Staff: Nate "Tater", lead guide, was the consummate professional and probably the primary success factor of the trip (besides the grandeur of the scenery). He was a guiding force for the other guides without being overbearing or "out-front". He kept the entire trip on schedule, ensured our comfort, and provided the information we needed for safety and enjoyment. We encountered 40+ MPH winds the second day out and it slowed our progress considerably. Nate made the decision to camp earlier than intended to allow us to dry out and warm up. He got us going in a timely manner the next morning and made up the time before the winds became an issue again. We were not rushed and the experience was much more comfortable. On the 5th night a small rattlesnake was discovered near one of the campsites. Again, Nate quietly and efficiently relocated the snake with no fanfare or disruption. His interaction with the staff made the atmosphere enjoyable-there was a camaraderie that was infectious for the travelers. As you would expect the travelers had a wide range of abilities and temperaments- Nate was very effective at monitoring the "temperature" of the group, dealing with situations before they became an issue, and listened to everyone. When one raft was concerned they were not able to get first choice of campsites because they were in the rear, Nate simply switched raft groups at the midpoint of the trip, effectively dealing with the issue. Kale, Billie and Drew were a pleasure to be around. They were in the background but when something needed to be done, they were there. One of the travelers, a lady who was very unsteady on her feet and not physically equipped for the trip, fell run the river while we were all gathered for a presentation by Nate. She was approximately 15' from the group and went under very quickly. Kale and Drew jumped two bow ropes (they resembled gazelles) and were getting her up in seconds. Once it was apparent they had her safe and the situation in hand, Nate and Billie kept the group focused on the presentation so the traveler was not further embarrassed. This is an example of the teamwork and observance of the entire staff. Food: Every meal was delicious- fresh, made from scratch and very well balanced. We got fresh salads every day in a variety of formats and containing legumes, green leafy vegetables, corn, tomatoes, avocados, etc. Breakfasts were varied and even included made to order omelets on one day. They were always on time and fully satisfying. Organization: Again, the staff fully communicated with the travelers to ensure we knew what to da and when. The trip was a well-oiled machine without seeming like work. Dish duty was considered a privilege and the "bag-line" was something everyone wanted to be part of- no one wanted to give up their position! Set up and take down instructions were clear; campsites were excellent. The pre-trip instructions on what to bring were spot-on and the videos were very helpful. The dispersal of hikes and Little Colorado River body-surfing made the experience more than a raft trip and were some of the more memorable points of the trip. Equipment: All of the equipment was in good condition and provided what we needed. I would recommend the addition of pads for the cots for those of us with "older" backs. In short, the trip was an incredible experience and your organization put together a wonderful package. I strongly recommend this for anyone interested in a total canyon rafting experience. read more

My boyfriend and I decided to visit the Grand Canyon. We decided on the 3 day rafting trip with Advantage Grand Canyon at the end of August. What a great decision! The trip was a total success. It was great from the beginning. Very easy to book. We received a lot of help and prompt guidance from the Advantage professionals. Any questions we had were addressed the same day, and answers on any topic from logistics of getting there to what to pack were provided in a knowledgeable and professional manner. All throughout the trip, our guides were always very trustworthy, caring, amazingly well organized and extremely knowledgeable on all topics pertaining to the Canyon. We cruised down the Colorado River during the day, absorbing all the beauty and majesty around us, and learning all about the different rock layers, the history and the flora and fauna of the Grand Canyon from our awesome guides. We received amazing hot meals made on the spot in a kitchen that was somehow magically set up at the end of the day. They even managed to bake a cake from scratch, all in the span of an hour or so!. The night time campsites were chosen for their beauty and convenience, and everyone including the guides enjoyed socializing around the kitchen area. Help was always available for any issues that could potentially arise. The guests ranged in age from young kids to older adults, and everyone was always safe and having a great time. I truly believe we were fortunate to book this one in a lifetime adventure with this company. I would surely do it again and recommend it to anyone, regardless of age or gender. read more

I recently had the incredible opportunity to go on a Grand Canyon rafting trip with Tour West; it was everything I dreamed of and more. The scenery was breathtaking, the food was delicious, and the guides, Kyle and Joe, were fantastic. From the moment we arrived at the lodge, the night before setting off, Kyle and Joe ensured we were all comfortable and well-prepared. They gave us a thorough safety briefing and set expectations for the next few days. They were also incredibly knowledgeable about the Grand Canyon and its history and shared their insights with us throughout the trip. One of the things I enjoyed most about the trip was the side hikes. We hiked to ancient ruins, explored hidden canyons, and swam in a waterfall. The hikes could be challenging, but Kyle and Joe were always there to help us and ensure we were safe. Another highlight of the trip was the food. The guides at Tour West are indeed master chefs as well. They prepared delicious and nutritious meals three times a day, even in the middle of the wilderness. We had everything from curry and spaghetti to steaks and more. But the best part of the trip was sleeping on a cot under the stars. The weather was perfect every night, and each camp gave breathtaking night sky views. Waking up in the morning to fantastic canyon walls, wildlife nearby, and a hearty breakfast was also a plus. Overall, my Grand Canyon rafting trip with Tour West was an unforgettable experience. I highly recommend this company to anyone looking for a thrilling and unforgettable adventure. read more

If Andy with AGC could help me book all my trips, I'd be on the next one right now. I knew I wanted to visit the Grand Canyon on a white water rafting trip but there were so many options from the length of the trip, when to go, start and end location, the kind of boat, how extensive the hiking would be, etc. and I didn't know how to find the best trip for me. So I started with the chat box on AGC's website and it just went uphill from there! Andy helped me with the entire process from start and finish and got me on my ideal trip! He even followed up on my return to see how the trip went and he passed along my feedback to the tour company right away. I had dozens of questions along the way, especially in regards to packing and logistics, and he replied almost immediately with specific answers to all my questions and concerns. He was available by phone, email and the chat box on the website (easier to get in touch with than my own family members)! Better yet, the trip was amazing with Tour West. I plan on returning in the near future and wouldn't even think about reserving a spot without Andy's help. If you're interested in taking a trip to the Grand Canyon, I would encourage you to contact Andy right away. He can answer all your questions! read more

I was curious about a whitewater rafting trip as a way to experience the wonderful Grand Canyon. During my initial research I found the Advantage Grand Canyon group, who won me over with friendly service and attention to detail to make planning for the trip as effortless as possible. The itinerary choices are clear and detailed, as well as expectations for pricing. In addition, they provide great packing lists which come in handy. This was a bucket list trip and Advantage helped make it one that I savored without any regrets. I did the 3-night Upper Canyon trip and had a blast--probably could've done a longer trip as being on the water and sleeping outside did not wear me out as much as I thought it could. As a tip from my experience, I recommend extending your trip and visiting Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks--amazing hiking scenery. Additionally, spending a night at Lake Powell and checking out Antelope Canyon (slot canyons) and Horseshoe Bend are a must as well. read more

Starla and Andy at Advantage Grand Canyon helped my wife and I choose the best trip for us as we looked into rafting the Grand Canyon as our retirement celebration. We were clueless (thought it might be a one day trip) and so thankful for their assistance. We ended up riding the river with Wilderness River Adventures after choosing the full canyon eight day motorized trip. James, Nate, Chris and Cam could not have done more than they did to make this the adventure of a lifetime. Not only did they provide the thrills of going big into the rapids but they kept us safe and well fed (too well fed). They also did extra things for each one in our group of 28 split between the two rafts to make our adventure extra special. From the first e-mail to Adventure Grand Canyon to when a young man from Wilderness River Adventures dropped us off at our car back in Page everything that was done exceeded our expectations. Thank you all and God bless. Bruce and Sharon from Vermont read more

I called Advantage Grand Canyon after exhausting all avenues to try and book a Grand Canyon trip on my own. Andy was so extremely helpful in finding us space on short notice (we were arriving in Arizona in two weeks and he found us space on a trip with Wilderness because someone had cancelled!) that if I could've hugged him through the phone I would have. He treated us like family and took the time to find out about us and what type of adventure we were looking for. The outfit we went with was Wilderness and they were awesome. Our guides were fun, knowledgeable and also patient. It was a hands on experience and we learned a lot about the Grand Canyon and all its hidden treasures. (Please read my review on Trip Advisor for more information). I would definitely use both Advantage and Wilderness again but next time we want to do the hands-on rowing trip to really get a feel for it! read more

Thank you so much Advantage Grand Canyon for all your help and personal attention in finding the best rafting trip for me. This was my first time at the Grand Canyon and I could not have asked for a more amazing experience. I consider myself a fit and adventourous person and wanted a challenging time. They offered all the available tours to cater to my preferences and were patient in answering my questions. I did a 9.5 mile hike descending Bright Angel Trail, followed by a lower canyon motorized raft tour from Bright Angel Beach to Lake Mead (191 river miles) for a total of 6 days. The folks at Advantage Grand Canyon are extremely knowledgable (rafting types, routes, equipment needs), patient (a couple of days of back and forth correspondence), and friendly. I have recommended this company to all my friends and family. read more

My husband and I started to research Grand Canyon trips to celebrate his 40th birthday. I started to search the Internet and felt very overwhelmed on the tour options and tour operators. My 2nd and last phone call was to Andy. I found Andy through the Advantage Grand Canyon website, which is extremely detailed and had an answer for every question and more. Andy did ALL the leg work for us and emailed us immediately with a detailed description with our options, booked our trip and took NO extra cost on top of our trip. We did the 5 day Lower Canyon, hike down the Bright Angel Trail, raft 100 miles with side hikes and awesome camp sites, and helicopter out of the canyon. Our guides were fantastic and so much fun. It was INCREDIBLE! A bucket list, trip of a life time. Thank you Andy and Advantage Grand Canyon! read more

Our first Grand Canyon challenge was being overwhelmed with the volumes of information our initial search produced on hiking and rafting in the Canyon.Fortunately we found Andy at Advantage Grand Canyon to guide us through the maze. Andy's approach of asking many questions to learn of our interests and skills and his ability to listen and interpret our answers narrowed the search to a couple of outfitters. We eventually chose AZRA whose knowledgeable, friendly and multi talented guides lead us on an epic life journey. Much to our surprise one of our fellow sojourners turned out to be Andy who proved to be a fun, personable and tech savvy person to share such a wonderful experience with. I highly recommend Advantage Grand Canyon. Bill Silkes read more

Not sure how I came across Adv Grand Canyon when my husband and I first began looking into a GC trip, but it was the luckiest find ever! We went from an overwhelming, time-consuming exploration of GC outfitters and trip-types, to personal communication and information about what we wanted, and which were the best companies for us to go with. Adv GC narrowed the field for us, but we ultimately decided on our best fit. I was skeptical because there was no fee, but there really was no fee! As we hiked into the canyon, I recommended the company to everyone we met who expressed interest in a rafting trip! I kept referring to them as a clearinghouse. PS We did choose the best company for us and had the trip of a lifetime! read more

The idea of white water rafting down the Colorado thru Grand Canyon was something I had not contemplated until a friend of mine asked me to join a trip he was planning. Now I can't wait to go back again. It was amazing in every way and made possible by the team at Advantage Grand Canyon and the fantastic boatmen that led us down that amazing canyon. The food was spectacular and plentiful. Our guides' knowledge of the river, its geology, and their great stories and historical facts shared were an added bonus. The fun times spent will be remembered forever! Thanks again Andy and Alejandra at AGC and Kale, Phil, Mac and Devin, with Wilderness River Adventures for making this the first river trip of a lifetime! read more

Definitely a bucket list adventure! Got a bunch of friends together and hiked down the South Rim of the Grand Canyon and then picked up a tour rafting down the Colorado River through the Canyon! AMAZINGLY BEAUTIFUL scenery while rafting with Canyoneers Rafting Adventures! The crew was friendly, professional and WOW you really get taken care of with delicious meals, desserts and side canyon hiking adventures... We actually had a 4-piece string quartet playing in some secluded slot canyons... SCORE!!! Thinking of an adventure that is fun for getting the family together or a bunch of friends? Look no further - this is the adventure of a lifetime! We will be back for sure! Mahalo Nui Loa, Julian & Mindy read more

I recently got back from my 4 day rafting trip that I booked with Advantage Grand Canyon. Let me tell you that I am still speechless from the amazing experience I had! I was very nervous because this was my first time rafting and a little out of my comfort zone, and I'm glad I did it and wouldn't change a thing! Andy and Starla were very helpful and friendly answering all my questions and concerns, I absolutely loved their positive and caring attitude! There are several different outfitters out there and hard to choose from but they did their best in finding the perfect one for me based on my preferences. I'm very happy I chose them and will definitely contact them soon again on my next rafting trip ;) read more

Easiest booking experience for any junket of any type I've ever experienced. Absolutely no muss or fuss, or hours invested poring cluelessly over the many options available. This is not just a job for Andy--he is a True Believer. Coincidentally, Andy was along on our float. The guy was wholly dedicated in his quest to make a GC float as perfect for each/all of his clients as his first float had been for him (which inspired him to ditch the rat race--really!!--and get into this game instead). Anyone not afflicted with OCD would be well-advised to skip the preliminaries and make their first, and last, call to Andy. He'll get you the perfect fit for your needs, painlessly. read more

Andy was great in helping us select the best rafting trip for our family. They help sort out the kind of trip you want to take and handle all the reservations for you. Very easy. Andy was very responsive and answered all of my questions. We took a 6 day trip with Wilderness River Adventures which was a trip of a lifetime. An unbelievable experience. The guides were fabulous and the food was delicious. I had no idea we would eat such delicious food while camping in the canyon. Just amazing!! I can't say enough about the whole experience. Just a wonderful, exciting, beautiful, indescribable trip of a lifetime. read more

The folks at Advantage Grand Canyon made our trip to the Grand Canyon a trip of a lifetime! Andy, at AGC, walked us through the trip options, helping us sort out which trip was the best fit for us (he nailed it!). He then spent the months leading up to the trip thoughtfully guiding us on preparation, patiently answering a litany of questions and always responding quickly. He communicated regularly in the weeks leading up to the trip, ensuring that we were optimally prepared. Andy is the consumate professional, and Advantage Grand Canyon is the perfect resource for planning a trip to the Grand Canyon! read more

The only thing that came close to our white water rafting trip was Andy/Advantage Grand Canyon. There are so many options when it comes to rafting in the Canyon, and Andy was able to help us determine which trip was the best for us. Even after booking the trip he was completely accessible and helpful. In fact, when our commuter flight was cancelled he followed up to make certain we knew, and to make certain we knew how to make alternate arrangements. If you have any desire to go white water rafting in the Grand Canyon, do it, but make certain you call Andy first. read more

I recently returned from an 8-day trip on the Colorado River with Tour West, which was set up by Advantage Grand Canyon. I highly recommend both companies. Advantage Grand Canyon did a perfect job in all aspects of setting things up. And, they follow-up. Their video were extremely helpful in preparing and packing (although I did not use everything I had brought). As an amateur photographer, I had many emails with Andy to discuss photography. His recommendation of having a wide angle angle lens was right-on! He provided the excuse I needed to make that purchase! read more