Emerald Cave Kayak Tour: Scenic Paddle - Vegas Shuttle Available
Overview
Available languages
6 hours
Mobile ticket
This 3-hour guided kayak tour is ideal for all skill levels, covering a scenic 4 to 5-mile roundtrip journey from Willow Beach to the magical Emerald Cave—complete with a stop for snacks, swimming, and a brief hike. Tours are small-group and led by experienced guides, giving plenty of attention whether paddling solo or with friends, and wildlife sightings are common along the Black Canyon’s dramatic volcanic cliffs. For added convenience, optional shuttle service from Mandalay Bay means stress-free transport and park entry is included with the shuttle package, making it an easy and memorable adventure just outside Las Vegas.
Additional Info
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Specialized infant seats are available
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Maximum weight limit is 300lb/person
What to bring? Hat, sunglasses, sunblock, water shoes, comfortable clothing, swimsuit (under clothes)
It's a family friendly group activity, NO ALCOHOL OR SMOKING ALLOWED
Only service animals are allowed on this tour with SELF-DRIVE option only
Please note that if you bring any electronics with you during the tour, it is highly recommended to bring a waterproof case
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
We provide bottled water, bananas and granola bars - if you have any food allergies or sensitivities please bring your own snacks
Round Trip Transportation from the Mandalay Bay Hotel (if 'With Shuttle' option selected)
Professional kayak tour guide
Single or double kayak and life vest
Round-Trip Transportation (if SELF-DRIVE option selected)
National Park entry is free for kids, NPS card holders and military; For adults it is
If you meet us at the launch site, National Park charges a $25 entrance fee per vehicle.
Natinal Park Entrance is FREE with NPS Card, Millitary ID, Veteran ID and kids under 16.
Meeting and Pickup
Pickup points
What To Expect
Embark on a 3-hour, 5-mile round-trip kayak tour of the stunning Black Canyon. Start your adventure at Willow Beach, where your U.S. National Kayak Champion guide will prepare you for an unforgettable day. This small-group tour, limited to just 12 paddlers, ensures personalized attention as you explore the canyon’s beauty. Paddle through Black Canyon and keep an eye out for Desert Big Horn Sheep and Bald Eagles. Your first stop is a one-mile upstream historical overlook, offering breathtaking views of the legendary Colorado River, with a 5-6 minute hike included. Learn about the river's historical significance from your guide, then conclude your tour with a visit to the enchanting (and very insta-worthy) Emerald Cave. Fun and adventure are guaranteed—book your Emerald Cave kayak tour today!
Options
With Shuttle Double Kayak
Includes Snacks, fruit & water
Double kayak
Meeting Point: Mandalay Bay Hotel - Valet Pick-up area, Lower Level
Pickup included
Self-Drive Double Kayak
Includes Snacks, fruit & water
Self-Drive Single Kayak
Includes Snacks, fruit & water
With Shuttle Single Kayak
Includes Snacks, fruit & water
Single Kayak
Meeting Point: Mandalay Bay Hotel - Valet Pick-up area, Lower Level
Pickup included
Reviews
2,802 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Zen is the best! We highly recomend this trip to anyone wanting to get away from the strip and see the outdoors.
Trae C,
Oct 29, 2025
- Viator
5.00Great trip! Zen was the best guide ever! Easy pick up, awesome paddle and views and easy drop off. We will definitely book this again next time we are in Vegas.
Great adventure aside the strip
Eric B,
Oct 28, 2025
- Viator
5.00Great experience and excellent guide Had so much fun The water was very cold but we had a sunny day so it worked out great
This trip was amazing!...
Patricia B,
Oct 28, 2025
- Viator
5.00This trip was amazing! Jonny was our tour guide he did a fantastic job from pick up to drop off. Definitely would recommend this trip to friends.
Such an amazing and...
Brooke P,
Oct 27, 2025
- Viator
5.00Such an amazing and scenic adventure. Johnny was an amazing guide and very easy to talk to. He provided tons of information about the site and showed us some beautiful wildlife that I might have missed myself. He also helped us capture perfect group photos. The experience overall was well worth it and a great way to escape the las vegas craziness
Overall enjoyable, a little too long.. "emerald cave" underwhelming
Anthony M,
Oct 26, 2025
- Viator
4.00Overall the trip was fun and a nice break from the strip. Positives: Our tour guide Kwame was great- friendly and personable, not too tourguide-ish. He took the time to memorize the names of the 10 or so people on the trip and asked us conversational questions about our backgrounds. The river and surrounding scenery was gorgeous and we even stopped a small beach and did a short and easy walk to the top of a small hill with a great view. Negatives- The 4 hours of kayaking was a bit too much time on the water for my wife and I, although the kayaking conditions were not difficult. There were several other similar tour groups doing the same route as us and we ended up having to wait about 30 minutes outside the cave until other groups ahead of us took their turns going in. The cave itself was kind of cool but underwhelming. The water was an emerald green color, but at a certain time of day that constantly changes depending on the position of the sun apparently the whole cave turns emerald green from refection of the sun off the water. Kwame informed us on that particular it would be around 2 hours after we were there. He even alluded to the fact on the way to the cave that the "journey is more important than the destination" for our tour. I would recommend this tour if you don't mind kayaking for 4 hours and enjoying the scenery without having high hopes to be dazzled by the emerald cave, unless the tour ends up getting to the cave at the magic hour for that day.
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Operated by Las Vegas SUP Kayak Club