Paddle across Lake Powell and hike through narrow sandstone corridors on an Antelope Canyon kayak tour. Choose from fully guided excursions with safety lessons or self-guided rentals to explore at your own pace.
Free Cancellation Kayak and hike seven miles through canyons with professional guides, snack breaks, and optional swimming.
Free Cancellation Paddle Lake Powell, hike the narrow walls of Antelope Canyon, and swim in desert waters on this four-hour adventure.
Free Cancellation Kayak across Lake Powell and hike through the narrow red rock walls of Water Antelope Canyon with a certified guide.
Free Cancellation Paddle across Lake Powell and hike the remote, water-access sections of Antelope Canyon with a certified local guide.
Free Cancellation Kayak through Antelope Canyon’s narrow sandstone walls and hike the lower canyon with an expert guide.
Free Cancellation Kayak across Lake Powell and hike into the narrow sandstone walls of Antelope Canyon with a local guide.
Free Cancellation Paddle Lake Powell to explore and hike the only part of Antelope Canyon accessible without a professional guide.
Read what travelers share about their experience visiting Antelope Canyon — from practical tips to personal highlights.
Combining the thrill of paddling across Lake Powell with the awe of exploring a world-famous slot canyon on foot, an Antelope Canyon kayak tour is an unforgettable adventure. These excursions offer a unique, active perspective, taking you away from the massive crowds of the traditional land tours and deep into the serene, water-carved corridors of the canyon.
Your journey begins on the water, paddling across the main channel of Lake Powell. You will navigate your kayak past towering 200-foot red rock cliffs, enjoying the vast desert oasis before reaching the canyon entrance.
As you paddle deeper into the canyon, the towering sandstone walls begin to narrow until the water ends at a secluded beach. Here, you will beach your kayak and transition to exploring the rest of the slot canyon on foot.
Walk through the winding, wave-like corridors carved by millions of years of flash floods. You will be mesmerized by the swirling, striated patterns of orange, gold, and violet illuminating the narrow passageways.
Navigate the waters and trails alongside certified guides who ensure your safety with Wilderness First Aid training. They will share fascinating insights into the local geology and the deep cultural history of the area.
Because this section of Antelope Canyon is only accessible by water, it sees significantly less foot traffic than the traditional Upper and Lower walking tours. Enjoy a much quieter, more intimate experience with nature.
Planning a kayak trip to Antelope Canyon requires a bit of preparation to ensure a smooth and safe adventure. Here is everything you need to know before securing your spot on the water.
You can choose between fully guided kayak and hike combo tours or self-guided kayak rentals. Guided tours typically last 3.5 to 4.5 hours and provide a seamless experience with an expert, while rentals give independent explorers up to 24 hours to paddle at their own pace.
While your tour ticket covers the kayak equipment and guide, it does not include the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area entrance fee. You will need to pay this fee (typically $30 per vehicle) at the toll booth upon arrival, unless you already hold an annual National Parks pass.
These tours require a moderate level of physical fitness. You will be paddling for roughly two hours round-trip and hiking through uneven, sandy terrain. Due to the physical exertion, these tours are not recommended for pregnant travelers, or those with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health.
For safety and stability on the water, kayaks have strict weight capacities. Single kayaks typically accommodate up to 240 to 275 pounds, while tandem kayaks can hold a combined weight of 400 to 450 pounds. Check the specific limits of your chosen tour before booking.
Pack plenty of drinking water, high-SPF sunscreen, and a hat to protect against the intense desert sun. A dry bag is highly recommended for your phone and keys, as guides are strictly prohibited from diving into the lake to retrieve dropped items.
Safety is the top priority on Lake Powell. Tours are subject to change or cancellation due to high winds or the threat of flash floods, which are especially common during the summer monsoon season. If your tour is canceled for weather, you will be offered a reschedule or a full refund.
Antelope Canyon is a world-renowned destination, and kayak tours are incredibly popular, especially during the milder spring and fall months. Book your tickets several weeks or even months in advance to secure your preferred launch time.
| Guided Kayak & Hike Combo | Self-Guided Kayak Rental | Performance Kayak Tour | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration | 3.5 - 4.5 hours | Up to 24 hours | 3.5 - 4 hours |
| Best for | First-timers, families, and those wanting geological and historical context | Experienced paddlers and independent explorers wanting to set their own pace | Active travelers wanting high-quality gear and a faster paddle across the lake |
| Includes | Kayak, paddle, life jacket, certified guide, dry bag | Single or double kayak, paddle, life jacket, delivery to launch ramp | Performance kayak, safety lesson, WFA certified guide, bottled water |
| Price from | $119 | $56.99 | $129 |
Antelope Canyon kayak tours operate daily, year-round, though specific launch times depend heavily on weather conditions and the season. Most tour operators run their offices from 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM Arizona Time (MST, which does not observe Daylight Saving Time).
When you book a guided tour, your ticket time is typically your actual launch time. Operators require you to arrive 30 to 40 minutes early for a mandatory safety orientation and paddle briefing. Morning launch slots are highly recommended to avoid the peak afternoon desert heat and stronger winds on the lake.
The launching point for Antelope Canyon kayak tours is located near Page, Arizona, which is about a five-hour drive from major hubs like Las Vegas or Phoenix. You will need to drive yourself, as public transportation directly to the launch sites is limited.
Most tours meet at the Antelope Point Public Launch Ramp. To get there, drive down Navajo Route 22B (just before Marina Pkwy). You will pass through a National Park toll booth where you must pay the entrance fee. Continue straight to the end of the road, where you can park in the large lot facing the lake. From there, you will walk down the boat ramp to meet your guides by the water.
The best months for a kayak and hike combo tour are during the spring (April to May) and fall (September to October). During these times, the temperatures are mild enough to make the strenuous paddle across Lake Powell comfortable, while the canyon itself remains pleasant for hiking.
Summer months (June to August) are incredibly popular but come with scorching desert heat and a higher risk of afternoon thunderstorms. If you visit in the summer, book the earliest morning tour available. Be aware that the monsoon season from July to September brings a high risk of flash floods, which can cause sudden tour cancellations.
Due to the physical nature of the activity and the rugged environment, Antelope Canyon kayak tours are not wheelchair accessible. Participants must be able to get in and out of a kayak, paddle for up to two hours, and hike on uneven, deep sandy terrain.
Facilities are mostly limited to the launch area. When you arrive at the Antelope Point parking lot, you will find basic restroom facilities. It is highly recommended to use these before heading down the boat ramp, as there are no restrooms out on the water or inside the slot canyon.
Tour operators provide all the necessary safety gear, including life jackets, paddles, and often dry bags for your electronics. However, you must bring your own snacks and plenty of drinking water, as there are no concession stands once you leave the marina area.
Exploring the waters of Lake Powell and the sacred lands of Antelope Canyon comes with strict rules to ensure visitor safety and environmental protection.
No previous kayaking experience is necessary for most guided tours. You will receive a 30 to 40-minute safety orientation and paddling instruction before launching. However, you should have a moderate level of physical fitness, as paddling can be tiring.
No, the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area entrance fee is not included in your tour ticket. You will need to pay this fee, which is typically $30 per vehicle, at the toll booth on your way to the Antelope Point Launch Ramp.
Yes, you can bring your phone or camera to capture the stunning scenery. However, it is highly recommended to keep them in a dry bag while on the water. For safety reasons, guides are not allowed to dive in to retrieve items dropped in the lake.
Safety is the top priority. If there are high winds, heavy rain, or a risk of flash floods, your tour will be delayed or canceled. If the operator cancels the tour due to weather conditions, you will be offered a chance to reschedule or receive a full refund.
Yes, strict weight limits apply for safety and stability. Single kayaks generally accommodate up to 240 to 275 pounds, while tandem (two-person) kayaks can hold a combined weight of up to 400 to 450 pounds, depending on the operator.
Yes, children can participate, but those aged 13 and under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian in a tandem kayak. Most operators do not recommend these tours for infants or toddlers under 3 years old due to the physical nature of the trip.
On a typical 4-hour guided combo tour, you will spend roughly two hours kayaking round-trip across Lake Powell. The remaining time is spent beaching the kayaks and enjoying a guided hike through the narrow, sandy corridors of the slot canyon.
The water-accessible section of Antelope Canyon features stunning wave-like sandstone, but the world-famous midday light beams are primarily found in Upper Antelope Canyon. Seeing those specific beams requires booking a separate, land-based Navajo guided tour.
You should wear sturdy, closed-toe water shoes or old sneakers that you don't mind getting wet and sandy. Avoid flip-flops or sandals, as the hiking portion involves walking on uneven terrain and deep, loose sand inside the canyon.
While you are paddling on Lake Powell, you will be on the water, but swimming is generally not part of the guided itinerary. Once you beach the kayaks and enter the narrow slot canyon, the terrain is dry sand and rock, and you must stay with your guide.
Browse verified tours with free cancellation and instant confirmation.
Find Tours