Sound and Light Show Jet Boat Tours

Evening Dinner and Boat Tour on the Colorado River

For an ol’ time show and the finishing touch on a perfect day, come along and enjoy a cowboy-style Dutch oven dinner and a slow moving evening boat ride on a calm part of the Colorado River. Canyonlands by Night and Day has been offering this evening program since 1963 and it is by far one of the most unique sound and light shows in the world. It has been hailed by many as “the highlight of our vacation.” The Canyonlands area is unlike any other in the world, making this boat ride one of the most outstanding events you’ll experience.

Sound and Light Show Jet Boat Tour Details

Your evening begins at our Colorado Riverside location two miles north of Moab, Utah. You will be served a cowboy-style Dutch oven dinner in a dining room overlooking the Colorado River. After dinner, you will be our guest on a flat-bottomed boat as we head upriver with a knowledgeable and entertaining guide who will highlight interesting things and ignite your imagination.

Once darkness settles in, the formal part of the evening begins with 40,000 watts of natural light illuminating the canyon wall. Lights, shadows, music, and narration make the stories of the canyon’s formation, creation, and history come to life on the walls above the river—as learned from the area's early settlers (the Catholic conquistadors, Native Americans, and Mormon pioneers).

The Canyonlands by Night and Day Sound and Light Show is a not-to-be-missed unique experience and a great end to a perfect day in Moab.

Please Note:
The Canyonlands by Night and Day Sound and Light show is an old-fashioned light show. There are no colored or laser lights, and the music is appropriate for the historical references. The stories included in the show relate to how the settlers of the area believed the area was created and clashed with the Indians of the area. If you would prefer to experience a tour without reference to God or religion, please consider the Sunset Jet Boat or a Daytime Jet Boat Tour, which do not have narrative stories.

We are always happy to help you find the right tour!

Cowboy-style Dutch Oven Dinner

The cowboy-style dinner is cooked all day to perfection and includes BBQ beef, BBQ pork, BBQ chicken, roast beef, roast pork, cowpoke potatoes (cut potatoes with spring vegetables and cheese melted through), sweet baked beans, corn, homemade rolls (regular and garlic), a full salad bar (leafy greens with all the toppings, a pasta salad, and coleslaw), dessert, and bottomless soft drinks. Beer, wine, and mixed drinks are available for purchase at the bar. All items except the meat dishes are vegetarian-friendly.

How many people fit on the boat?

Can I use my camera?

Is there a bathroom?

Will I get wet?

What Should I wear?

Do you go out in all types of weather?

Is there a cancelation policy?

I have difficulty walking. Do you have an elevator?

Unfortunately no, there is no elevator.

We are at the whim of Mother Nature and deal with daily rising and sinking water levels; therefore, we have a floating dock with steps leading down to the boat. In low-water conditions there can be as many as thirty steps. In high-water conditions there can be as few as two steps. The steps have hand rails on both sides.

If you don’t think you can manage the steps and weigh less than 170 lbs., we do have a special chair in which you can be strapped in and carried down the ramp.

If you need extra time going up or down the stairs, we would be happy to board you first and allow you all the time you need. Please notify the office if you need special assistance. If you are still unsure if you may need help or not, please stop by our office when you get to Moab and a staff member will show you the stairs. Your safety and comfort are of our highest concern.

Can babies go?

Book Sound and Light Show Jet Boat Tour Now!

Pricing

Adult (Dinner & Boat Tour): $99*

Youth 4 – 12 (Dinner & Boat Tour): $89*

Adult (Boat Only): $89

Youth 4 – 12 (Boat Only): $79

Family Pack (2 adults + 2 youth): $312

*Please note: The meal is valued at $24.99. To make the dinner & boat combo a great deal for guests we take a portion off the boat and the meal to make the price for guests only $10, but in fact, they are getting a great meal because of the deal. If we have to cancel the boat portion due to bad weather, you will be charged for the meal at the regular price.

Timing

The Canyonlands by Night and Day Sound and Light Show with Dinner operates nightly March through October. Departure times vary with the setting of the sun. Please call our friendly customer service representatives if you need additional information about timing.

If you need more information about the tour, check out some of the most frequently asked questions shown below.

Duration

The dinner part of the tour is one hour and the boat part of the tour is a little over two hours, so the total time is a little over three hours for the experience.

Premium Seating

If you would like to sit at the very front of the boat, add $10 per seat. The area is limited to eight front-row seats. Additional restrictions apply.

Age Requirements

The Canyonlands by Night and Day Sound and Light Show Tour cannot accommodate children under the age of 4.

To qualify for youth pricing, your child must be between 4 – 12 years of age.

Peaceful!

We found the meal to be excellent. And the facility like new, very friendly staff, we took the night tour, it was very informative and then peaceful and set the tone for our trip. Appreciating our wonderful national park system and the beauty of the nature surrounding us.

—Ginny Herman

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