Emerald Cave Kayak Experience with Optional Las Vegas Shuttle

4.9 (1,721 reviews) Las Vegas, USA
Duration3h
Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before
Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away
TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
LanguagesEnglish, Spanish
Group sizeUp to 48 travelers
Pickup offeredSee the meeting and pickup details below

Overview

Experience Emerald Cave with one of the original guided kayak tours on the Colorado River, backed by more than 20 years of experience exploring Black Canyon near Las Vegas. You’ll paddle from Willow Beach through dramatic canyon scenery to the famous Emerald Cave, discovering historic sites, scenic stops, and wildlife along the way—not simply kayaking to the cave and back. With expert guides, premium touring kayaks, personalized instruction, and a relaxed pace, you’ll enjoy a comfortable, memorable Black Canyon adventure whether it’s your first time kayaking or you’re an experienced paddler.

Options

4 hours, Lunch, Self-Drive

Duration: 4 hours: Four-hour Premium Emerald Cave Deluxe Experience with a catered deli lunch
Catered Deli lunch: Includes chips, a cookie, a pickle, and choice of deli sandwich. Gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian options available.

Hotel Pickup & Hoover Dam Tour

Sight See At The Hoover Dam: On your drive down to the kayak launch site you will stop at the Hoover Dam Bypass bridge, and drive on top of the Dam.
Duration: 7 hours: 1-1.5 hours drive time each way depending on traffic, 1 hour at the Hoover Dam, 3-3.5 hours of tour.
Hotel Pickup: Pick up is from Mandalay Bay, Venetian, and Bellagio.
Pickup included

3 Hours: Hotel Pick-Up Option

Duration: 6 hours: 1-1.5 hours drive time depending on traffic, 3-3.5 hours of tour, and 1-1.5 hours return drive back depending on traffic.
Hotel Pick-Up: Pick up is from Mandalay Bay and Bellagio.
Pickup included

4 Hours, Lunch, Hotel Pick-Up

Catered Deli Lunch: Includes chips, a cookie, a pickle, and choice of deli sandwich. Gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian options available.
Emerald Cave Deluxe : Four-hour Premium Emerald Cave Kayak Experience with lunch and hotel pick-up from the Las Vegas Strip
Pickup included

3 Hours: Self-Drive Option

Duration: 3 hours: typically 3-3.5 hours in the canyon
Self-Drive: Do not use ride share as there is no cell reception at the meeting point to book your return ride to Las Vegas

What's included

  • Hoover Dam Bypass Bridge Scenic Stop (If option selected)
  • Guided Emerald Cave Kayak Tour through Black Canyon
  • Cold
  • Snacks
  • Expert, Extensively Trained Certified Guide
  • Premium Touring Kayaks, Paddles & Life Vests
  • Round-Trip Shuttle from Select Las Vegas Strip Hotels (if option selected)
  • Transportation (unless option selected)
  • Gratuities
  • National Park Fee (included w/transport; not included w/self-drive or without transport option)

What to expect

• Meet your guide at Willow Beach, Arizona, for a safety briefing and gear fitting with
premium kayaks, paddles, and life vests.
• Paddle through the Black Canyon along the Colorado River, enjoying towering cliffs
and desert scenery.
• Paddle past historic 1920s sites that shaped the desert southwest and explore
canyon passages.
• Reach Emerald Cave and back your kayak into the glowing waters for an
unforgettable photo opportunity.
• Stop at scenic viewpoints along the way for photos, snacks, and rest.
• Return to Willow Beach at a relaxed pace, guided by some of the most extensively
trained guides in the region.

Operated by Evolution Expeditions, one of the original Emerald Cave tour companies, ensuring a safe, smooth, and memorable adventure for all skill levels.

  1. Willow Beach
  2. The Colorado River

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

Please meet us at the Paddle craft launch beach 30 minutes before your tour start time to meet your guide and get fitted with life vests and boats. Tours will begin promptly at their scheduled start time. The Paddle Craft Beach is the first beach on the left as you first come down to the water.

End point

Please meet us at the Paddle craft launch beach 30 minutes before your tour start time to meet your guide and get fitted with life vests and boats. Tours will begin promptly at their scheduled start time. The Paddle Craft Beach is the first beach on the left as you first come down to the water.

Pickup details

***Pick up times from Las Vegas hotels are 90-110 minutes before the tour start time***
Venetian - 120min before...THE PICKUP LOCATION IS OUT THE FRONT DOOR AND TO THE RIGHT OF MAIN ENTRANCE.
Bellagio - 110min before... THE PICKUP LOCATION IS AT THE RIDE SHARE TOURBUS PICKUP AREA DOWNSTAIRS.
Mandalay Bay - 100min before THE PICKUP LOCATION IS ON THE BEACH LEVEL OUTSIDE AT BENCHES.
(e.g. Pick up times for an 11:00 am tour are as follows: Venetian 9:00am, Bellagio 9:10am, Mandalay Bay 9:20am).

Please be courteous to other participants and promptly show up on time at the tour bus area or launch location provided on the confirmation email. Please have your cellular phone on and available. Shuttles generally arrive back to Las Vegas Resort & Hotels between 90 and 120 minutes after the kayak tour ends. Shuttle times vary with traffic.

Additional information

  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • 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!
  • If you select self drive option, 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 110 minutes before, Bellagio 100 minutes before and Mandalay Bay 90 minutes before your tour start time
  • Message us if you need a 2XL or larger life vest

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Reviews

4.9 (1,721)
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  • You'll choose your date and travelers and pay on viator.com. Prices vary by date, group size and option.
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