Even though it’s a huge touristy adventure to do, my friend and I had to see for ourselves. I booked the tour for a Wednesday in hopes that there would be less people. The tour is a long day, 11 hours. We got picked up by "Great Ventures Day Tours" at our hotel lobby in a van at 6:00 AM. Our group consisted of 13 in all. Derrick was our driver throughout the entire day. He was great, friendly, very knowledgeable, with interesting story’s and facts. To note: you are in the same van so you can leave bags and stuff in the van.
The 11 hour day was broken up with plenty of bathroom stops, site stops and lunch in between. First part was a 90 min. drive to a store/trading post for a bathroom break and to shop. Then another 90 min. drive to Horseshoe Bend for a 45 minute stop. Keep in mind you are on your own for a 15 min. walk to the Bend and then you have a 15 min. photo opt. then a 15 back to the van. Surprisingly we were able to get solo photos with not much interference. Next drive was to lunch which is included with another bathroom break. Then off to Glen Canyon Dam which was another site to be seen… and yes bathroom facilities there too. The finally stop was Antelope Canyon, which was an amazing site but our guide was disappointing. Derrick dropped us off and hooked us up to our guide that drove us to the Canyon, very bumpy ride, but thankfully we were in a van and not an open truck, which other tours had (a very dusty ride). Our guide could have cared less guiding us through the canyon, even sighing between photo opts that he would take of each group (frankly the photos he took were horrible). People on our tour told me they tried to ask questions as Derrick said to ask the guides questions, who are local native American Indians. Our guide ignored them and just rushed us through. The beautiful antelope canyon speaks to itself. I realize this is a huge money maker for them, as they rush you through, one group on top of another. They should really space out the groups better. The ride back home was the 90 min. drive, bathroom break and another 90 min. Back at the hotel by 6:00 PM
YES it’s a must to see in real life, perfect that we didn’t have to drive ourselves to see 3 beautiful sites. Yes, booking through Viator for Great Venture Day Tours was very easy and again our driver Derrick did a great job. Go during weekday, and no peak season…. Avoid major crowds.