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Black Canyon Kayak at Hoover Dam Day Trip from Las Vegas

Boulder City, United States

From $260.80

Select Date and Travelers

Non-refundable
You will not receive a refund if you cancel.
Las Vegas Tours
All Las Vegas Tours
Audio Guides
Kid-Friendly
Likely To Sell Out
Unique Experiences
  • 12 hours (approx.)
  • Pickup offered
  • Mobile ticket
  • Offered in: English

Overview

Leave the neon lights of Sin City behind during this relaxing full-day guided kayak excursion on the Black Canyon section of the Colorado River. This paddling trip, which navigates several miles of placid water close to Hoover Dam, is great for kayakers of all experience levels. During your trip, stop to explore idyllic riverside beaches, caves, canyons, and hot springs. Your kayak guide also points out local wildlife, hidden inlets, hiking spots, and historical sites along the way. The trip also includes all necessary kayaking equipment, river permits, and safety lesson, lunch, bottled water, snacks, dry bag for personal items and round-trip hotel transport.
  • Get great views of Hoover Dam, the engineering marvel that lights up Las Vegas and much of the West
  • Stop to explore canyons, caves, hot springs, and beaches along the Colorado River
  • Paddle under a historic gauging station, built to measure the river's water flow
  • All kayak gear included with expert instruction, a great trip for beginning or experienced kayakers

What's Included

  • All necessary equipment (life vest, helmet, kayak)
  • Permit (non-refundable once booked)
  • Professional guide
  • Safety and paddling instruction
  • Lunch, bottled water and snacks
  • Dry bag for personal belongings
  • In-park transportation
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Gratuities

Meeting And Pickup

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

Meeting point

  • Desert Adventures
    1647 Boulder City Pkwy suite a, Boulder City, NV 89005, USA

Pickup points

Select a pickup point

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Pickup details

Pick up from your Hotel is generally between 5:30 and 6:00am. We will call you the day before to give you a more exact pick up time. If guests do not require a hotel pick up, they can choose to meet us at our shop in Boulder City.

What To Expect

Start the day with an early morning pickup from your hotel in Las Vegas, continuing to the kayak center where you meet your guide and get your necessary gear for the trip. Once you’re ready to go, jump in your transport and head to the base of Hoover Dam, walking 1,100 feet (335 meters) down to the kayak launching point. You also clear a security checkpoint where you are asked to show a government-issued photo ID.

Receive a short safety lesson and paddling tips from your guide before setting off. The trip paddles through mostly calm water, though it can occasionally be bumpy depending on the weather. Rest assured that your boat is designed for maximum stability, includes safety gear and has rudders to assist with turning.

Soon after you set out, arrive at a great photo location with fantastic sightlines back to the Hoover Dam. Snap a few shots and then follow your guide towards the next landmark at Sauna Cave, where you can take two optional short hikes. The easy trails here trace their way through a slot canyon, leading to hot springs for swimming and relaxing. For those that skip the hike, take a break on the riverbank amidst the beautiful scenery until the group returns.

Take a break for a picnic lunch situated on a secluded beach. Once you’ve fueled up, continue paddling to your next sightseeing stop at Emerald Cave, along with a historic tramway and a station once used to measure the river’s flow rate. A nearby trailhead offers more hiking depending on your group’s progress.

Finish your trip at Willow Beach, where you rendezvous with a van that transports you back to Las Vegas. Bathrooms and refreshments are available at the beach’s marina. Bid farewell to your group and guide as you head back to your hotel, arriving in the early evening.

Please note: you must provide your exact name as it appears on your government-issued ID (passport or driver’s license) at the time of booking. The local operator will use this information to obtain the required permits. The tour cannot be confirmed without this detail.

Additional Info

  • Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
  • Important: In order for the local operator to obtain the necessary permits for this tour ALL traveler names must be provided as they appear on a government issued ID such as a driver's license or passport. Your tour will not be confirmed unless all names are provided.
  • Please note once reservation is confirmed the local operator is required to purchase a launch permit (USD $31.80). This is non-refundable.
  • All travelers MUST bring a government issued ID on the day of the tour
  • A hearty boxed lunch is included. Our sandwich options are: Ham, Turkey, BLT, PB&J, or Chef Salad
  • Please refer to Viator's cancellation policy.
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Not recommended for travelers with back problems
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
  • Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 10 travelers

Cancellation Policy

This experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If you cancel or ask for an amendment, the amount you paid will not be refunded.

  • This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
  • This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.

Traveler Photos

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Featured review
Doris_O
Antonio was an excellent guide. He was very knowledgeable of the Black Canyon and the Colorado river; and he made it a very pleasant and safe experience. He was very patient and great company. I would definitely recommend this tour if you’re looking for a relaxing peaceful and beautiful outdoor experience.

Reviews

5.0
150 reviews
Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews
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Reviews by Viator travelers.
Showing 1-10 of 150 reviews
Great adventure to get out of the city!
Philip_G, Nov 2022
This was a Beautiful river adventure with a personal and humorous guide named “Gabriel”! Included was a delicious sandwich on the river, snacks, and even a few side hikes and excursions to get out of the kayak. Fantastic memories like that emerald water were my wife’s favorite part of our trip to Nevada.
Response from Host, Dec 2022
Hi Philip! We're so glad you had a great time and lasting memories on the river with Gabe! We hope you can join us again soon!
Perfect trip Oct 17,2022
Lynnette_P, Oct 2022
The day was perfect. Beautiful scenery. Antonio our guide was so knowledgeable and fun to be with on our 12 mile trip. The lunch was great and the kayaks and equipment were in good shape. Would recommend a October trip with weather and temp being perfect.
Response from Host, Oct 2022
Hi Lynette, Thanks for the props! WE are so happy that you enjoyed your trip. We will pass it on to Antonio. We hope to see you again.
A wonderful day on the river!
Simon_T, Sep 2022
A truly wonderful day on the river! All the staff at Desert Adventures were so friendly, helpful and accommodating. Good communication before the trip and we were picked up at the exact time from a Las Vegas strip hotel by one of the guides Gabe. Our river guide was Neil, he was great fun, and he knew so much about all the geology and nature of the area and took great care with all health and safety procedures. We couldn’t have asked for a better guide. Stunning scenery, crystal clear water and so peaceful and quiet. The hiking to the hot springs was easy and the springs were very hot and just amazing. A couple of windy areas gave us some hard kayaking but with Neil’s encouragement we got through it. A whole day’s paddling is a good work out! Plenty of stops along the way for drinks and snacks and photos and a big tasty packed lunch. Recommend wearing a pair of training shoes you don’t mind getting wet, we were provided with 2 dry bags so there was plenty of room to store and keep dry our rucksack and essentials on our kayak. We had never Kayaked before so were very apprehensive of doing this trip but are so glad we did it and so glad we did the full day, it was the highlight of our Las Vegas holiday. Thank you to all at Desert Adventures.
Awesome kayak experience
Wayne_D, Sep 2022
This is one of the most memberable experiences as it pertains to Hoover Dam. Neil our guide was awesome and very knowledgeable, helpful, and an absolute pleasure to be to get to know.
Response from Host, Sep 2022
Hi Wayne, We are glad that you enjoyed your trip with Neil. You will carry the memory of the dam and the canyon forever. We hope to see you again soon!
Fantastic day
Sebastian_C, May 2022
I had a great day on the river thanks to my guide, Antonio he was knowledgeable on anything asked and had a real love for what he was doing! Would recommend this tour.
Response from Host, May 2022
Hello! We are glad to hear that you had a great day on the river with Antonio. We hope you tell all of your friends and also that you come see us again. We appreciate the review!
Awesome!
Bridgitte_W, Mar 2022
Our guide Luke was amazing; friendly and knowledgeable. The trip was just fun and unbelievably beautiful. I was a first -time kayaker and it was totally do-able. I will say that it is really important to wear good shoes for hiking, not just basic water shoes, as there are a lot of slippery areas during the small hikes. Thanks for an awesome day!!!
Response from Host, Mar 2022
We are so happy to hear about your amazing adventure and good job on trying out something new. We hope you adventure with us again!
Great time
Jaime_S, Mar 2022
Amazing experience with great stories. Water was flowing at a good pace and the lunch was fantastic. I would recommend this trip to everyone.
Response from Host, Mar 2022
Hi Jaime, We're glad you had a great time and hope you come back again soon!
Great time kayaking on the Colorado
Warren_m, Dec 2021
We were picked up and dropped off at our hotel. This made it convenient as we didn't have to deal with driving in the traffic congestion. We launched at the base of Hoover dam, we were the only ones on this tour so it made it even more personable. Gabe our guide was very knowledgeable in local fauna, geology, and history. We made 4 stops one was st a mine with a hot spring the interior was really neat with the mineral deposits. The second and 3rd stops were at hots springs with short easy walks at each of our stops. We didn't bath in the hot springs as the air temp was mid 40s. We were the only ones on the river for the first 9 miles till we almost reach our final destination. We highly recommend doing the tour with Dessert Adventureas they were very responsive to our needs, thanks Gabe for a great time.
Response from Host, Dec 2021
Warren, we're so glad you had a great time exploring our hidden gems with Gabe! We hope you can join us again soon!
A MUST DO!!
Jenna_C, Sep 2021
Sara , our tour guide, was top notch!! From the passion for her job to the unbelievable knowledge she has about the outdoors, this trip truly could not have been better. Beautiful landscapes, beautiful weather, peaceful 12hour voyage…. Amazing!!!
Response from Host, Sep 2021
Hi Jenna, We're so glad you had an amazing time! We hope you can join us in the future for another adventure!
Best trip ever
Duglas_A, Sep 2021
Lunch Time haha I just can say that it is a unique experience You will find many places to explore during the trip and many memorable moments that you will remember for a long time.
Response from Host, Sep 2021
We're glad you had a great time! We hope you come back for another adventure!
The best
Megan_S, Sep 2021
Gianni and Kristen were awesome! They really care about their jobs and if you are having a good time. We had a wonderful time. Book it you won’t regret! Number one best thing out of our trip to Vegas together.(husband and I)
Response from Host, Sep 2021
We love Gianni and Kristen too! We're glad you had a great time and hope you come back!
Kayaking and Hiking Adventure not to be missed!!!!
Melissa_S, Aug 2021
This was such a fantastic adventure! Hiking Boy Scout Canyon was our favorite part of the trip. Sauna Cave and Rainwater Cave were also amazing! I would recommend this to anyone looking for an adventure traveling to the Vegas area!
Response from Host, Aug 2021
Hi Melissa, We're so glad you had a great time. We hope you can join us again the next time you are in the area!
Great day
TimothyJ, Aug 2021
The guides, Sara and Luke are real people. Sara gets so excited just seeing little parts of nature. Luke loves the outdoors and knows his job. We never kayaked before but we felt very safe. It’s better than the dirty Vegas Strip. They picked us up right from our hotel lobby and dropped us all safe and sound. This was the best experience we have had in a long time.
Response from Host, Aug 2021
Hi Timothy, We're so glad you could join us on an adventure! We hope you come back again soon!
It was fantastic! Sarah our guide made it a great day!
Kimberlee_B, Aug 2021
Scenery and beautiful calm clear water. Very little wind and at times the current gave us a push. Sarah’s knowledge of the lake and boating skills helped us “ first time kayakers “. We loved the experience and plan to do it again.
Response from Host, Aug 2021
Kimberly, We're so glad you had a wonderful trip. We hope you join us for your next adventure!
Great experience for a family
Bobbie_L, Aug 2021
This was a fantastic excursion for our family. Our guide, Anthony, was so knowledgable and helpful! He took us to some beautiful areas along the river. The lunch provided was great and kept our energy up! At the end of 12 miles we were tired but extremely satisfied with what we accomplished!
Response from Host, Aug 2021
Hi Bobbie, We're so happy you enjoyed the trip. We hope you can join us again in the future!
Best kayak trip ever!
Bill_H, Jul 2021
Awesome group to book with. Picked us up and returned at our hotel. Very knowledgeable and fun guides. Gianni is the best!!
Response from Host, Jul 2021
Hi Bill, Good to hear that you had a good time. Please come visit us again for an another adventure!
Definitely recommend this trip!
Haley_G, Jul 2021
We had a fantastic time on our tour. Our tour guide, Gianni, was very knowledgable and brought us to all the sites we wanted to see. He was friendly, personable, and prepared. They will teach you and guide you on everything before you set off. This tour is completely worth it. You get views that you wouldn't see any other way. The river is stunning and the hot springs are so cool! We definitely would recommend booking this experience.
Response from Host, Jul 2021
Hi Haley, We are so glad that you enjoyed your river time with Gianni. Maybe you will come see again sometime...we hope so!
Beautiful and adventurous
Micah_J, Jun 2021
Launching from the Hoover Dam was terrific! The short hikes we took along the way were outstanding. Just enough kayaking and hiking to make a great tour. Our tour guide George was fantastic. Very knowledgeable about the area and the Hoover Dam. Good equipment and good lunch provided. This was the highlight of our vacation.
Response from Host, Jun 2021
Hi Micha, Great to hear! I will pass your comments on to George and hopefully you will tell your friends about the trip and you will come adventure with us again soon.
Amazing day
Todd_L, Apr 2021
What an amazing experience! This is a first class operation from beginning to end. From the time you are picked up in the morning until the time you get dropped off at night, the entire team makes you feel right at home. Our guide, Gianni, was phenomenal. Next time we are out in Vegas we will be looking him up for another adventure. He went above and beyond all day long. His knowledge of the area is unparalleled. He takes on little hikes throughout the trip. Some of these were so cool, and you’d never see them if you didn’t have him there to show you. I could go on and on, but it was truly a great day and more than worth every penny. If you’re looking to try something a little different while in Vegas, give this a look!
Response from Host, Apr 2021
Hi Todd, Thanks for the kind review. We love to show our guests the hidden treasures and look forward to taking you on another amazing adventure. Gianni is one of our faves as well. See you soon!
Just amazing
Elizabeth_B, Apr 2021
Very enjoyable trip ! Amazing scenery the views are breathtaking! The hot springs were among my favorite! The lunch was very good ! I am so happy I booked this trip and I would do it again !!!
Response from Host, Apr 2021
Hi Elizabeth, We are happy to hear that your trip was amazing! It is definitely a special place on the river to get to experience all of the hot springs. We love the lunches too and they come from a local diner. We hope to see you again the next time you are out here!!
Wonderful kayaking experience
Josephine_R, Apr 2021
It was great. Our tour guide was knowledgeable and was able to guide us through winds. We are so glad we had a tour guide for this experience. Thank you!
Response from Host, Apr 2021
Hi Josephine, You are very welcome! We are glad you enjoyed your day and you are a superstar paddling getting through the wind!
Serenity and Beauty
Doris_O, Apr 2021
Antonio was an excellent guide. He was very knowledgeable of the Black Canyon and the Colorado river; and he made it a very pleasant and safe experience. He was very patient and great company. I would definitely recommend this tour if you’re looking for a relaxing peaceful and beautiful outdoor experience.
Response from Host, Apr 2021
Hi Doris, We are happy to hear that you had an amazing time. Antonio is ones of our favorites too. We hope to see you on another adventure soon!
Highlight of the vacation
Kate_H, Oct 2020
Trip was well planned with nothing left to chance. Our guides were skilled and very knowledgeable about both the kayak experience and general information about the river and history. The lunch was very good. Drop off and pick up was on time. Lots of fun and would recommend to a friend.
Response from Host, Oct 2020
Hi Kate, Great to hear. We love sharing our knowledge with great guests like you! We hope to adventure with you again soon.
Outdoor Adventure
Lateshia_R, Aug 2020
This is one of thee best kayaking experiences I had being a beginner. Mahan is a excellent tourist. He was fun, knowledgeable, and showed us various site and shared many stories during our journey. I would recommend anyone to tour this if you love 💘 nature.
Response from Host, Aug 2020
Tamika, We are so glad to hear you had a great time. We think Mahan is pretty awesome too! We hope you join us again in the future!
Must do experience
Rohit_P, Aug 2020
Staff and trip was amazing! All the staff was very helpful from the checking in, all the way to actually doing the kayaking on the river. They treated us like family!
Response from Host, Aug 2020
We are so glad to hear you enjoyed your trip! We look forward to paddling with you again in the future!
Awesome experience
Michael_P, Oct 2019
For the outdoor adventurer this is a must destination event. Spend the extra for the guided tour. The views are spectacular. 10 stars if I could.
Response from Host, Oct 2019
We are happy to hear you had a great time with us! See you again soon!
Amazing Kayak Trip
Gbluzy335, Jul 2019
Bob picked us up, was extremely nice and professional, we got a little history of the area as they took us to pick up the kayaks, Tom was our river guide and he was organized, professional and was very cool, We kayaked approx 12 miles but with frequent breaks it was not hard, Tom took time to show us some of the most amazing terrain you could imagine, got to enjoy some hot springs and the most beautiful emerald water, this trip was all around wonderful!!! Thank you Black Canyon Kayak
Response from Host, Jul 2019
Thank you so much for your review! We are glad to hear about your amazing day and hope to see you back again soon.
Perfect!
Kim_F, Jun 2019
We could not have had a better time kayaking the Black Canyon. Great outfitters and guide! We will never forget it! Had so much fun!
Response from Host, Jun 2019
We love to hear how much fun our guests have had on the river! Thank you for coming out with us and playing in the Black Canyon!
Awesome
Erica P, Sep 2018
Beautiful trip! Awesome guide! Would do it again in a heartbeat! Looking forward to the multi day trip
Amazing Kayak Adventure
LaurieAnne_H, Aug 2018
Antonio made our kayak trip down the Black Canyon a memorable experience for us. He was knowledgeable, courteous, answered all of our questions and really took care of us during our journey! I would highly recommend this trip to see Black Canyon and have a chance to paddle the Colorado! Loved the hot springs hikes, saw big horn sheep up close, and had a fabulous lunch on the beach! And of course, got to experience Emerald Cave! An amazing day of adventure! Also loved the hotel pick up/drop off part of this trip and thanks to Neil for taking care of us for that part!
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Black Canyon Kayak at Hoover Dam Day Trip from Las Vegas
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