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
Samantha_C
Shout out to Tyler!! What an amazing guide. My dad and I had an incredible experience. The water is beautiful, clear and refreshing (if you chose to get in for a swim). I loved going inside the little cave and learning about the history of the area. I highly recommend this trip.
Reviews
4.9
based on 5,162 reviews
Melissa_S, May 2026
This was such an epic day! Our guide Michele was fun, outgoing and there for every question or need. It was beyond our expectations! We would highly recommend
Response from Host, May 2026
Thank you, Melissa! We’re so happy to hear the day exceeded your expectations. Michelle will love hearing your kind words. She always works hard to make sure guests have a fun and memorable experience. Thank you so much for the recommendation and for spending the day with us!
Petthubtim_S, May 2026
Michelle, she was our guide today thank you so much for your knowledge me and my friends learning a lot today. Suck a beautiful views. We all are enjoy and definitely come back. Highly recommended
Response from Host, May 2026
Thank you so much! We’re thrilled you and your friends had such a great time out on the river. Michelle will really appreciate the kind words. We’re glad you enjoyed the beautiful views and learned more about the area along the way. We’d love to have you back again on a future visit!
Alan_B, May 2026
High winds moved tour up by a couple of hours and they shortened overall tour. Stop on beach area was eliminated.
But Preston was upfront with needed changes. He was fun and group still had a good time!
Response from Host, May 2026
Thank you, Alan! We appreciate your understanding regarding the weather adjustments. Safety always comes first, and windy conditions can sometimes require changes to the route or timing. We’re glad Preston kept everyone informed and still helped make it a fun experience for the group. Thanks again for joining us!
Lisa_S, May 2026
Beautiful scenery! Amazing guide (Preston)! Fun bonding time for the family! Definitely bring your sunblock!
Response from Host, May 2026
Thank you, Lisa! We’re so glad you enjoyed the scenery and family time out on the river. Preston will appreciate the kind words! And yes, sunscreen is definitely a must out there. Thanks again for joining us!
Eleuterio_S, May 2026
I must say, this has truly been an amazing experience. I have never kayaked before, but with Carlene's help, she was truly helpful and very informative. I would definitely recommend trying it out! The water is very refreshing.
Response from Host, May 2026
Thank you so much! We’re honored to have been part of your first kayaking experience and are so glad you had such a great time. The Colorado River is a special place and we’re happy you got to enjoy it with us. We appreciate the recommendation and hope to see you again!
Jan_C, May 2026
Michelle was our tour guide and what a brilliant guide she was. She took care of everyone on and off the water. She could tell us about the river, the birds, the wildlife and the plants and trees. She was so friendly, fun and efficient. This is one of the best tours we have been on. We'll done Michelle and River Dogz.
Response from Host, May 2026
Thank you, Jan! We’re thrilled to hear this was one of the best tours you’ve been on. Michelle will absolutely appreciate your thoughtful feedback. She works hard to make sure everyone feels taken care of while sharing the wildlife, history, and beauty of the area. Thank you again for the support!
Kevin_L, May 2026
Michelle was the best! She just made the trip enjoyable and is so knowledgeable.
You can tell she loves what she does and treats you like friends, not clients. Great trip I would recommend to anyone looking for something other than the casinos or hiking.
Response from Host, May 2026
Thank you, Kevin! We love hearing that the tour offered a fun alternative to the usual Vegas experience. Michelle truly enjoys connecting with guests and sharing the river with them, so she’ll be happy to hear this. Thanks so much for the recommendation!
Heather_D, May 2026
This was a great experience. Good for all skill levels. Our guide Michelle was very knowledgeable of the area and provided interesting history on the drive as well. Pick up was very easy and efficient from the hotels they use. Very relaxing paddle even with a lot of other people on the river, you had plenty of room and it never felt crowded. The cave was very unique and a fun diversion to get out of the sun for a bit. It sparkles inside! The river helped keep you cool so even though it was full sun the whole time it was not uncomfortable. The scenery along the way did not disappoint. We saw mountain goats, different types of ducks and even a few fish. A highlight was seeing a bald eagle fly over several times and seeing an eagle nest. We did this on our last day in Vegas to kill time because our flight did not leave until very late. Very glad we took the time to do this. We had a great time and highly recommend this tour and this group..
Response from Host, May 2026
Thank you so much for the detailed review, Heather! We’re glad you had such a relaxing experience and enjoyed the wildlife, scenery, and unique stop at Emerald Cove. Michelle will appreciate the kind words. We’re especially happy you chose to spend your last day in Vegas with us and that it turned into such a memorable experience!
Felicia_D, May 2026
This was an awesome experience. The views were amazing. This was my first time kayaking and Preston was great! I definitely recommend this excursion.
Response from Host, May 2026
Thank you, Felicia! We’re so glad your first kayaking experience was such a great one. Preston will appreciate the shoutout! We’re happy you enjoyed the views and adventure, and thank you for the recommendation.
Barb_Z, May 2026
We had a great experience. I highly recommend a tour for your first kayak adventure! We went as a family of 4. Our 17 & 19 year old daughters had kayaked once or twice before, but they handled the length of time great. The pace was perfect for our group. Our guide, Griff, was so kind and knowledgeable, I think everyone in our group got to spend some time chatting with him one on one, which made it very special. I'm glad we chose the first launch, the river was quiet and peaceful. Make sure to get breakfast in. We were almost late because we often eat a later breakfast, but decided to eat something - and that was the best decision, there were snacks and waters provided at about the halfway point. It started getting really hot midday, but the cool water of the river was an excellent reprieve, and there was a cool(ish) breeze every once in awhile. Make sure to pack a sun hat and sunscreen for your knees! Overall, the very early alarm was worth it. It was a delightful escape from the lights and noise of Las Vegas. If you drive yourself, you'll have plenty of time and energy to go to Hoover Dam afterwards. This tour was the absolute highlight of our trip. Worth every penny. I can't recommend it enough.
Response from Host, May 2026
Thank you so much for the incredible review, Barb! We’re honored to have been the highlight of your family’s Vegas trip. Griff will be so happy to hear your kind words. We love hearing that the pace, scenery, and experience made everyone feel comfortable and connected throughout the tour. You shared so many great tips for future guests as well, especially about breakfast and sun protection! Thank you again for spending the day with us and for such a thoughtful recommendation.
James_T, May 2026
We booked the half day kayak tour to Emerald cave with pick up at the Aria, our guide Michelle was fantastic, she shared tons of information about the Colorado River, lake mead and the Hoover Damn which made the short 50 minute drive more interesting. Upon arrival we went through safety checks etc and then we were out on the water in no time, the scenery was incredible and we were lucky enough to see lots of wildlife. Roughly 2 miles up river to Emerald cave was our first stop and then we stopped in at a small beach in the way back for a quick rest and snack, I was able to jump in the water and cool off. Overall a 10/10 day, I highly recommend for anyone visiting Las Vegas and looking for an activity that is not the standard experience.
Response from Host, May 2026
Thank you, James! We’re thrilled you had such an amazing day on the water with Michelle. She loves sharing the history and stories of the area, so we’re glad that added to the experience for you. Wildlife sightings, Emerald Cave, and cooling off in the river really do make for a memorable day. Thanks again for the recommendation and for joining us on the river!
wendy_r, May 2026
Yoyo was an amazing guide!! Loved this tour
Lots to see and the boat was fun
Would definitely recommend
Francesca_F, May 2026
I had the best time coming with riverDogz! I hav been coming on this tour making this my third year in a row. I loved Michelle she was so funny and extremely knowledgeable about everything from the rocks to history to some great stories. Also everyone on the tour was great and nice and I hope to be back soon ☺️
Response from Host, May 2026
Thank you so much, Francesca! It means a lot that you’ve chosen to come back with us three years in a row. Michelle will absolutely appreciate the kind words, she truly enjoys making the tours fun, informative, and memorable. We’re so happy you had another great experience and we’ll look forward to seeing you again next time!
Judy_P, May 2026
Great experience, but you should know how to kayak. The guide was terrific, and the views were fabulous.
Response from Host, May 2026
Thank you, Judy! We’re glad you enjoyed the experience and the beautiful views out on the river. While many beginners do join our tours successfully, kayaking can definitely be a bit more physically demanding than some guests expect depending on weather and water conditions. We appreciate the feedback and are happy to hear your guide helped make it a great experience overall.
George_F, May 2026
This was an awesome kayak trip with Riverdogz and the communication leading up to our trip was very helpful. Our guide Haley did an excellent job and made the trip fun. They provided plenty of snacks and water. Just bring your sunscreen and camera. Riverdogz does the rest.
Response from Host, May 2026
Thank you, George! We’re so glad you had an awesome trip with Haley and that our communication helped make everything smooth leading up to your tour. Haley will love hearing your feedback. Thanks again for joining us and for the great recommendation!
Sonia_S, May 2026
Julia is an amazing guide! She made sure we all saw the wildlife that presented itself. The paddle has beautiful views!
Response from Host, May 2026
Thank you, Sonia! Julia will be so happy to hear this! She loves helping guests experience the beauty of Black Canyon and spotting wildlife along the way. We’re glad you enjoyed the paddle and the incredible views!
Sarah_D, May 2026
Awesome! Jessica was a great guide! Really enjoyed ourselves!! Would recommend to anyone! Bring extra sunscreen!
Response from Host, May 2026
Thank you, Sarah! We’re so glad you had an awesome time out on the water. Jessica will love hearing your kind words! And yes, extra sunscreen is always a great idea out here. Thanks again for the recommendation!
Keesha_M, May 2026
This experience takes place in Arizona so get ready for an hour ride. Please read the pickup instructions for the time you are purchasing is not the pickup time. They are not flexible with refunds. Also, remember it is hot! Pack a hat and something to cool you off.
Response from Host, May 2026
Thank you for your feedback, Keesha. We appreciate you sharing helpful tips for future guests. We do try to clearly communicate that pickup times are earlier than launch times due to travel to Willow Beach in Arizona, but we understand it can still catch some guests by surprise. Thanks again and take care!
Craig_A, May 2026
Excellent service good activity very energetic, fantastic views expressed history about the tour knowledge provided
Response from Host, May 2026
Thank you, Craig! We’re so glad you enjoyed the experience. It’s great to hear you appreciated the service, energy, and the history shared along the way. The views really are something special! Thanks for joining us!
Courtney_L, May 2026
Ryan was a great tour guide! We had so much fun on this experience and Ryan took so many amazing photos!
Response from Host, May 2026
Thank you, Courtney! We’re so glad you had such a fun experience. Ryan will really appreciate the kind words, he loves capturing those moments out on the water. Glad you enjoyed the photos too!
Miranda_F, Apr 2026
Absolutely worth the trip! Water shoes are smart and so is sunscreen but be ready to have an amazing time!
Response from Host, May 2026
Thank you, Miranda! We’re so glad you had such a great first experience on the Colorado River. Great tips as well, water shoes and sunscreen definitely help! We appreciate you joining us and hope to see you again!
Michelle_T, Apr 2026
Super fun day trip from Vegas! Ryan was a fun and experienced guide. We had the best time. Quick trip from Vegas! Absolutely beautiful
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Thank you for your review! We’re so happy you had such a fun day trip from Vegas. Ryan will appreciate the shoutout, he’s fantastic at what he does. We’re glad you enjoyed the scenery and overall experience!
Lindsey_S, Apr 2026
What a great trip! Preston was a wonderful guide…so knowledgeable and great company along the tour! The weather was beautiful and the scenery just as amazing! Highly recommend!
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Thank you, Lindsey. We’re so glad you had a great experience. Preston will really appreciate the kind words, he takes pride in making the tour both informative and enjoyable. We agree, the scenery never disappoints. Thanks for the recommendation!
Dana_M, Apr 2026
Beautiful location and friendly, knowledgeable guides. Easy pick-up and drop off location. Perfect amount of time on the water.
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Thank you, Dana. We’re glad you enjoyed the beautiful location and found the experience smooth and well organized. It’s great to hear the timing on the water felt just right. We appreciate your kind words about our team and hope to have you back again.
Terry_L, Apr 2026
Preston was awesome! He was patient, friendly and ensured we were all safe.
And the river and landscape was just beautiful!
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Thank you for your review. We’re glad you had such a memorable experience with Preston and felt safe and well taken care of. The river and scenery truly make it special. We appreciate you joining us.
Jennifer_N, Apr 2026
Had a great time on the Colorado River. Beautiful emerald water and even more beautiful views. Our guide, Griffen was awesome! The day was perfect! 10/10
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Thank you, Jennifer. We’re glad you had such a great day on the Colorado River and enjoyed the beautiful scenery. Griffin will be happy to hear your kind words. We appreciate the 10 out of 10 and hope to have you back again.
Cynthia_C, Apr 2026
We just did our second kayaking trip with River Dogz to Emerald Cave, and once again, the scenery did not disappoint!
A huge shoutout to our guide, Ryan. He was fantastic and did a great job keeping the energy up and ensuring everyone felt comfortable on the water. Even though things didn't go exactly as planned, Ryan handled the situation professionally and with a great attitude.
The only downside to this trip was the scheduling. It felt like there were too many parties booked for the same time slot, which resulted in a massive bottleneck at the cave. Unfortunately, the wait was so long that we actually missed the cave portion of the tour. This definitely wasn't Ryan’s fault—he was very transparent about the situation and gave us a choice: we could either wait it out with the crowd or head back and take some photos at the old burnt house site.
We chose the latter, and Ryan made sure we still had a fun experience and got some great shots! While we missed the "Emerald cave" part of the trip this time, the service from the staff remains top-tier. I really hope the company looks into better staggering their tour times or limiting the number of parties per slot to ensure every guest gets the full cave experience.
We’ll definitely be back for a third round—hopefully with Ryan again!
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Thank you for your thoughtful review and for joining us again, Cynthia. We’re glad you had another great experience with Ryan and that he was able to keep things positive and enjoyable despite the unexpected congestion at the cave. We truly appreciate your feedback regarding scheduling and will take that into consideration as we continue to improve the experience for our guests. We’re glad you still had a fun time and we look forward to having you back again.
Shelley_D, Apr 2026
We loved this experience! It was so fun and we loved Griffin! Best kayak tour guide! He had great snacks! Funny stories and he was full of information even recommendations for what to do while we were here in Bullhead city. Highly recommended
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Thank you, Shelley. We’re so glad you had such a fun experience and enjoyed your time with Griffin. He will be happy to hear your kind words. We’re glad you enjoyed the snacks, stories, and recommendations. We appreciate the recommendation and hope to see you again.
leslie_c, Apr 2026
What a wonderful day in the beautiful Colorado River! What a great way to escape The Vegas chaos. thanks for the fun.
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Thank you for the kind words! We're so glad you enjoyed a relaxing day on the beautiful Colorado River. We hope to see you again for another fun adventure soon!
cristina_d, Apr 2026
Michele was amazing. Very knowledgeable and personable. The snacks and water were definitely helpful. She also has a medical bag with her just in case he starts to get sore.
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Thank you for the wonderful feedback! We’re so glad you had a great experience with Michelle. We appreciate you joining us and hope to see you again on the river soon!
Likely to Sell Out
From $99.00
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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