Emerald Cave Kayak Tour: Scenic Paddle - Self Drive

Recommended by 100% of travelers

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Arizona, USA

3 hours 15 minutes (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English

Overview

Paddle the gorgeous green waters of Arizona’s Emerald Cave. Take a kayak tour from Willow Beach and see not just the cave itself, which can get a little busy, but the best spots nearby for seeing the same gorgeous, algae-rich waters in calmer parts of the area too. Your guide will take you hiking up through the landscape to soak in some amazing views over the river, too.

Venture beyond Las Vegas for a tranquil kayak tour
Take in views of the Colorado River and its canyons
Don't worry about packing kit, everything you need is provided for ease
Your guide takes photos of you to share afterward

What's Included

Professionally guided kayak tour (3–3.5 hours, 4.5 mi / 7.2 km)
Single or tandem kayak (based on selection)
Safety-certified guide (Wilderness First Aid, CPR, ACA Level II)
Premium kayaking gear: paddle, vest, dry bag, bilge pump
Light snacks, bottled water, and optional sun hat (loaned)
Complimentary digital photos

Gratuities

Gratuities (optional)
Entrance fee - National Park Fee (included w/transport; not included w/self-drive or without transport option)

$25.00 per booking

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

25804 N Willow Beach, Willow Beach, AZ 86445, USA
Meet your guide 15–20 minutes early at the Paddlecraft Launch Area at Willow Beach. Look for the EZ Kayak setup by the main ramp. Uber/Lyft— not available for the area and there is no cell service. Free parking included with park entry. Late arrivals may forfeit the tour.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

Colorado River

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Not wheelchair accessible
Not recommended for travelers with back problems
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
Emotional support animals, pets, or service animals are not permitted on guided tours (per federal ADA guidelines). For guests with service animals, please inquire about rental options instead.

All participants must complete the online waiver at least 24 hours in advance. Failure to do so may result in cancellation without refund.
We gladly make reasonable accommodations for guests with disabilities. Please contact us prior to booking so we can support your experience appropriately.
Not recommended for guests who are pregnant or have heart, back, respiratory, recent surgeries, or other serious medical conditions.
Maximum weight per person: 260 lb / 118 kg / 18 st. - Tandem kayak combined weight limit: 550 lb / 250 kg / 39 st.
Looking for an easier option? Try our beginner-friendly Scenic Escape tour (2.2 mile round trip vs 4.5 miles), or inquire about shuttle availability for added comfort.
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 60 travelers

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Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

Traveler Photos

Gallery picture 1 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 2 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 3 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 4 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 5 (from a traveler's review)

Featured review

Kaylen_D

Don was a fantastic tour guide! We got to see amazing views and he was very inclusive and helpful. BJ was very helpful reaching out via phone call and text to make sure we were set and ready for the tour. Thank you!

Reviews

5.0

based on 222 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

We perform checks on reviews

Great experience. I think...

Shawn_R, Jul 2025

Great experience. I think the early tour is the way to go. Not super hot and not a lot of people on the water.

Fun in the sun!

Jennifer_D, Jul 2025

Dave was a great guide, full of information and super laid back and made it a very enjoyable experience.

Don was a fantastic tour...

Kaylen_D, Jul 2025

Gorgeous!

Linda_N, Sep 2023

The gorgeous scenery and Gio made it a very nice experience! Would book with him again and again! Save yourself a headache and book with Gio instead.

Must do this attraction with Gio

Micki_S, Aug 2023

We ordered this kayak tour and from the reservation , Gio the guide was wonderful - patient and professional and answered on all my questions. He explain that we meet early to avoid lots of crowd and he was right . We started our kayak tour at 8:30 and the lake was pretty empty. The kayaks were in very high quality and safe and all the time Gio explained to us things and took care of us . We made 2 breaks and Gio was generous and gave us lots of snacks . Our teenagers said it was fantastic . Don’t miss this attraction with Gio !!!!

Fantastic Time

BreAnne_M, Apr 2023

I had so much fun on this kayak tour! I've been talking about it all week to anyone who will listen. Gio is patient, kind, and just made the whole trip a fantastic experience. He went out of his way to make sure that everyone had a great time while also ensuring that we were all hydrated, fed, and safe. The kayaks are sturdy and high-quality, which helped make me feel safe and comfortable. I never felt rushed or like I was going too slow. Gio was in contact throughout the process to make sure I knew what to expect and when/where he would be picking me up. The trailer was very easy to spot. I highly recommend this tour!! I'm looking forward to the next time I'm in Las Vegas so I can go again!