Half-Day Emerald Cave Kayak Tour with Optional Hotel Pickup
Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
Experience the dazzling beauty of the Colorado River with a guided kayak tour through the picturesque Black Canyon and into the breathtaking Emerald Cove. Paddle crystal-clear waters, marvel at towering canyon walls, and relax in the serene glow of this hidden grotto—an unforgettable highlight of your Las Vegas getaway. Perfect for nature lovers and adventure seekers, this tour includes snacks, bottled water, and convenient hotel pick-up, with a self-drive option also available. Discover why kayaking Emerald Cove is one of the top outdoor adventures near Las Vegas. Book your Black Canyon kayak tour today and make incredible memories just minutes from the Strip!
Additional Info
Service animals allowed
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Please be advised hotel pick-ups commence 60-90 minutes before the posted departure time
Most days, tours fill up but in the event minimum numbers are not met, you will be offered another date or offer a full refund
Emerald Cave is not a paddle through cave but more of a grotto style.
By booking a tour, you assume all risks of your participation in this activity, whether known or unknown to you, including travel to and from the Activity or any events incidental to this Activity. You also agree to the release of images/video for the operator to use at their discretion
National Park entry fee is only included with HOTEL PICKUPS, NOT SELF DRIVE!
Please advise your kayak preference in the Special Requirements field at the time of booking (single or tandem)
Weight limit is 260 lbs
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Willow Beach Marina
Begin your kayak adventure at Willow Beach Marina, where you’ll paddle the clear waters of the Colorado River surrounded by stunning desert scenery. Guided and suitable for all skill levels, this tour promises an unforgettable outdoor escape just outside Las Vegas. Experience the beauty of the river and its dramatic canyons, an absolute highlight for both new and seasoned paddlers.
Colorado River
Immerse yourself in the breathtaking scenery of Black Canyon as you kayak along the emerald-green waters of the Colorado River, framed by soaring cliffs and striking desert landscapes. This guided paddling adventure offers a peaceful escape into nature, perfect for all skill levels. Discover the hidden beauty of Nevada’s wilderness just outside Las Vegas on this unforgettable outdoor experience.
What‘s Included
Cold, premium bottled spring water
All Safety Equipment
National Park Entrance Fees (Hotel pickups only)
A variety of tasty snacks including an array of granola and protein bars, a wide variety of chips, and fresh fruit!
Kayak Tour in Single (1 person) or Tandem (2 person) Kayaks
Pick-up and drop off from select hotels (if option selected)
Hotel pick-up and drop off (if self-drive option selected)
Lunch
National Park Entrance Fee (Self-drive only)
Gratuities
Pickup points
Excalibur Hotel & Casino
3850 S Las Vegas Blvd Las Vegas United States
Aria Resort & Casino
3730 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas United States
Options
Kayak Tour - Hotel Pickup
Hotel Pick-up Time: Pick-up is approximately 90 minutes prior to listed launch times
Kayak Size: Please advise your kayak preference in the Special Requirements field at the time of booking (single or tandem)
Pickup included
Kayak Tour - Self Drive
Hotel pick-up is NOT included: You must make your own way to the departure point via rental car. There is no cell reception to arrange your return ride
Kayak Type: Please advise your kayak preference in the Special Requirements field at the time of booking (single or tandem)
Reviews
5,123 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Time Worth Spent off the Strip
Kltri,May 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00The kayaking was a great experience. Our guide, Zander, was very knowledgeable about the wildlife on the river, and pointed out rams, ducks and birds. Also, the history of the area. He made sure everyone was comfortable with how to use the oars and mechanics for sitting in the kayak. We stayed together on the river. Once in the cave he played a wooden flute and it was very serene and apropos for the experience. The location for the Uber to drop off and pick up were not easily accessible. Clearer instructions would've been helpful.
Amazing kayak adventure
rominaa776,May 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was an amazing experience. Hailey was a fabulous tour guide. Full of energy and great at showing us how to kayak correctly and safely. She aso took pictures of our groups in the Emerald cave and sent them to us which was awesome. I really appreciated the beach stop and the amazing variety of snacks and fruit as well as the bottles of water. It's also great that River Dogz has items for sale like waterproof carriers and sun shirts since you can forget these on vacation.
Fun with friends would love to bring my children back for another adventure
T581BOmichellep,May 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great day out of vegas would highly recommend it was fun and beautiful scenery the kayaking was very well organised and felt very well looked after
Kayaking trip
Wanderer26511592336,Apr 30, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had an amazing experience. The guide was very knowledgeable of the area.
First trip in the Colorado
Miranda F,Apr 30, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Absolutely worth the trip! Water shoes are smart and so is sunscreen but be ready to have an amazing time!
Great adventure with beautiful scenery
T8732SDnaomia,Apr 29, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was a great tour with beautiful scenery along with a very knowledgable tour guide that was always happy to help. I had a wonderful day.
Best decision in Vegas!
732kendallm,Apr 29, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Absolutely my favorite thing I did in Vegas. I cannot recommend this tour enough!!! The views are absolutely breathtaking and our guide Michelle was incredible. From the beginning instructions on making kayaking easier, to snack providing, picture taking and all her knowledge of the wildlife and surrounding area she made the trip so enjoyable. Don’t hesitate, just book it!
Kayaking to Emerald Cove
liamsH9087DC,Apr 29, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Absolutely fantastic day kayaking. We had Ryan as our guide and he was just incredible. From picking us up at Aria through the whole drive to Willow Beach, he was informing us about everything along the way and clearly explained how the day would run. On the water everything was so organised and was allowed to comfortably paddle at a speed that suited each person. The experience is one I would highly recommend doing and we are likely to do it again when we return again it was that good! Ryan was also great with videoing a proposal video for my fiancè and I. All in all it is a an incredible experience and well worth the value.
Exciting & scenic kayaking adventure
586deirdrew,Apr 28, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My husband & I did this kayaking tour for our anniversary & had so much fun! It was windy & overcast but our guide, Ryan, still managed to get some wonderful pics with the emerald green water. Ryan was funny & informative. I am not confident on water but I felt safe & looked after, especially watching how Ryan went out of his way to rescue people in other kayaking groups. Great exercise, gorgeous scenery & I really appreciated the organization, planning, snacks & great pics supplied at no extra cost. I will be recommending RiverDogz & Ryan to friends & family. Thanks again!!
Kayak tour to the Emerald Cave
mlooney77,Apr 28, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Haley was our guide. She was awesome from start to finish! I highly recommend Riverdogz!
From US$99.00
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