Top Las Vegas On the Water

Small Group Guided Colorado River & Emerald Cave Kayak Tour

(531)

3 hours 30 minutes

from $88

Emerald Cove sits along the Colorado River and gets its name from the distinctive green light inside the cave—but reaching it independently means sorting out equipment and transport on your own. This half-day rental includes a stand-up paddleboard, single or double kayak, and safety gear, with area orientation included. An optional shuttle with hotel pickup from Mandalay Bay is available to add on, and arriving by shuttle reduces the national park fee at the gate.

Emerald Cave Kayak Rental with Optional Vegas Shuttle

4.8

(262)

6 hoursFree Cancellation

from $79

Leave the hustle and bustle of Las Vegas behind and get up close to the Colorado River on this half-day kayaking tour. Board your shuttle at Mandalay Bay Resort (if option selected) and travel to Willow Beach. Embark on a relaxing 5-mile (8-kilometer) journey through Black Canyon, including a visit to the picturesque Emerald Cave. Enjoy included snacks and water as you take in the natural beauty around you.

Emerald Cave Kayak Tour: Scenic Paddle with Optional Shuttle

(2,959)

6 hoursFree Cancellation

from $89

4.4

(29)

Hoover Dam Sightseeing Cruise on Lake Mead

1 hour 30 minutesFree Cancellation

from $52

Enjoy a perspective of the Hoover Dam that few other visitors get to see—and explore the Black Canyon portion of the Colorado River—on this immersive nature tour. Make your own way to the Hoover Dam from Las Vegas; grab your provided lifejacket, and set off aboard the shared raft. As you float along the river, admire the towering canyon walls, spot wildlife like bighorn sheep, and stop for a refreshing dip.

Hoover Dam 1.5‑Hour Raft Tour in Black Canyon

4.8

(213)

1 hour 30 minutesFree Cancellation

from $69

Experience the serenity of Emerald Cave, a picturesque natural attraction on the Colorado River. This kayaking tour takes a small group max of 13 people paddling up the river with a guide. Stop for snacks and swimming along the way. Round-trip hotel transport can be selected as an option from Las Vegas, or you can make your own way to the starting point by rental car in Willow Beach, Arizona.

Half-Day Emerald Cave Kayak Tour with Optional Hotel Pickup

(5,098)

5 to 6 hoursFree Cancellation

from $109

Swap the neon lights of the Las Vegas Strip for a guided kayaking adventure through the glowing green waters of Black Canyon Narrows on this half-day excursion. Paddle past towering canyon walls; explore Emerald Cave, Echo Cave and Lover's Cave; and discover hidden gems such as secluded beaches, remnants from the Hoover Dam era, and fascinating geological formations. Along the way, snap incredible photos, spot desert wildlife, and enjoy stunning natural scenery.

Adventure awaits! Explore Emerald Cave on a guided kayak tour through Black Canyon’s scenic waters.

Half-Day Emerald Cave Kayak Tour: Triple Cave Adventure

(60)

from $109

Launch from Willow Beach for a self-guided adventure into Black Canyon, paddling calm, emerald-green waters to the luminous Emerald Cave at your own pace. This four-hour outing is beginner-friendly and lets you set your schedule for swimming, spotting bighorn sheep and eagles, or relaxing on the sandy riverbanks. It’s a flexible way to experience the canyon’s natural beauty—no guide, no strict timeline—just pure freedom and breathtaking scenery for any skill level.

Self-Guided Emerald Cave Kayak Tour from Willow Beach

(3)

Get outdoors and explore a spectacular natural wonder—the Emerald Cave—on this kayaking adventure. After setting off from Willow Beach Marina, paddle along the Colorado River past interesting sites such as a 1920’s era government project, the Black Canyon, and finally—the picturesque Emerald Cave. Traveling on a kayak allows you to access remote, hard-to-reach nature spots without the worry of getting lost as a guide takes care of the navigation.

from $75

A bachelor party on tour backing into the Emerald Cave/Cove.

Original Emerald Cave Express Kayak Tour with historic stops

(1,552)

3 hoursFree Cancellation

from $120

Emerald Cave & Black Canyon Kayak Tour with Vegas Pickup

(1,295)

3 hoursFree Cancellation

from $149

If you're looking for a nature break from Las Vegas, spend a day paddling down the Colorado River on this small-group kayak tour that starts from the iconic Hoover Dam. Experienced river guides will get you geared up and ready for the voyage, no matter what your experience level, so you can enjoy the stunning scenery of the Black Canyon. Take breaks along the way at waterfalls, natural hot springs, and a sauna cave.

Hoover Dam Kayak Tour with Shuttle - Hot Springs & Emerald Cave

(145)

8 hoursFree Cancellation

from $199

Trade the Las Vegas lights for a guided 5-mile round-trip kayak adventure to Emerald Cave, complete with canyon views, a fun hike, and laid-back beach time at Willow Beach. Paddle with a group of 12 or fewer, led by experienced guides who make everyone—beginners and first-timers included—feel welcome and safe for an exciting and scenic escape. With kayaking, hiking, swimming, and plenty of time for photos, this 3-hour, all-levels tour is a perfect combination of adventure and relaxation just an hour out of Vegas.

Emerald Cave Kayak Tour with Las Vegas Shuttle – Colorado River

(2)

5 hoursFree Cancellation

from $139

Deluxe Las Vegas Helicopter Night Flight with VIP Transportation

4.3

(5,777)

Las Vegas Helicopter Night Strip Flight Tour with Optional Dinner

1 to 2 hoursFree Cancellation

from $99

Self-Drive Emerald cave Kayak Tour-Guided Willow Beach Paddle

(79)

from $75

Emerald Cave Kayak Rental: Self-Guided Willow Beach Adventure

(113)

3 hours 30 minutesFree Cancellation

from $79

Escape the bustling city streets and experience the magic of Black Canyon on this full-day kayaking adventure through Emerald, Echo, and Lover's Caves. Paddle through hidden inlets, discover wildlife including bighorn sheep and bald eagles, and take an optional hike through the canyon. Midway through, take a break at a secluded beach to swim, relax, and recharge—with snacks!—before continuing your adventure.

Experience a hidden gem of the Colorado River as you kayak through crystal-clear waters and into the famous Emerald Cave.

Full-Day Emerald Cave Kayak Tour: 3 Caves, Hidden Beach, Wildlife

(5)

6 hoursFree Cancellation

from $139

Colorado River Full-Day Kayak Tour: 12 Miles, Hot Springs & Caves

(39)

7 hours

from $199

Combine two iconic experiences in one day: walk the Hoover Dam Bypass Bridge—soaring nearly 900 feet above the Colorado River for breathtaking dam views—before launching kayaks from Willow Beach into majestic Black Canyon. Guided by local experts, you learn about the river’s history, snap incredible photos, spot local wildlife, and enjoy a catered lunch on a secluded canyon beach. The day finishes as you paddle into Emerald Cave, where sunlight transforms the water into a vibrant, emerald green glow—a seamless blend of history, adventure, and natural wonder.

Hoover Dam Walk & Emerald Cave Kayak Combo with Lunch

(8)

5 hoursFree Cancellation

from $264

4.6

(247)

Grand Canyon Helicopter Tour and River Raft or Emerald Cave Kayak

11 hoursFree Cancellation

from $749

This magical 4-mile sunset paddle through Black Canyon Narrows features not only stunning canyon vistas, bighorn sheep, and soaring eagles, but also exclusive exploration of Emerald, Echo and Lover's Caves, with the golden hour light illuminating the clear green waters. As twilight falls, your kayak lights up for a glowing, otherworldly journey home under a vibrant desert sky. With all gear, snacks, juice, and water included, plus top-rated guides and a relaxed, small-group setting, this tour is an unforgettable way to experience the Colorado River’s wild beauty at sunset.

Experience the magic of Black Canyon at dusk.

Emerald Cave Sunset Glow Kayak Tour: 3 Caves, Wildlife & Lights

(8)

from $139

Emerald Cave Kayak Tour with Wildlife, Swim & Shuttle Option

4.7

(64)

from $129

Special Offer

Self‑Drive Emerald Cave Kayak Tour in Black Canyon

(637)

3 hoursFree Cancellation

Hoover Dam Discovery Kayak Tour with Lake Mead Views

5 hoursFree Cancellation

from $189

Self-Drive 1-Day Grand Canyon Whitewater Rafting Tour

Add a thrilling outdoor adventure to your vacation with this small-group whitewater rafting trip down the Colorado River. Take a road trip to Peach Springs, Arizona, the gateway to the Grand Canyon. Then, take on the mighty Colorado River’s varied rapids on a 40-mile (64-kilometer) journey through the canyon. Boxed lunch is included, and hotel pickup and drop-off from Las Vegas is available as an upgrade.

Self-Drive 1-Day Grand Canyon Whitewater Rafting Tour

4.6

(50)

17 hoursFree Cancellation

from $635

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What are people saying about Las Vegas

Award Winning Red Rock Canyon Tours

Patricia_K, Apr 2026

Just book you won't regret it

I highly recommend this tour, the experience was made even better by our guide JP. He was so welcoming and got everyone interacting, and full of knowledge. We traveled from Ireland and it was one of the highlights of our trip. I could not get over the views, unbelievable. It was so nice to experience something outside of the strip.

Emerald Cave & Black Canyon Kayak Tour with Vegas Pickup

clairefarley1986, Apr 2026

Excellent experience, and Don (the guide) went above and beyond to make it a perfect trip

Had a brilliant kayaking trip with Don; the scenery was incredible, the kayaking was beginner level, so perfect for taking in the views and chatting during the activity, and Don also took us to an amazing viewpoint on the way back. Emerald Cove isn’t anything exciting in itself, but the trip there and back was totally worth it. Would highly recommend. Don should also get a side-gig as a photographer, as he took some fantastic shots of us all, individually and as a group, which was hugely appreciated. Thanks again.

Small Group Guided Colorado River & Emerald Cave Kayak Tour

Ashley_K, Apr 2026

Brett ran an amazing...

Brett ran an amazing tour. It was such a beautiful paddle. He made sure everyone was safe and even towed our 10 year old behind his kayak when she got tired. He was knowledgeable about the river and the history of the area and was super easy to talk to. We HIGHLY recommend this tour with Brett!

Red Rock Canyon Hike with Transport from Las Vegas

Lisa_R, Mar 2026

Spectacular Red Rock Views & An Amazing Guide!

Our hike through the Red Rocks in Vegas was absolutely incredible! The views were nothing short of spectacular—every turn felt like a postcard moment. That said, the terrain definitely keeps you on your toes, so make sure you’re watching where you step. A huge shoutout to our guide, April, who made the experience even better. She was not only super knowledgeable about the area, but also friendly, engaging, and made sure everyone felt comfortable and safe along the way. You could tell she genuinely loves what she does. If you’re looking for a memorable outdoor adventure near Vegas, this hike is a must-do!

Self‑Drive Emerald Cave Kayak Tour in Black Canyon

Christine_P, Nov 2025

Wonderful Time Well Spent in Nature

Wonderful and worth every dollar! Blazing Paddles tour guide Eugene was so enjoyable, full of info and little stories. We did the /2 day Emerald Cave Tour. We were all experienced with kayaking so no lessons were needed, but he did give little tips and offered to help with everything. I did think the caverns would be larger, or able to kayak through them. But there were lots of beautiful views with a little hike for a snack and stretch break and photo ops. Highly recommend this adventure.

Self-Drive Emerald cave Kayak Tour-Guided Willow Beach Paddle

Jennifer_G, Nov 2025

MUST DO tour if you're visiting Las Vegas!

Eddie was absolutely fantastic guiding our tour with my mom and I. He was incredibly patient, kind, and helpful despite her being nervous about the paddle. He tooks great pictures and some video for us also. We enjoyed being able to get out of the kayak also to visit the historical site. Lots of great information, beautiful views, and a leisurely pace that worked well for our group. I cannot recommend this tour enough!

Emerald Cave Kayak Rental with Optional Vegas Shuttle

Micki_F, Nov 2025

Absolutely Amazing!

We booked the kayaking rental without the guided tour for me, my husband and our 10 year old son. The shuttle picked us up, along with a few others, on time from Mandalay Bay. Our driver, and guide, Robby was amazing! He invited us to join the group on the guided tour and were so glad he did! He made the experience unforgettable. He was super friendly and extremely knowledgeable. Aside from the amazing experience kayaking the beautiful Colorado River, we took a little hike on the beach and experienced a view we never would have on our own. I would 100 percent recommend Las Vegas SUP Kayak Club!

3-Hour Black Canyon Motorized Raft Tour with Optional Transport

Sandra_H, Oct 2025

Scott (driver) and Adian...

Scott (driver) and Adian (sp; excursion guide) are both fabulous resources to the company's profile. Weather was gorgeous and the float down the river and the canyon highlights were expertly pointed out. The drive from Vegas to the base sped quickly. Scott is so versed in the drie between the two points that the trip sped by. Kudos to both Scott and Adian.

Original Emerald Cave Express Kayak Tour with historic stops

Ignacio_R, Jul 2025

Emerald Caves

Just got back from an incredible three-hour kayaking tour with Evolution Expeditions to the Emerald Caves on the Colorado River, and I'm already planning my next trip! The experience was absolutely breathtaking. Paddling through the crystal-clear waters, surrounded by stunning canyon walls, was an unforgettable adventure. The highlight, of course, was the Emerald Cave itself – a true natural wonder that photos just can't do justice. The guide was fantastic – knowledgeable, friendly, and made sure everyone felt safe and comfortable throughout the journey. She shared interesting facts about the local flora, fauna, and geology, which added an educational layer to the fun. The equipment was top-notch, and the pace was perfect for enjoying the scenery without feeling rushed. Whether you're an experienced kayaker or a beginner, this tour is a must-do. I can't wait to explore more of the Colorado River with Evolution Expeditions. Highly recommended