Roundtrip Bus, 4-Hour Float

National Park Express runs this four-hour trip from Las Vegas to the Colorado River below Hoover Dam. The raft drifts through Black Canyon on calm water. From $134 per person, free cancellation.

Overview

This half-day trip from Las Vegas swaps the Strip for the Colorado River. A bus collects you at one of three casino pickup points, Treasure Island, Horseshoe, or Excalibur, and drives out toward Boulder City. The run takes about an hour, with desert scenery along the way. At Hoover Dam Lodge you transfer to a specially permitted vehicle that has access to the river at the base of the dam.

The raft portion lasts about an hour and a half on flat, peaceful water. There is no whitewater here, it is a float. From the raft you look up at the dam itself, the bypass bridge above it, and the concrete slabs, steps and rails used during construction. The guide also points out the Old Catwalk, the Gauging Station, and rock hillsides that were cut away during the build. Wildlife and canyon walls round out the scene before the bus returns you to Treasure Island.

It suits travellers who want the dam from river level without a full canyon rafting commitment. Total time is roughly four hours, which leaves the rest of the day free. Bottled water and one snack are provided. Reviewers repeatedly describe the guides as knowledgeable and friendly, and several call the trip relaxing rather than strenuous.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Bus pickupChoose from three pickup points at booking: Treasure Island, Horseshoe Las Vegas, or Excalibur.
2. Bus to Boulder CityRide the coach out of Las Vegas toward Boulder City, a drive of about 1 hour.
3. Transfer at Hoover Dam LodgeStop at Hoover Dam Lodge and board the specially permitted vehicle with access to the Colorado River at the base of the dam.
4. Colorado River raft floatFloat on the river for 1.5 hours, seeing the dam, the bypass bridge, the Old Catwalk, the Gauging Station and construction remains.
5. Return busA coach ride of about 1.5 hours back toward Las Vegas.
6. Drop-offThe tour finishes at Treasure Island Las Vegas.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will make the day smoother, from security rules at the dam to what the raft portion actually feels like.

• Bring ID. Carry a passport or ID card, as the listing recommends, along with comfortable shoes, sunglasses, a hat, a camera and sunscreen.
• Pack light. Hoover Dam security does not permit carry-ons the size of a small backpack or larger. Leave luggage at your accommodation before the tour.
• Sun protection. The listing recommends sunglasses, a hat, sunscreen and weather-appropriate clothing.
• Relaxed pace. This is a calm float, not paddling rapids. Several reviewers called the trip laid back and educational.
• Guides and drivers. Reviewers often praise the guides as knowledgeable, friendly and entertaining. The driver commentary is a separate matter, and one reviewer found the coach driver talkative, so tolerance for bus chat helps.
• Food and drink. Bottled water and one snack are included. Alcohol and drugs, including marijuana, are prohibited, and anyone appearing intoxicated can be refused service without a refund.

Common issues. A few honest limits come up. The trip does not visit the Hoover Dam visitor center or the Generator Room, so anyone expecting the interior tour will be disappointed. One reviewer wished the raft had gone further downstream. The experience needs a minimum number of travellers, and if it is not met you will be offered a different date, a different experience, or a full refund. Weather can also force route or timing changes when roads close. One reviewer found the coach driver annoying, though most feedback on staff is positive.

Before You Book A Raft