Arizona Leisure vacation and travel guide

Lake Powell Boat Tours & Cruises

Originally written by Tony Subia

Reviewed and updated by AZ Leisure Staff Writers on .

Lake Powell boat tours, scenic cruises, kayak trips and Colorado River rafting excursions offer several ways to experience the dramatic canyon scenery surrounding Page, Arizona. Visitors can choose guided cruises from Wahweap Marina, paddle into Lake Powell side canyons, take a smooth-water rafting trip through Glen Canyon or rent a boat for a self-guided day on the lake.

Tour schedules, routes and availability change with season, weather and reservoir conditions, so visitors should verify current departures before traveling. Wahweap Marina near Page, Arizona is the primary departure point for scheduled Lake Powell scenic cruises, while kayak tours and Colorado River rafting excursions depart from other locations in the Page area.

Boat cruising Lake Powell through sandstone canyon scenery near Page Arizona

Lake Powell Tours & Water Excursions

Lake Powell visitors can choose from several types of guided and self-guided water experiences. Scheduled scenic cruises explore portions of southern Lake Powell from Wahweap Marina, guided kayak trips enter protected coves and side canyons, and smooth-water rafting trips travel the Colorado River through Glen Canyon below Glen Canyon Dam.

Specific destinations depend on current tour schedules and lake conditions. Some historically popular Lake Powell cruises, including scheduled Rainbow Bridge and Antelope Canyon boat tours, are currently unavailable, so travelers should confirm current itineraries rather than relying on older tour descriptions.

Current Lake Powell Tour Options

Arizona Leisure does not operate or book Lake Powell tours. The options below are provided to help visitors identify current types of guided recreation. Tour routes, schedules, prices and availability can change, so reservations and final details should always be confirmed directly with the operator.

Guided Boat Tours From Wahweap Marina

Wahweap Marina is the primary departure point for scheduled Lake Powell scenic cruises near Page. Current offerings can include the Scenic Dam Cruise, Canyon Princess Dinner Cruise, Navajo Canyon Boat Tour and private Lake Powell excursions.

The Scenic Dam Cruise is a 90-minute trip through Wahweap Bay toward Glen Canyon Dam, while the Canyon Princess Dinner Cruise combines Lake Powell scenery with an evening meal. Longer or private tours may explore additional canyon areas depending on current operating conditions.

Tour schedules can change seasonally, and individual cruises may be cancelled or consolidated because of weather, demand or operating conditions. Confirm the current itinerary and departure time before traveling to Wahweap.

Lake Powell Kayak Tours

Guided kayaking offers a quieter way to explore Lake Powell's sandstone canyon scenery. Tours near Page commonly focus on the flooded lower reaches of Antelope Canyon, where paddlers travel beneath steep canyon walls and may combine kayaking with short hikes when conditions permit.

Kayak Lake Powell currently offers guided Antelope Canyon trips, custom tours and kayak and paddleboard rentals. Guided trips are designed for a range of experience levels, but participants should be comfortable around open water and prepared for changing wind, waves and seasonal temperatures.

Independent kayak and paddleboard rentals are also available for visitors who prefer to explore at their own pace. Always check current launch access and weather before heading onto the lake.

Colorado River & Horseshoe Bend Rafting

Visitors can also explore the Colorado River below Glen Canyon Dam on a smooth-water rafting trip through Glen Canyon. Wilderness River Adventures operates family-friendly Horseshoe Bend rafting trips from Page that travel approximately 10 miles of river and feature Glen Canyon scenery, Horseshoe Bend, Petroglyph Beach and Lees Ferry.

These are calm-water sightseeing trips rather than whitewater rafting excursions, making them suitable for a broad range of visitors. Reservations, check-in requirements and seasonal schedules should be confirmed directly with the operator.

Self-Guided Lake Powell Boat Tours

Visitors who prefer to explore independently can rent a powerboat, personal watercraft, kayak or houseboat and create their own Lake Powell itinerary. Wahweap Marina offers powerboat and watercraft rentals, while Antelope Point Marina provides additional rental and marina options near Page.

Self-guided boaters should use current navigation information and check Lake Powell water levels, weather and launch-ramp conditions before departure. Changing reservoir levels can expose rocks, alter shoreline contours and affect access to familiar coves and canyon routes.

Lake Powell Tour Planning Tips

  • Reserve popular boat, kayak and rafting trips in advance during peak travel periods.
  • Confirm the departure location because Wahweap cruises, kayak tours and river rafting trips do not all leave from the same place.
  • Arrive early enough for parking, check-in and required safety instructions.
  • Carry sun protection and drinking water because shade is limited around Lake Powell.
  • Check wind and weather forecasts before any boating or paddling excursion.
  • Wear appropriate footwear for kayak trips that combine paddling and canyon hiking.
  • Check current Lake Powell water levels and launch conditions before self-guided trips.
  • Remember that tour routes and destinations may change when reservoir conditions change.

Best Time For Lake Powell Boat & Kayak Tours

  • Spring: Comfortable temperatures can be excellent for cruises, kayaking and rafting, although strong winds are possible.
  • Summer: The busiest season for Lake Powell water recreation, with warm temperatures and long days but also extreme heat and heavier boat traffic.
  • Fall: Warm water and gradually cooler air temperatures make fall one of the most comfortable seasons for cruises and paddling.
  • Winter: The lake is much quieter, but scheduled tour offerings and rental services may be more limited.

Lake Powell Tour Planning Resources

Frequently Asked Questions About Lake Powell Boat Tours

Are There Guided Boat Tours On Lake Powell?

Yes. Guided scenic cruises currently depart from Wahweap Marina near Page, Arizona. Available tours can include scenic Glen Canyon Dam cruises, dinner cruises, Navajo Canyon excursions and private tours.

Where Do Lake Powell Boat Tours Depart?

Scheduled Lake Powell Resorts & Marinas boat tours depart from Wahweap Marina at Lake Powell Resort. Other kayak, rafting and private-tour operators use different meeting and launch locations around Page.

Is The Rainbow Bridge Boat Tour Operating?

The scheduled Rainbow Bridge boat tour from Wahweap is currently unavailable until further notice. Access and tour offerings can change, so check current operator information before planning around Rainbow Bridge.

Is The Antelope Canyon Boat Tour Operating?

The scheduled Antelope Canyon sightseeing cruise from Wahweap is currently unavailable until further notice, although guided kayak tours into the Lake Powell portion of Antelope Canyon remain available from independent operators.

Can You Kayak Into Antelope Canyon?

Yes. Guided kayak trips explore the flooded lower reaches of Antelope Canyon from Lake Powell, and kayak rentals are also available for qualified visitors who prefer a self-guided trip.

Can You Take A Rafting Trip Near Lake Powell?

Yes. Wilderness River Adventures offers smooth-water rafting through Glen Canyon below Glen Canyon Dam, including trips past Horseshoe Bend to Lees Ferry.

Can You Rent A Boat And Tour Lake Powell Yourself?

Yes. Powerboats, personal watercraft, kayaks and houseboats can be rented from Lake Powell-area operators. Self-guided boaters should check current navigation, weather, water-level and launch-ramp information before departure.

How Long Is The Glen Canyon Dam Scenic Cruise?

The current Scenic Dam Cruise from Wahweap is approximately 90 minutes and travels through Wahweap Bay for views of Glen Canyon Dam and surrounding scenery.

When Is The Best Time For A Lake Powell Boat Tour?

Spring and fall generally offer comfortable temperatures, while summer provides warm weather and the broadest recreation season but can be extremely hot and busy.

Should Lake Powell Tours Be Reserved In Advance?

Advance reservations are recommended for scheduled cruises, kayak trips and rafting excursions, particularly during weekends, holidays and peak spring-through-fall travel periods.

Lake Powell & Page Arizona

 

 

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