Get outdoors and explore a spectacular natural wonder—the Emerald Cave on this kayaking adventure. After setting off from Willow Beach Marina, paddle along the Colorado River past interesting sites such as a 1920’s era government project, the Black Canyon, and finally—the picturesque Emerald Cave. Traveling on a kayak allows you to access remote hard-to-reach nature spots without the worry of getting lost as a guide takes care of the navigating.

Soak up scenic coastal views and exercise at the same time
Travel on a kayak to the Emerald Cave and the Black Canyon
Lots of fantastic photo opportunities along the way
Flexible options—pick from a single or a tandem (two-seater) kayak

What's Included

Kayak Tour
Snacks
Bottled water
Kayaks, paddles and life-vest
Certified Guide
Round-trip Transport from 3 hotels (if option selected)

$25/vehicle to park at marina. (Military or Nat'l Park Pass are free)
Shuttle service (unless option selected)
Gratuities

Meeting And Pickup

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

Meeting point

Willow Beach Marina
25804 N Willow Beach, Willow Beach, AZ 86445, USA
Please meet us at the Paddle craft launch beach.

Pickup points

Select a pickup point

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Pickup details

Pick up times are as follows: Venetian - 9:10am, Bellagio - 9:20am, Mandalay Bay - 9:30am

What To Expect

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Not wheelchair accessible
We offer single or tandem (2 seater) kayaks. Please specify which kayak you would prefer.
The Emerald Cave is just a small cutout of the mountain for a great photo op!
We provide life vests. Please specify which size you would prefer. S/M, L/XL, 2XL/3XL

You will be meeting us at the marina. Have reliable transportation to meet us, there is NO cell service at the marina to call a ride share.
If you have chosen and paid for this tour with shuttle, pick up times are: Venetian 9:10am, Bellagio 9:20am, Mandalay Bay 9:30am. Please specify which pickup location you prefer.
Most travellers can participate
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 30 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 far from Las Vegas is the departure point for the Kayak Emerald Cave Express Tour?

A:It generally takes a little over an hour to get from Las Vegas to Willow Beach. Please be sure to confirm your pickup details by calling the local operator at least 24 hours prior to departure.

Sep. 2021

Q:How much is the National Park Entrance fee?

A:Entrance into the park is $25 per vehicle. This is waived for National Park Pass holders and military with ID.

Sep. 2021

Q:Can I participate in the Kayak Emerald Cave Express Tour if I've never kayaked before?

A:You may start as a beginner, but you will likely end the trip as a confident kayaker! Many guests are first-time paddlers. You will use a lightweight, fast kayak equipped with rudders for easy steering and receive safety rules and instructions.

Sep. 2021

Q:What kind of distance do we kayak during the Kayak Emerald Cave Express Tour?

A:This tour is approximately 4 miles (6.4 km) round-trip on smooth, mostly flat water.

Sep. 2021

Q:What should I wear for the Kayak Emerald Cave Express Tour?

A:Wear water shoes or sneakers that can get wet. Dress according to the weather, ideally in athletic / outdoor-type clothing that dries fast. Wear your swimsuit under your clothes. Also, bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.

Sep. 2021

Q:What should I bring with me on the Kayak Emerald Cave Express Tour?

A:You should bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Bring a towel if you plan to swim.

Sep. 2021

Q:Will I be in a single or a tandem kayak during the Kayak Emerald Cave Express Tour?

A:You may choose between a single or tandem kayak (based on availability), but any requests must be made at least 24 hours in advance. If you have a preference, please list it in the "Special Requirements" box at checkout.

Sep. 2021

Q:Will I get wet during the Kayak Emerald Cave Express Tour?

A:Yes. You will definitely get wet (at least up to your knees.) The river is 53°F/10.5°C year-round. It is refreshing during the heat of summer, but too cold for winter swimming. Bathing suits are recommended if you wish to swim.

Sep. 2021

Q:Can I bring my young child with me on the Kayak Emerald Cave Express Tour?

A:For safety reasons, children under 5 years old are not recommended for this kayak tour.

Sep. 2021

Q:Will I see wildlife during the Kayak Emerald Cave Express Tour?

A:There is always a possibility of seeing some of the desert wildlife during your tour. All guides are habitually on the lookout to spot bighorn sheep, coyotes, eagles, and much more for you!

Sep. 2021

Traveller Photos

Featured review

Patrick_L

These guys are awesome and really knowledgeable on the area and its history. The experience is simply amazing. Highly recommend to anyone looking at doing something a little different to a standard vegas experience!

Reviews

5.0

788 reviews

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

Reviews by Viator travellers.

Showing 1-10 of 788 reviews

Amazing Adventure

Amy_U, June 2023

Had a great time kayaking on the river and learning so much about the area. Gina.was the BEST GUIDE ever!!!!

Response from Host, June 2023

Hi Amy, thank you for the "amazing" review! So glad you enjoyed Gina, she is an incredible guide. Hope to see you om the water again soon!

Best kayaking experience, the green, the water and all the fun

Camelia_V, June 2023

This was an amazing experience. Definitely would do it again. The tour guide Gina was exceptional in describing the trip, the area, the animals and trees characteristics that we were seeing, as long as the geological formations. She kept us informed and safe all the trip, very good guidance, support and close loop communication, at the same time she made the funniest experience..and made sure everyone was enjoying it. The kayaking experience is unique, cause the area, special water and its majestic to live and see the green colors in the cave water. I had a great time.

Response from Host, June 2023

So glad you had a great experience, Gina is an amazing guide and so passionate about the river. Next visit you should try our full day tour that launches at the base of the Hoover Dam. Thank you of your great review!

Kayaking trip 5/28/2023

JessicaM_S, May 2023

We were out on the river with Jared, David, and Dash! All the guides were knowledgeable and a ton of fun! Highly recommend to anyone looking for an awesome day kayaking!

It was a good experience...

KarthikReddy_M, May 2023

It was a good experience to kayak in mountains especially in the early mornings. And the trip advisor was good.

Highly Recommend

Jessica_J, May 2023

This tour and the guides were wonderful! Amazing views, educational and easy for first timers. We would book again!

Great Experience!

Brittany_H, May 2023

Definitely one of the best experiences ever. It was absolutely beautiful. The tour guide Burton was AMAZING. He was very friendly and informative. He talked about the area and the history of it. He even shared some survival tips for out in the desert.

Thank you Steven and...

Anna_A, May 2023

Thank you Steven and David! The trip was so memorable!!! It was a great experience, especially for first time kayakers!

Do it!!!

Angela_M, May 2023

A great day trip! Water was 53 degrees (May 3) and I still loved it. The greenest water I have ever seen. Gina was a wonderful tour guide and shared sooo much information all day. I highly recommend.

Nasty GINA!

Lisa_d, Apr 2023

The kayak trip was beautiful and was truly an experience. However, the guides left a little to be desired. Chris who is very pleasant and friendly. Gina however, was not very personable. She did not pay much attention to the entire group; she focused on a select few. There were a few that we’re struggling with the paddle and no one assisted them. We were reprimanded several times to stick together and every time we made it a point to wait and have everyone catch up we we be left behind. Then when we said we would need to paddle ahead to go poop we were told to “ poop in the water” (actually she said the s_#%^ word! ) when we told her we had to poop. Horrible personality and should not be a tour guide!

Tour was great! Cool...

Celia_A, Apr 2023

Tour was great! Cool sights, a good distance (about 3-4miles) and family friendly! My 6 year old and I had a blast. Gina and Dylan were great tour guides

Kayaking with Gina!

sara_c, Mar 2023

Gina was awesome so helpful and knowledgeable!!! Made my nervous child feel confident and comfortable kayaking for her first time!

Response from Host, Apr 2023

Sara...Our guides have the magic touch! They are amazing at helping, guiding, and making guests feel comfortable on the river. We appreciate you coming out with our team.

Simply amazing, best part of the Vegas trip

Patrick_L, Mar 2023

Response from Host, Mar 2023

Patrick...it is so nice to spread the word about different things to do just outside of Vegas. Our experiences are a way to get away from the lights of LV and enjoy time outdoors in nature and surrounded by beauty. Thank you for posting a review.

Fun Family Adventure

Amanda_W, Mar 2023

This was the first time my husband and I took our two kids kayaking and it was a success. Everyone had fun and the views were amazing!

Response from Host, Mar 2023

Amanda... It is so amazing when you find an activity that the whole family enjoys. This task is not easy to do, so we are thrilled your group all had a terrific time. Thanks for joining us.

I didnt like the waiting...

Sharon_O, Mar 2023

I didnt like the waiting at the end of the trip. Everything else was wonderful. Our tour guides were so nice.

Response from Host, Mar 2023

Hi Sharon, We are so glad you had a wonderful time and the guides treated you to a great day. I'm sorry the wait may have been longer than you would have liked. We allow all of our guests that are riding back to the strip hotels in our shuttle to have a restroom break at the marina at the end of the tour.

Fantastic guides and quality equipment

Marina_R, Mar 2023

Jared and Steve were fantastic - they took great care of us and helped us get beautiful pics. Good stories and conversations. The equipment is really great quality too.

Response from Host, Mar 2023

Hi Marina, your pictures in the cave turned out AMAZING!! You'll have to go on our full day trip next time you're in town.

Do it !

Kristin_S, Mar 2023

What an adventure! We went out yesterday when it was crazy windy but we still had a blast ! I would highly recommend trying to go when it's NOT windy because the paddle back was no joke . But the guides were fantastic and took great care of us . It is beautiful out there

Response from Host, Mar 2023

Hi Kristin. Weather can definitely be a challenge. I'm so happy your guides were able to give you a great experience even on a windy day!

wonderful guides, an beautiful sights

Kennedy_B, Jan 2023

The women on the phone was so kind an accommodating to my special requests! Our guid Ryan was very kind, funny, a very patient with us! The sights where beautiful an our guide was very knowledgeable an educated us about the land an history of the canyon! Over all the experience was AMAZING definitely would recommend this to everyone!!

Response from Host, Jan 2023

Kennedy...we are always glad to make accommodations. I know how excited you were to be on the river and I'm thrilled your aunt was amazed at the beauty of the canyon. It never disappoints.

Ryan the best person

Lisa_D, Nov 2022

Our guide Ryan was awesome. He was very knowledgeable and friendly. My children loved him. He was like part of our family and he made everything fun. There should be more open people like Ryan in this world and people you hire. He was also very positive through out the day and overall just a good vibe a very good person with a wonderful soul

Response from Host, Dec 2022

Lisa, Ryan is great with guests of all ages and loves entertaining the kids. Hopefully they enjoyed a super soaker battle while they were out there. Thank you for leaving such a wonderful review.

Our guide Aaron was...

Christina_F, Nov 2022

Our guide Aaron was great! Beautiful peaceful kayak trip. Great get away from the hectic part of Vegas on a trip out here for the day

Response from Host, Dec 2022

We love having guests break away from the glitz of the LV strip and enjoy the peace and serenity that the canyon offers. It is an amazing way to experience the other side of Vegas...the great outdoors!

Great experience but we...

Lam_C, Nov 2022

Great experience but we thought we might go through the cave as the pictures showed at the advertisement. However our tour person, Kaytlyn is awesome and very nice and friendly 😀 Thanks again Kaytlyn for your experience.

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