BOULDER CITY RAFTING FIELD GUIDE
Santa at the Bow: Holiday Rafting Through Black Canyon Below Hoover Dam
A festive, motor‑assisted 12‑mile Colorado River journey that mixes wildlife viewing and holiday cheer on a 6‑hour round trip from Lake Mead RV Village to Willow Beach.
Santa at the Bow: Holiday Rafting Through Black Canyon Below Hoover Dam.
Below the concrete lip of Hoover Dam, Black Canyon narrows into a corridor of vertical walls and clear, slow water. On Holiday Rafting with Santa you ride large, comfortable motor‑assisted rafts through that rugged, otherwise inaccessible landscape, with guides pointing out desert wildlife and geological features while seasonal music and Santa’s crew add a celebratory layer to the scenery.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Santa, Hot Chocolate and Holiday Extras
The tour is holiday‑themed: Santa and his helpers pilot rafts, guests receive a collectible Christmas ornament, enjoy complimentary hot chocolate and candy canes, and end the trip with photo opportunities at Willow Beach Marina; the outing also includes special holiday pricing, boxed lunches and a souvenir cooler bag.
Desert Bighorn, Osprey and Herons in a Hidden Canyon
While cruising the Black Canyon National Water Trail guests can view Desert Bighorn Sheep, Osprey and Great Blue Heron in their natural setting—an opportunity to see species that inhabit this rugged stretch of the Colorado River.
A Smooth‑Water, Motor‑Assisted River Run
This motor‑assisted raft trip covers roughly 12 miles of calm Colorado River below Hoover Dam aboard large, comfortable rafts equipped for safety and guided interpretation, concluding at Willow Beach on the Arizona side.
What the day feels like
What it Feels Like
The day unfolds with a land pickup and a launch from the Lake Mead area, a relaxed descent through Black Canyon aboard safe, motor‑assisted rafts, a shore stop below Hoover Dam for a picnic and wildlife viewing, and a mellow finish at Willow Beach where you disembark for photos and shopping before an air‑conditioned bus ride back—guided narration and holiday touches keep the tempo conversational rather than frantic.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this trip suits—and who should check details before booking.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The trip includes a boxed lunch with a souvenir cooler bag and bottled water for a picnic stop; complimentary hot chocolate and candy canes are offered during the holiday tour, plus an inaugural collectible Christmas ornament.
Guests ride in large, motor‑assisted rafts described as comfortable; rafts are outfitted with required and recommended Coast Guard safety equipment.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the trip?
The outing is listed as a 6‑hour trip.
Where do we meet?
The meeting location is Lake Mead RV Village, 268 Lakeshore Rd, Boulder City, NV 89005.
What does the price include and are there extra fees?
The holiday tour price includes the river trip, ground transportation from Lake Mead RV Village, boxed lunch with souvenir cooler bag and bottled water, a collectible ornament, and complimentary hot chocolate; adult prices exclude the $15 National Park entrance fee and rates do not include gratuity.
Are there entrance fee waivers?
The $15 National Park entrance fee is waived for passengers holding National Park Passes, Golden Age, Eagle or Access passes; any person under 16 years of age is not charged an entrance fee.
Is the trip family‑friendly?
Yes—marketing and trip notes indicate the tour is for all ages and includes holiday activities appropriate for families.
Where does the trip end and how do we get back?
The river trip ends at Willow Beach Marina on the Arizona side (uppermost boundary of Lake Mohave); guests can shop at Willow Beach before boarding air‑conditioned buses that return over the Mike O’Callaghan Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge to the tour desk or Las Vegas hotels.
Are the rafts safe?
Yes—operator notes state rafts are outfitted with all Coast Guard required and recommended safety equipment.