Private Tour
Emerald Cave Kayak Rental - Self Guide Colorado River
Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
Paddle high-quality Wilderness Systems kayaks that are meticulously cleaned after every use, with fresh vests and hygienic gear to ensure complete comfort and safety. The team’s commitment to personalized service means you get premium support, plus all the essentials—paddle, vest, dry bag, phone case, and sun hat—set up for your self-guided Colorado River adventure. This rental is perfect for those seeking both independence and peace of mind, exploring the emerald waters and scenic beauty of Black Canyon on their own terms.
Additional Info
Service animals allowed
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
There will be an extra charge if you have used the kayak over the rental duration, depending on the option you choose.
MUST complete online risk waiver 1 day before event or forfeit event with no refund
We do make reasonable accomodations for individuals with disabilities, please contact us so that we may better guide you with options.
Not recommended for travelers exceeding 260lb / 118kg / 18st
Not recommended for travelers taller than 6'8" / 2.03m / 203cm
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Experience the beauty of the Black Canyon at your own pace with a self-guided kayak rental from EZ Kayak. Paddle along calm, emerald-green waters, explore quiet coves, and relax on scenic beaches along the Colorado River. While you’ll be using the same high-quality gear as our guided guests, there is no guide with you—this is an independent adventure. Perfect for confident paddlers, photographers, and anyone wanting more flexibility and freedom on the water. **Please note: This is NOT a guided tour. If you’re looking for a narrated experience with a certified guide, please return to our main Guided Tours page.** **Rental rates are per person, not per kayak. Rentals must be used by the same guest for the full duration. No sharing, swapping, or transferring between guests is permitted. A tandem kayak is for two paying guests sharing one kayak. Each guest must have a paid reservation and be listed on the official manifest.**
What‘s Included
Use of Kayaking equipment, paddle, life vest, bilge pump, waterproof phone case, and sun hat.
National Park Fee (included w/transport; not included w/self-drive or without transport option)
Options
11:00 AM - 4 Hour Kayak Rental
Duration: 4 hours: Enjoy a self guided kayak rental (NOT a Tour) - allows enough time to visit
Emerald Cave
Single or Tandem Kayak: Rental rates are per person, not per kayak. Rentals must be used by the same guest for the full duration.
Best Value Guaranteed: All items you need are included: kayak, vest, paddle, dry bag, sun hat, waterproof phone case, snacks, and bottled water.
8:00 AM - 4 Hour Kayak Rental
Duration: 4 hours: Enjoy a self guided kayak rental (NOT a Tour) - allows enough time to visit Emerald Cave.
Single or Tandem Kayak: Rental rates are per person, not per kayak. Rentals must be used by the same guest for the full duration.
Best Value Guaranteed: All items you need are included: kayak, vest, paddle, dry bag, sun hat, waterproof phone case, snacks, and bottled water.
12:00 PM - 3 Hour Kayak Rental
Duration: 3 hours: Enjoy a self guided kayak rental (NOT a Tour) - might now allow time to visit Cave, for other options see 8-11am start times.
Single or Tandem Kayak: Rental rates are per person, not per kayak. Rentals must be used by the same guest for the full duration.
Best Value Guaranteed: All items you need are included: kayak, vest, paddle, dry bag, sun hat, waterproof phone case, snacks, and bottled water.
10:00 AM - 4 Hour Kayak Rental
Duration: 4 hours: Enjoy a self guided kayak rental (NOT a Tour) - allows enough time to visit
Emerald Cave. 10AM Start time
Single or Tandem Kayak: Rental rates are per person, not per kayak. Rentals must be used by the same guest for the full duration.
Best Value Guaranteed: All items you need are included: kayak, vest, paddle, dry bag, sun hat, waterproof phone case, snacks, and bottled water.
9:00 AM - 4 Hour Kayak Rental
Duration: 4 hours: Enjoy a self guided kayak rental (NOT a Tour) - allows enough time to visit
Emerald Cave
Single or Tandem Kayak: Rental rates are per person, not per kayak. Rentals must be used by the same guest for the full duration. 9AM Start time
Best Value Guaranteed: All items you need are included: kayak, vest, paddle, dry bag, sun hat, waterproof phone case, snacks, and bottled water.
Reviews
57 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great Experience
jaymO93CR,Mar 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We recently took a self guided tour with EZ Kayak. The owner Gio contacted soon after we booked the trip to provide useful information about our trip. Gio was very responsive and was easy to communicative with. Gio met us in the parking lot with a smile and a wealth of information about our trip. Our trip was self guided but Gio guided us through the first half of the trip imparting various knowledge of the river and it's surroundings. Gio supplied us with snacks, hats, waterproof containers for our phones, nice kayaks and paddle. The river provided excellent scenery and was an easy paddle both up and back on the river. Gio met upon our return to the launch with a smile. I highly recommend EZ Kayak.
Round of Applause for4 EZ Kayak Tours
rafowleraz,Mar 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Superb! Very professional, yet immensely friendly and helpful Their equipment is first rate Their instructions to kayakers concise, understandable and readily followable THEY CARE and it shows Had a fabulous day
Great family fun!
cindycK6050VK,Mar 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The team was very informative and detailed as to where to go, safety instructions, and provided everything we needed to make our experience more enjoyable. We appreciated the extras, dry bags, phone protectors, snacks and plenty of water. All we needed to do was show up and have fun! We saw beautiful scenery, clear water and had a relaxing family experience! I would highly recommend this trip!
Amazing Experience, Highly Recommend
Mari M,Mar 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We absolutely loved this wonderful experience which was even more than we expected! EZ Kayak certainly did make it EZ with thorough instructions, snacks and attractive comfortable kayaks. We anticipated the cove to be beautiful, but hadn't realized the banks of the entire 2 miles back (easy paddle downstream) were also glowing green. Mother Nature at her Best and EZ helped make it happen.
One more activity before the vacation ends.
Michael G,Mar 13, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I had recently read an article about Emerald Cove and, coincidentally, my wife and I had a Vegas getaway scheduled. It seemed like the perfect opportunity to add one more activity to our trip before returning home to Phoenix. After booking with EZ Kayak online, Gio reached out and provided us with all the information we needed. We met David the next day at the river and he had the tandem kayak we requested all ready to go. Not only was the kayak ready, he also had a bag of snacks and bottles of water for us. We chose to do the self guided tour as we needed flexibility with our schedule. David gave us great directions before we left the shore, so we feel like we kind of had a guide after all. I’m glad I came across the article that inspired the trip and I’m glad I came across EZ Kayak as they made it stress-free and enjoyable. Highly recommended.
Our guided tour with...
Malina H,Mar 8, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Our guided tour with David was great. Ez kayak really went above and beyond to make sure everyone had what they needed to have a great experience. From providing snacks, sun hats, and water proof cases to interesting commentary on flora and fauna. I would highly recommend and would do it again.
Awesome Kayak Service
jimbT5302DA,Feb 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00EZ Kayak is an absolutely great company to use to experience the emerald caves. Gio was very thorough in booking the trip, preparing us for the meeting spot and staying in touch as the day approached. Upon arrival David was early and ready for us. The kayaks were sized right for each of us and in great condition. They also provided a small snack bag, waters and they had any other supplies we may have needed. We brought our own, but they had water cases for our phones, a wet bag for our stuff and even a sun hat if needed. I thought that was going the extra mile. Finally, even though we only did the kayak rental without a guide, David met us on the water for a great pic. I would highly recommend renting or getting a guided tour with them.
Incredible and natural experience
maurianev2025,Sep 24, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We took a kayak tour with my friend, accompanied by Don and David our two really great guides. The experience was so pleasant that we even went back several times! The manager is very kind, the scenery is beautiful, the temperature perfect to enjoy, and above all, the team pays close attention to our safety while taking the time to explain well. We had a great morning, to the point of returning three times. An experience I highly recommend!
Kayak Rental
Tulip L,Sep 3, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Don was so great and made us feel comfortable and fun 😊 he gave us a helpful lesson to paddle and provided snacks. I would definitely bring my family back again and again. Thanks for the experience Don!
Great day on the river!
Z4835WJtraceyw,Sep 1, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had the best experience kayaking! We rented two tandem kayaks and Don had our kayaks supplied with cold water and snacks in a cooler. He even had clean hats for us to use since two of us forgot ours. We will tell all our our friends to use EZ Kayak.
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