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
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
2,880 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
#RiverDayWithRobby
JustJimbo92,Mar 8, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Robby was really insightful and engaging. He took care of us out on the water (and always, to be fair). I really recommend this kayaking tour for a pleasant afternoon’s activity with some stunning scenery.
Must try activity while in LV
Erick L,Mar 8, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Awesome kayaking out on the Colorado River, Jonny was an awesome guide. Shuttle to and from Mandalay bay to the Kayak launch included, don't forget your NP pass to save $15 entry fee!
Perfect day.
Todd T,Mar 4, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00You're feet will get wet, wear water shoes...........................................................
Just Do It!
Dianne F,Mar 4, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This was an amazing way to spend the day. Great guide (Robbie) he was awesome. Funny, knowledgeable, great with people. We loved every minute of it. Just DO IT!
It was awesome! Robby was...
Beth M,Mar 3, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00It was awesome! Robby was a great tour guide. The river was beautiful. Robby had great knowledge of the area. He made it fun.
Unique and perfect experience!
JustinC4019,Mar 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Best guide in town. Very great historical knowledge and very interesting. We highly recommend it!
Robby was fantastic! He...
Victoria D,Mar 1, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Robby was fantastic! He was incredibly knowledgeable and made the whole experience fun and enjoyable. You can tell he truly loves what he does, and it made the tour that much better. We had an absolute blast out on the water. Highly recommend booking a guided kayak tour with him — we’d definitely do it again!
Beautiful day
PierreYves G,Mar 1, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Perfect day with my family and our guide Kwami was just great! I recommend this activity to all!
Book this tour!!
Keontia C,Feb 28, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Kwame was an excellent guide. On the shuttle over he told us information about multiple sites we passed. Most importantly he is an extremely safe driver (we chose the shuttle option). It was our first time Kayaking, 46 years old and 66 years old, and because of his instructions and commitment to making sure we knew what to do, one might think we’d been doing this for years! Icing on the cake is he’s a professional photographer. We could focus on enjoying ourselves while Keame captured THE ABSOLUTE BEST PHOTOS EVER! This was one for the books!
Fun kayak experience....
Jonathan A,Feb 28, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00Fun kayak experience. Making the cave the focus is a bit misleading, since it was the least impressive part of the trip.
From US$89.00
Want a private experience? Upgrade to a private tour
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Operated by Las Vegas SUP Kayak Club