If this is your first time joining a group trip, you may be a bit apprehensive and wondering what to expect. It’s normal to be nervous! The prospect of being in the Grand Canyon with a group of strangers for days or even weeks can be intimidating. Don’t worry! Making friends happens quickly and easily in the Grand Canyon.
You’re all in the same boat
Everyone starts the trip with one big thing in common: You are sharing this incredible journey with other folks who had rafting the Grand Canyon on their bucket list! There’s a moment on every trip when you can sense the shift in the group from strangers to friends. You can’t help but form a bond when you are working together as a team, sharing meals, overcoming obstacles, and experiencing the Grand Canyon together.
That’s the beauty of traveling as a group! You get to share the highs and lows of a trip like this in the camaraderie with other adventurers. You’ll travel with a large variety of folks; families, couples, groups of friends, and solo travelers. Accomplishing a tough hike together, swimming under a waterfall, sleeping out under the stars, playing tic tac toe while waiting for the groover, or sitting in the rain are all more fun when shared with others! Although conversations are light at first, these experiences contribute to deeper connections and lasting friendships. Get to know one another and ask questions beyond what you do; try using our conversation starters.
Take time for yourself
Rafting trips are a unique blend of shared experiences and personal freedom. There is downtime during the day and if you need some alone time to recharge, you can find a quiet spot in camp. Step away from the group to watch the light on the canyon walls, sit by the river and meditate, or bring a book, journal, or sketchpad. If you aren’t thrilled about the idea of traveling with others, read some tips to help make group travel easier.
Embrace the unpredictability and go with the flow
One unique thing about Grand Canyon rafting trips is there is no set itinerary! No one knows exactly where you will stop each day. There is freedom in the unpredictability and letting your guides make all the decisions. You aren’t able to determine the itinerary, the weather, the water, or the personalities of the other rafters. Embrace the uncertainty and mentally prepare to go with the flow, or as we like to say “Let go or be dragged.”
New Friends – Often the best part of a Grand Canyon rafting trip
Don’t just take our word for it! In our post-trip evaluations, we ask guests to share some of the highlights of their trip. We hear about the friends they made on the trip just as much as we hear about the canyon!
“I was expecting great things but this adventure exceeded all my expectations in every way. It was made special by the fantastic guides who I can’t praise enough. The spectacular scenery of the canyon, the friendliness, banter, bonding and teamwork of the whole group. We really did make some wonderful new friends who we will see again.” Nigel, Suffolk, UK
“All in all, memories have been made for myself and my son on this trip! Watching my son go from shy to having full conversations with other passengers was also amazing. What an experience that I highly recommend everyone doing!” Dan, Bethlehem, PA
“Overall experience is so much about the people in the group (family and new friends) and that’s what made it a 10!” Amanda, Raleigh, NC
“Our 3-day adventure was everything they advertised with a big bonus—a GREAT GROUP of guides and fellow rafters. I traveled with my 4 granddaughters (age 11-16). My girls loved the experience. The friends they made will linger for years as they refer to the trip. Thank you all!” Marsha, Woodland, CA
“The entire trip was so much better than we expected. We are still in contact with many of the people. By the end we truly did feel a family like closeness, the crew included. It to us 20 years to finally make the trip and will do it again.” Chantal, El Segundo, CA