While Kanab, Utah doesn’t offer direct boat tours, nearby Lake Powell provides world-class boating adventures just an hour away. Discover how to combine your Kanab desert explorations with unforgettable water tours on one of the Southwest’s most stunning reservoirs.
Adventure Tips
Plan for a Day Trip to Lake Powell
Since boat tours aren’t available in Kanab itself, arranging a day trip to Lake Powell from Page, Arizona, is the best way to access water adventures.
Book Tours in Advance
Popular boat tours at Lake Powell fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons from spring to fall. Booking ahead ensures availability.
Pack Sun Protection and Hydration
Whether on land near Kanab or on the boat tours at Lake Powell, the desert sun is intense. Sunscreen, hats, and plenty of water are must-haves.
Combine Land and Water Adventures
Use Kanab for hiking and canyon tours, then shift gears by driving to Page for peaceful boat excursions among the lake’s sandstone cliffs.
boat tours near Kanab, Utah
Kanab, Utah is a gateway to some of the southwestern United States’ most striking desert landscapes and slot canyons, but when it comes to boat tours near Kanab, Utah, options are extremely limited. The town itself sits inland, surrounded by stunning red rock formations, but it lacks nearby lakes or large rivers suitable for commercial boating adventures. The closest accessible and notable waterbody where boat tours are readily available is Lake Powell, roughly an hour's drive from Kanab. This massive reservoir on the Colorado River offers unique boat tours that navigate through sandstone canyons and lead to hidden beaches, slot canyons, and historical Navajo sites.
For travelers interested in boat tours near Kanab, Utah, the practical approach is to plan a day trip or overnight trip to Lake Powell and the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. Here, guided boat tours provide opportunities like exploring Rainbow Bridge National Monument by watercraft or cruising through the dramatic canyons carved by the Colorado River. Tour operators often depart from Wahweap Marina in Page, Arizona, making it the closest hub for high-quality boat tours from Kanab.
If your itinerary centers on Kanab itself, focus instead on terrestrial adventures such as hiking, jeep tours, slot canyon exploration, and scenic drives through local landmarks like the Wave, Buckskin Gulch, and Coral Pink Sand Dunes. After a full day on land, head to Lake Powell to experience boat tours that complement your desert exploration with a change of pace on the water.
To summarize, although Kanab, Utah doesn’t have boat tours directly within or immediately nearby, the proximity to Lake Powell expands your adventure options considerably. This area offers some of the most breathtaking boat tours in the region and allows visitors to engage actively with both water and desert landscapes. For those planning trips focused on Kanab, be sure to check our listings below for the best land-based adventures and to discover how to incorporate water-based excursions at Lake Powell.
Explore the best adventures in Kanab, Utah below to plan a balanced and exciting trip that blends desert adventure with iconic boating experiences just a short drive away.
Adventures near Page
Discover the unique and memorable adventures that make Page special.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are there boat tours directly in Kanab, Utah?
No, Kanab itself does not have boat tours due to its inland desert location. The nearest accessible boat tours are on Lake Powell, approximately an hour’s drive away.
How do I get from Kanab to Lake Powell for boat tours?
The most common way is by car, driving about 50 miles south to Page, Arizona, where marinas and tour operators are based.
What types of boat tours are offered near Kanab?
Tours at Lake Powell include sightseeing cruises to Rainbow Bridge National Monument, canyon explorations, and private boat rentals.
When is the best time to do boat tours near Kanab?
Spring through fall offers the best conditions, with summer delivering warm water but higher heat. Early spring and late fall are less crowded and still pleasant.
Do I need boating experience to join the tours?
No previous boating experience is required. Licensed captains handle the boats, letting you focus on enjoying the scenery safely.
What else can I do in Kanab besides boat tours?
Kanab is excellent for hiking, visiting slot canyons, jeep tours, and exploring famous formations like The Wave and Coral Pink Sand Dunes.
Recommended Gear
Sun Hat
Shields your face and neck from intense desert sun during boat tours and hikes.
Reusable Water Bottle
Staying hydrated is critical in the dry climate and while out on the water.
Lightweight Hiking Shoes
Comfortable footwear for exploring Kanab’s trails before or after boat tours.
Layered Clothing
Temperatures can swing widely; layers help adjust from warm days to cool nights.
Local Insights
Hidden Gems
- "The Wave (a permit-required slot canyon famed for its red rock patterns)"
- "Buckskin Gulch (the longest slot canyon in the Southwest)"
- "Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park (for unique sand dune hiking)"
Wildlife
- "Desert bighorn sheep frequent nearby cliffs"
- "Golden eagles and falcons soar overhead"
- "Reptiles like collared lizards bask on rocks"
History
"Kanab holds a rich legacy as a cowboy and pioneer town with Navajo and Paiute cultural influences woven into the landscape and local stories."