Moab: Colorado River Dinner Cruise with Music and Light Show

If you’re visiting Moab and searching for a relaxing yet interesting way to end your day, the Colorado River Dinner Cruise with Music and Light Show might just fit the bill. We’ve looked into this experience carefully, and while we haven’t personally done the cruise, the reviews and details suggest it’s a solid choice for those wanting a mix of good food, stunning scenery, and a touch of entertainment.

What we really appreciate about this tour is its combination of a hearty cowboy-style dinner and a gentle boat ride that offers unique views of the canyon walls. Plus, the light show projected onto the rocks adds a layer of storytelling that makes the experience quite special. On the flip side, a small consideration is that the show is more about traditional lighting and narration rather than high-tech laser displays, so if you’re expecting flashy lights, you might want to temper expectations.

This experience suits travelers who enjoy a relaxed evening, are interested in local history, and appreciate good storytelling paired with a scenic setting. Families with older children or couples seeking a peaceful, educational, and visually appealing activity in Moab should find it quite enjoyable. It’s also a good option if you’re looking to wrap up your day with something memorable without too much physical exertion.

Key Points

• Calm river cruise with a relaxed pace, suitable for unwinding after a busy day exploring Moab.
• Storytelling through a light show that depicts the canyon’s formation and history, offering an educational twist.
• Hearty cowboy-style dinner, often praised for its quality and filling portions.
• Knowledgeable guides who keep the atmosphere friendly, engaging, and informative.
• Limited accessibility — not wheelchair accessible and involves some steps, so plan accordingly.
• Great for those interested in local history and scenic beauty—less about adventure, more about atmosphere and storytelling.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Experience

The Setting and Meeting Point

The tour begins on the banks of the Colorado River, just about 2 miles north of Moab. The meeting spot is easy enough to find, located near the North side of the Colorado River Bridge, next door to the Fairfield Inn and Suites by Marriott. If you’re staying locally, it’s convenient, and if you’re arriving from elsewhere, the short drive is straightforward.

The Dinner

You’ll start the evening with a cowboy-style dinner served in a dining room overlooking the river. The meals are typically hearty, with many reviews mentioning delicious meats, sides, and salad bars. A few reviews note the portions are generous, and many travelers appreciate the family-owned vibe that makes the meal feel home-cooked and welcoming.

However, some reviews mention the food could be more consistent—one or two people found the chicken a bit overcooked and tough. Though, most find the dinner satisfying and a good value, especially considering it’s included in the price.

The Boat Ride

After dinner, you’ll board a flat-bottomed boat for the cruise. The ride is described as slow-moving, which is perfect for taking in the scenery and relaxing. Guides are typically highlighted as friendly, funny, and well-informed, keeping guests engaged and sharing interesting facts about the canyon, Native American stories, Mormon pioneers, and early settlers.

The boat is designed for comfort, though some reviews mention that seats can be a bit hard, so bringing along a cushion or blanket might make the experience more cozy, especially if you’re sensitive to hard seating.

More Great Tours Nearby

The Light Show and Narration

As darkness falls, the main event begins. The canyon walls are lit by about 40,000 watts of natural light, which cast shadows, illuminate rock formations, and bring the stories of the canyon to life. It’s a more old-fashioned show—no lasers or colored lights—focused on shadows, lights, music, and narration.

The narration covers fascinating stories of canyon creation, Native American legends, and early settler beliefs, including references to God and religion. Reviewers describe the show as educational, patriotic, and beautiful. One visitor noted that the light projections, combined with narration, made the canyon walls seem animated and alive.

The Overall Atmosphere

Many reviews emphasize the peacefulness of the cruise, especially under the stars, with some lucky visitors seeing satellites, constellations, and even the International Space Station. The combination of the quiet river, starry sky, and the storytelling creates a reflective, almost magical ambiance.

Duration and Value

The entire experience lasts about three hours, which feels just right for unwinding without overstaying. At $108 per person, many reviews agree it’s good value, especially considering the included dinner, the scenic boat ride, and the light show.

What the Reviews Say

• Reviewers frequently mention the knowledgeable guides and their ability to make the experience fun and informative.
• The dinner is often praised for its quality and generous portions, though a few mention it could be more consistent.
• The light show consistently gets high marks for being visually captivating and adding depth to the canyon experience.
• Some small negatives include the need to climb steps (not wheelchair accessible), and a couple of comments about the sound system sometimes being garbled or the seats being a bit firm.
• Many say they’d do it again and recommend it as a perfect way to end a day in Moab.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This activity works best for those who want a leisurely, scenic experience with a bit of storytelling and cultural context. It’s perfect for couples, small groups, or anyone looking for a relaxing evening activity. Families with children over 4 might enjoy it, but it’s not suitable for very young kids due to the steps and quiet nature.

If you’re interested in local legends, canyon scenery, and a peaceful night under the stars, this cruise hits many marks. It’s also a wonderful way to see the canyon walls illuminated in a way that photography can’t quite capture—think of it as a live storytelling event with beautiful backdrops.

Practical Tips

• Bring a jacket as it can get cool in the evening, especially on the water.
• Consider bringing a cushion if you want extra comfort on the seats.
• Remember that flash photography is not allowed during the light show, so plan your photos accordingly.
• The tour involves 5-30 steps to reach the dock, so it might not be suitable for those with mobility issues.
• The show is more about a traditional light and narration presentation, so don’t expect laser lights or high-tech effects.

FAQ

Is the dinner buffet style?
Yes, the dinner is served in a dining room and often described as cowboy-style with hearty meats and sides, with some reviews noting it’s well prepared and satisfying.

How long is the cruise?
The entire experience lasts about three hours, including dinner, the boat ride, and the light show.

Is it suitable for children?
It’s recommended for children over 4 years old. The activity involves some steps and a peaceful environment that might not be ideal for very young children.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, the activity offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing some flexibility if needed.

Is the light show colorful or high-tech?
No, it’s an old-fashioned light and narration presentation, focused on shadows and storytelling rather than laser or colored lights.

Is the tour accessible for wheelchairs?
No, this experience is not wheelchair accessible due to the steps involved and the nature of the boat boarding process.

What should I bring?
A jacket is recommended, and a cushion can add comfort on the hard seats. No flash photography is allowed during the light show.

Final Thoughts

The Colorado River Dinner Cruise with Music and Light Show offers a charming, laid-back way to soak in Moab’s natural beauty and history. It’s a great pick if you’re looking for an activity that combines scenic views, storytelling, and good food, all wrapped up in a peaceful evening setting.

While it’s not the most high-tech or adrenaline-fueled activity, it’s a genuinely thoughtful experience that many travelers find memorable. Its best suited for those who enjoy learning about local culture, relaxing under the stars, and experiencing Moab beyond the outdoor adventures.

If you’re after a calm, scenic evening with a hint of storytelling and a hearty meal, this cruise could be just the thing to add to your Moab itinerary.

Additional Resources

Looking for similar experiences? Check out Arches National Park Sunset Tour or other outdoor adventures in Moab to complement this peaceful river cruise.

This review is based on extensive user feedback and official tour information, aiming to help you make the most of your trip to Moab.

You can check availability for your dates here: