Grand Canyon Rafting 3 Day

Frequently Asked Questions »

» Physical Requirements For Guests
» Payments, Confirmations and Cancellations
» Fishing, Gratuities, Beverages

print packing list  Print Your Acknowledgement of Risk Form (PDF)
print packing list  Print Your Grand Canyon 3 Day packing List (PDF)


Physical Requirements
A: Our primary concern is participant safety. The nature of an outdoor adventure involves some physical exertion and also possible exposure to weather conditions that can fluctuate greatly due to heat, sun, wind, or rain. We do have experience accommodating persons with a wide range of physical challenges, disabilities, or medical and health conditions. However, we have found that for some people the fact of age, weight, lack of conditioning, heart or other disease, can endanger themselves, other guests or create additional hardship that diminishes the suitability or enjoyment of this type of vacation. Please consider these conditions in making your choice of river adventures. Please check with your physician prior to your trip if you have any medical or health condition or if you are taking any medications, and then notify us of how we can better help you with these conditions. In general, participants will need to meet the following physical requirements:

  • Fit into a Type 5 Life Jacket (maximum chest size is 52”) required by the National Park Service
  • Ability to securely grip ropes provided for handholds while running the rapids
  • Enough agility to climb on and off the rafts
  • Ability to navigate uneven terrain on hikes and in camp
  • Carry your own dry bag which will include your 20-pound duffle bag along with the sleeping bag and ground cover we provide

Our principle objective is for you and your fellow guests to have an enjoyable and fulfilling experience. If you are concerned about any of these requirements, please call our friendly staff to further discuss which trip is right for you. Our Acknowledgement of Risk Form will more fully describe some of the inherent risks involved in these activities. We look forward to having you join us on the adventure of a lifetime.

Payment and Cancellation Policies

A: Payment in full is due 90 days prior to trip departure and may be paid by check (preferably) or credit card. With your prior approval, we can automatically charge the balance due to your credit card 90 days prior to trip departure (if full payment has not been received). We reserve the right to cancel your reservation if full payment is not collected by the due date.

If you must cancel any reservation, the information regarding the cancellation must be received in writing. The cancellation fee will follow the formula in the box in the chart below. Our cancellation policy applies in every instance and there will be no exceptions for any reason. Western River Expeditions will not issue any refund for arriving late or leaving a trip early. Western is not responsible for any expenses incurred due to travel delays, flight cancellations, or illness. If you are concerned about the possibility of having to cancel, we strongly suggest you purchase trip cancellation insurance to protect your vacation investment. Western River Expeditions assumes no financial responsibility for personal injury, emergency evacuation, or equipment lost or damaged in any way. You will find a link to cancellation insurance on our website at www.westernriver.com/insurance.

Cancellation Fees
Number of Days Prior to Departure Cancellation Fee Per Person
91+ Days
61 - 90 Days
0 - 60 Days
$100 Fee
Deposit Amount
No Refund

Gratuities, Fishing and Beverages

Gratuities » Your guides work very had to make sure your trip is enjoyable and successful, and tips recognizing their efforts are appreciated. The common practice is to hand the tip to the Trip Leader on the last night of the expedition. The Trip Leader will divides the total amount evenly among the crew. A suggested range is around 10 percent of the trip price.

Fishing » There is fishing in the Grand Canyon, but we typically do not reccomend it as an option. There is not a lot of time for fishing during the day, but early mornings and late afternoons in camp provide opportunities for wetting a hook. A 5-day license can be purchased for about $32. Send your request to: AZ Game and Fish, 2221 W. Greenway Rd., Phoenix, AZ 85023. Western does not provide fishing gear. Your pole must be collapsible and in a case.

Beverages » Water and lemonade are available in unlimited quantities on the boats and in camp. Western does not provide beer, liquor, or soda pop. If you wish to bring your own alcoholic beverages and soda pop you may do so in moderate amounts. Please avoid glass containers. Plastic bottles and aluminum cans work well. You may bring up to one-half case per person (12 cans).

My husband and I just returned from a 3 day trip in the grand canyon..it is was planned and looked forward to for a long time. There are probably not enough superlatives to express how much we enjoyed every aspect of the journey. It was the holiday of a lifetime. Our guides: Mark, Parker and John were so great--knowledgeable, caring, helpful and above all fun!! I will never forget sleeping under the stars and moon in the canyon! Thanks to you all for giving such a memorable time.

Terri Shaw, Alberta, Canada