Top Nevada On the Water

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.

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.

Escape the bustle of Las Vegas and discover stunning scenery from the water's edge on this half-day kayaking trip on the Colorado River. Make your own way to the Willow Beach Marina, grab a life jacket, and set off on this scenic kayak trip. Along the way, soak up the scenery, pause for a swim, look for wildlife, and learn about the area’s history from your guide.

Swap the bustle of Las Vegas for the great outdoors and the Colorado River on this half-day guided kayak tour to the Emerald Cave. Make your way to Willow Beach, then join a small group for a safety briefing. Then hop on your single or tandem kayak and follow your guide along the Colorado River, with stops at Emerald Cave and the historic River Gauger’s House Site.

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.

Beat the heat of Las Vegas by paddling down the Colorado River on this half-day small-group tour. Spend ample time on the water exploring the Black Canyon's dramatic cliffs, visit a historic overlook, and paddle into the glowing waters of Emerald Cave. Watch for wildlife such as bighorn sheep, coyotes, and bald eagles while enjoying included snacks and bottled water.

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.

Guided paddles run on someone else's pace and route, which doesn't suit everyone. Set your own on a self-guided kayak trip to Emerald Cave, paddling the calm waters of the Colorado River through Black Canyon near Las Vegas. Watch for bighorn sheep on the cliffs as you glide along flat, sheltered water, which suits beginners as much as regular paddlers.

Paddle a kayak along a scenic stretch of the Colorado River to Emerald Cave, where you’ll see desert light filtering through ancient stone walls. Exploring the river with a small group and guide means you’ll have plenty of time to get kayaking tips and help—peace of mind for less-experienced boaters. The flat water and gentle current ensures an easy-going day, so you just soak up the natural beauty.

This magical 4-mile sunset paddle through Black Canyon Narrows delivers nonstop wow—from towering canyon views and wildlife sightings to exclusive access to Emerald, Echo, and Lover’s Caves, all glowing in golden hour light. As twilight falls, your kayak lights up for a surreal, otherworldly journey back under a vibrant desert sky. Along the way, your guide captures hundreds of photos and videos, so you can stay in the moment while leaving with incredible, golden-hour memories. With all gear, snacks, juice, and water included—plus top-rated guides and a relaxed, small-group setting—this is the sunset experience everyone wishes they had booked.

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.

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.

Book your self-guided kayak rental and experience one of the the most unforgettable outdoor adventures near Las Vegas as you paddle to the world famous Emerald Cave on the Colorado River. This self-guided adventure, located one hour from the Las Vegas Strip, launches from Willow Beach and takes you through the calm, crystal-clear waters of the majestic Colorado River while you paddle through the awe-inspiring towering walls of the Black Canyon. Perfect for beginners and active travelers your rental includes a high quality Wilderness Systems single-person kayak, life jacket, drybag, safety orientation and directions to Emerald Cave. Paddle as long as you want up to 5 hours with plenty of time to explore, take photos, discover local wildlife and experience the glowing green waters inside Emerald Cave. Widely considered the top outdoor day trip from Las Vegas, this half-day adventure offers a peaceful escape from the city into the most stunning scenery in the Southwest.

Book your self-guided paddleboard rental and experience one of the the most unforgettable outdoor adventures near Las Vegas as you paddle to the world famous Emerald Cave on the Colorado River. This self-guided adventure, located one hour from the Las Vegas Strip, launches from Willow Beach and takes you through the calm, crystal-clear waters of the majestic Colorado River while you paddle through the awe-inspiring towering walls of the Black Canyon. Perfect for beginners and active travelers your rental includes a high quality inflatable paddleboard, life jacket, drybag, safety orientation and directions to Emerald Cave. Paddle as long as you want up to 5 hours with plenty of time to explore, take photos, discover local wildlife and experience the glowing green waters inside Emerald Cave. Widely considered the top outdoor day trip from Las Vegas, this half-day adventure offers a peaceful escape from the city into the most stunning scenery in the Southwest.

Paddle a kayak to the base of Hoover Dam for views few travelers see—then follow the Colorado River past swim spots, caves, a geothermal waterfall, coves, and beaches. With an experienced guide to lead the way, you’ll cover a 12-mile (19-kilometer) stretch of the river renowned for its scenic beauty. And since it's a private experience, you'll have plenty of time to swim, hike, and sightsee as you head downstream.

The Colorado River sits within reach of Las Vegas, but requires transport and equipment that most visitors don't have access to independently. This evening kayak tour covers a stretch of the river at a pace suited to all skill levels, with a beach stop built into the route and snacks and water included throughout.

Paddle a section of the Colorado River famed for soaring cliffs and desert scenery on a small-group kayaking trip outside Las Vegas. Unlike big-boat tours where you’re just a passenger, this adventure lets you steer and explore at your own pace—with the option to choose between single and double kayaks. And with an experienced guide to lead the way, you’ll see a side of the desert many travelers miss.

With 1 Day Willow Beach Water Vessel Rentals, you choose from top-quality kayaks, paddle boards, or canoes—perfect for a day of exploring the Colorado River’s scenic Black Canyon. All rentals come with essential equipment (vessel, paddles, life vests), are beginner-friendly, and give you the freedom to paddle to Emerald Cave, picnic on hidden beaches, and spot wildlife at your own pace. Flexible rental periods (up to 5 hours), stable gear, and personalized launch support make this a seamless adventure for families, groups, or solo explorers, just under an hour from Las Vegas.

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 and Emerald Cave are two of the Southwest's highlights, but visiting both in one day requires careful planning. This tour from Las Vegas lets you skip the self-drive hassle and combines a walk across the Hoover Dam Bypass Bridge—890 feet (270 meters) above the Colorado River—with a paddle through the Black Canyon to the glowing waters of Emerald Cave.

See the Las Vegas Strip and landmarks including the Sphere, High Roller, and Fremont Street from a unique perspective on an evening helicopter flight. Soar above the dazzling lights of the Entertainment Capital of the World for an unforgettable view that belongs on every Las Vegas bucket list. Upgrade to include dinner, which includes complimentary drop-off after your flight. Both flight-only options and packages with dinner are available.

As the Colorado River weaves its way through Arizona, it cuts through the desert and leads to the Emerald Cave. This respite on the Nevada state border is full of cool, refreshing water that offers a wonderful break from the heat. Take a kayak out on the river and discover the cave for yourself on this guided tour. Paddle, swim, and savor a day in the great outdoors.

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.