Antelope canyon water question

Question

I will be touring the lower canyon next month, and wanted clarification regarding the policy on water bottle holders/carriers. I called Dixie tours and was told that only basic holders, without zippers or pockets were allowed. However, they would need to see the holder in order to approve it. They could not recommend any particular brand. Has anyone been to the lower canyon recently and used a water bottle holder; and, if so. what type or brand did you use? I don't want to find out at the last minute that I can't use what I brought.

Answer

Visiting Lower Antelope Canyon comes with specific restrictions to ensure safety and preserve the natural environment. Regarding water bottles, Dixie Tours allows only simple, lightweight holders or carriers that do not have zippers, extra pockets, or compartments. This is mainly to prevent items from getting caught on canyon walls during the narrow passages.

Recent visitors have reported that small, basic water bottle holsters that attach to a belt or strap are generally acceptable. These are typically made of neoprene, mesh, or simple fabric with a single loop or clip. The key is that the holder is minimal and doesn’t have external features that could snag.

Tips based on recent experiences:

Bring a small, simple carrier that can hold a standard 16–20 oz bottle. Avoid large hydration packs or carriers with zippers or multiple pockets.
Test your holder before the tour: hold it in your hand or clip it to your belt to see if it stays secure and is easy to maneuver.
If in doubt, take a very small bottle in your hand during the hike; guides are usually accommodating if it meets the “no extra features” guideline.
Some visitors have used small elastic sleeve holders or carabiner clips designed for climbing water bottles, as long as there are no additional pockets or flaps.

While no specific brand is officially recommended, products like the Nalgene neoprene sleeve, simple belt holsters from outdoor brands, or light mesh bottle carriers have worked for many. Remember, the guide will have the final say, so keep your carrier simple, lightweight, and easy to show at check-in.

Other considerations:

Bring water in a reusable bottle if allowed; single-use plastic bottles are discouraged for environmental reasons.
Make sure the bottle fits snugly and won’t slide out during walking or climbing in narrow sections.
Check with Dixie Tours directly if you are still unsure, as policies can update seasonally.

Following these guidelines should allow you to carry water safely and enjoy the canyon without any last-minute issues.