The Riverboat Cruise In Utah You Never Knew Existed

When you think of riverboats, Mark Twain and the Mississippi might come to mind. But riverboats are more than just paddlewheels, and while the Colorado River might not be as big as the Mighty Mississippi, it's twice as beautiful! Take a look at this incredible tour you can take.

Canyonlands By Night And Day has been providing tours of the Colorado since 1963, so these folks really know what they're doing! The company is family-owned, and it's located just two miles north of Moab.

Experience a truly unique cruise on the Sound and Light Tour - the company's longest-running historic tour of the Colorado.

This tour starts with a cowboy-style Dutch oven dinner, served on the banks of the Colorado. After dinner, you'll hop aboard the flatbed riverboat, and cruise upstream. As darkness descends, the canyon walls are illuminated with lights, and music and narration tells you all about the history of this area, the Native Americans who lived here and the Catholic conquistadors and Mormon Pioneers who "discovered" this area.

The sunset jet boat tour is simply stunning.

The red rock cliffs lining the Colorado become even more stunning as the sun sets. Your jet boat tour will take you past petroglyphs, arches, a Native American granary and some serious scenery. After an hour and a half tour, you'll return to find a delicious dinner waiting for you, riverside.

Enjoy a daytime jet boat tour.

There are two daytime cruises to choose from - a three hour adventure, or a one hour express tour. On the three hour adventure, you'll see petroglyphs, a Native American granary, Dead Horse State Park, Thelma and Louise Point, and more. The one hour version is much shorter, and covers just 20 miles, but is still a great way to see the calm portion of the Colorado. Both tours are offered in the morning and afternoon.

For something a little more peppy, try the Spin and Splash jet boat tour.

If you're willing to get wet, you'll have a blast on this 24-mile tour on the Nitro Spin King jet boat. Your guide will crank up the rock music and take you on a wild ride, and speed along the river, spinning and turning along the way.

Canyonlands By Night And Day also offers an unWine'd and Dine jet boat tour.

Enjoy live music while you float the Colorado for an hour and a half. They'll provide the wine, beer or soft drinks onboard, and when you return, you'll enjoy a delicious dinner.

For more information, or to book a tour, visit the company's website.

Have you ever enjoyed one of these riverboat cruises? Tell us all about it in the comments!