Colorado River Kayak Tour: Emerald Cave small group

Glide past Black Canyon cliffs spotting bighorn sheep on a small-group kayak tour

You drive to Willow Beach, get fitted with a kayak and life jacket, and paddle calm Colorado River waters to Emerald Cave, spotting wildlife and swimming in hidden coves along the way. The tour is self-guided, so you control the pace and stops. A few hours total, beginner-friendly paddling, no experience required. Just moderate fitness and comfort on the water.

Step-by-step itinerary

Self-guided kayak tour to Emerald Cave

• Drive to Willow Beach Marina
• Choose single or tandem kayak
• Start kayaking on Colorado River
• Glide through calm waters
• Explore hidden coves
• Reach Emerald Cave
• Enjoy panoramic canyon views
• Spot bald eagles and bighorn sheep
• Take swim breaks in river

The experience

You drive straight to Willow Beach Marina, about forty minutes southeast of Las Vegas, and that's where the paddle starts. Your launcher (wearing a bright green Venture Out Vegas shirt) gets you fitted into either a single or tandem kayak, checks your life jacket, and points you toward the water. The Colorado River here runs calm and clear, the kind of flat surface that lets you actually relax instead of fighting current. From there it's a few hours of steady paddling through canyon walls that climb higher the farther you go, and then you're at Emerald Cave, where the water inside the cave mouth glows that impossible green when the sun hits it right.

The whole thing is self-guided, which means you set the pace and stop whenever something catches your eye. Most people paddle for a bit, then pull into a cove to swim and cool off. The river water is cold but not shocking. Along the way you'll see bald eagles perched on the rocks and if you're quiet, desert bighorn sheep picking their way down the canyon walls. The scenery does the heavy lifting here. You're paddling through red rock and shadow, and the only sound is water and your paddle. It's not strenuous (the water is beginner-friendly and the distance is manageable in a morning or afternoon), but you do need moderate fitness and a willingness to be on the water for a few hours straight.

The kayak, paddle, and life jacket are all included, so you show up and paddle. If you're traveling with someone, the tandem option means you're in one boat together, which changes the rhythm of the day. Solo paddlers get their own rhythm. Either way, you're on the Colorado River near Las Vegas without the noise of a guided group, which is the whole point of this setup.

What’s included

• Your day includes kayak rental, paddle, and life jacket. You drive yourself to Willow Beach Marina, where a launcher in a bright green Venture Out Vegas shirt meets you, fits your gear, and sends you onto the water. The rest (paddling, swimming, wildlife spotting, and timing) is yours to control. No guide paddles with you.
• you set the pace and choose your stops.

Options for this experience

2 options

Self-DriveGuide in English · 09:30, 11:30 and 13:00

Includes round-trip shuttle pickupGuide in English · 10:00Includes pickup

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 09:30, 10:00, 11:30 and 13:00

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (18 to 75 years) · Senior (76 to 95 years) · Youth (12 to 17 years) · Child (3 to 11 years) · Under 3: can't be booked

GroupUp to 20

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 10 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Paid on siteUS$ 25

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Moderate physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Venture Out Vegas

Is this one for you?Right for solo paddlers, couples, and small groups who want Colorado River scenery without a crowded guided group. Expect a few hours on the water at a steady pace. That's what gives you time to reach Emerald Cave, swim, and explore without rushing.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (12 to 17 years); Child (3 to 11 years). Children under 3 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How far is Willow Beach Marina from Las Vegas?

About forty minutes southeast of Las Vegas.

Do I need kayaking experience?

No. The waters are calm and beginner-friendly. You need moderate physical fitness and comfort being on the water for a few hours.

What's included in the tour?

Kayak, paddle, and life jacket. You do not pay separately for these.

Can I go alone or do I need a partner?

You can choose a single kayak or share a tandem kayak with a partner. Both options are available.

Will I see wildlife?

Yes. Bald eagles and desert bighorn sheep are commonly spotted along the canyon walls.

How long does the tour take?

A few hours total, depending on how many stops you make for swimming and sightseeing.

Is there a guide with me the whole time?

No. This is a self-guided tour, so you paddle at your own pace and choose where to stop.

Can I swim during the tour?

Yes. Most paddlers pull into coves to swim and cool off in the river.

What should I know before booking?

The tour is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, pregnancy, or poor cardiovascular health. Travelers over 290 pounds should call ahead. You'll need moderate fitness to paddle for a few hours.

What do I wear?

Wear clothes you don't mind getting wet, water shoes or sandals, and bring sunscreen. The life jacket is provided.