Kayaking Emerald Cave from Las Vegas: Hoover Dam & Black Canyon

Sunlight turns the water green inside Emerald Cave, a small mountain cutout you paddle straight into.

Kayak the Colorado River from Willow Beach through Black Canyon to Emerald Cave, a full-day activity from Las Vegas with hotel pickup, expert guide, lunch and Hoover Dam sightseeing. You'll paddle calm, clear waters past desert wildlife, stop at scenic and historic sites along the canyon, and eat a catered lunch on a river beach before returning to the Strip.

The experience

The day starts with pickup from Venetian, Bellagio or Mandalay Bay hotels, then a stop at the Mike O'Callaghan–Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge for panoramic Hoover Dam views nearly 900 feet above the river. From there you head to Willow Beach, Arizona, where your guide walks you through a beginner-friendly kayaking orientation before you launch onto the calm, clear Colorado River in a single or tandem kayak.

You paddle through the towering walls of Black Canyon toward Emerald Cave, where sunlight can illuminate the water in brilliant shades of green. Along the way you explore scenic and historic stops, watch for bighorn sheep and bald eagles, and hear stories about the Colorado River and the canyon's history. The guide photographs you throughout the day and hands over the photos at the end.

Midway through, you pull onto a scenic river beach for a freshly catered lunch at a leisurely pace. After eating, you continue exploring the Colorado River before paddling back to Willow Beach to finish. The whole outing runs about six hours from hotel pickup to return, backed by guides with more than 20 years of river experience.

What’s included

• Entry to the Hoover Dam facility.
• bottled water and snacks.
• a freshly catered riverside lunch.
• certified guide in English.
• premium touring kayaks, paddles and life vests.
• complimentary photos taken by your guide throughout the day.

Information

Lasts 6h, runs every day at 10:00 and 11:00, from US$ 264.35 per person, with a live guide in English and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesEvery day except Friday: 10:00Friday: 10:00 and 11:00Another time? ›

GroupUp to 24

Live guideEnglishOther languages ›

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 4 pickup points.

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (4 and older) · Under 4: can't be booked

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 2 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effort

Operated by Evolution Expeditions

Is this one for you?Six hours from hotel pickup to return leaves room for breakfast before and dinner after, but rules out a second major activity the same day. Choose this if you want a full immersion in the canyon and Emerald Cave without rushing.

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Top questions

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.

What's the Emerald Cave actually like when you paddle up to it?

Emerald Cave is a small cutout of the mountain that serves as a great photo spot. Sunlight can illuminate the water in brilliant shades of green when you reach it, and it's designed as a photo opportunity within the paddle.

Do I need kayaking experience to do this?

No. The activity is suitable for all physical fitness levels, and your guide provides a beginner-friendly kayaking orientation before you launch onto the water.

What happens at the Hoover Dam stop?

You walk the Mike O'Callaghan–Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge for panoramic views nearly 900 feet above the Colorado River, and stop at the Hoover Dam facility for photos and history before heading to Willow Beach to kayak.

Can I choose between a single kayak and a tandem?

Yes. You can specify whether you'd prefer a single or tandem (two-seater) kayak when you book, and the operator can arrange a 2XL or larger life vest if you need one.

What wildlife might I see while paddling?

You may spot bighorn sheep and bald eagles along the canyon walls and river as you paddle through Black Canyon toward Emerald Cave.