Emerald Cave Express Kayak Tour with Scenic & Historic Stops
Overview
Available languages
3 hours
Mobile ticket
Enjoy a quick, expertly guided paddle from Willow Beach to the stunning Emerald Cave and Black Canyon, with just 12 guests per guide for a personalized touch. This express tour is perfect for beginners or groups, featuring photo ops at scenic overlooks, historic river sites from the 1920s, included snacks, and opportunities to spot wildlife like bighorn sheep and bald eagles. Top-tier equipment, professional guides, and the option for large group bookings make it a standout adventure just a short drive from Las Vegas.
Additional Info
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.
What‘s Included
Bottled water
External Hoover Dam Tour (If option selected)
Snacks
Certified Guide
Kayak Tour
Use of Kayaks, paddles and life-vest
Round-trip Transportation from 3 hotels (if option selected)
Transportation (unless option selected)
Gratuities
National Park Fee (included w/transport; not included w/self-drive or without transport option)
Meeting and Pickup
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
What To Expect
For those seeking spectacular scenery, the Emerald Cave Express Kayak Tour is the perfect adventure. This tour, starting at Willow Beach, Arizona, is ideal for both beginners and advanced paddlers. Paddle past historic sites from the 1920s era that helped shape the desert southwest and explore the Black Canyon narrows. Back your kayak into the Emerald Cave for an unforgettable photo opportunity, all while enjoying a 4-mile journey on the Colorado River.
Options
Hotel Pick-Up
Pick up is from Mandalay Bay and Bellagio.
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.
Pickup included
Self-Drive Tour 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
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
Reviews
1,479 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Well organized. Was...
Angelia M,
Oct 4, 2025
- Viator
5.00Well organized. Was explained everything we needed to know to kayak. Beautiful scenery. Our guide, Jayden was great and gave lots of information about the river. So much fun.
Surf and wind. Watch out.
CARLOS U,
Oct 1, 2025
- Viator
4.00Although no previous experience is needed, the distance to the cave is very long and with the return you end up with exhausted arms. There was a lot of wind on the return, which makes it difficult to return. The guide had to tie us to his kayak to return.
Jeff was a great guide!...
Sharon R,
Sep 26, 2025
- Viator
5.00Jeff was a great guide! This was our first kayaking experience and we really enjoyed it!! I would do it again!!
Our tour guide made the experience. Jeff has a beautiful outlook on life and has a real passion for his work.
Autumn C,
Sep 6, 2025
- Viator
5.00A three hour experience with a very informative tour guide. He took us throughout the emerald cave while telling us all about the nature and the history. We are from out of town this was for my birthday and it was 100% worth the hour drive from Vegas. Tour guide provides snacks and will take you on a hike. The water is beautiful I wouldn’t have had our experience any other way. Jeff is amazing.
Ray, our guide, was...
Mikenzie M,
Sep 1, 2025
- Viator
5.00Ray, our guide, was great! Nice and easy trip to the cave and back. Intermittent stops to enjoy the water and some of the scenery. Would go again!
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Operated by Evolution Expeditions