What Our Guests Have To Say

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.

Loved every moment of this adventure from the first moment to the last. The crew did everything to meet every request in order to make the river experience a most memorable vacation. I’ve hiked extensively throughout the Grand Canyon but the beauty of the Canyon from the river is truly a spiritual experience and sleeping out under the stars each night is amazing. Loved the hike to the Granary and floating the rapids on the Little Colorado. Refreshing under the waterfalls and diving in at Pumpkin Springs was unforgettable fun.

I really don’t have any special experience from the trip the whole trip was exceptional I can’t imagine changing anything the guides Bob and Tabatha and Ben and Julie were terrific I enjoyed every day

I've done this trip several times and I'm always amazed at what is new and what is the same. The competence and ingenuity of the guides is outstanding. They read each group and make plans about what this new group will like; long hikes perhaps, or plenty of play time on the beach. Quite the highlight of my year. Pro-tip: If you see Glade walking into Blacktail Canyon with a guitar, cancel your plans and follow him.

Where shall I begin... First and foremost our crew of Jim, Regan, Ben and Julie were the best I've been with on any of my bucket list trips over the years. This team is heard working and EXTREMELY knowledgeable of the experience throughout the 280 mile journey through the Grand Canyon. The entire trip was filled with excitement and learning. Not to mention a lifetime of memories with our family. We meet some amazing people along the way and we look forward to our next trip with our grandkids the the years to come! Every morning I awake hearing Jim and Ben’s voice: HOT COFFEE…. And TEA!! Music to my ears! Until next time - Cheers, Steve, Amy, Phil, Colton, Jake and Zach

amazing trip, wonderful guides. this was my third trip and there continues to be new things to do and see each trip! my limits were tested with the insane weather - thunder, lightening, rain, wind, sandstorms, extreme heat. hopefully will be back again one day!

This was our second trip with this company, and it didn’t disappoint! The boatmen have so much river experience and knowledge, that the passengers are free to soak up all the scenery and geological information as it presents itself.

The trip exceeded my expectations with personable, fun, knowledgable guides. They did an amazing job preparing delicious meals and helping us enjoy the breathtaking scenery. I have recommended the trip to several friends.

Nothing will ever compare to this trip. I have hiked the Bright Angel and Kabab Trails to Phantom Ranch and also hiked from the North to the South Rim in all seasons. But seeing it in a different perspective was amazing. Those who only stand on the rim and stare for a few moments or hours have not experienced all the Grand Canyon has to offer! The staff in the office and the crew on the boats were incredible. Every detail was thought of. Meals were awesome! The stars, full moon and the Milky Way were so close I felt we could touch them. The wildlife was abundant. The rapids were many! Will definitely go again.

This was the best vacation my family has ever had. All 14 of us had a great time. Julie and Ben were superb guides and cooks. I can't think of a thing you could improve. Thanks a million!!

Hands down the most awesome trip we have ever experienced. Our Guides and Swampers- Adam, Jim, Shelly O and Tom- were amazing. The rapids, the hikes, the food - all beyond our expectations.

I lived in Phoenix in the late 80s and had the chance to visit the Grand Canyon several times - we even hiked to the bottom and back in one day one time (not recommended!). From that time, I added a river trip through the Canyon to my bucket list of things to do. After many years (and two children), we finally got around to the process. Our friends Ken and Suzanne from Atlanta had recently completed a trip with you and they were effusive in their praise of the professional job and well-organized trip that they had with GCEX. So, we didn't even "shop" around to other outfitters - we knew that GCEX was for us. We originally tried to get an entire boat but ended up with five of us. The process of scheduling the trip went well. The arrangements in Las Vegas both prior to and after the trip were great - nice to be in a hotel not on the Strip but close enough if one wants to check that out. The trip itself - we can say enough about it. It exceeded all my expectations. Everything was handled so professionally by our guides. The food was great - camping was a lot of fun and of course the rafting was exciting and beautiful with all of the grandeur of the Grand Canyon. All five of us have said we would like to do the trip again because we know there is so much more to experience and it would be fun knowing what we know now. Our thanks to everyone at GCEX and especially our guides Den and Roger and our "swampers" Brianne and Patti. They worked so hard to provide us with this great experience!

The entire trip was very well organized. The guides were very knowledgeable. Lots of points of interest were brought to our attention. There was plenty of good food especially the evening meals. I will recommend this trip to my friends.

I completed my trip in June of 2018. What a spectacular experience. From the very beginning the planning and organization was excellent. The Grand Canyon Expedition boatmen and swampers, Roger, Den, Bree, and Patty were wonderful. They were not only supremely confident in their day-to-day operations, but are genuine and caring people whose wonderful attitude set the tone for the entire trip. Each day when you wake up from a canopy of stars you can expect a wonderful breakfast and a day on the river filled with spectacular rapids and breathtaking scenery. At the end of the day there is yet another gourmet meal and great comradeship with your fellow passengers. In all, the Grand Canyon Expedition experience exceeded all expectations and, when your journey is complete, you will be left with wonderful memories of spectacular scenery and great people.

I loved everything about this trip. The scenery was surreal, the rapids a blast, the freedom of being outdoors for 8 whole days, the absolutely delicious meals, the hikes up side canyons and tributaries, the knowledge, humour and passion of the crew, sleeping under the stars, the camaraderie of the group, ... The experience of Grand Canyon Expeditions is evident in the way everything works like clockwork, everything managed so well, yet still every day is an open slate with its own schedule.

Just finished our trip June 16, 2018 This was a trip of a lifetime although there were other passengers with us on their fourth trip. GCEX is an exceptional company leaving no stone unturned. They cover every possible detail. Our crew Ann Marie ( leader ) boatman Adam, swampers Shaun and Lori were beyond words exceptional. No harder workers you will find. Even though we have hiked the canyon and Havasupai twice you see and experience so much more rafting it. All of our fellow travelers were great fun and become family sharing a great trip. The food was great the first day and got better on each day after. The rapids, hikes, and education on the canyon by the crew was beyond great. Can’t say enough good things about this company, if your deciding on this trip don’t hesitate.

Thank you so much to our fabulous guides Ben and Julie ,Marty and Kyle for an unforgettable river experience !! Everything was great and we were so well taken care of ...We were so lucky to have Marty with us ,so much fun and so much knowledge about all aspects of the trip...

My rafting trip down the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon with Grand Canyon Expeditions was one of the best vacations I have ever had. It was an amazing experience. The service provided by the guides and swampers was incredible. They were all very hard workers, from preparing meals, providing stories and history of the Grand Canyon to making sure our personal needs were meet; they did it all! The dinners were delicious, and I couldn't believe all the meals we ate while camping. This was in addition to the gourmet breakfast and lunch served daily, along with horderves served before our dinner meal. Ice for evening cocktails was a plus. I can't say enough about how good the food was, it makes me want to go out and buy a Dutch oven! The rafting was excellent, with a great variety of rapids, some challenging and incredibly exciting, and others more calm. Every hike had something new and adventurous waiting for us to experience. It was the perfect mix of rafting and hiking. All the while the scenery around every bend in the river was like something off of a postcard.

My trip was absolutely incredible. I was told to expect the "trip of a lifetime" and that is exactly correct. The weather was ideal, the water was clear for the entire route and the canyon geology was stunning. Add in the total professionalism of our boatmen Zach and Bacco and their swampers, Mark and Matt, and the recipe for perfection was complete. The wonderful camaraderie of my fellow travelers was the icing on the cake. My memories are forever.

The rafting trip is a great way to experience the incredible beauty of the Grand Canyon. Now that I’m back home and have had time to reflect on the trip, I'm almost overwhelmed by all of the wonderful memories.

Dave, Glade, Angela, and Danny were awesome! Always went above and beyond to meet our needs and make everyone happy! It truly was the trip of a lifetime! Thank you!

Awesome trip (our 3rd)!!! Marc, Adam, Kyle and Mason were fantastic. We'll be back for a 4th trip!!

Great trip! Wonderful people to meet and fantastic crew. Good food and comfortable camping.

It was FABULOUS. We loved every minute of it. We are seasoned private raft trippers but not on a river the size of the Colorado/Grand Canyon, and having the peace of mind of very capable captain and swamper (Glade and Tabatha) made it so enjoyable, and "glamping" just increased the fun and enjoyment so much more. The side hikes are a favorite part of the trip as well.

My experience with this group was superlative. Every single aspect of this entire trip was incredibly well planned and executed. The guides were among the most experienced in the business, and were extremely friendly and instructive at all times. The food was exquisite. I do not see how I could have had a better experience.

The trip exceeded our expectations! As did the staff...Emily, Dan, Adam and Shelley. They were skilled boatsmen and women and great cooks and wonderful companions for the trip. They were professional and helpful, always keeping our safety in mind. All the equipment seemed to be in good condition. Excellent would be my rating! And we were lucky with the weather!! Thank you!

Once in a lifetime experience!! Great trip, staff professional, food was excellent and sleeping under the stars and full moon, magical. The sites are breathtaking.

This was a great trip and the best way to experience the Grand Canyon. We were fortunate to have guides that were not only experienced river runners but also experts on the Grand Canyon who had hiked and explored throughout the region. if you are looking for a total Grand Canyon experience, including the quiet,GCE dories are the way to go.

Excellent trip!!!

A great trip. I was thrilled with how everything went. The guides/rowers were very experienced which reduced the anxiety of the rapids for me (a whitewater novice). Everything was perfect. Thanks

This holiday was amazing. Den and Shelley were fantastic, controlling the dingy and cooking the most amazing meals. I have so many brilliant memories of the holiday, the Rapids, the company, the camping, the walks, the food, the toilet(!) etc. It was so well organised. I don't know how those girls did it!!!! I have so many fab photos choosing one is very difficult!!

The trip has been run by SPICE for 17 plus years and all who have been on the trip stated it changed their lives. Well yes it does, an extraordinary, awesome trip with idyllic beaches as campsites, wonderful blue within blue Little Colorado, amazing waterfalls, wildlife and plants. Not to forget the main reason for my trip, running the rapids, which was more than I could have imagined, the scale, the power, the beauty, the cold, the heat, the fear and excitement all at the same time, the laughter and the hanging on for dear life as the water lifts you off the ground, the trip should be on everyone's bucket list. Then the crew, Den and Shelly were outstanding in their combined knowledge of the rapids, the canyon, the river, the wildlife and the rocks and plants. Den read us a poem or story related to river running every day, which enhanced this very special place. How you get the food prepared for three meals a days is extraordinary and making cakes every day is crazy. The trip was a 10 out of 10 for me and everyone else on the trip. You turned a holiday into a true adventure.

I would rate our trip 10 stars if I could (14 day dory). One of the incredible experiences of my life. GCE and their guides did a remarkable job. I sat wondering with my cousin, how could GCE have made this trip any better? Could not come up with anything. Special thanks to our boatmen, y'all are amazing.

Den McCormick and Jim Hall were a terrific RiverGuides/Swamper team. Also very glad to have Alton Wasson - to bring us together as a community.

The 8 days spent motorizing through the Grand Canyon were magical. The river and the canyon were described by another as "the roofless tabernacle" and I concur. Grand Canyon Expeditions provided the most professional crew, schedule and equipment, making our journey first class. We saw multiple rafting companies along our trip downstream and none compared in comfort or gear to what we were experiencing. Our raft layout was well thought out for the passengers, our life jackets were comfortable, we had cushions to sit on while on the raft, our cots were easy to assemble & wide enough for sleeping restfully with a self inflating pad, sleeping bag & tarp, and our chairs in camp had backs. The food was delicious and never ending and there was great variety. Our guide, Trevin Johnson, & swamper, Joe French, were entertaining, cheerful and full of river lore which they generously shared with us, including reading us poetry as we floated along. Their skills captaining the raft were obviously exceptional and no one ever felt a lack of confidence, even in the toughest rapids, and we had no spills, just lots of big waves with thrills and squeals. The crew spoke to each of us at our level, showing interest in every guest from the 9 year old to the 68 year old. We hiked to 100' waterfalls, through slot canyons, to petroglyphs and swam up Havasu Creek's turquoise waters and played frisbee in Redwall Cavern and saw dozens of bighorn sheep. Not a minute of any day was dull. We slept under the most amazing display of stars every night and bathed in the Colorado daily. Not one person from our trip was ready to leave the river on the 8th day. Each of us said that we came on the trip as strangers and left as friends, continuing to stay in touch. GCE provided great service from the hotel at the beginning and ending of the trip, to the bus and jet boat rides to every detail on the river trip itself. I cannot recommend this trip highly enough and GCE in particular.

Rafting with GCEC through the Grand Canyon was truly epic! Awesome rapids, majestic scenery, amazing wildlife, new-found knowledge, nights under starry skies, unforgetable time with family - and new friends! I loved every bit of it! Add this adventure to your bucket list - and then be sure to get it checked off!

What an epic trip! I'm a seasoned traveller but this was something truly special. Hard to put into words. Disconnect for 14 days...ride the waves...see the stars and the galaxy like never before...make amazing friends (especially with the guides, who have amazing life and canyon stories)...have numerous "once in a lifetime" experiences! I've been to 25+ countries, and rarely envision revisiting a place but I'd do this trip again in a heart beat. If you have the time to do a dory trip..do it! It's magical! You feel every wave...big and small! You bond with the boats, the passengers, the guides. Already dreaming of my next trip down the river again!

My family (husband, myself, and 16 year old twins) just finished the 8 day motorized trip which turned out to be our top family vacation so far. Guide Trevin and swamper Joe clearly enjoyed their time on the river and transferred that passion to our group of 14 (strangers at mile 0, friends exchanging contact information by the end). The pace was relaxed, food generous (even to my 16 year old son who often ate thirds) and delicious, scenery spectacular. The days were varied with boating, hiking, swimming, and relaxing. Trevin's knowledge of the river and area was expansive and added depth to our experience. Everything was top quality from start to end with attention to detail. We did not want it to end - even after our return to Las Vegas our group got together for one last dinner and chance to relive the fun we had and bonds we shared. The trip was special, fun and magical.

Fourteen members of our family went on a 8 day motorized rafting trip in July 2017 with Grand Canyon Expeditions, GCEX, and every single detail of the trip was impeccable. Our youngest was 11 and our oldest was 75 and everyone had a fantastic time. Another family of 10 sailed on the second raft and they ranged from 75 to 10.The trip leader Bobby has been leading trips for over 30 years and it showed. The second raft was piloted by Den who was also incredibly skillful. Each raft also had volunteers so our "rafting family" numbered 30.I have nothing but praise for GCEX. At every stage of the process they continued to amaze me with their kindness, skill, preparation and care. Let me comment on some of the elements that particularly impressed me: They put safety and hygiene first The raft and camping equipment was sturdy, easy to pitch camp and comfortable The food was FANTASTIC. Each evening when we pitched camp they unloaded a full operating kitchen and prepared sumptuous meals. We had ice the whole trip! The day hikes were great; they chose good campgrounds; and all along the route they educated us on what we were seeing. The buses were comfortable. They even arranged for a pit stop at Walmart so people could get whatever they forgot. I have been traveling the world for over 50 years and only experienced one other hospitality company who delivered such impeccable service and that was a very high end safari company in South Africa. If you are considering rafting the Grand Canyon, I recommend GCEX without reservation. Adam Engle August 2017

This was an incredible trip. And they made things as easy as possible for everyone. We are a large family group and they were able to work with us on our needs. The food was amazing. They led hikes up into waterfalls and slot canyons. It was a great experience and I'm grateful to have worked with gcec.

I don't have words. One of the best vacations I've ever had. The canyon is beyond Grand. The sights were superb. The food and our guides were excellent. The people were fantastic. It was 8 short days, not nearly enough time. I'd do it again in a heartbeat.