Hoover Dam: Black Canyon Raft Tour & Colorado River Swim

Float Past the Dam's Hidden Side on the Colorado River

You float 1.5 hours through Black Canyon on the Colorado River with an expert guide, passing the Hoover Dam's base and historic construction relics. A refreshing swim is included, along with a life jacket, snack, and souvenir bottle. The narrow canyon walls and chance to spot bighorn sheep make this feel less like a tourist box-check and more like an actual river experience, all within minutes of Las Vegas.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each3 stops

1. Colorado River1h 30m
2. Hoover Dampassing by
3. Mike O'Callaghan-Pat Tillman Bridgepassing by

Hoover Dam and Black Canyon tour

• View Hoover Dam from above
• Cross Mike O’Callaghan-Pat Tillman Bridge
• Board raft at Black Canyon
• Float along Colorado River
• Swim in Colorado River
• Spot wildlife and desert plants
• See Old Catwalk and Gauging Station

The experience

So you're standing there looking at the Hoover Dam from the bridge, right, and someone's probably telling you it's the eighth wonder or whatever, but the real thing is happening down on the water. The 1.5-hour raft tour takes you right to the base of the dam, floating through Black Canyon on the Colorado River where the canyon walls rise up around you and you're actually seeing the Old Catwalk and the Gauging Station, these old construction relics still clinging to the rock. Your guide knows the whole story: how they built this thing, what it took, the engineering that still holds up today. You're not just hearing facts. You're drifting past the evidence.

The Colorado River section through Black Canyon is narrow enough that you notice the temperature drop as the walls close in, and the water's that deep emerald green that doesn't look real until you're in it. Most of the tour is gentle floating, which sounds boring until you realize you're actually swimming in the Colorado River itself. There's a stop where you can jump in, cool off, and float for a bit. The guides keep an eye out for bighorn sheep and native birds along the banks. You might spot them, you might not, but the canyon's alive with them. It's the kind of thing where you're not rushing between five stops. You're in one place, moving slowly, taking it in.

The whole thing wraps in 1.5 hours, which means you're back with time to grab lunch or head somewhere else on the Strip. You get a life jacket, a souvenir water bottle, fruit and cookies partway through. It's the kind of tour that doesn't pretend to be something it's not. It's a float down a river past a famous dam, with someone who knows what they're talking about, and a swim thrown in. Book it if you want to see the Hoover Dam from the one angle most visitors never get to.

What’s included

Your tour includes a guided 1.5-hour raft experience through Black Canyon on the Colorado River, a life jacket, a refreshing swim stop, a fruit cup and cookies, and a souvenir water bottle to take home. Expert guides share the history of the Hoover Dam and point out wildlife and canyon features along the way.

Information

Lasts 1h 30m, runs Wednesday to Sunday at 11:00, from US$ 69 per person, with a live guide in English and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesWednesday to SundayDeparts at 11:00Another time? ›

GroupUp to 30

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.2 with pickup ›

AgesAdult (16 and older) · Child (5 to 15 years) · Infant (under 5): free

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.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller-friendlyPets welcomeInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Black Canyon/Willow Beach River Adventures, LLC

Is this one for you?Pick this if you want to see the Hoover Dam from the water instead of from above, and you'd rather not arrange your own river access. The guide handles the history and the route, leaving you free to float and swim.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 15 years); Infant (under 5): free.

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 long is the raft tour?

The tour is 1.5 hours on the water, floating through Black Canyon on the Colorado River.

Can you swim during the tour?

Yes, there's a designated stop where you can swim in the Colorado River.

What's included in the tour?

Life jacket, guided raft experience, fruit cup, cookies, and a souvenir water bottle.

Will I see wildlife?

Bighorn sheep and native birds live along the canyon banks. Spotting them isn't guaranteed but is common.

How close do you get to the Hoover Dam?

You float right at the base of the dam through Black Canyon, passing historic construction features like the Old Catwalk and Gauging Station.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear if you plan to swim, sunscreen, and a towel. The souvenir water bottle is provided.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible, and transportation options accommodate wheelchairs.