AC Tour Vehicles

Question

I'm looking for the least bumpy ride to and from any of the Antelope Canyon locations. The two other people in my party suffer from motion sickness. Any opinions on tour operators and the vehicles they use?

Answer

Visiting Antelope Canyon is an incredible experience, but the ride to the canyon can be challenging for those prone to motion sickness, especially for Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon tours that require traveling over sandy or rough terrain. Choosing the right tour operator and vehicle can make a significant difference.

Here’s a detailed overview of what to expect and some recommendations:

Upper Antelope Canyon: This section is more accessible and generally uses standard passenger vans or buses that drive on paved or mostly smooth roads. The ride tends to be less bumpy compared to Lower Antelope Canyon.
Lower Antelope Canyon: The terrain is rougher, especially near the canyon entrance. Many operators use 4x4 trucks or open-air jeeps to traverse sandy, uneven tracks. These rides can be quite bumpy and may aggravate motion sickness.
Tour Operators and Vehicle Types:
- Ken's Tours (Upper Antelope Canyon) – Uses standard vans for most pickups and drives. The road is relatively smooth, so motion sickness is less of an issue.
- Antelope Canyon Navajo Tours (Upper Canyon) – Also uses vans and minibuses, usually a smoother ride.
- Dixie Ellis Tours (Lower Canyon) – Uses 4x4 trucks; rides can be quite rough due to the sandy roads. Not ideal for sensitive passengers.
- Antelope Canyon X Tours – Depending on the section, vehicles may range from vans to 4x4 trucks. Confirm vehicle type when booking.

Tips for minimizing motion sickness:

Opt for Upper Antelope Canyon if smoothness is a priority, as most operators there use paved or lightly graded roads.
Request the front seat of the van or bus if possible; it reduces motion sensation compared to the back.
Bring motion sickness remedies (ginger chews, wristbands, or medication) just in case.
Avoid reading or looking down during the ride; focusing on the horizon can help.
Call the tour operator ahead and specifically ask about the vehicles they use for the date of your tour and whether a smoother vehicle can be arranged.

Overall, for passengers who are sensitive to bumps, Upper Antelope Canyon tours with operators like Ken’s Tours or Antelope Canyon Navajo Tours are recommended. Lower Antelope Canyon can be bumpy, so take precautions if you choose to visit it.

AC Tour Vehicles

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