Antelope Canyon Photo Boating Excursion 2 hours

Our review of the Antelope Canyon Photo Boating Excursion offers a look at a unique way to experience this iconic landscape. While we haven’t personally taken this tour, the glowing reviews, expert-guided insights, and stunning visuals make it an experience worth considering.

What we love about this tour is how it combines the natural spectacle of Antelope Canyon with the tranquility of being on Lake Powell. The small-group setting ensures a personal touch, and the opportunity to photograph the canyon’s walls under optimal lighting conditions adds a real value for photography lovers. That said, the $199 price tag might seem steep to some, especially since it doesn’t include the $30 national park entrance fee. But for those wanting a relaxed, scenic, and photo-friendly outing, this tour checks many boxes.

One thing to keep in mind: it’s a two-hour excursion, so it’s best suited for travelers who value quality over quantity — if you’re eager to explore every corner of the canyon, this might be a quick snapshot rather than a full deep dive.

If your goal is a scenic, intimate experience with expert guidance, and you’re comfortable with a moderate physical challenge (mainly being on a boat and limited walking), this excursion offers a fantastic way to see Antelope Canyon differently — from the water, with a camera, and in a small group.

Key Points

• Small-group boat tour limits crowds, offering a more personal experience
• Perfect for photography, with guides helping you find the best light
• Includes scenic views of Glen Canyon Dam and surrounding cliffs
• Tour lasts about 2 hours, making it a manageable half-day activity
• Price is $199 per person, excluding park entrance fees
• Very high-rated experience with excellent reviews praising guides and scenery

Why Choose a Boat Tour of Antelope Canyon?

Antelope Canyon is usually experienced through walking tours, which are incredible but also often crowded. This boat tour offers a quieter, more relaxed way to enjoy the canyon’s stunning walls and formations from a different viewpoint. We loved the way the open bow boats allow unobstructed panoramic views — perfect for snapping photos or just soaking in the scenery.

You’ll cruise past Glen Canyon Dam, a towering structure that’s as impressive as the canyon itself. At 710 feet tall, it’s the second-highest concrete arch dam in the U.S., and the stories about its decade-long construction add a dash of engineering marvel to your trip. Lake Powell, formed by the dam, provides the shimmering backdrop for your journey.

The Itinerary in Detail

Stop 1: Antelope Canyon

This is the main event, and it’s designed to be a photographer’s dream. Unlike crowded walking tours, the boat allows your small group to enjoy a more intimate view of the canyon’s iconic walls. Our sources mention that the guides are particularly skilled at helping you find the best light conditions, which is essential for capturing those “Instagram-worthy” shots.

The canyon walls are the highlight here. Expect to see natural rock formations that are the reason for Antelope Canyon’s fame. One reviewer mentions, “The boat ride through Antelope Canyon was just beautiful, and it was so peaceful and serene; this was a truly enjoyable experience.” The tranquility of being on water, combined with the canyon’s natural beauty, makes for a relaxing yet awe-inspiring outing.

Surrounding Scenery

Besides the canyon, you’ll pass by Wahweap Bay, which offers a shimmering oasis amid desert landscape. The panoramic views include scenes of the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, Castle Rock, Tower Butte, and Navajo Mountain. The vistas are striking — towering cliffs and sprawling desert plains, all framed beautifully from the water.

Glen Canyon Dam

Your guide will point out the dam, which is a feat of engineering and a key feature of the region. It’s fascinating to learn that it took ten years to construct, and it holds Lake Powell, a massive reservoir that’s visible from your boat. One reviewer notes that seeing the dam from the water “adds perspective you won’t get from land-based tours,” highlighting how this viewpoint enhances your understanding of the area.

What the Tour Includes—and What It Doesn’t

The tour is priced at $199 per person, which is a good deal considering the personalized experience and the guided photography tips. The fee covers the boat, fuel surcharge, and the expertise of your Coast Guard licensed captain.

However, the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area entrance fee ($30 for a 7-day pass) isn’t included, so budget that into your plans. Gratuities are also not included, and tipping is customary if you feel your guide enhanced your experience.

Group Size and Comfort

With a maximum of six travelers per boat, you’ll enjoy a calm, unrushed experience, far removed from the chaos of larger tours. The open bow boats mean you’ll have unobstructed views, and the limited capacity ensures comfort and personal attention. Reviewers repeatedly praise their guides’ knowledge and friendliness, which makes a significant difference in how much you get out of the trip.

Timing and Practical Tips

Tours are available in the morning and afternoon, offering flexibility in your schedule. It’s recommended to book about 36 days in advance on average, reflecting how popular this experience is. Be sure to check local time — Page, Arizona, is in Mountain Standard Time — to coordinate your plans smoothly.

Travelers should be prepared for some moderate physical activity mainly from being on the boat and possibly a little walking if they choose to explore more on land before or after. The tour description emphasizes a moderate fitness level; good shoes and sun protection are advisable.

Authentic Traveler Feedback

The high rating of 5.0 based on 88 reviews speaks volumes. Many comments praise the guides — “very knowledgeable,” “personable,” and “fun to listen to.” Several reviewers mention how they appreciated the guide who “played the flute,” turning what could have been a simple boat ride into a memorable, personalized experience.

Photographers loved the trip for its serenity and opportunities to capture stunning images. “Got some great pictures,” one reviewer says, highlighting the tour’s value for capturing the canyon’s essence without the crowds.

Others describe the experience as “beautiful and relaxing,” noting that the peaceful setting and scenic boat ride make for a perfect way to unwind while seeing some of the most iconic scenery in the Southwest.

Is This Tour Right for You?

This boat tour is best suited for travelers who want a unique, photo-friendly perspective of Antelope Canyon without the physical exertion of hiking. It’s ideal if you enjoy small, intimate groups, personalized attention, and stunning scenery.

If you’re a photographer eager to capture canyon walls in the best light, or simply looking for a peaceful way to experience Lake Powell’s beauty, this trip offers excellent value. But if you’re after a comprehensive hike or a full tour of the canyon’s interior, then this might not meet your needs.

The Sum Up

This small-group boat excursion offers an authentic, tranquil, and visually stunning way to experience Antelope Canyon. It’s especially suited for those who value comfort, personalized guides, and photography opportunities. The experience maximizes scenery while minimizing crowds, making it a memorable part of any Lake Powell visit.

While the price may seem steep for a two-hour trip, the quality of the guide, the scenic views, and the chance to photograph the canyon walls from a water-level perspective make it worth considering. Just remember to book early, bring your camera, and prepare for a relaxing, awe-inspiring outing.

The tour strikes a fine balance between scenic beauty, comfort, and expert guidance — perfect for travelers wanting a peaceful yet impressive adventure in this spectacular part of the American Southwest.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the price of the tour?
The $199 fee covers the captained boat, fuel surcharge, and expert guidance from a Coast Guard licensed captain. It does not include the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area entrance fee of $30 or gratuities.

How long is the tour?
The excursion lasts approximately 2 hours, making it a manageable half-day activity that fits well into a larger itinerary.

What should I bring with me?
While not specified in the details, travelers should consider bringing a camera, sun protection, and possibly a light jacket if it’s cooler in the morning or late afternoon.

Are there any physical requirements?
Yes, travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level, mainly because of being on the boat and any optional short walks around the area.

Can I choose my tour time?
Yes, there are options for both morning and afternoon tours, allowing you to select a time that suits your schedule.

How many people are in each boat?
Capacities are limited to a maximum of six travelers per boat, ensuring a more personal and less crowded experience.

Is this tour suitable for photographers?
Absolutely. Guides help you find the best lighting, and the peaceful setting gives ample opportunity to take high-quality photos without the chaos of larger tours.

In essence, this boat tour offers a peaceful, scenic, and intimate way to see Antelope Canyon—perfect for those who want quality over quantity, and those eager to capture its beauty from a water level.