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 Las Vegas Boulevard South, Las Vegas United States
Options
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)
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
Reviews
4,965 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
A must do experience!
Mariam S,,Jan 24, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00An amazing experience and Michele our tour guide was an absolute delight. She picked us up and we had a great time. She took amazing pictures and explained everything to us. It was my first time kayaking and she turned me into a pro by the end. She has e tremendous knowledge of bird life and the history of the river, I truly had a great time.
The company River dogs...
Jill L,,Jan 21, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The company River dogs was very easy to work with. After looking at the weather, they allowed us to change our day at the last minute. Preston was an excellent guide.
Perfect day trip
RebeccaJones222,,Jan 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We booked onto this trip as an alternative day trip from Vegas having already done the Grand Canyon. The pick up from Aria was efficient and on time. We were kept up to date prior to the trip. The kayaking was great fun. Our guide Michelle was fantastic. We were given lots of information about the towns we drove through and about the wildlife once on the river. Having only been kayaking a handful of times the kayaking was easy. Plenty of great snacks on offer throughout the trip. In addition Michelle took lots of pictures throughout the trip for us which were sent later in the day. Highly recommend this trip. I had no wet shoes but was fine just going bare foot.
A must do when visiting Vegas
Rio N,,Jan 9, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Visiting in the winter was a risk we were prepared to take to take, and it was so worth it. The sun shined, it was the perfect day and we had a great time. Preston was very knowledgeable, kept it light and fun and made everyone feel comfortable. We would recommend this to all our family and friends.
Kayaking fun!
DanielleK2157,,Jan 6, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Michelle, our tour guide was so friendly and knowledgeable! Not only great at giving good kayaking tips but also fun hearing about the area and hover dam! Was a fun group of people too. Highly recommend this tour! Half day was just the right amount for my mom but I think I could have gone longer it was so much fun and lots to see. Yummy snacks provided too.
Michelle was absolutely...
Jennifer T,,Jan 5, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Michelle was absolutely amazing. Fun, friendly, informative. Made all of us feel safe and confident. Weather was perfect. Other staff that helped load and unload was friendly as well.
Go for it!
O8883JKbethm,,Jan 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our family enjoyed the trip so much. Even though it was January and overcast it wasn’t that cold. Not a lot of kayakers during this season which made our trip faster as far as road traffic and going in the cave. Our guide, Ryan, was fantastic, He was so patient and very friendly. When I booked the trip, we didn’t know that we will be hiking to an elevated spot which showed us an awesome scenic lake. I recommend RiverDogz in booking this trip. They are very professional and kept on communicating via text and email.
Great experience
Kathy V,,Jan 3, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great guide. And experience. Safety first and great. Granola bars and chips and water of plenty.we hit a picture perfect day weather wise.
RiverDogz and our guide Preston fantastic!
AnnaMaria C,,Jan 3, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great exoerience!! Wonderful day spent on the Colorado River! If you're worried about rowing for a couple hours, don't worry, it's calm and easily navigated. Our guide Preston was knowledgeable and a pleasure to kayak with! It was a little overcast the day we went, so Preston stopped at the river gaugers property and timed us to get into the cave at the perfect time! The sun came through the clouds and the crystal green water simmered amazingly! Its was a nice calm day in late December and the weather was perfect for it! Highly recommend RiverDogz for this tour, they did not disappoint!!
Beautiful and worth it.
Peter A,,Jan 1, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00What’s great experience. This was peaceful, beautiful and Preston was a great tour guide. Great views and worth every penny.
From US$99.00
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