Antelope Canyon: Small Boat Photo Tour & Glen Canyon Dam

Summary

Antelope canyon photo boating tour with small group comfort glen canyon dam views and local captain stories

You’ll step onto a small open-bow boat at Wahweap Marina and cruise through Antelope Canyon’s winding passages with a local captain guiding your way. Snap photos where big boats can’t reach, hear stories about Glen Canyon Dam and Lake Powell, maybe dip your toes in if you’re brave enough. It’s less about perfect shots than feeling part of this wild place for a couple hours.

What’s the experience like?

First thing I noticed was the quiet — not silence exactly, but that kind of soft slap of water against the hull and a few gulls overhead. We’d just stepped onto this little open-bow boat at Wahweap Marina, sun already warm on my arms. Our captain, Mike (he grew up around here), waved us over with a grin and handed out towels for anyone brave enough to swim later. I was mostly thinking about my camera, honestly — Antelope Canyon’s been on my list forever.

We set off slow, not in any rush, threading past these red rock walls that look almost painted in the morning light. Mike pointed out Glen Canyon Dam off in the distance — it’s huge, like you can feel how much work went into building it. He told us about Lake Powell too, how it’s named after John Wesley Powell who first boated down the Colorado River. The air smelled faintly of desert sage and something metallic from the water. I tried to catch a photo of Tower Butte but kept getting distracted by all the weird shapes in the rocks — one looked like a sleeping dog if you squinted.

I didn’t expect how narrow some parts would get. The bigger boats can’t fit, so we drifted right into these tight curves where the sandstone glows orange and pink. There was this moment when everyone just got quiet, except for someone’s camera shutter (okay, probably mine). Mike helped me find an angle where the light made everything look unreal — he even offered to take a couple shots so I could actually be in one for once. There was talk about swimming but honestly I chickened out; water looked cold even in June.

On the way back through Wahweap Bay, wind picked up and sprayed us all a bit — nobody seemed to mind. I caught myself grinning at nothing in particular. It’s funny what sticks with you: Mike’s story about his uncle working on the dam, or just that feeling of being small under those cliffs. If you’re thinking about this Antelope Canyon photo boating excursion from Page, don’t overthink it — just go.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Photo boating excursion in Antelope Canyon

• Depart from Wahweap Launch ramp
• Enjoy panoramic desert views
• Pass Glen Canyon Dam and learn history
• Explore narrow sections in open-bow boat
• Capture photos of canyon walls and scenery
• Swim during warmer months if desired
• Interact with captains for photo assistance

Top questions

How long is the Antelope Canyon photo boating excursion?

The tour lasts 2 hours from departure at Wahweap Launch ramp.

Where does the tour depart from?

The boat departs from Wahweap Launch ramp near Wahweap Marina in Page, Arizona.

Is swimming allowed during the tour?

Yes, during warmer months (June-September), guests can bring a towel and swim while in Antelope Canyon.

Are there large crowds or big boats on this tour?

No, only small open-bow boats are used with limited passenger capacity for comfort and access to narrow canyon sections.

What will we see besides Antelope Canyon?

You’ll also see Glen Canyon Dam, Wahweap Bay, Grand Staircase-Escalante views, Castle Rock, Tower Butte, and Navajo Mountain.

Do I need a National Park pass for Lake Powell?

Yes, Glen Canyon National Recreation Area requires a park pass ($30/vehicle) or America the Beautiful pass for entry.

Is lunch included on this tour?

No meals are included; only captained boat service and fuel surcharge are provided.

Can infants join this tour?

Infants are allowed but must sit on an adult’s lap throughout the excursion.

What’s included

Your two-hour outing includes an open-bow boat ride captained by a local expert (with fuel covered), personal guidance for photos along Antelope Canyon and Glen Canyon Dam viewpoints, plus swimming opportunities during summer months—all starting right at Wahweap Launch ramp near Page.