Everything You Need To Know About Kayaking Antelope Canyon on Lake Powell ‘The Right Way’

This post is all about Everything You Need To Know About Kayaking Antelope Canyon on Lake Powell ‘The Right Way’

Whether it’s your first time exploring Antelope Canyon, kayaking Lake Powell or just being in Arizona, it can be challenging to figure out how to kayak to Antelope Canyon, where to get your kayaks, how to start, and what it might look like.

I remember our first time here, we planned horribly, ended up getting heat exhaustion at Antelope Canyon, and had no idea what we were in for.

Luckily, we learned our lessons about how to kayak Antelope Canyon and I’ve prepared the most useful guide for you, from where to start, how to rent your kayak, and what to expect.

This post is all about Everything You Need To Know About Kayaking Antelope Canyon on Lake Powell ‘The Right Way’

Best Way To Kayak Antelope Canyon?

To kayak Antelope Canyon you’ll need to first head to the Lake Powell Marina, pick up your kayaks, and then kayak to Antelope Canyon. Can you kayak antelope canyon without a tour? Yes, After you kayak to the entrance, you can park your kayak, and explore Antelope Canyon for the day on your own without a tour.

However, if you’d like to secure your paddle in advance (especially if it’s busy season) or learn about the history of the lake, this tour is a great option.

Why You SHOULD Kayak Antelope Canyon Instead Of Going On A Regular Tour

If you explore Antelope Canyon on your own, you’ll need to have a tour guide and you can’t bring a bag or a camera. However, doing it this way allows you to bring anything you’d like and you’ll save on a tour guide!

Plus, it feels SO private and you’ll pretty much have the entire place to yourself. It’s also such an epic experience that’ll create unforgettable memories.

Where To Rent A Kayak For Kayaking Antelope Canyon

There are so many places for Antelope Canyon kayak rental, especially once you get to the marina.

We chose to rent our kayaks from Paddle Lake Powell and loved it! We didn’t need to make a reservation in advance since we came during low season and they had so many kayaks available.

If you come during busy season, consider renting a kayak in advance!

You can choose from single-ocean kayaks, double-ocean kayaks, and pedal kayaks. I highly recommend doing the pedal kayaks, it’s a long way to kayak and your arms WILL get tired. With the pedal kayaks, you can pedal with your legs and kayak with your arms!

How Long Does It Take To Kayak From Lake Powell to Antelope Canyon?

One way to kayak from Lake Powell to Antelope Canyon can take anywhere between 1.5 hours - 3 hours. To be honest, this is a pretty intense workout. Think 3-6 hours plus however long you take to hike Antelope Canyon! Start early and make sure you’re hydrated.

Are There Other Ways To Get To Antelope Canyon?

You can rent a boat, jet ski, or kayak here depending on your mood and how you’d like to explore!

If you do rent a boat however, you can’t park it on the entrance to Antelope Canyon.

What To Bring To Kayak Antelope Canyon

Big Water Bottle

A big water bottle is essential to kayaking Antelope Canyon and once you leave the marina, you’ll have no access to any water or food! This is the most essential thing to bring, I ended up getting heat exhaustion because we were so dehydrated once we got to Antelope Canyon.

2. Waterproof Phone Case

If you’re someone who likes to take alot of photos and videos, I highly recommend getting a waterproof phone case to kayak Antelope Canyon in case your phone falls off when you’re paddling.

This one is my FAVORITE because you never have to worry about the phone case getting wet. It’s SO sturdy.

3. Sunscreen

To my surprise, there was absolutely NO shade the entire time we kayaked to Antelope Canyon and it was excruciatingly hot.

To make sure you’re prepared, bring an entire bottle of sunscreen and reapply frequently! I LOVE this one, Supergoop is one of the best sunscreen brands out there and the spray makes it easy to apply.

4. Hiking Shoes

Hiking shoes are a must on this hike, there are some parts (especially when you get to the cave) that are difficult to climb if you’re wearing regular sneakers.

I highly recommend getting this pair on your trip because they double as water shoes as well! They were perfect for my Arizona trip and I can’t recommend them enough.

How Much Does It Cost To Kayak Antelope Canyon?

To go on a regular Antelope Canyon tour, it can range from $100-$200 an adult.

Renting a kayak to Antelope Canyont was $160 for the entire day, plus a $30 marina fee. That means you’re saving at least HALF to kayak Antelope Canyon and you get to explore Lake Powell and make some incredible memories.

Tips From Someone Who Had Kayaked Antelope Canyon With Alot Of Regrets

We decided to kayak Antelope Canyon on a whim and it was one of the most fun things to do in Arizona but we made alot of mistakes along the way.

To have the best experience, make sure to plan in advance and bring ALOT of water and snacks.

I got heat exhaustion once we got to Antelope Canyon and was severely underprepared for how long it would actually take to kayak. We also didn’t bring any sunscreen, water shoes, or a hat.

Is Kayaking Antelope Canyon Worth It?

Absolutely. This was probably one of my favorite memories (although it was a CHALLENGE) but one I’ll never forget.

If I had to choose only water activity to do in Arizona, this would be it! Next time I would probably even rent jet skis. Definitely add it to your Arizona itinerary and list of things to do in Arizona.