Canyonlands by Night Dinner & Light Show, Moab, Utah

Dinner, stars, and stories on the river: A cowboy-style meal, canyon-lit light show, and a Moab night sky you´ll never forget!

*LIKELY TO SELL OUT - ADVANCED BOOKINGS ARE RECOMMENDED. SHOULD YOUR CHOSEN DATE NOT BE AVAILABLE A REFUND OR ALTERNATIVE DATE WILL BE OFFERED

Colorado River Evening Cruise with Dutch Oven Dinner and Canyon Light Show: A Moab Vacation Highlight

For an old-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 the Sound and Light Show 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.

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).

Passed down for generations, our Sound and Light Show is a unique blend of tradition and innovation. It’s a piece of Moab history brought to life every night on the river.

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 There are no colored or laser lights, and the music is appropriate for the historical references.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 prefer a tour without religious references, consider the Sunset Jet Boat or Daytime Jet Boat Tour, which do not include narrative stories.

Cowboy-style Dutch Oven Dinner Menu

Before the show begins, gather riverside for a hearty cowboy-style Dutch oven dinner.  The family-style Dutch oven dinner is served at long, communal tables right by the river. This isn’t just a meal, it’s a chance to relax, share stories, and connect with fellow travelers from all over the world. It’s the perfect way to relax, recharge, and enjoy the flavors of Moab before your evening adventure.

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 for the meat dishes, are vegetarian-friendly.

Highlights

• Cruise the Colorado River at sunset beneath sheer canyon walls.
• Enjoy a hearty Dutch-oven dinner before the show.
• Watch a dramatic sound-and-light show projected on the cliffs.
• Relax and take in Moab’s night sky on this unique tour.
• Decades of Expertise - We've been honing the perfect adventure tour since 1961.
• Utah's Best Adventures - Voted best adventure company in Utah for 22 consecutive years running.

What’s Included

• Jet Boat Ride - Evening boat ride on the Colorado River beneath towering canyon walls.
• Narrated Canyon Tour - Live narration shares geology, history, and legends of the canyon.
• Dutch-Oven Dinner - Hearty cowboy-style dinner served before the light show begins.
• Sound & Light Show - Spotlights and narration bring the canyon walls to life under the night sky.

What’s Not Included

• Guide appreciation - Gratuities for your guide are at your discretion and are always appreciated. A common practice is 10-20% of the tour cost.
• Transportation to Dock - Jetboat trips will meet at 1861 N Highway 191, Moab, UT 15 minutes before scheduled departure. Trip is about 3 hours long.
• Personal Items - Bring a light jacket or sweater for cool evening temperatures.

Schedule: Times vary according to sunset

Duration: 3 Hours including dinner

Group Size: Up to 30 guests

Minimum Age: 4 Years old

Important Information:

Jet Boat tours are a Moab tradition, and evening departures with dinner and the Canyonlands light show are among the first to sell out. Seating is limited, and peak season boats fill quickly. Reserve early to guarantee your spot under the desert stars.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the Dinner & Light Show?

The experience lasts about 3 hours, combining a cowboy-style dutch-oven dinner with a narrated evening cruise on the Colorado River.

What kind of dinner is included?

You’ll enjoy a hearty dutch-oven style meal with a variety of meats and side dishes, including potatoes, salads and a dessert option. Soft drinks are included while alcoholic beverages are available for purchase. Vegetarian options are available. Please let us know any preferences at booking.

Will I get wet on this trip?

This is a calm-water cruise on the Colorado River. Guests stay dry and comfortable throughout the evening.

Are there any stairs on the boat?

There are two steps down into the boat, in addition to a staircase with a railing leading to the dock where you will board the boat. The maximum number of stairs is 30, but there may be less than that depending on the water level of the river.

Where does the tour depart from?

You’ll meet directly at the launch site on the Colorado River. Parking and restrooms are available before departure, and full directions will be provided in your confirmation email.

Is this trip suitable for kids?

Yes. Families often choose this evening experience because the light show and narration keep kids engaged, while the calm waters make it comfortable for all ages. However, teens may appreciate the Spin & Splash Jetboat tour or a rafting trip on the Colorado River over the Dinner & Light Show.

What will I see during the light show?

As the boat cruises beneath towering canyon walls, powerful lights illuminate the cliffs while a recorded narration tells the story of the area’s history, geology, and folklore. When conditions are right, you’ll also enjoy incredible stargazing.

What should I bring on this trip?

Casual clothing and a jacket with warm layers for cooler evenings. Don’t forget your camera to capture the glow of the canyon and the night sky.

How is this different from other jet boat tours?

The Dinner & Light Show is unique to Moab—it combines a meal, storytelling, and illuminated canyon walls for an unforgettable evening. It’s calmer and more theatrical than the daytime Fun Run or the thrill-focused Spin & Splash.

Get your Canyonlands by Night Dinner & Light Show tickets today with Attraction Ticket Shop!