Colorado River Full-Day Kayak Tour—12 Miles, Hot Springs & Caves
Overview
Available languages
7 hours
Mobile ticket
This full-day, 12-mile kayaking adventure launches from the base of the Hoover Dam and takes you through the stunning Black Canyon, stopping at natural wonders like Gold Strike and Arizona Hot Springs, secret caves (including the famous Sauna and Emerald Cave), and hidden beaches for swimming and sunbathing. Led by expert guides, you’ll spot wildlife such as bald eagles, falcons, and bighorn sheep, while enjoying a delicious lunch, cold bottled water, and tasty snacks—all gear provided for a seamless, unforgettable river journey. Shuttle service from Las Vegas, permits, and all safety equipment are included for a true once-in-a-lifetime Colorado River experience.
Additional Info
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Service animals allowed
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Minimum age is 8
Children must be accompanied by an adult
Outdoor casual attire recommended
Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
Vegetarian, Vegan, Lactose-free and Gluten-free options available
Please be advised we pick up from Las Vegas about 90 mins before the Launch permit time
Minimum numbers apply. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there are not enough passengers to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative or full refund
Please advise your kayak preference in the Special Requirements field at the time of booking (single or tandem)
Cancellation Policy
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
What‘s Included
Entrance fees (Permits are required through the Bureau of Reclamation)
Lunch
Full-day Guided Colorado River Kayak Tour
All safety equipment
Premium bottled spring water
Wide range of tasty snacks to include five types of granola and proteins bars, a large selection of chips and fruit
Gratuities
Hotel pick up and drop off
What To Expect
Hoover Dam
Make your way to the Hoover Dam Lodge in Boulder City, Nevada, for an unforgettable full-day Colorado River kayak tour. After an early morning launch time, you'll paddle through breathtaking landscapes, explore hidden coves, and discover scenic gems just minutes from Las Vegas. Experience the beauty of the Colorado River while enjoying an outdoor escape that combines adventure and stunning views!
Colorado River
After meeting your expert guide and checking in, you’ll receive a comprehensive safety briefing before taking a short ride down Lower Portal Road, where you'll enjoy stunning views of the Hoover Dam. Launch your kayak into the crystal-clear Colorado River and paddle south, stopping at natural hot springs, shaded caves and scenic beaches perfect for swimming or resting. This 7-hour, 12-mile journey along the slow-flowing river offers breathtaking scenery and a chance to spot local wildlife. Your adventure concludes at Willow Beach Marina, where you can explore the gift shop and restrooms. A fresh, plentiful lunch, snacks and cold bottled water are included for a refreshing and energizing experience!
Options
Please do not remove or map
Colorado River Kayak Tour
Kayak Type: Please advise your kayak preference in the Special Requirements field at the time of booking (single or tandem)
Reviews
39 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Angry Rocks Meets Serene Beauty
T2961OElorin,
Oct 22, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Jessica was enthusiastic, and knowledgeable and I had a serene and educational adventure. It was hard to believe that beyond the volcanic rock loaming such a cool crisp paradise lie. A great way to experience the extremes this environment has to offer.
Best part of our Vegas trip!
BeatrizC742,
Jun 14, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Best day out of our whole Vegas trip! River Dogz made the whole day smooth so that we could just enjoy the river and Emerald Cave. Our tour group seemed to have a mix of beginner and experienced kayakers and this tour was enjoyable for us all. The river was perfect for a hot June day (with lots of sunscreen slathered on), and provided a good chance for a fun workout, peaceful scenery, and cool wildlife sightings. Emerald Cave was small but beautiful, and the two-mile paddle out to the cave was fun and beautiful all on its own. Our guide Derrik was great, super friendly, knowledgeable, and helpful, and he was really good at watching out for everyone and encouraging the group when the wind picked up and paddling got tough. He got some great pictures of our group and the scenery and shared them all, so even though I forgot my phone, I didn't end up needing to take photos myself. We'd definitely do this again next time we're in Vegas! Some tips to consider: 1. Definitely book a River Dogz tour. It's worth it to have a guide along the river and to have a company coordinating all the details and travel (having equipment, plenty of water, and snacks all ready for us, and being able to nap on the ride home after a long day in the sun was very much needed); 2. There is a very well stocked store at the marina that has anything you didn't already pack (sunscreen, water shoes, hats, sunglasses, towels, etc.) 3. Even with sunscreen the sun still got us a bit, so next time I'd pack a larger brim hat with a neck tie (it does get super windy at points) and a long sleeve shirt even on a sunny day; 4. Even inside the kayak it got pretty wet, and since we were allowed to leave belongings in the van if needed, next time I'd probably pack a set of dry clothes to change into for the ride home.
Green grotto glory
Tanya M,
May 10, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The scenery and whole experience was awesome. The green grotto was beautiful and so worth paddling for. Prestan was a very knowledgeable informative and enthusiastic guide.
Beautiful family adventure
Christy S,
Apr 20, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The views were stunning, the guide was fun and shared interesting facts about the Hoover dam. We enjoyed the hot springs and laughed a ton! Highly recommend the full day
A Vegas Excursion you wouldn't expect
laurakB2035IO,
Apr 3, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I did this tour in June of 2022 (the list didn't allow me to select that date) and it was way better than I'd imagine. The van ride itself wasn't too lengthy from the strip and our guide was entertaining and informative. If you've ever dreamt of being in two places at once you can be (Arizona and Nevada). It was a hot 35 degrees Celsius that day but the river water and breeze made it comfortable (pack sunscreen, hat and sunglasses). My best friend and I wanted to do something we hadn't tried before in Vegas and this was just what we needed. It was relaxing and enjoyable but also got a little exercise in paddling. I would recommend and would even try again.
Rowin a boat
karennP6458SF,
Jul 11, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had such a great time! We were lucky to have a really friendly group of strangers together and that only made the experience even better. Preston was wealth of knowledge and such a fun guide. So far, this has been my favorite experience on this vacation - five out of five - will do again!
Epic 12 Mile Kayak Trip on the Colorado
cindymQ6710EY,
Jun 24, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Epic day on the Colorado River. We have been telling all our friends that they need to book this trip. Great communication before the trip. Our guide, Michelle was awesome - very knowledgeable and fun. We were looking at the 4 mile trip and then learned about the 12. I was a little concerned about the distance but we are an active group and the guides said we would be fine and we were. Loved all the stops along the way - natural sauna, 2 hot springs, caves, beaches, coves and canyons. Weather was great 95-100 mid-day. Water is cold but the drips from the paddles felt great. Make sure to bring wide brimmed hats, rash guards and towel to cover legs as it is a lot of time in the sun but if you bring the right gear you can stay protected and prevent getting sun burned. It was a 4.5 hour drive to Boulder City from Scottsdale so drove up the night before, stayed at the Best Western, kayaked 8-4 and were back home by 9:30pm. We did pay $50 to have our car shuttles to Willow beach to save an hour of drive time. Stop at Mister D’s in Kingman for 50’s style milkshake or float on the way home.
One for memories
14darrylls,
Jun 7, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Today for my sister and my 40th birthday we spent an amazing day on the Colorado river Kayaking and exploring the emerald cove. From the start when we booked the activity the communication was precise and to the point for peace of mind. Was met by Bianca jumped in the mini bus and we set off. From the tour itself to the experience and everything in between was amazing and would definitely do it again if I ever returned to Vegas. Thank you Bianca and Riverdogz for a brilliant day.
Resting with Preston
barclay2023,
Jan 8, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Preston was an awesome guide. It was quite a placid tour. I could have stayed longer. A great escape from the sensory overload of Vegas.
Excellent and very worth the time.
Smith123452,
May 24, 2022
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our trip with Michelle on Monday May 16th, 2022 was wonderful. Michelle was most attentive, gracious and informative during every aspect of the trip. We were picked up at the MGM grand on time and provided with a lot of interesting information regarding the terrain during the drive. Communication was excellent for all portions of the trip. The river was beautiful and traversing the calm rivers was a relaxing experience. Michelle made sure we were comfortable, safe and hydrated all throughout the day. This was a highlight of our week long stay in the Las Vegas area. I would highly recommend this fun activity.
Related Experiences
Operated by River Dogz