Moab is famous for its soaring red rock formations and rugged canyon landscapes, but what often gets overlooked are the water-based adventures available right in town. The Colorado River offers a stunning backdrop for a variety of boat tours, whether you’re after a relaxing cruise, an exhilarating speed ride, or an evening light show. These experiences showcase the river’s beauty while giving you a unique perspective on the area’s geological features, cultural history, and natural beauty. With options ranging from calm inflatables to high-speed jet boats, there’s something for almost every type of traveler interested in exploring Moab from the water.
Many tours include stops at iconic landmarks like Dead Horse Point State Park, petroglyphs, and famous movie filming locations. Some feature local storytelling, lively music, or gourmet dinners right on the river, making any of these a memorable part of your trip. Booking early is highly recommended, especially in peak season, as some tours fill up quickly.
1. Moab: Colorado River Dinner Cruise with Music and Light Show
At number 1, the Moab: Colorado River Dinner Cruise with Music and Light Show combines entertainment, culture, and scenery in a way that makes it stand out. This 3-hour evening cruise starts at the dock on N Hwy 191 and includes a cowboy-style Dutch dinner served as you drift along the calm waters of the Colorado River.
What makes this tour unique is the spectacular sound and light show projected onto the canyon walls—an educational and immersive experience about the canyon’s formation. The guide shares stories about Moab’s history, and the show makes the rock faces come alive with shadows, music, and storytelling. The boat itself is designed for a relaxed, slow cruise, perfect for sitting back and enjoying the scenery after dinner. Reviews praise the friendly hosts, quality food, and the exquisite views, with many calling it a “great way to end a trip.” The cost of $108 per person includes both dinner and the show, making this a good value for a multi-sensory experience.
Bottom Line: Best for those wanting an engaging, relaxing evening that combines storytelling, a beautiful show, and a hearty cowboy-style dinner. It’s excellent for families, couples, or anyone interested in a cultural night out on the water.
2. Moab: Colorado River Sunset Boat Tour with Optional Dinner
Next on our list is the Moab: Colorado River Sunset Boat Tour, which offers 1.5 hours of spectacular sunset views. Starting from N Hwy 191, this cruise is perfect if you want to soak in the canyon’s changing colors without committing to a lengthy trip. The guide takes you past landmarks like Little Arch, Jug Handle Arch, and petroglyph sites, with comments about the geology and history along the way.
What sets this tour apart is the opportunity to add a Western-style BBQ dinner at a riverside restaurant afterward—great for a casual, flavorful meal. During the cruise, you’ll witness the vibrant hues that paint the canyon walls as the sun sets, making it one of the most photogenic experiences available. Reviewers praise the guide Brandon for his “fantastic personality” and insightful commentary, making the trip feel personalized and fun.
For around $129, this tour balances scenic beauty and a relaxed pace with tasty food options. It’s ideal for travelers who want a shorter, scenic trip with the option to dine nearby afterward, extending their Moab water experience.
Bottom Line: Perfect for sunset lovers and those wanting a brief but beautiful river experience combined with a casual dinner option.
3. Moab: 1-Hour Colorado River Speed Boat Tour
For thrill-seekers, the Moab: 1-Hour Colorado River Speed Boat Tour delivers adrenaline in a compact package. Leaving from N Hwy 191, this high-octane ride whizzes you through rapids and spins, offering a fun and fast-paced alternative to more sedate cruises.
What makes this tour stand out is the speed boat experience that combines stunning river views with the excitement of racing over rapids and performing 360-degree spins. The guide is quick-witted and entertaining, making the ride feel both safe and exhilarating. The boat’s powerful engine and the rapid pace ensure plenty of water splashing and laughs along the way. Reviews highlight how much fun it is, with families and adventure lovers raving about how “soaked and happy” they got.
Priced at $97 for an hour, it’s a good value if you’re after a quick, memorable adrenaline rush. Be prepared to get wet and bring waterproof protection for your camera or phone.
Bottom Line: The best choice for adventure lovers and those short on time who want an action-packed river ride that’s more about thrills than scenery.
4. Moab: 3-Hour Jet Boat Tour to Dead Horse Point State Park
The Moab: 3-Hour Jet Boat Tour to Dead Horse Point State Park offers a longer, more immersive experience. Starting at N Hwy 191, this tour combines a calm river cruise with the chance to see Dead Horse State Park and the filming location of “Thelma and Louise.” The jet boat ride passes through the bottom of the canyon, with opportunities to photograph iconic scenery and learn about the area’s geology and history from your guide.
What makes this tour notable is the combination of a river cruise and scenic views of Dead Horse Point, plus the possibility to see where the famous movie scene was filmed. The guide provides live commentary, which adds depth to the experience. The 3-hour format allows for stops and sightseeing, making it suited for those wanting a more comprehensive outing.
Priced at $150, it’s a bit more costly but reflects the extended time and diverse sights covered. Reviewers mention the “spectacular views” and how the live narration made the experience more engaging. It’s suited for travelers who enjoy a relaxed pace with educational insights and stunning vistas.
Bottom Line: Ideal for those wanting a longer, more comprehensive outing that combines river scenery with iconic viewpoints and historical commentary.
5. Moab: Calm Water Cruise in Inflatable Boat on Colorado River
For a peaceful, small-group experience, the Moab: Calm Water Cruise in Inflatable Boat offers a 5.5-hour journey through Meander Canyon. Departing from N Hwy 191, this tour emphasizes relaxation and scenery, floating past some of the most dramatic sections of the Colorado River.
What makes this tour particularly appealing is the small group atmosphere, allowing for more personalized guidance and a less crowded experience. You’ll cruise along the river’s calm waters, taking in the views of Canyonlands and stopping at geological features like petrified logs and dinosaur tracks. The guide, Katie, is praised for her fun and informative approach, making the long trip feel engaging and comfortable.
At $154, it’s priced for a half-day adventure that’s more laid-back than high-speed rides but offers a deep connection to the landscape. Reviewers love how relaxing and scenic it is, with one saying, “It was so beautiful and fun, I loved floating down the river.” It’s best suited for those looking for a leisurely, educational experience with plenty of wildlife and geological features.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers who want a tranquil, educational boat trip with a small group and plenty of time to soak in the views.
6. From Moab: Canyonlands 4×4 Drive and Calm Water Cruise
If you want to combine off-road exploration with a river cruise, the Canyonlands 4×4 Drive and Calm Water Cruise is a top pick. For 9.5 hours, this tour takes you from the mesa tops down to the river bottom, exploring the Island in the Sky district of Canyonlands and then cruising along the Gooseneck of the Colorado River.
What sets this tour apart is the dual experience—4×4 driving through backcountry terrain followed by a relaxing boat ride. The guide provides insights into the geology and history of the area, making it educational as well as adventurous. The 4×4 portion includes scenic stops, although some reviews note that more stops would enhance the experience.
Price at $355 per person reflects the full-day commitment and diverse sights. Reviewers appreciate the combination of land and water adventures, making it ideal for those who love variety and want a comprehensive look at Canyonlands.
Bottom Line: Best suited for travelers with full days who want a mix of adventure and scenery, and don’t mind the higher price point.
7. Moab: 1-Hour Express Jet Boat Tour on Colorado River
Last but not least, the Moab: 1-Hour Express Jet Boat Tour provides a quick, energetic overview of the river’s highlights. Starting from N Hwy 191, this tour is ideal for travelers pressed for time but still eager to see the area’s best views and petroglyphs.
While shorter, it still offers live commentary and photo stops at Little Arch, Jug Handle Arch, and petroglyphs. The boat speeds over rapids, giving a taste of the excitement of the longer speed boat trips. Costing $108, it’s a budget-friendly option for a fast-paced river outing.
Reviewers note the fun guides and the scenic views, although the shorter duration means less time for in-depth exploration. It’s great for those who want a quick adventure, especially if you’re on a tight schedule.
Bottom Line: A good choice for quick, lively sightseeing on the river without sacrificing access to iconic viewpoints.
How to Choose the Best Water Tour in Moab
When selecting your ideal boat experience, consider your budget, time constraints, and interest level. If a relaxed, cultural evening sounds appealing, the Colorado River Dinner Cruise offers a memorable blend of entertainment and scenery. For a quick adrenaline rush, the speed boat provides action packed into an hour.
Those who want a deeper connection with the landscape might prefer the small inflatable boat or the 4×4 + cruise combo. For a longer, more comprehensive day, the Jet Boat to Dead Horse Point covers both water and iconic scenery.
Booking early is key, especially in peak season, and consider the time of day—sunset cruises are particularly lovely. Think about your preferred pace, whether it’s a quick thrill, a relaxing float, or a cultural dinner show.
To sum it up, Moab offers a wide range of water-based experiences that highlight its stunning river scenery and rugged landscapes. For a balanced experience, the Dinner Cruise and the Sunset Boat Tour both combine scenery with cultural elements. Adventure travelers should not miss the Speed Boat for pure excitement. Meanwhile, those seeking a more tranquil exploration might prefer the Inflatable Boat or the full-day Canyonlands combo.
No matter your style or schedule, Moab’s river tours promise a memorable way to see the area from a fresh perspective—just remember to book early and dress for the weather.