Emerald Cave Kayak Tour: Scenic Paddle with Optional Shuttle

Overview

Available languages

English

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 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! Water shoes, sandals are highly recommended! Please keep in mind that you will have to step into the water when getting in and out of the kayak.

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.

Pickup points

Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino

3950 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas United States

Options

With Shuttle Single Kayak

Includes Snacks, fruit & water
Single Kayak
Meeting Point: Mandalay Bay Hotel - Valet Pick-up area, Lower Level
Pickup included

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 Single Kayak

Includes Snacks, fruit & water

Self-Drive Double Kayak

Includes Snacks, fruit & water

Reviews

4.87

2,847 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

2600

167

Memorable experience
Barrett N,,Jan 28, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
Great experience, our guide Robby was very knowledgeable and really engaging. I definitely recommend using this company.
Must do kayaking tour
Rivka R,,Jan 26, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
This was the best kayaking experience. Juston was an amazing guide showed us exactly what we needed to do. The water was clear and perfect and easy to kayaking the view was unbeatable. A must do on your vacation!
Fantastic!
Jessica R,,Jan 24, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
Fantastic! Amazing scenery, great guide, plenty of time to take it all in. So glad we did this tour!!
Get out on the water.
Kathy P,,Jan 24, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
A great opportunity to get out on the Colorado River and enjoy the scenery. Juston , our guide, made it fun and he was very helpful when I needed some help getting in and out of the kayak.
Lovely kayaking excursion
Curiosity40185967421,,Jan 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Robby (the guide) was entertaining and funny. The scenery couldn’t be more beautiful. This is truly an “all skill levels” kayaking excursion. Pick up instructions were easy to follow.
Small cave, but great tour
Mark B,,Jan 18, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
The cave is not that deep, but the water is amazing - emerald green. Beautiful trip and a leisurely kayaking tour.
Great time on the river,...
nate M,,Jan 17, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
Great time on the river, Juston was a great guide, very informative and chill with our group! Highly recommend if you’re in the Vegas area!
Fun activity enjoying the...
Kathryn S,,Jan 17, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
Fun activity enjoying the water and wildlife. Our guide Juston was great, very knowledgeable and personable. He made kayaking very easy.
Beautiful Canyon Kayaking
Wesley J,,Jan 9, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
Be prepared for the cool water temperature and the time spent in the sun. Traveling with our guide, Juston, lets you learn more about the history of the area. He was the best on and off the river.
Great for Kayaking in Colorado!
Ayush S,,Jan 9, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00
The cave itself is stupidly small, and it's not a cave-kayak experience. It's a Colorado River experience, but a great one, where you kayak for almost 3hours in the midst of a cool breeze and chilly water. Guides are friendly and give out water + snack bars + take pictures, so awesome.