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Beyond Las Vegas

Small Group Guided Colorado River and Emerald Cave Kayak Tour

Recommended by 98% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
Las Vegas, USA
Popular pick
Booked 10+ times last week!
  • 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.)
  • Mobile ticket
  • Offered in: English

Why travelers loved this

4.9
·
· Barbara_C ·
Sep 2026
Relaxing pace, serene, great guide - Sam, historic, clear water, cold water. Eady drive from Vegas. Would definitely go again!
· Jodi_P ·
Sep 2026
It’s not an easy paddle but it’s so worth it. We had Samuel as our guide and he was phenomenal. So friendly, knowledgeable and lighthearted We reached our spot a bit earlier and enjoyed more time coasting and seeing the sights. The paddle back is a bit of a challenge so that extra time was great. Swimming at the beach was wonderful and the cave was gorgeous.

Overview

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.
  • Pack light—gear is provided on this beginner-friendly tour
  • Gain a new perspective when you explore the Colorado River by kayak
  • Several departure times make it easy to suit your schedule
  • Stay active while on vacation with this kayaking experience

What's Included

  • Guided Kayak Tour
  • Life Jackets
  • Transportation to/from Willow Beach
  • Park Entry Fee per vehicle (FREE for Pass holders, Veterans, Active Military)
    $25.00 per booking
  • Gratuities

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

  • 25804 N Willow Beach, Willow Beach, AZ 86445, USA

    Tour meets at 25804 N Willow Beach, Willow Beach, AZ 86445. All Tours meet at the paddle craft launch beach by the car park. Meet times are 30 minutes before the tour start time. Do not go past the marina to the fish Hatchery.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

1

Willow Beach Marina

2

Emerald Cove

3

Lake Mead National Recreation Area

4

Colorado River

Additional Info

  • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Not recommended for travelers with back problems
  • No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
  • Most travelers can participate
  • Max Weight of 250
  • You must make your way to the departure point in your own vehicle, not in a ride-share.
  • Children under 10 must travel in a tandem kayak with a adult
  • Children under 18 must travel with an adult.
  • Tandem kayaks available for small children and disabled veterans.
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 24 travelers

Frequently Asked Questions (2)

Q:Is transportation included?

A:No. You must make your own way to the starting point.

Jun 2024

The answers provided are based on answers previously given by the tour provider to customers’ questions.

Cancellation Policy

This experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If you cancel or ask for an amendment, the amount you paid will not be refunded.

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

Jeela_S
My family and I had the best time on this guided kayak tour of Colorado river and Emerald cove. Our guide Brett was fun, funny and super experience and knowledgeable. To start the communication was perfect. We received text messages with reminders and directions and times. Brett made sure that everyone was accounted for, but we never felt rushed. It was a beautiful day; we got beautiful pictures and amazing memories. I would recommend this kayak trip and even say it is a must do on your next trip to Las Vegas.

Reviews

4.9
based on 605 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Sort by: Most insightful

Sam was an awesome guide....

Nanda_a, Sep 2026
Sam was an awesome guide. We had such a blast and the views were incredible, especially the water—it was cool, refreshing, crystal clear, and a stunning emerald green! 🌊✨⛰️ #nature #views #adventure

Response from Host, Sep 2026

Thank you very much for leaving Sam and the tour a nice review. We appreciate you booking with us. Brett @ veteran kayaks

Awesome experience book...

Rich_G, Sep 2026
Awesome experience book directly with veterans kayak. To make changes if something happens after booking. Can't with viator.

Response from Host, Sep 2026

Thank you for leaving us a five star review. We really appreciate it. I’m glad that we could facilitate the changes for you and get you out there on the river. Brett @ Veteran Kayaks

Perfect day out of Vegas

Barbara_C, Sep 2026
Relaxing pace, serene, great guide - Sam, historic, clear water, cold water. Eady drive from Vegas. Would definitely go again!

Response from Host, Sep 2026

Thank you very much for leaving Sam and the tour a nice review. We appreciate you booking with us. Brett @ veteran kayaks

I went with my kids 15...

Taunya_M, Sep 2026
I went with my kids 15 and 20 years old and we really enjoyed the experience. The day was sunny and gorgeous.

Response from Host, Sep 2026

Thank you for taking a few minutes to leave us a nice review. I’m glad you and your children had a nice time out there on the river with us. Brett @Veteran Kayaks.

Thank you so much for...

Fatime_K, Sep 2026
Thank you so much for taking such great care of us throughout the entire experience. Since we didn’t have much experience, your guidance and support made everything so much easier and enjoyable for us. We especially appreciate how you stayed with us from beginning to end and helped us with transportation when we didn’t have cell service. You truly went above and beyond, and we are very grateful. Thank you for making our experience so memorable!

Response from Host, Sep 2026

Thank you for the nice review Fatime and I’m glad you had a good time and were it was my pleasure. Brett @ veteran kayaks

Emerald Cove Kayak Tour

Jason_H, Sep 2026
We went on the afternoon trip. It was hot but def manageable. We met Sam and did our tour we were the only two so we had a 2 seat kayak. Enjoyed the views and conversations with Sam. Cave itself ah ok lol but the kayaking there and back was beautiful and fun. Thanks Sam!

Response from Host, Sep 2026

Thank you very much for leaving Sam and the tour a nice review. We appreciate you booking with us. Brett @ veteran kayaks

Enjoyed the kayaking with...

Monica_F, Sep 2026
Enjoyed the kayaking with a knowledgeable guide Nina. Great service and made the experience so much fun!

Response from Host, Sep 2026

Thank you very much for taking the time to leave Nina and the tour a nice review. I’m glad you had a good time out there with us. Brett Nina & Sam @ veteran kayaks

We had an amazing time...

Kenneth_M, Sep 2026
We had an amazing time with our tour guide Nina! Our small group that also was with our group was great and easy to get along with all day. We really had the best time and most definitely would come back and do this again All over!

Response from Host, Sep 2026

Thank you very much for leaving the five star review for your tour guide and the tour. We appreciate you booking with us and I’m glad you enjoyed the smaller group experience.. the fact that you would come and do it all over again is the best compliment. Brett, Nina, and Sam @ Veteran Kayaks.

Bring a small snack with...

Heather_N, Sep 2026
Bring a small snack with you on the kayak. You definitely work up an appetite about halfway through! LOL

Response from Host, Sep 2026

Thanks for leaving the tour of five star review we appreciate you booking with us. Brett @ Veteran Kayaks.

Avid kayakers from Canada

Jodi_P, Sep 2026
It’s not an easy paddle but it’s so worth it. We had Samuel as our guide and he was phenomenal. So friendly, knowledgeable and lighthearted We reached our spot a bit earlier and enjoyed more time coasting and seeing the sights. The paddle back is a bit of a challenge so that extra time was great. Swimming at the beach was wonderful and the cave was gorgeous.

Response from Host, Sep 2026

Thank you folks thank you for booking with us. We appreciate your custom. I’m glad you had a good time out there with Sam as your guide. Brett, Nina & Sam @ Veteran kayaks

Our guide was wonderful....

Yanira_S, Aug 2026
Our guide was wonderful. Took his time with everyone. Gave tips and tricks. Gave historical facts. Fun and funny. Would definitely do this again with him if I were to come back or be in the same town he is in as he mentioned he travels to other places.

Response from Host, Sep 2026

Thank you very much for taking the time to leave Sam and the tour a nice review. I’m glad you all had a good time. I’m glad that we could get you switched over with no hassles. Brett @ Veteran Kayaks.

Paddles Up for Nina! 🙌🛶

Kristin_R, Aug 2026
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ We had such an amazing time on our kayak tour! Nina was absolutely fantastic—so friendly, fun, and incredibly knowledgeable about the history of the area. None of us had kayaked before, and she was so patient and encouraging, making sure we felt comfortable and confident the entire time. The tour was the perfect mix of learning, exploring, and just having fun. Being out on the water was incredibly refreshing on such a hot day, and it ended up being one of the highlights of our trip. We would absolutely recommend this tour, especially with Nina as your guide! Seeya Soon - Your Canadian Friends 🇨🇦

Response from Host, Sep 2026

Thank you very much for taking the time to leave Nina and the tour a nice review. I’m glad you all had a good time. I’m glad that we could get you switched over with no hassles. Brett at Veteran Kayaks.

What a fun experience, would do that again in a heartbeat!!

Craig_S, Aug 2026
This experience was just amazing. It was the highlight of our trip to Las Vegas this year. We signed up and have never done anything like this before. We had the best guide in Nina. We were the only ones that she had for that time slot so she spent time talking with us on a personal level as well. She was very patient and encouraging at the same time. When you have an adventure and afterwards you ask yourself if you would do that again, and the answer is YES, then you truly know that it was time and money well spent. Thanks Nina for making our trip so fun. Katie and Craig

Response from Host, Aug 2026

Thank you very much for taking the time to leave Nina and the tour a nice review. I’m glad you all had a good time. I’m glad that we could get you switched over with no hassles. Brett at Veteran Kayaks

Worth Your Time!

Angela_D, Aug 2026
Sam was so easy to talk and his relaxed attitude definitely made me more relaxed for someone who has never kayaked before. The whole group was really fun and I enjoyed talking to everyone. My sons also had a great time and said they would do it again! Definitely worth it!

Response from Host, Aug 2026

Thanks for leaving Sam and the tour a nice review. We appreciate you booking with us. Brett @ Veteran Kayaks

Great value great scenery

Aharon_S, Aug 2026
Sam was great, energetic informative and created a great pace for the tour. The tour was a great value

Response from Host, Aug 2026

Thanks for leaving Sam and the tour a nice review. We appreciate you booking with us. Brett @ Veteran Kayaks

Best tour ever

Rivka_B, Aug 2026
It was 3 hours long but didnt feel like it because we had the most amazing tour guide NINA!! she made the whole experience amazing !! It was so pretty and relaxing! I would come back again !!

Response from Host, Aug 2026

Thanks for leaving Nina and the tour a nice review. We appreciate you booking with us. Brett @ Veteran Kayaks

Good First Experience

Sam_U, Aug 2026
If you’re a first time kayaker, it takes a while to get adjusted to the workout you’ll get paddling. However, the journey and stops make it worth it and our tour guide Nina was very helpful.

Response from Host, Aug 2026

Thank you very much for taking the time to leave a review for the tour and your guide. We appreciate you booking with us. Brett, Nina, & Sam @ Veteran Kayaks

Kayak trip

Jennifer_D, Aug 2026
We had such an amazing time doing the small group kayaking trip with Brad and his new assistant… It was myself children, best friends, and boyfriend. They were so accommodating and helpful and funny and full of information about the surrounding areas wildlife the environment… It was a great time for everyone

Response from Host, Aug 2026

Thank you folks. I am glad you had a great time out there with me on your recent trip to Las Vegas. Please tell your friends and come back and visit me. Someday. Brett @ veteran kayaks

We had a great time! Sam...

Alexa_L, Aug 2026
We had a great time! Sam did an excellent job keeping the trip entertaining! He did a great job letting the group stop for breaks as needed!

Response from Host, Aug 2026

Thank you folks for taking the time to leave Sam and the small group kayak tour to the Emerald Cave a nice review. We really appreciate you booking with us. Brett at Veteran Kayaks.

Great experience

Sharon_D, Aug 2026
It was a beautiful view . Sam our guide was amazing . He was very patient and helpful . Would definitely recommend him and the kayak experience..

Response from Host, Aug 2026

Thank you folks for taking the time to leave Sam and the small group kayak tour to the Emerald Cave a nice review. We really appreciate you booking with us. Brett at Veteran Kayaks.

Great family experience.

Ray_C, Aug 2026
Experienced the small group kayak tour with my spouse and our 2 kids. 11 year old and 18 year old. The kids did the tandem and they found it pretty easy to maneuver. We all had a great time. Our arms were a little sore after but great experience. Recommend 100%

Response from Host, Aug 2026

Thank you Ray for taking the time to leave the small group kayak tour to the Emerald Cave a nice review. We really appreciate you booking with us. Brett at Veteran Kayaks.

Best experience ever

Yaiglen_S, Aug 2026
We booked with Veteran Kayaks and had Sam as our guide. He was outstanding: energetic, knowledgeable, and incredibly kind. He made the whole trip feel special, pointed out all the best spots, and kept us engaged the entire time. The river was breathtaking, and Sam’s enthusiasm made it unforgettable. Highly recommend Veteran Kayaks, especially with Sam.”I’m yaiglen santoya

Response from Host, Aug 2026

Thanks for choosing us for your Emerald Cave. We really appreciate you booking with us. I’m glad you had a good time out there with your group and where is your tour guide Sam. Come visit us again and tell your friends. Brett @ Veteran Kayaks.

Brett was amazing and kept us safe and exchanged! So much fun!

Mackenzie_C, Aug 2026
Brett was an amazing tour guide! He gave us a quick run down on safe practices (step by step explained how to control the kayak and what to look out for) before we even got in the water. He also explained, with a volunteer on display, how to correctly enter the kayak! Once we got on the water we got to know each other a bit before reaching the cave. Brett is prior military from overseas and shared tons of stories with us about his experiences! We stopped at a beach on the way back and had a nice lunch break while looking at the crawdaddies. He put his skills to the test when one of our tour guests fell off the kayak and needed assistance, which Brett walked through step by step as they got her back on. Once we returned, he counted fingers, toes, and life jackets before sending us all the photos he took on the tour! Very informative and the most fun I’ve had on a tour (and I’ve been to one of these tours through Veteran Kayak before)! 10/10 would go again

Response from Host, Aug 2026

Thank you for McKenzie for taking the time to leave a fantastic in-depth review of draw and of your tour guide. I’m glad you had a great time out there with me and we would love to see you again some day. Brett @ veteran kayaks

Highly recommend, Bret...

Troy_P, Jul 2026
Highly recommend, Bret and Sam were fantastic, knowledgeable, and made the river trip much better than a self-guided kayak trip. Worth choosing Veteran Kayak first over other choices!

Response from Host, Aug 2026

Thanks for choosing us for your Emerald Cave. We really appreciate you booking with us. I’m glad you had a good time out there with your group and where is your tour guide Sam. And myself. Come visit us again and tell your friends. Brett @ Veteran Kayaks.

Awesome adventure!

Tracy_K, Jul 2026
Top notch experience! Our guide, Brett, was phenomenal. He was very personal and a lot of fun to be with during the tour. He shared a lot of history and information about the Colorado River. We had a wonderful experience and would recommend this tour and Brett! Highly recommend doing this wonderful experience!

Response from Host, Jul 2026

Thank you so much for taking the time to leave a review for the tour and your guide Brett. We really appreciate your booking with us. I’m glad that you had a fantastic time out there with your family on your recent trip to Las Vegas. Please come back and see it again and tell your friend.s Brett @ veteran kayaks

Wonderful Family Adventure

Robin_E, Jul 2026
We had a wonderful day kayaking on the Colorado River! We had never kayaked before, and Brett gave us detailed step by step directions before we set off on our trip. I felt confident, and I knew we were in good hands with our guide. Sam gave us rowing tips (how to be more efficient) and was very knowledgeable (teaching us about historical sights along the way). He took care of us by making sure everyone in the group stayed together and had fun. It was really nice to be able to enter the emerald cave and take photos. The swim break was very refreshing, and we enjoyed exploring the area with a short hike to a stunning look out point. Sam was a very friendly and competent guide, and he made our journey enjoyable. Thank you for a great experience!

Response from Host, Jul 2026

Thank you Robin for a lovely in-depth review. I’m glad you and your family had a great time out there with Sam as you guide and we look forward to seeing you again. Please tell your friends. If they are planning to come to Las Vegas to come and give us a visit. Brett @ veteran kayaks

Fun experience

Holly_H, Jul 2026
We had a great time. Sam, the tour guy was friendly, attentive and knowledgeable. We felt safe with Sam. Sam took us to the beach. We enjoyed swimming and taking pictures.

Response from Host, Jul 2026

Thank you very much for leaving us a review and I’m glad Sam took care of you and you had a good time out there on the river. Brett @ veteran kayaks

Fun and beautiful

Kim_P, Jul 2026
The tour group guid was awesome. The cave was smaller than I thought but the experience was still lots of fun and was beautiful. They were great with my kids as well.

Response from Host, Jul 2026

Thank you very much for taking the time to leave us a review. I’m glad you had a good time out there with your guide and that your family enjoyed it. Brett @ Veteran Kayaks

Brett was amazing. He was...

Tabetha_M, Jul 2026
Brett was amazing. He was very understanding regarding we had 2 people that had never been kayaking. Both of them 2 did amazing and had fun. He was very patient. Would highly recommend his company.

Response from Host, Jul 2026

Thank you folks for the nice review. I’m glad you had a lovely time out on the river with me and that your first time paddles enjoyed their new experience.. we hope to see you again one day. Brett @ Veteran Kayaks

Great time on the water!

Robert_G, Jul 2026
First, our guide, Brett, was amazing. He is well versed in the history and nature of the area. He is also great at helping you get comfortable using the Kayak. The communication prior to the tour was great. We knew exactly where to go and when to be there. Brett was there early and ready for us on arrival. There are lots tours launching from the same area, so at first it looked a little confusing. However, the guides all work together to get get you to your particular guide. The location is good with bathroom facilities and ample parking. Definitely note that cell service is spotty to non-existent and you should definitely plan for that. Brett took pictures for us and shared them after the tour. That was great as we didn't have to try to fool with our cameras on the Kayak. We were there on a Saturday which is really busy with lots of recreational boaters and people enjoying the park. Brett's experience made us feel comfortable even though the water was crowded at times. I would definitely recommend this tour and Veteran Kayaks.

Response from Host, Jul 2026

Thank you, Robert for such an in-depth and kind review. I really appreciate you taking the time to leave it.. I’m glad you had a lovely day out on the river. If you ever decide to come back or recommend us to any of your friends or family the best days to come out on the river, which are quiet because of no boats with engines are allowed is a Sunday and a Monday. Thanks again. Brett @ Veteran kayaks
Member Pricing
From

$65.55

per person
Was $69.00(-5%)

-You will not receive a refund if you cancel.

Book ahead!
On average, this is booked 14 days in advance.

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