Leave behind the bustle of Las Vegas—and get up close and personal with the beautiful Colorado River—on this half-day kayaking tour. Hop aboard your shuttle at the Mandalay Bay Resort, head to Willow Beach, and grab your life jackets and paddles. Then, set off on a gentle, 5-mile (8-kilometer) trip down the Black Canyon, complete with a visit to Emerald Cave. Snacks and water are included.

Enjoy an active way to explore the Colorado River, Emerald Cave and Black Canyon
Safety gear, kayaking guidance, and refreshments all included
Option of round-trip transit from the Las Vegas Strip makes logistics easy
This kayaking excursion is beginner- and family-friendly

What's Included

Shuttle pick up from the Mandalay Bay Hotel (if 'With Shuttle' option selected)
Professional kayak tour guide
Single or double kayak and life vest
Snacks, banana, granola bar, water

Gratuities
Round-Trip Transportaion (If Self-Drive Option selected)
National Park entry fee $15/adult, free for kids or active military (With Shuttle Option)
National Park entry fee $25/vehicle (only applicable for Self-Drive Option)

Meeting And Pickup

You can head directly to the meeting point, or request pickup

Meeting point

25804 N Willow Beach
25804 N Willow Beach, Willow Beach, AZ 86445, USA
If you booked the 'SELF-DRIVE' option then you will drive yourself to the launch site. If you booked the 'With Shuttle' option we will pick you up at Mandalay Bay. We will send you a text message with all details a day before your kayak trip.

Pickup point

3950 S Las Vegas Blvd
3950 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89119, USA
Meeting Place is at: Mandalay Bay- Valet Pick-up area. One level below the main entrance.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Pickup details

We will send you a reminder text message with the exact meeting time and all details one day before your kayak trip!

What To Expect

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Not wheelchair accessible
Infants must sit on laps
Infant seats available
Not recommended for travellers with back problems
Not recommended for pregnant travellers
No heart problems or other serious medical conditions

Maximum weight limit is 300lb/person
What to bring? Hat, sunglasses, sunblock, water shoes, comfortable clothing, swimsuit (under clothes)
It's a family friendly group activity, NO ALCOHOL OR SMOKING ALLOWED
Only service animals are allowed on this tour with SELF-DRIVE option only
Please note that if you bring any electronics with you during the tour, it is highly recommended to bring a waterproof case
Most travellers can participate
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 19 travellers

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.

Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
This experience requires good weather. If it’s cancelled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
This experience requires a minimum number of travellers. If it’s cancelled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.

Frequently Asked Questions

The answers provided below are based on answers previously given by the tour provider to customers’ questions.

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Q:How do I arrange pickup for the Emerald Cave Kayak Tour with Optional Las Vegas Pickup?

A:The meeting location is the Hoover Dam Lodge on U.S. 93 in Boulder City or from the Mandalay Bay Hotel at the shuttle pick-up area on the lower level. Please specify your preferred departure location in the "Special Requirements" box at checkout.

Aug. 2021

Q:How early before the Departure time will I be picked up for the Emerald Cave Kayak Tour with Optional Las Vegas Pickup?

A:Meeting time (pick up) is between 9 and 10 AM at Mandalay Bay in the Shuttle & Tour Pick-up area. Be sure to call the phone number on your ticket at least 24 hours prior to departure to confirm the exact pickup details.

Aug. 2021

Q:Do I need kayak experience to enjoy the Emerald Cave Kayak Tour with Optional Las Vegas Pickup?

A:This tour accommodates all skill levels. You will be using top-quality kayaks with rudders for easy steering.

Aug. 2021

Q:How far do we kayak during the Emerald Cave Kayak Tour with Optional Las Vegas Pickup?

A:This is a 5-mile kayaking adventure where you will spend approximately 3 hours on the water.

Aug. 2021

Q:What should I bring with me on the Emerald Cave Kayak Tour with Optional Las Vegas Pickup?

A:Please bring a hat, sunglasses, sunblock, water shoes, (no flip-flops!) and a great attitude.

Aug. 2021

Q:What should I wear on the Emerald Cave Kayak Tour with Optional Las Vegas Pickup?

A:Wear layered clothing and be sure to wear your swimsuit under your clothes.

Aug. 2021

Q:Do I need to bring food or water with me on the Emerald Cave Kayak Tour with Optional Las Vegas Pickup?

A:Healthy snacks, fruit, and bottled water are provided. If you have any specific snacks you'd like, feel free to bring them along with you. Note: Alcohol and smoking are not permitted on the tour at any time.

Aug. 2021

Q:What happens if there is bad weather on the date of my Emerald Cave Kayak Tour with Optional Las Vegas Pickup?

A:This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, the local operator will reach out to you to arrange a different date or a full refund.

Aug. 2021

Q:Are the guides knowledgeable on the Emerald Cave Kayak Tour with Optional Las Vegas Pickup?

A:Yes. The guides have extensive kayaking history and are very knowledgeable in kayaking as well as the areas you will be visiting during the tour.

Aug. 2021

Q:Are there any additional fees for the Emerald Cave Kayak Tour with Optional Las Vegas Pickup ?

A:The National Park Services (NPS) Permit is not included and can be purchased upon arrival for $15 USD per person. Guests who are active military (with ID), NPS Passholders, or children under 16 are admitted for free.

Aug. 2021

Traveller Photos

Featured review

Arka_S

Bali was an amazing guide and kayak mentor! We throughly enjoyed our trip and didn’t realize how time went by. The cave was beautiful and the green crystal clear water was a sight to behold! Definitely highly recommend! Bali was humorous as well which was added plus. He was pretty knowledgeable and kept us entertained.

Reviews

5.0

1,406 reviews

Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews

Reviews by Viator travellers.

Showing 1-10 of 1,406 reviews

Fun family day out

Clare_T, June 2023

Super fun trip, Russ was great. Very knowledgeable, friendly and enthusiastic. Our kids did great - aged 11 and 13, .

Great experience!

Jennifer_B, June 2023

The tour guide was amazing. Willow Beach is absolutely beautiful. It’s a great way to get away from the city.

Cave overhyped

Janet_G, June 2023

This cave is wildly overhyped and looks much much more impressive in the pictures. Not worth the wait.

Family Fun

Jennifer_V, June 2023

We took a family vacation to the Grand Canyon and decided to add this activity to our itinerary and it was amazing! We had a great time and our guide was super friendly, took us up to a point during our stop for the some breathtaking photos and was overall wonderful as he helped several kayakers we passed who had the paddles upside down. I would highly recommend this experience!

Great family adventure!

Michelle_W, June 2023

We had an excellent guide on this incredible family adventure! We enjoyed the kayak outing and the informative tour about the sights along the way.

Definitely worth it!

Sabrina_D, June 2023

Griff was an excellent guide with tons of knowledge about the area! We had a phenomenal time. Water was 53 degrees but felt great in tbe hot sun.

Just do it!!

Catherine_T, June 2023

The trip was so beautiful! The water is so clean and clear. Our guide was very knowledgeable and fun. I would actually do it again. If you like nature and some history you'll love this. We did the self drive option and it was really easy to find. Thank you so much for a fun trip!

Fun in the sun

Justine_L, June 2023

There was a great trip with a great experience guide I will definitely recommend to everyone. Ps bring sunblock Ok

Great tour - great experience

Sabine_S, June 2023

Our Tourguide Griff was famous. Very careful and gave excellent information. Had sooo much fun. Information before tour excellent. We booked the tour from Germany. Would definitely book again. Try it out. It‘s worth it !!!!!

absolutely stunning views, great experience. worth the visit

Eva_M, June 2023

Best kayaking experience with stunning views, wonderful tour guide. This tour exceeded my expectations. Organized well and with great pricing. Our tour guide was very knowledgeable of the area, answering our many questions. There were no bad pictures to be taken!!! Every view was breath taking. Never felt rushed during our paddling. Able to take it all in and enjoy the entire day. Thank you Jake!

Jeff’s bday & family trip

Donata_C, June 2023

Beautiful scenery and Brianna was a fun guide! The whole family enjoyed the experience. The pace was comfortable for all in the group. A must do!!!

One of the best trips I have been on

Stacey_G, June 2023

A great guide, friendly people, perfect views amazing trip. We had a great time and will do it again.

Highlight of my vacation...

annmarie_m, June 2023

Highlight of my vacation was paddling on the Colorado River and being surrounded by the black canyon mountains.

Memorable experience!

Pamela_S, May 2023

It was a wonderful day on the river with my granddaughter! Scenery was beautiful and very informative, learned a lot from our guide Allen!

Birthday at Emerald Cave

Amy_R, May 2023

We celebrated our daughter’s 21st birthday on this adventure. Jake, the guide, even got the group to sing her Happy Birthday in the cave! He was great and the whole adventure was perfect!

Our guide, Andrew, was so...

Alana_K, May 2023

Our guide, Andrew, was so awesome. Nice small group. The lake was beautiful and although they guided you and made sure everyone was safe they are not over barring and you still have a sense of freedom.

Amazing Experience

Yessy_L, May 2023

It was my first time ever kayaking and it was great and easy. Our guide was funny and nice. I would recommend this to anyone who wants to disconnect for a few hours and do something memorable in their trip to Nevada.

We had a great time with...

Sebastian_P, May 2023

We had a great time with our guide Matt. The weather was gorgeous and the water super nice and smooth. Matt explained a lot about the flora and fauna and answered absolutely every question. As a team we really enjoyed the trip and on the way back the bus was quiet, just like a school trip used to be.

Best kayaking trip!

Cynthia_K, May 2023

The guide was extremely knowledgeable about the wildlife and history of the area and provided excellent kayaking instruction. Great excursion!

This was an amazing...

Scott_M, May 2023

This was an amazing experience! Our guide To by only made it all that much better! 10/10 would definitely recommend!

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