Explore the stunning waterways of Antelope Canyon with a guided boat excursion or a kayaking adventure on Lake Powell. Choose from small captained vessels, guided paddling trips, or self-guided kayak rentals to experience the canyon's narrowest sections.
Free Cancellation A 7-mile guided canyon paddle and hike featuring swimming breaks, professional safety training, and high-end gear.
Free Cancellation Navigate narrow canyon passages on small, open-bow boats with local captains and unobstructed panoramic views.
Free Cancellation Paddle from Lake Powell to Antelope Canyon to hike the only section of the slot canyon accessible without a guide.
Read what travelers share about their experience visiting Antelope Canyon — from practical tips to personal highlights.
Exploring Antelope Canyon from the water offers a completely different perspective of this world-famous slot canyon. Whether you are paddling a kayak through the flooded corridors or relaxing on a small captained boat, you will glide past soaring Navajo Sandstone walls and escape the heavy crowds typical of the land-based hiking tours.
View the canyon's iconic 120-foot wave-like cliffs right from the water level. The sheer scale of the orange and red sandstone is breathtaking when seen from a boat or kayak.
Paddle through the calm waters of Lake Powell directly into the mouth of Antelope Canyon. Guided tours often provide sit-inside kayaks and full safety orientations.
If you prefer to relax, small open-bow boats are designed to navigate the narrowest water sections of the canyon, offering panoramic views without the physical exertion.
Some guided kayak excursions allow you to beach your kayak deep in the canyon and hike up to seven miles through the dry, narrow slot corridors.
Water-based tours naturally limit group sizes. Small boats and kayaks give you plenty of space to capture stunning photos of the canyon walls reflecting on the water.
Before you secure your spot on an Antelope Canyon boat or kayak tour, there are a few essential logistics to keep in mind regarding park fees, physical requirements, and time zones.
You can choose from fully guided kayak and hike excursions, relaxing 2-hour captained boat tours, or self-guided kayak rentals if you prefer to explore at your own pace.
Because the water sections are part of Lake Powell, you must enter the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. This requires a $30 per vehicle entrance fee, which is usually not included in the tour price. America the Beautiful passes are accepted.
Kayaking tours require a moderate level of physical fitness. They are not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, poor cardiovascular health, or those who are pregnant. Be prepared to walk down boat ramps to reach the water.
Page, Arizona operates on Mountain Standard Time (MST) year-round and does not observe Daylight Saving Time. Always double-check your tour time, as it aligns with Phoenix time, not necessarily the Navajo Nation or neighboring Utah.
Tours are highly dependent on weather and wind conditions. Currently, water levels in Lake Powell are low, meaning you may have to walk down steep hills at the boat ramp to retrieve your kayak.
Antelope Canyon is incredibly popular, and water tours have strict capacity limits. You should book your excursion several weeks or even months in advance, especially if you plan to visit between April and October.
Most boat and kayak operators offer a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before your scheduled departure time. Weather-related cancellations by the operator will also result in refunds or rescheduling.
| Guided Kayak & Hike Tour | Captained Photo Boat Excursion | Self-Guided Kayak Rental | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration | 4 hours | 2 hours | Up to 24 hours |
| Best For | Active travelers and beginners | Photography and relaxed sightseeing | Independent adventurers |
| Includes | Premium kayak, life jacket, paddle, guide, dry bags | Captained small open-bow boat, fuel surcharges | Single/double kayak, paddle, life jacket |
| Price From | $119 | $199 | $57 |
Boat and kayak tours operate daily, year-round, though specific departure times vary heavily by operator and season. Most tour offices in the Page area are open from 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM Arizona Time (MST).
If you are renting a kayak for a self-guided adventure, rentals are often valid for up to 24 hours, giving you flexibility to start early in the morning. For guided tours, you are typically required to check in at least 30 minutes prior to your ticketed launch time to complete mandatory safety orientations.
Antelope Canyon boat and kayak tours depart from the marinas on Lake Powell, located just outside the city of Page, Arizona. Page is roughly a 5-hour drive from major hubs like Las Vegas, Nevada, or Phoenix, Arizona.
Depending on your specific tour, you will likely head to the Antelope Point Public Launch Ramp or Wahweap Marina. For example, some boat tours require you to drive to the end of Wahweap Blvd and park near the large traffic barricades on the left side of the launch ramp. Public transportation is extremely limited, so driving a rental car or personal vehicle is highly recommended.
The prime season to visit Antelope Canyon is between April and October. During these months, the weather is warm enough to comfortably enjoy being out on the water, and the sun is high enough to illuminate the canyon's vibrant red and orange walls.
If you are combining your water tour with a land-based hike in Upper Antelope Canyon, try to book a midday slot (between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM) to catch the world-famous light beams. Keep in mind that the monsoon season runs from July to September, which can occasionally cause tour cancellations due to high winds or flash flood risks.
Unfortunately, the boat and kayak tours into Antelope Canyon are not wheelchair accessible. Getting to the water currently requires navigating steep, unpaved hills and long boat ramps due to historically low water levels in Lake Powell.
Facilities are generally limited to the marina departure points. Before launching, you will have access to public restrooms and parking lots at either Antelope Point or Wahweap Marina.
Once you are on the water and inside the canyon, there are no facilities, restrooms, or shaded pavilions. You must bring everything you need with you. Operators highly recommend bringing plenty of drinking water, high-SPF sunscreen, and a hat to protect yourself from the intense Arizona sun. If you are kayaking, ask your operator for a dry bag to protect your phone and keys.
When visiting the water sections of Antelope Canyon, you are entering the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. All visitors must abide by federal park rules and local operator guidelines.
Yes, because the water section of the canyon is accessed via Lake Powell, you must pay a $30 vehicle entrance fee for the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. This is usually paid at the park gate and is separate from your tour cost.
Absolutely. Guided kayak tours are highly recommended for beginners and first-timers. Operators provide stable sit-inside or sit-on-top kayaks, life jackets, and a mandatory 30 to 40-minute safety orientation before you launch.
All tours operating out of Page, Arizona run on Mountain Standard Time (MST) year-round. Arizona does not observe Daylight Saving Time, so the time is always the same as Phoenix.
Yes, you can bring cameras and phones, but you do so at your own risk. Many kayak operators will provide dry bags upon request at check-in to help keep your electronics safe from splashes.
No. Due to low water levels in Lake Powell, accessing the docks requires walking down steep boat ramps and hills. The small boats and kayaks also require physical mobility to board safely.
Some specific 4-hour guided kayak excursions include paddling into the canyon, beaching the kayaks, and hiking into the narrower, dry slot sections. However, the 2-hour captained boat tours stay entirely on the water.
Yes, children are welcome. On captained boat tours, infants must sit on an adult's lap. For kayak rentals, you can request a double kayak to paddle with a child, provided you stay within the 500 lb weight capacity.
Tours are subject to weather conditions. If high winds or flash flood risks make the canyon unsafe, your operator will cancel the tour. You will typically be offered a flexible time adjustment or a full refund.
Antelope Canyon is a world-famous destination, and small boat or kayak tours have strict capacity limits. It is highly recommended to book your tickets several weeks or months in advance, especially for summer visits.
The iconic, concentrated light beams are primarily seen in the dry, land-based Upper Antelope Canyon during midday. While the water sections are stunning and beautifully lit, they are wider and do not produce the exact same beam effect.
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This guided excursion covers up to seven miles of paddling and hiking through the canyon. We use stable, sit-inside kayaks and provide a 30 to 40-minute safety orientation before every launch. Please note that the time on your ticket is the departure time; the orientation occurs prior to this. All participants must check in the day before their tour during business hours to confirm weather conditions and complete gear fittings. Our guides hold certifications in Wilderness First Response, CPR, and Kayak 101. During the trip, we stop at the halfway point for snacks, photography, and optional swimming. Because this is a physical activity, all guests must be able to swim. To prevent fatigue, we require that you do not drive more than 150 miles on the day of your tour and suggest staying overnight in the local area instead.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Our tours use small, open-bow boats specifically designed to reach the narrowest sections of the canyon that larger vessels cannot access. By limiting the number of passengers on every trip, we ensure you have plenty of space to move around and enjoy clear, panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Each tour is led by a U.S. Coast Guard Licensed captain who provides insights into the area’s history, geography, and local culture. Your captain will also help you find the best lighting and angles for photos, ensuring you capture the scenery and scale of the canyon throughout the journey.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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We provide single or double sit-on-top kayaks directly at the Antelope Point Public Launch Ramp, including all necessary paddles and life jackets. Because water levels are currently low, we stage the kayaks at the water’s edge so you can start your trip immediately. These rentals are designed for self-guided exploration, allowing you to navigate the narrow walls of Antelope Canyon at your own pace. Once you reach the end of the water, you can beach your kayak to hike the lowest part of the slot canyon. This is the only section of Antelope Canyon open to the public without a required tour guide. A round-trip paddle typically takes 2.5 to 3 hours, while adding the hike extends the experience to 4 or 6 hours depending on your speed and how far you choose to walk.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
