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 - 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
4,984 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
A Must While in Vegas!
Raechelle G,,Feb 12, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00A fantastic way to get off The Strip while visiting Vegas! The Emerald Cave Tour with River Dogz was a 5-star experience from start to finish. Communication was excellent from booking through pickup, including clear instructions on what to bring and timely updates when our launch time changed due to weather. Everything was handled smoothly. Our guide, Michelle, was amazing—friendly, knowledgeable, and so easy to talk to. She shared great information about kayaking, Lake Mead, and the Emerald Cave, and even took fantastic photos of our group along the way. Water and snacks were provided, and there’s a marina store if you want extras. Highly recommend this tour if you’re looking for a memorable outdoor adventure near Vegas!
Fun Day On The River
HyloAT,,Feb 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The view on the river was very pretty. Our guide, Ryan, was warm and inclusive, and made our trip fun and interesting. He took the time to provide kayaking instructions and tips for those new to kayaking. Emerald Cove is a small part of the trip, but worth seeing.
Great experience....
Gavi H,,Feb 9, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great experience. Michelle was interesting, informed and made sure we were having a good time. When we requested kosher food she was able to accommodate. Not too hard at all
Get out of Vegas and enjoy breathtaking nature!
Explorer47609267192,,Feb 8, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was a 10/10 outstanding excursion! If you are looking for something to do outside of Vegas while you're visiting, this is the perfect way to spend a gorgeous day in nature! Our guide, Ryan, was fantastic...patient, accommodating, helpful, and full of groan-worthy dad jokes! This time of year gave us absolutely gorgeous weather in the 70s, and coming from ice and snow, it was especially nice. As a travel advisor, I will be recommending this tour to my clients for sure! (Note: This might not be the best trip in 110-degree summer heat, because there is no shade on the river... but then again, you could keep yourself splashed with the cool water!)
Awesome Day!
Robert F,,Feb 8, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great day at the river. Unexpected fun and scenery. Highly recommend this excursion. The wife and I got separate kayaks and had a blast!
Great times!
Linda H,,Feb 8, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Loved it! Gabby was awesome! Very knowledgeable and patient. Beautiful scenery! Great get away from the usual Las Vegas doings!
Jessica through River...
Laura K,,Feb 6, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Jessica through River Boyz was a great tour guide! Very knowledgeable and personable! Highly recommend!
INCREDIBLE
lpacheco725,,Feb 6, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.0010/10!!! Unreal experience!!!! Michelle was AWESOME!!!! The views were incredible! Would do it again in a heartbeat!!
A Must Do
Daniel M,,Feb 5, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This a must do experience. Great way to get off the strip and have fun. Highly recommend. Our guide Julia was great from start to finish
Great kayaking adventure
690kimberlyj,,Feb 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Wonderful day kayaking on the Colorado River in February with our super friendly and helpful guide, Michelle. She gave lots of interesting commentary along the way, and took some great individual pictures that she forwarded of us, too. Michelle also picked us up and dropped us off at our hotel. It was an awesome experience that we will always remember. River Dogz does a super job accommodating individual skill levels, and we highly recommend this tour.
From US$99.00
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