Emerald Cave Kayak Tour: Scenic Paddle with Optional Shuttle
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 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 Double Kayak
Includes Snacks, fruit & water
Double kayak
Meeting Point: Mandalay Bay Hotel - Valet Pick-up area, Lower Level
Pickup included
With Shuttle Single Kayak
Includes Snacks, fruit & water
Single 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
2,862 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great experience
Christopher L,,Feb 19, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00It was an amazing experience on a cold day in February. Our guide Kwame was great. He was informative and made the trip more memorable.
Emerald waters were mesmerizing
Michelle S,,Feb 15, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The kayak company was professional, fun, and kept everything moving smoothly. The emerald waters glowed under the sun, serine experience, and the scenery is gorgeous. Justin, our guide, was very friendly, informative, and patient with the whole group. Super fun, would definitely do again and recommend.
A relaxed pace, amazing views tour
KevinGreen N,,Feb 12, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00An absolute must! Amazing views, all at a relaxed pace. Our guide, Juston, was brilliant, knew his stuff regarding the area and also Kayak safety. Thank you Juston, you made a great day, an amazing day *****
Great experience!
nataliamD6554GM,,Feb 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great tour!! Amazing guide and exactly as described!
Such a fun experience!
Autumn W,,Feb 12, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This experience was great. We did the self-drive option from Las Vegas, and it was a scenic, short-feeling drive! Robbie, or tour leader was great. He provided excellent info about how to navigate the kayak (we had no previous experience), and the sweeping views were just majestic. Now, the "Emerald Cave" midway point of the tour was actually kinda anti-climactic (or maybe it was just cloudy overcast when we went?). Not negative by any means, just a smidge "underwhelming" compared to how awesome simply kayaking on the river was. 10/10 would recommend and definitely plan on doing this tour each time I come to Vegas. NOTE: Bring a water bag for your electronics! Water definitely splashes into the kayak, and my phone got some water on the inside. But it's recovering nicely.
Amazing views, nice tour guide
Trinity F,,Feb 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I really enjoyed! The nature views were beautiful it was quiet and peaceful, it wasn’t cold but it wasn’t too hot either! Me and my hubby enjoyed every moment of this!
Perfect day
Kimberley M,,Feb 10, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We had the best time on our Kayak tour with Justin. He really made our day good fun and was very informative. It felt like we were hanging out with a friend. We would highly recommend this tour. Snacks and water were provided. I would recommend some water shoes or crocs that you don’t mind getting wet but you don’t necessarily need them as you can go without shoes. Don’t forget your sun cream. You won’t be disappointed booking this trip.
Great escape in nature from Las Vegas
AEBTokyo,,Feb 8, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We took our 20 year old son on the three hour Emerald Cave kayak cruise. Our guide, Jayden was very informative and friendly. The trip was quite easy, calm waters. Clear instructions and interesting facts about various plants and the history of the area. The cave itself was very small, don’t expect to be going through a cave, it’s more like a cove. The water is clear and stunningly green. We had a lovely day out and would recommend.
Pretty area to kayak
Brian,,Feb 8, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Very friendly and accommodating provider. Best to time trip for a 11 or 12 tour as the "cave" emerald effect is all about the suns angle being exactly right to cause reflections of the naturally green riverwater in this small hollow.
It’s definitely worth...
Theresa J,,Feb 7, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00It’s definitely worth going once. This time of year is prob best as you have to wait to get into the small cove. During high usage time the wait could be quite long but at least you could swim in warmer weather. Our guide always quite knowledgeable and friendly. The cove itself is cool but as said- small. We had a good time
From US$89.00
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Operated by Las Vegas SUP Kayak Club