Frequently Asked Questions

Booking your trip

Is there an age limit? 

We can accommodate everyone from infants to seniors.

How much notice do you need for us to make a reservation? 

You can reserve all the way up to 11:59 pm the day before through our mobile booking site. We recommend a day or two advance booking to ensure a seat. If morning of, please call our offices and we will see if we can accommodate you. You must be at check-m by 9:30 AM

Can I book online or do I need to call you directly?

You can book either way. Call 1-800-455-3490 or Book Now

Do you offer any discounts?

We offer Military discounts on our full-day raft trip. Please contact our offices by phone or email. Valid I.D. will be required at check-in.

Is there a charge for parking if we drive ourselves?

No, there is plenty of parking at our check in location for the regular raft tour. In addition, if you are taking the PostCard Tour there is also plenty of free parking. You cannot park and walk to the Dam, It is too far.

We have several different groups coming out and would like to be on the same raft. Is this possible?

Our rafts are certified by the Coast Guard to hold 30 passengers. We also have a larger raft that is certified for 45. Just let us know when making your reservations and we will make sure you stay together.

I would like to pay cash for my trip. Is this possible?

Yes, but your reservation is not confirmed until it is paid. When paying cash at check-in we ask that you bring exact change.

How far in advance should I make my reservation?

You can book at any time up to 24 hours in advance. If booking last minute (within 12hrs.) please give us a call and we will see if we can accommodate you.

Is there a limit to how many people we can send to you daily? 

300, but contact us if you are interested in doing more than 20 passengers at one time. [email protected]

Do you run these tours 7 days a week, 365 days a year? 

We run both tours Thursday – Sunday. We are closed on New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. We do run on Christmas Eve but check with us before reserving.

Are your rafts ADA or Handicap accessible? 

ADA, yes.  Although accessibility may be limited because of changes in the water level. Wheel chairs must be collapsible. Take a look at our resources page to see short videos of the landscape, boarding and off-boarding of the rafts. Currently there is no weight limit per person. See videos

Can we package other products with your trip? 

Yes, depending on the request and National Park Service regulations.

Do you offer private charters? 

Yes. Our charters can be tailored to fit your needs. Email us [email protected]

How big of a group can we send to you? 

up to 300. We may need to split them into 2 groups 1.5 hours apart. We can also get special permission from the National Park Service to go up 600.

Do you offer an VIP packages for a guest who will pay more for an elevated tour? 

Yes, depending on requests and National Park Service regulations. We have a scenic porch area at the Willow Beach Marina that we can do Sandwich boards and BBQ’s. Other possibilities by request

Do you offer any additional added values to the trip upon request? 

Yes, depending on what they are requesting and National Park Service regulations.

I have a National Park Pass but was charged the entrance fee. Can I get that fee waived and refunded?

Just let us know the type of pass you have and the number on it and we will issue a refund. Have your card handy at check-in for verification.

What is your privacy policy when using our customers phone numbers and names? 

We ask for contact information so we can communicate any changes or delays. The names are required for our manifest by the US Coast Guard.

During your trip

Is this a white-water trip?

No, but there may be some splashing.

Is there an age limit? 

We can accommodate everyone from infants to seniors.

Do I need rafting experience? 

No.  Our rafts are motorized and fully guided so all you need to do is relax and enjoy.

Will I get seasick?

This is a gentle, smooth water trip. Unless you are prone to get seasick, you should not have a problem.

Do you provide beach towels?

No, but you may bring one if you like. We do offer hand towels that you can dip into the water and put around your neck to keep you cool on hot days. In the summer, feel free to bring a towel to sit on. The seat cushions can get a little hot.

Where is the check-in for the raft trip?

The check-in for the 3-hour trip is inside the Cayote Room, located behind the store at the Lake Mead RV Village, located at 268 Lake Shore Rd., Boulder City NV.  Once you enter the Lake Mead National Recreation Area proceed through the fee station, at mile marker 2 turn at the sign reading Boulder Beach Campground/LMRVV. Vear to the right and the store is directly to the left. The Check-in for the Post Card Tour is in the far back parking lot at the Hoover Dam Lodge. see map here

We have several different groups coming out and would like to be on the same raft. Is this possible?

Our rafts are certified by the Coast Guard to hold 30 passengers. We also have a larger raft that is certified for 45. Just let us know when making your reservations and we will make sure you stay together.

Are life jackets provided/required?

Yes, as per Coast Guard regulations.  Only children 12 and younger are required, but we have plenty for everyone.

Is there designated seating on the raft?

The rafts have bench style seating and seats are not assigned.

Is there a chance to go swimming?

You can swim at any of the stops along the tour. The water is a brisk 54 degrees but very refreshing when it is hot.

Is there a place to change into my swimsuit?

We suggest wearing your swimsuit under your clothing. There are restrooms at the LMRVV where you can change before loading the shuttle. Please be aware time can be limited at this location.

Is there shade on the raft?

NO, You will be in the direct sun for about 3 hours, so we recommend a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.

Do you stop at the hot springs?

Our contract with the National Park Service does not allow us to stop at Goldstrike Canyon, Boy Scout Canyon or the Arizona Hot Springs.  On occasion we may stop at the Rain Cave and Weeping Springs Cove, water level permitting.

Do you rent canoes/kayaks to launch below Hoover Dam? 

No, but we rent canoes/kayaks at the Willow Beach location. See Willow Beach Marina for rentals

To launch your Kayak below Hoover Dam, you must go through and Authorized Livery Service.  A link to the list of providers is located on the Hoover Dam website homepage or go to LIVERY PROVIDERS.

How long is the Post Card Trip? How Long is the Regular Raft Tour? 

The Post Card Tour is 1.5 hours on the water, two Hours total. The Regular Raft Tour is 3 hours on the river, 4.5 hours total.

Can our guest bring service dogs?   

We always graciously accept service animals. We may ask if the animal is a service animal and what task the animal is trained to perform. We may also ask a person to remove a service animal if the animal is out of control and the person accompanying the animal fails to take effective action and the animal poses a direct threat to others.

Are your rafts ADA or Handicap accessible? 

ADA, yes.  Although accessibility may be limited because of changes in the water level.  Wheel chairs must be collapsible. Take a look at our resources page to see short videos of the landscape, boarding and off-boarding of the rafts. Currently there is no weight limit per person.  see videos

Do you offer interpreters for our overseas clientele? 

No, but we have resources where you might find them for private charters.

What is included in the lunch?  

Our standard lunch is a turkey pesto wrap, fruit, chips and cookies. We also offer Vegetarian, Gluten Free, Peanut Free, Dairy Free and Vegan upon request.

What should I wear? 

Recommended: Comfortable Clothing, Comfortable closed toe shoes, Hat, Sunscreen and Sunglasses.

May I bring extra snacks or drinks? 

Yes, but NO glass, styrofoam or alcohol is allowed.

How close can we get to the Dam?

Guests will get as close to the Hoover Dam Secure Zone buoys as you possibly can.

Will I see wildlife?

(Please note that seeing wildlife is not guaranteed, but occurs often)

Guests have the opportunity to experience the wonder of nature in the form of Desert Big Horn sheep, red-tailed hawks, great blue heron, local and migrating, as well as game fish in the river.

What is the difference between the post card and black canyon tours?

The Black Canyon Raft Tour is an approximately 6 hours in length, door to door from Las Vegas, with 3 hours spent on the Colorado River. This unique trip aboard a motor-assisted inflatable raft through the Black Canyon, the natural gorge of the Colorado River immediately below th ehoover dam. There is a stop along the shore below the Hoover Dam for guests to enjoy the waters. The trip ends on the Arizona side of the Colorada River at Willow beach. Here guests will have the opportunity to shopw for souvenirs before boarding a tour bus for the return trip.

The Hoover Dam Post Card Tour is approximately 4 hours door to door from Las Vegas with 1.5 hours on the Colardo River. This tour allows visitors to view the Hoover Dam, the bypass bridge, and joureny just far enough down the river to experience the canyon.

Transportation & Parking

Is there a charge for parking if we drive ourselves?

No, there is plenty of parking at our check in location for the regular raft tour. In addition, if you are taking the PostCard tour there is also plenty of free parking. You cannot park and walk to the Dam, It is too far.

How long is the bus ride at the end of the trip?

It takes about 35 minutes to from Willow Beach back to the Lake Mead RV Village, approximately 2:00-2:30pm. We get back to Las Vegas anywhere from 3:00 to 4:00pm.

My transportation is late, did they forget us ?

No, we have you covered. Depending on traffic and events in Las Vegas our shuttle pickup locations can vary 10-15 minutes in front of or behind scheduled time. If we are early, we will wait until pickup time. If we are a little behind, don’t worry, we will be there. If there are any issues we will text the phone number we have on file for your reservation.

Can you send me a map of our pickup location at our hotel?

Yes! Also check your the order confirmation receipt for pickup location and times.

How far from the Grand Canyon are you?

The bottom end of the Grand Canyon is 110 miles upriver from Hoover Dam. By vehicle we are about a 2-hour drive (just under 100 miles) to the Grand Canyon Skywalk at the west rim.

How far from Las Vegas are you?

We are about 30 miles from Las Vegas. Drive time is about 45 minutes.

Cancellations

What is your cancellation policy?

We will issue a full refund if notified 24 hours before the day of the trip.

Do you cancel due to bad weather?

We may cancel due to high winds, hail, or electrical storms. We rarely get rain but carry ponchos onboard if needed.

Can we change the date of our tour.

Yes, please check for availability.

I have a National Park Pass but was charged the entrance fee. Can I get that fee waived and refunded?

Just let us know the type of pass you have and the number on it and we will issue a refund. Have your card handy at check-in for verification.