Half-Day Emerald Cave Kayak Tour with Optional Hotel Pickup
Recommended by 98% of travelers
Las Vegas, USA
- 5 to 6 hours (approx.)
- Pickup offered
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
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.
- Kayaking tour on the Colorado River follows a gentle section to Emerald Cave
- River guide ensures the safety of a small group limited to 13 paddlers
- Kayak, paddle, safety gear, snacks, and bottled water are provided for you
- Transport can be provided from Las Vegas hotels to Willow Beach Marina (if option selected)
What's Included
- Kayak Tour in Single (1 person) or Tandem (2 person) Kayaks
- National Park Entrance Fees (Hotel pickups only)
- SnacksA variety of tasty snacks including an array of granola and protein bars, a wide variety of chips, and fresh fruit!
- Bottled waterCold, premium bottled spring water
- Pick-up and drop off from select hotels (if option selected)
- All Safety Equipment
- Hotel pick-up and drop off (if self-drive option selected)
- Lunch
- National Park Entrance Fee (Self-drive only)$25.00 per booking
- Gratuities
Meeting and Pickup
You can head directly to the meeting point, or request pickup
Itinerary
Begin your kayaking adventure with optional pickup from your Las Vegas hotel (note: hotel pickups begin 90 minutes before the launch time that you have chosen) and settle in for the hour-long drive to Willow Beach Marina in Arizona. Alternatively, you can drive yourself to the launch point to save some money.
Join a small group, limited to 12 participants, and get fitted for your kayaking gear. Then, watch a safety briefing from your river guide before taking to the Colorado River in your 1- or 2-person kayak (depending on the option chosen).
Enjoy a serene expedition as you paddle your way along the gentle currents to the beautiful Emerald Cave, making stops for refreshing snacks and leisurely swims.
At the end of your adventure, return back to Las Vegas by driving back yourself or getting dropped off at your point of departure.
Join a small group, limited to 12 participants, and get fitted for your kayaking gear. Then, watch a safety briefing from your river guide before taking to the Colorado River in your 1- or 2-person kayak (depending on the option chosen).
Enjoy a serene expedition as you paddle your way along the gentle currents to the beautiful Emerald Cave, making stops for refreshing snacks and leisurely swims.
At the end of your adventure, return back to Las Vegas by driving back yourself or getting dropped off at your point of departure.
1
Willow Beach Marina
4 hours • Admission Ticket Included
Colorado River (Pass By)
2
Emerald Cove
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Included
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Not recommended for travelers with back problems
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Most travelers can participate
- Please be advised hotel pick-ups commence 60-90 minutes before the posted departure time
- Most days, tours fill up but in the event minimum numbers are not met, you will be offered another date or offer a full refund
- Emerald Cave is not a paddle through cave but more of a grotto style.
- By booking a tour, you assume all risks of your participation in this activity, whether known or unknown to you, including travel to and from the Activity or any events incidental to this Activity. You also agree to the release of images/video for the operator to use at their discretion
- National Park entry fee is only included with HOTEL PICKUPS, NOT SELF DRIVE!
- Please advise your kayak preference in the Special Requirements field at the time of booking (single or tandem)
- Weight limit is 260 lbs
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 13 travelers
Supplied by
Frequently Asked Questions (10)
Q:How early before the Departure time will I be picked up for the Emerald Cave Kayak Tour on The Colorado River from Las Vegas?
A:Pickup from Las Vegas Strip Hotels begins at approximately 9:30 am. Pickup at the REI in Henderson is approximately 10:20 am. You will be contacted prior to your departure date to confirm your exact pickup time.
Mar 2021
The answers provided are based on answers previously given by the tour provider to customers’ questions.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Featured review
Barbara_G
Our tour was so fun! Gaby was an absolute joy as our guide. She was friendly and had so much knowledge about the history of the area and of the flora and fauna around the river. The river and canyons were beautiful! Be prepared with sunscreen and proper footwear ( like water shoes) . We would totally recommend this tour for anyone who wants to experience nature and the beauty of the desert!!
Reviews
4.9
based on 5,327 reviews
Sort by: Most insightful
clara_c, Aug 2026
Our tour guide Michelle was so awesome she made rhis experience fun, so fun that I forgot how nervous I was to do it because I have never done it before. The views were amazing and all the wildlife we saw made it so much better.
Response from Host, Aug 2026
Thank you so much for the wonderful review! We’re thrilled Michelle helped make your first experience so fun and comfortable that you forgot to be nervous! The amazing views and wildlife definitely make it even more special. We’ll be sure to share your kind words with Michelle!
Chris_B, Aug 2026
Great experience. Gabby and Jessica were a great team making the day a great experience. ............
Response from Host, Aug 2026
Thank you for the great review! We’re so glad Gabby and Jessica made your day such a fun and memorable experience. We’ll be sure to share your kind words with them!
Helen_B, Aug 2026
An absolutely incredible experience with Candi! The tour to Emerald Cave was unforgettable, and Candi went above and beyond to make sure my husband was able to kayak safely and fully enjoy the experience. Her kindness, patience, and genuine care made the day even more special.
The scenery was breathtaking, the experience was so much fun, and Candi made us feel completely looked after from start to finish. We couldn’t have asked for a better guide!
Thank you, Candi, for making such an amazing memory for us. We’re already looking forward to doing it again! 🛶💚✨
Response from Host, Aug 2026
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We're thrilled to hear you had such an incredible experience exploring Emerald Cove with Candi. She truly cares about making sure every guest feels safe, comfortable, and able to fully enjoy the adventure, so she'll be delighted to hear your kind words.
We're especially happy that your husband was able to have such a great experience on the water. The breathtaking scenery, beautiful Colorado River, and unforgettable memories are exactly what we hope every guest takes home.
Thank you for choosing River Dogz, and we can't wait to welcome you both back for another adventure soon!
Adrian_P, Aug 2026
Lovveddd it so much and the tour was amazing. Guide was really informative and loved the small group thing so it’s at a good pace. Will be back!!!!
Response from Host, Aug 2026
Thank you for the amazing review! We're so glad you loved the tour and enjoyed the small-group experience. We can't wait to have you back for another adventure!
Wendy_S, Aug 2026
This was a great experience. Our guide was very energetic and helpful. Beautiful sites, gorgeous day, and cool waters. This is worth doing and will do again!
Response from Host, Aug 2026
Thank you for your wonderful review! We're so glad you enjoyed the beautiful scenery, cool water, and had a great time with your guide. We appreciate the recommendation and can't wait to welcome you back!
vwllano, Aug 2026
Julia was a wonderful guide! Had a great time and gave lots of interesting insights on the history of the area!
Response from Host, Aug 2026
Thank you for your wonderful review! We're so glad Julia made your adventure enjoyable and shared so much fascinating history about the area. We appreciate your kind words and hope to see you again for another trip on the river!
Paul_S, Jul 2026
Ask for Luke at River Dogz. He's an exceptional guide!
This was a very well executed outing from pick-up to return.
A very memorable day!
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Thank you so much for your wonderful review, Paul! We're thrilled to hear everything went smoothly from pickup to drop-off and that your day on the water was so memorable. We'll be sure to pass your kind words along to Luke, he'll be happy to know he made such a positive impact on your experience. We hope to welcome you back for another adventure with River Dogz soon!
Jeanette_S, Jul 2026
Preston was a great guide! He was very encouraging and made sure to talk with everyone in our group! We really enjoyed our time!
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Thank you for your wonderful review! We're so glad Preston made your experience enjoyable and helped everyone feel included. We appreciate your kind words and hope to see you again for another adventure soon!
Alecia_T, Jul 2026
All the guides were soo nice! Very helpful! Even during an incident, Crocodile Dundee (another instructor) jumped right in to help! Lots of fun facts! Everyone made sure you didn’t get left behind!
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Thank you for your wonderful review! We're so glad our guides made you feel safe, supported, and included throughout the adventure. We appreciate your kind words and are happy everyone was there to help when needed. We hope to see you again soon! 💙🚣
Shirley_O, Jul 2026
We loved this tour, the communication was fantastic and the tour guide Candi was the best. If you opt for the Paddleboards, know it's a lot of hard work.
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We're thrilled to hear you loved your tour and that our communication helped make your experience seamless. Candi will be so happy to hear your kind words! Thank you as well for sharing your paddleboard tip, it's definitely a fun challenge for those looking for a little extra adventure. We truly appreciate you choosing River Dogz and hope to welcome you back for another unforgettable day on the Colorado River!
Lily_Q, Jul 2026
wow!! this was such a beautiful area. I opted for a morning tour (the way to go in the hot months) and saw several big horn sheep, a coyote, and some turtles. Griffin was incredible, knowledgeable, easy to talk to, and truly cared about everyone’s experience. I would be so happy to book again when I’m back this way!
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Thank you for your amazing review! We're so glad you enjoyed the morning tour and got to experience the beauty and wildlife of the area. We'll be sure to share your kind words with Griffin. We’d love to have you back for another adventure when you’re in the area!
Elizabeth_D, Jul 2026
River Dogs was a fantastic outfitters. Very communicative and helpful in advance of the trip and throughout the day! Absolutely loved the experience and highly recommend RiverDogs to anyone wanting to spend a day on the Colorado River!
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Thank you for your wonderful review! We're so glad you had a great experience and appreciated our communication throughout the trip. Thank you for the recommendation—we hope to see you back on the Colorado River again soon!
Alecea_A, Jul 2026
It was beautiful, but definitely pack a lot of water and food and reapply sunscreen every 45 min.
Also the time you book for is not the time they actually leave so we booked for 11:50am, then the texted us the morning of saying be there at 11:20 we leave at 11:35. Of course we were not anticipating that and we had planned for 11:50 so even with rushing to get there we made it at 11:27am waiting in line to get to the park, drove down the long road, got to the kayaking trailer and it was 11:42am the instructor had left without us. We did get to go with another group but because we were not on the same shuttle as them, we did not get all of the proper information about the excursion, luckily her and I have both kayaked before so it ended up being okay. Also you wait in line for a tiny cave that you only get to go in for 5 min with a big group so you don’t get to enjoy it. The last 45 min or mile stretch back from the cove against the wind is intense and difficult so be prepared for that. It is beautiful and I would go again for like 50 bucks but I would never pay over $100 a person again to do that. My honest advice would be to rent your own or bring your own and go do it, the ppl not on the tours but just out on their own looked to be having way more fun.
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Thank you for taking the time to share your honest feedback. We're glad you enjoyed the beauty of Black Canyon and appreciate your tips about staying hydrated and reapplying sunscreen—those are especially important during the summer months.
We're sorry to hear about the confusion regarding your check-in time. We do send a confirmation message the day before with the required check-in time, which is earlier than the listed launch time to allow for parking, gear fitting, and our mandatory safety briefing before the group departs. We understand how frustrating timing misunderstandings can be and appreciate you sharing your experience.
As for Emerald Cave, wait times can vary depending on how busy the river is, particularly during peak travel periods. While we can't control the number of visitors at the cave, our guides do their best to make the overall experience enjoyable by sharing the area's history, wildlife, and hidden gems throughout the tour.
Thank you again for your feedback. We truly value all guest perspectives and will use your comments as we continue working to provide the best possible experience for future adventurers. We wish you all the best on your future travels
Michael_C, Jul 2026
Julia is cute and awesome and full of energy!
Definitely dedicated to her work!! Super amazing tour and experience! -mike
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Thank you for the awesome review, Mike! We're so glad Julia's energy and enthusiasm made your tour such a memorable experience. We'll be sure to share your kind words with her. We hope to see you again for another adventure!
Sandra_O, Jul 2026
Michelle was amazing, you could tell from the moment you met her that she was passionate about being a guide and treated everyone from beginners to experienced the same way! She is great about sharing her knowledge and history of the area, with personal insights and humor . The emerald cave is a must do experience!! Great time for everyone and like the other reviews you have read, Michelle is the real deal and the experience is a lasting memory.
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Thank you for your wonderful review! We're so glad Michelle made your experience so memorable with her knowledge, passion, and sense of humor. We truly appreciate your recommendation and hope to see you again for another adventure!
Abigail_R, Jul 2026
Our kayaking trip with our guide Michelle was amazing!!! Such a great half day away from the city to see beautiful scenery. Michelle is so knowledgeable and taught us so much about history of different areas, even during the shuttle drive from Vegas to the marina. We learned so much about the ecosystem of the river and canyons too. She also took amazing photos and shared them with the group after the tour. Such an amazing experience for beginners or experienced kayakers. My husband and I both loved this experience during our honeymoon and we had zero complaints.
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Thank you so much for the wonderful review, Abigail! Congratulations to you and your husband on your honeymoon! We're honored you chose to spend part of your celebration with us. Michelle will be thrilled to hear your kind words about her knowledge, photography, and passion for sharing the history and ecology of Black Canyon. We're so glad the experience exceeded your expectations and created such special memories. Thank you for choosing River Dogz, and we hope to welcome you back for another adventure in the future!
Mark_D, Jul 2026
This kayak tour is an incredible way to get outside of Vegas and enjoy more of what the state has to offer. The overall experience was beyond our expectations and our guide, Julia, was GREAT!
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Thank you for the fantastic review, Mark! We're so happy to hear your kayaking adventure exceeded your expectations. We couldn't agree more, getting out on the Colorado River is a wonderful way to experience a different side of Las Vegas! Julia will be delighted to hear your kind words. Thank you for choosing River Dogz, and we hope to see you back on the river again soon!
Aimee_A, Jul 2026
We had such a great time on this adventure! The water was beautiful and the day was peaceful! Michelle was an amazing guide
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Thank you for your wonderful review! We're so glad you had a peaceful day on the water and that Michelle made your adventure so enjoyable. We hope to see you again soon!
Lauren_D, Jul 2026
Incredible! Great communication around transportation. The trip was WAY more than I expected. Michelle was an excellent tour guide from the moment we got in the van. The kayaking guidance was great and ranges from true beginner to experienced. This was a really safe way to “solo” explore and an extremely memorable experience! I’m going to recommend to everyone I know:)
Response from Host, Jul 2026
Thank you for your amazing review! We're so glad the experience exceeded your expectations and that Michelle helped make your adventure so memorable. We truly appreciate your recommendation and hope to see you again on the river!
Lauren_W, Jun 2026
Julia was our guide and was excellent. Beautiful scenery, cool water, an excellent day outside of Vegas.
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Thank you for the wonderful review, Lauren! We're so glad you had a great day on the river with Julia. She'll be thrilled to hear your kind words. The beautiful scenery, refreshing Colorado River, and peaceful escape from Las Vegas make for such a memorable adventure. Thanks for choosing River Dogz, and we hope to see you again soon!
Lynley_B, Jun 2026
Amazing time and beautiful scenery! Luke was super helpful throughout the trip and gave information about national parks and spots around Vegas that are must-sees. I did solo kayak with my nephew in his own and we agreed at the end of the trip that it was our favorite thing we've done so far. 10/10 recommend this!!
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Thank you so much for the amazing review! We're thrilled to hear that your kayak adventure with your nephew was your favorite experience of your trip! Luke will be so happy to know his tips about the area and nearby National Parks helped make your day even more memorable. Thank you for the 10/10 recommendation, we hope to welcome you both back for another adventure on the Colorado River!
Jason_R, Jun 2026
Had a great time. Excellent value for the money. Lots of great information and beautiful views. This is a must-do.
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Thank you for your great review! We're so glad you enjoyed the beautiful views. We appreciate your recommendation and hope to see you again on your next adventure! 🚣♀️
S_F, Jun 2026
My experience yesterday was one for the books! I’ve kayaked before in smaller areas, but never in a million years did I imagine I’d be kayaking on the Colorado River especially for 4 miles!
This was a solo trip, and I definitely second guessed booking it at first. I’m so glad I did. Haley was an amazing instructor, and if I book another trip, I’ll definitely be requesting her.
Everyone in my group was so genuine and welcoming. They made me feel like part of the family from the moment we met. We all came from different places and had our own journeys, but we shared an unforgettable experience together.
Thank you all for making this adventure so much fun. It’s a memory I’ll always cherish!- Shaneka 😉
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Thank you so much for your amazing review, Shaneka! We're so glad you took the leap and joined us for your solo adventure. It means so much to hear Haley and the rest of the group made you feel so welcome. We're honored to have been part of such a memorable experience, and we'd love to have you back for another paddle! 💙🚣♀️
Valerie_J, Jun 2026
This is a wonderful experience. The kayak out to the cave is great and there is a hike planned half way. On the kayak back the headwind was rough but I made it back. The views are amazing!!!
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Thank you for the great review! We're so glad you enjoyed the experience, the hike, and the amazing views. We appreciate your support and hope to see you back on the water for another adventure soon!
Tracey_B, Jun 2026
We had a great day and it was fun to escape the heat in Vegas. Although it was hot it didn’t feel like it was because the river was so nice and cool. Luke was our guide and he was very informative and gave us a lot of interesting facts about the river, its history and landscape. The cave was a little disappointing, as it is very small and there’s a wait to go in. Overall 5* and would definitely recommend! .
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Thank you for the wonderful review, Tracey! We're so glad you enjoyed your day on the Colorado River and found it to be a refreshing escape from the Las Vegas heat. Luke will be thrilled to hear that you enjoyed learning about the river's history, geology, and wildlife. We appreciate your honest feedback about Emerald Cave as well. While the cave itself is small, we're happy to hear the overall experience, scenery, and time on the water made for a memorable adventure. Thank you for choosing River Dogz and for the recommendation!
Jeremy_S, Jun 2026
River Dogz was amazing! Griffin was our tour guide. He was wonderful. I’m 67 and use a cane. He made sure that I was able to enjoy myself as much as everyone else. One of the best outings I’ve had in ages. I'm bringing my other granddaughter later in the month and then I’m going to go with friends.
I felt safe the entire time and Griff jumped to my aid very quickly when I tripped and fell. lol (I didn’t feel like it was because of liability. He actually cared).
We have a lot of foreign visitors. This will be on my list of suggestions for them now.
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Thank you so much for this incredible review, Jeremy! We're honored to hear that Griffin helped make your experience one of the best outings you've had in ages. Creating a safe, fun, and welcoming environment for guests of all abilities is something we take great pride in, and we're thrilled that Griff's genuine care shined through. We'll be sure to share your kind words with him. We look forward to welcoming you back with your granddaughter and friends later this month. Thank you for recommending River Dogz to your visitors from around the world!
Dinah_P, Jun 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Exceptional Experience with River Dogz and Michelle!
This was my second time taking the Emerald Cove Kayak Tour, and it was every bit as amazing as the first. As a kayak guide myself in Florida, I have a strong understanding of what makes a great guide and a great tour, and Michelle exceeded every expectation.
From the very beginning, Michelle was proactive and communicative, providing clear directions and instructions before the tour so there was no confusion about where and when to meet. During the shuttle ride, she thoroughly explained the itinerary, set expectations for the day, and made everyone feel comfortable and prepared.
Before we launched, Michelle provided excellent paddling instruction and a comprehensive safety briefing. Once on the water, her knowledge was truly impressive. She shared fascinating information about the area’s plants, wildlife, history, geology, and the environmental impacts of the ongoing water shortages. Her passion for the region was evident and added so much value to the experience.
Our group included paddlers with a wide range of skill levels, but Michelle expertly managed everyone, ensuring that each participant felt safe, included, and was having a great time. She paced the tour perfectly, provided plenty of opportunities to rest, and kept everyone hydrated and energized with snacks. Even on an extremely hot day, she made the experience comfortable and enjoyable.
One thing that really stood out was that Michelle took numerous photos throughout the trip, allowing us to stay present and enjoy the scenery without worrying about capturing every moment ourselves. She also provided us with opportunities and experiences that other tour groups were not receiving, making the day feel even more special.
If you’re visiting Las Vegas, this tour should absolutely be at the top of your list. The beauty of Emerald Cove is incredible, and River Dogz delivers a first-class experience. I’m already planning a longer adventure with River Dogz in the future, and I will definitely be requesting Michelle as our guide.
Excellent, excellent, excellent! Highly recommended. 🚣♀️🌄✨
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Thank you for such an incredible review! We're honored that, as a fellow kayak guide, you chose to paddle with us again and had such a positive experience. Michelle truly loves sharing her knowledge and passion for the area, and we're thrilled she made your day both fun and memorable. We appreciate your kind words about her guidance, attention to safety, and dedication to creating a first-class experience. Thank you for recommending River Dogz, and we can't wait to welcome you back for your next adventure!
Anna_L, Jun 2026
Had the best day kayaking! Luke and the River Dogs team explained what to expect and made it easy to pick up kayaking . Luke was an amazing guide adding alot of history and local knowledge to stops along the way.
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Thank you for the wonderful review! We're so glad you had an amazing day on the water. Luke and the team love sharing the area's history and making kayaking fun and easy for everyone. We appreciate your kind words and hope to see you again soon!
Ginger_W, Jun 2026
The tour with Ryan was absolutely amazing! He added extra, engaging touches to the kayak trip by providing history of the area, safety of kayaking and jokes along the way. The 4+ miles kayak trip, for a novice, was very doable. We booked a later trip on Saturday and it was the perfect time because we had the opportunity to see the cove without waiting in a line. Our group of 9, including Ryan, was from all over the world and we were out of this world great!! I would recommend this outfit and look for River Dogz again.
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Thank you for the amazing review! We're delighted that Ryan helped make your experience so special. We pride ourselves on creating fun, engaging tours that are enjoyable for guests of all experience levels, and we're glad you found the paddle very doable. Thank you for the recommendation, and we hope your next trip to Vegas includes another day on the river with us!
Lakeisha_P, Jun 2026
Very nice experience would recommend anyone to do this. Very fun very exciting BIG SHOUT OUT TO MICHELLE
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Thank you so much for the wonderful review, Lakeisha! We're thrilled to hear you had such a fun and exciting experience. Michelle will love the BIG shout out, she truly enjoys making every adventure memorable for our guests. We appreciate the recommendation and hope to see you back on the river again soon!
From $88.00
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