won’t just be watching scenery pass by—you’ll be learning about the area’s natural and cultural history along the way.
It’s a value-packed experience for those wanting to enjoy the Colorado River from a different angle without the rush or noise of more adrenaline-filled activities. If you’re seeking a peaceful, scenic, and informative half-day outing, this tour is hard to beat in Moab.
For travelers who want to see Canyonlands from the water while enjoying the company of a friendly guide and fellow adventurers, this trip might just be your perfect fit.
Our guide, Josh, was patient, informative, pleasant, and personable. The same goes for Bridger, our driver. What nice guys.
Wonderful smooth water tour! Guides were great with information on the river, geology, wonderful facts about the area, as well as humor. Also skilled mechanics! Highly recommend!
We had a fantastic river tour with Josh! We enjoyed his stories along the way and he took us on a great short hiking excursion to see petrified wood which was fascinating. We'd highly recommend this tour!
Moab: Calm Water Cruise in Inflatable Boat on Colorado River
"The guide, Josh was great! It was a beautiful day! He was so knowledgeable and fun to be with. He pointed out so many things and took us on a hike ..."
FAQs
Is the boat ride suitable for everyone?
Most people find the calm waters and smooth ride comfortable, but you need sturdy footwear and should be comfortable in a boat. The ride is relaxed, not fast-paced.
What’s included in the tour?
Your tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, ice water and lemonade, a guide, the inflatable boat, and safety gear like life jackets and a camera box.
Can I bring my own drinks or snacks?
Yes, you can bring your own soft drinks and snacks. A cooler with ice is provided, and water refills are available.
What should I wear?
Wear sturdy closed-toe shoes—no flip-flops or sandals—and bring a rain jacket or fleece if visiting in spring or fall.
How long does the actual boat ride last?
The boat ride is approximately 2.5 hours, with the total tour lasting about 5.5 hours including transportation and stops.
Are there any age restrictions?
The tour is suitable for most ages, but very young children may not find it as engaging, and sturdy footwear is required for all participants.
What is the weather like, and do I need to prepare for rain?
Since weather varies, especially in spring and fall, bringing a rain jacket is recommended. The tour operates rain or shine unless conditions are unsafe.
This Moab boat tour offers a peaceful, scenic getaway with enough interesting stops and stories to make it memorable. Whether you’re a geology buff, a nature lover, or just in need of some mellow time on the water, this experience has plenty to offer.
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