Emerald Cave Kayak Tour with Lunch & Las Vegas Shuttle Option
Overview
Available languages
7 hours
Mobile ticket
Paddle 4–6 miles on a guided tour through stunning Black Canyon, exploring hidden historic sites and the iconic Emerald Cave, with the chance to swim at a secluded beach. Your experience includes a delicious deli-style lunch, stories about the canyon’s colorful past, and options for either self-drive or seamless shuttle pickup from select Las Vegas hotels. With crystal-clear Colorado River waters, incredible photo opportunities, and top-rated guides, this adventure is perfect for nature lovers and anyone wanting a longer, fully-supported outdoor escape.
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 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 To Expect
On this guided kayak tour, you'll paddle 4–6 miles along the Colorado River through the towering volcanic walls of Black Canyon, with crystal-clear emerald waters beneath you. Enjoy a gourmet, health-conscious lunch on a remote beach while spotting wildlife like bighorn sheep, bald eagles, and great blue herons. Located about an hour from the Las Vegas Strip in the Lake Mead National Recreation Area, the tour begins at Willow Beach with a safety briefing from your certified guide, and is perfect for both beginners and experienced paddlers—transportation options are available.
What‘s Included
Bottled water
External Hoover Dam Tour (If option selected)
Snacks
Lunch
Single or Tandem Kayak, Paddle, Life-Vest
Guided Kayak Tour
Hotel pick-up and drop off from select hotels (if option selected)
Gratuities (Optional)
Hotel pick-up and drop off (If self-drive option selected)
External Hoover Dam Tour (if option not selected)
National Park Fee (included w/transport; not included w/self-drive or without transport option)
Pickup points
Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino
3950 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas United States
Bellagio
3600 Las Vegas Blvd S Las Vegas United States
The Venetian Resort
3355 Las Vegas Boulevard South, Las Vegas United States
Options
Shuttle Pickup Option
Lunch Included: Includes deli-style lunch
Pickup included
Self Drive Option
Lunch Included: Includes deli-style lunch
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: 8 hours: 1-1.5 hours drive time each way depending on traffic, 1 hour at the Hoover Dam, 4-4.5 hours of tour.
Hotel Pickup: Pick up is from Mandalay Bay, Venetian, or Bellagio
Pickup included
Reviews
742 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Turning 60 on the river
charlesdL599YA,Apr 13, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Being on the Colorado river with Chelsea was incredible…not only did we paddle through gods country…but having a guide treat us like family was the icing on the cake. We can’t wait to do the long trip.!
Great trip
jocelynr444,Apr 10, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I had a wonderful time. The paddle was relatively easy and Calvin was a great guide. 100% would go again.
Would highly recommend this tour with Jeff
linda777777,Apr 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We went to Vegas for my hubbies 50th and this is the trip that stands out for us the most for the whole time we were there.Was so relaxing and we found out a lot of history about the area.Lunch was delicious.Jeff our guide was absolutely fantastic and Emma too .He was so knowledgeable and give great advice to us all in the group.I would highly recommend this guy if you choose to do this deluxe tour.From your 2 Irish friends.Phil and Linda 😊
Outstanding experience
Thomas E,Apr 7, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We had the best experience on this expedition. The organisation was perfect, regular contact throughout, pickup on time, 2 great friendly and knowledgeable guides, Jeff and Emma made this our greatest experience. So friendly and patient, we had such a laugh, having never used a kayak before the instructions were clear, simple and the kayaks were brilliant, food was great, even went for a swim after lunch and as promised the river took our breathe away for the first few seconds but shortly after it was such a nice swim, we got back into the kayaks and wanted to swim again, would highly recommed this 🏊♂️. Followed by a casual row back we kind of started a massive water fight which im sorry but I definitely won 🤪 as we approached the shore where we started Jeff gave a great speech that really touches your heart and makes you understand that even with all the entainment available, a great trip through mother nature can bring you peace and sometimes thats all you need ❤️ Thank you evolution expeditions, this memory will never be forgotten. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ From your Troublesome 2 from England UK Tom senior and Tom Junior 🤪🫶✌️
The wind blew
James S,Apr 6, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00Don’t go on a windy day. Not the fault of the operator but the wind made the paddle and particularly the entrance to the cave a difficult and potentially dangerous situation. Many needed to be pulled I by guides. Many capsized. On A calm day this would be great. Our guide was great.
Fun in the sun!
Putjer,Apr 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had an excellent experience with Evolution Kayak Tours. Octavio was our guide and he was both very knowledgeable and entertaining, which made the entire trip even more enjoyable. The scenery was incredible and a refreshing change from the lights and sounds of Las Vegas. It was a unique sightseeing experience and well worth it. Lunch and snacks were provided from Jason’s Deli, which was a nice touch. As someone who is gluten sensitive, I really appreciated that the chicken salad was served separately from the roll without me even having to request it. Overall, everything was well organized and professionally run. We had a great time and will definitely be booking another trip with Evolution Adventure Tours in the future.
Calvin is the man!!!
keoneb2026,Mar 30, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Had an amazing time out on the beautiful emerald water but wouldn’t be possible if it wasn’t for our very knowledgeable guide, Calvin! From beginning to end giving us a history lesson of the area and narrating the entire excursion. Can tell there’s passion behind what he does and loves the opportunity to be out there in meeting new people from all over. Super grateful we had him as our guide and all the stories that were shared. Such a fun adventure and couldn’t have asked for better weather!
Best guide ever!
heatherfJ3740SK,Mar 30, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Faith was a great guide! She had a lot of great stories about the history of the areas we visited and the native flora and fauna of the area. We had a lot of fun and enjoyed a great time kayaking with her!
Great Time!
Z5641DSdougk,Mar 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great Time. Guides were really fun. Beautiful scenery. We had Ryan and Octavio.
Amazing tour!
Z5696DNkelseyb,Mar 13, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had an amazing time! Would 100% recommend Evolution Expeditions! Great time and awesome views. Calvin was awesome so fun and knowledgeable!
From US$162.00
Want a private experience? Upgrade to a private tour
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