Where do I begin? First of all, my husband and I had been on a 9 day rafting trip, 22 years ago, from Phantom Ranch to Diamond Creek. I had always described that trip as the most fun I've had in my life. We had the good fortune to nab two spots (off of the waitlist), and take a 16 day dory trip. This September dory trip was a gazillion times more fun and has now cemented a place as lifetime number one experience. We knew several people on the trip, and became fast friends with the rest of the group. I credit the expertise, the big hearts, and the knowledge of the boatmen and women who guided us, played with us, and shared their love of the river and the Grand Canyon with us. Floating through such a rich landscape and learning about the geology and history, hearing stories of past trips and adventures, and being treated to three delicious meals a day was just marvelous. The rapids were thrilling, the peaceful floating down the river was restorative to the soul. Hiking in the beautiful side canyons, catching a glimpse of a Peregrine falcon or Kestrel, a Western Kingbird (first time I'd seen one!), deer, bighorn sheep, and was that tiny bird flying waaaaay high a condor?, were all highlights of the adventure on top of the water and rapids. I live in a city and the only stars I get to see at night are the big dipper, maybe Venus or Mars if lucky, Orion in the late night... so getting to lie in a cot under the stars each night was unforgettable. I would count shooting stars, "one more, just one more before I close my eyes" and watch for satellites passing overhead. Being away from the world is a very powerful experience. No news, no email or phone. Just the wonderful people and boatmen, a merry band of friends collected for this 16 days, and the adventures we had along the way. I found that I wanted to take everyone home to continue friendships. I plan on more trips, more exploring, more starry night skies, for as long as I can manage it. I understand the hook the Grand Canyon sets in a person. I feel that pull still and there is a piece of my heart left there in that beautiful place. I thank the boatmen we travelled with: Andy, Lew, Jim, Doc, Coop, Hanna and Gretchen. I look forward to the time we may meet again, for more fun boating!

Thank you. I had an amazing holiday. The rafting was everything I expected with the excitement of the rapids along with grazing at the ever-changing landscape. Then the unexpected - swimming under waterfalls and star grazing seeing the milky way.

My trip took place during my fifty-fifty birthday celebration in May, 2000. SIMPLY A SENSATIONAL experience and adventure.I'm a foodie, TREMENDOUS breakfasts, lunches and dinners. Our final night dinner included TASTY steaks and all the trimmings. A MAGNIFICENT life experience.Our fellow rafters met as strangers and departed as friends. The scenery needs no attempt to describe. Mind numbingly beautiful.The Colorado River in May...ICE COLD. Don't worry, the sun dries you off in a few minutes.Come with A POSITIVE ATTITUDE, kick back and enjoy this remarkable adventure !!

What, no 6 star ratings available..???The trip with Adam/Shelly, Jim/Tom was even more memorable than our first in 1984, which was bitchin'. Galloway was my raft. I felt a kindred spirit with Jim, and besides, we're both big-time geologist enthusiasts.This little ditty, sung at the Low/No Talent night (favorite..!), sums up my second memorable time on this special water.GRAND RIVER An ode to Gallo/Jim/Tom and Dubie/Adam/Shelly, and friends on a most excellent escapade Sung (loosely) to Moon RiverGrand River, mile after mile, we’re traveling in style, this day… With guides skillful, ever cheerful, each morning they greet us the very same way..!Great coffee, and hearty breakfast too, then off to use the loo, (… but only for a poo) (… with such a Groovy view)Days drifting, with friends both old and new, multi-generational too, … lessons ‘neath the storied spires … of which we never tire … and tails of which I‘m sure are true (!)Camp’s chosen, when the day’s run’s done, post zipper-line we crack a brew Gourmet dinners, our chef’s, winners, then afterwards maybe a wren-run or two … and a circular raucous ensuesTrip’s closing, sad to see it end, I’ll miss you all my dear old farts Once more an adventure, has gathered us together, more wonderous memories to hold in our heartsGrand River, mile after mile, we’re traveling in style, this day With guides skillful, ever cheerful, so grateful we had you to show us the wayyyyyy.Humbly,DMTI'll be sending this Ode to Jim as he asked. He may have some fun with it, and he knows we have a dream to dory down with him...En masse, the group loved the trip. And for us older ones, we were our parents in 1984, and to expose our kids to what we were exposed to, well, check off that item off the big list.Thanks for all you do. It worked again.Cheers,Dave

we surely chose the best company for our trip. guides were terrific ,food great. the whole experience could not have been better.

"Come roll in all the riches around you and for once, never wonder what they're worth..." - Alan Menken (Colors of the Wind from Disney's Pocahontas)There are no words that can express my experience with the Grand Canyon Expeditions company (GCEX), the Canyon, the River, or the energy and spirits that captivated me. My eyes widen and a huge smile gushes across my face thinking of my voyage.Many factors (weather, my own mindset, river flows, fellow rafters) beyond anyone's control went into my trip, but I must say that GCEX played a huge role in making it absolutely amazing. The crew at GCEX is outstanding! I had been longing for this trip for 18 years since I first hiked the Havasupai trail and am so glad I went with this company over my other options!My guides during the trip included Marc (Lead for the trip w/ many years of experience- his actions showed confidence and leadership), his Swamper- Ron (sympathetic and kind who always took extra care of anyone in need- sprained ankles to vegetarians), my boat guide Kyle (extremely knowledgeable about the canyon and funny, but most importantly he showed kindness and respect to the animals and land), and his Swamper- Jeremiah (first timer on the River- went overboard literally to pick up other people's trash out of the water and was hilarious keeping everyone in good spirits) were all amazing!!! I booked a specialized Geology trip so that I could absorb as much Canyon as I could- Sue was our Geologist and she was absolutely enlightening being packed with so much knowledge (and cheesy rock jokes) my brain needed a nap just to process all of the content!Again words lack in expression in attempting to explain the Grand Canyon to someone who has not indulged. Even those that have indulged still lack the vocabulary for conveying its richness and splendor.Thank you

Loved this trip! It truly was a trip of a lifetime!!! Our guides and swampers were amazing, knowledgeable, friendly, funny, fun and very educated in Geology, and all things River! They can also cook the best meals in no time flat! The beauty was endless and amazing creating memories I will carry for ever. Thank you GCEX.

Fantastic trip, well organised, food was great. Anne Marie and Lyndsey good company and very informative. Wonderful experience!

My husband and I went on a trip last year and before we got out of the river we knew we had to go again. I just got back from my second trip - I just cannot stay out of the canyon. GCEX is an amazing company and will give you an experience you will forever cherish. They ensure everyone of the guests are having the best possible time. The food is unbelievably superior to many restaurants. Sleeping on cool, clean beaches without the crowds is amazing. Rafting the many rapids is so much fun, all you need to do is hold on. I have shared this trip of a lifetime with two different groups and have so many new friends and wonderful memories. We were lucky to have O C, a legend on the river, join us last week. Emily and Kyle were our guides and they made the trip so remarkable. I recommend this company to make this a trip of your lifetime. Get it off your bucket list now and sign up. The only problem is exiting the canyon is so hard that you will want to get back as quickly as possible

A friend told us we had to raft down the Grand Canyon. He has gone three times with GCEX. We decided to to do it and made the reservation. Once we booked, GCEX started communicating and giving us advice on the trip. I emailed several times and always had a response within 24 hours. Packing was worrisome and we were afraid we would not have enough clothing articles to fit into the bag. Wasted worries. We filled the bag and didn't need half the clothes. From the pre-meeting with Shelly to the delivery to the boats everything was organized and professional. We met our crew at Lee's Ferry and were on our way. The Crew were professional, fun, informative and kept us filled with great food and snacks all day. I am sure that there are other companies that can do this, but this was 5 stars all the way. Great food, great hikes that were both educational and fun and we always felt safe on the river, even at Lava Falls. Eight days is a long time to be on the river...But we look back and realize how fleeting it was. We rafted the entire Grand Canyon. The waterfalls, Bighorn sheep and rapids will be reminisced and bragged about forever. We actually feel bad for the people who booked with companies who only do a few days.