Emerald Cave Kayak Tour with Lunch & Las Vegas Shuttle Option
Recommended by 99% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
Las Vegas, USA
- 7 hours (approx.)
- Pickup offered
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
Explore our promoted experiences
Overview
Paddle your way along the Colorado River and visit the Emerald Cave during this half-day kayaking tour from Las Vegas. Set off from Willow Beach Marina and paddle through towering volcanic canyon walls on your way to Emerald Cave, making plenty of photo stops along the way. Refuel with included lunch on the beach.
- Explore beyond Las Vegas with a kayaking adventure
- Paddle along the Colorado River to the Emerald Cave
- Keep an eye out for wildlife like eagles and falcons
- Upgrade to include shuttle transport and/or a Hoover Dam Tour
What's Included
- Guided Kayak Tour
- Single or Tandem Kayak, Paddle, Life-Vest
- Lunch
- Hotel pick-up and drop off from select hotels (if option selected)
- Bottled water
- Snacks
- External Hoover Dam Tour (If option selected)
- Gratuities (Optional)
- Hotel pick-up and drop off (If self-drive option selected)
- External Hoover Dam Tour (if option not selected)
- National Park Fee (included w/transport; not included w/self-drive or without transport option)$25.00 per booking
Meeting and Pickup
You can head directly to the meeting point, or request pickup
What To Expect
1
Emerald Cove
2
Colorado River
3
Hoover Dam Bypass
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Most travelers can participate
- We offer single or tandem (2 seater) kayaks. Please specify which kayak you would prefer.
- The Emerald Cave is a small cutout of the mountain for a great photo op!
- If you select self drive option, you will be meeting us at the marina. Have reliable transportation to meet us, there is NO cell service at the marina to call a ride share.
- If you have chosen and paid for this tour with shuttle, pick up times are: Venetian 110 minutes before, Bellagio 100 minutes before and Mandalay Bay 90 minutes before your tour start time
- Message us if you need a 2XL or larger life vest
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 30 travelers
Supplied by
Frequently Asked Questions (20)
Q:How can I arrange hotel pickup for the Kayak Emerald Cave Lunch tour?
A:Once your reservation is confirmed, please contact the local operator directly using the phone number on your ticket to coordinate your exact pickup time and location.
Sep 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
Mitchel_R
I opted for the Shuttle Option, and was not disappointed! Our Guide/Driver Faith was professional, down to earth, and very friendly. Along the drive up to Willow Beach she provided some interesting facts about what we’re seeing (e.g Boulder City, trail heads, hot springs etc).
It was reassuring to know she was Wildness First Aid certified and our first responder so, heaven forbid anything go wrong, we’d be safe in her hands. The overall trip was very enjoyable and easy to get launched, paddling and enjoying the lake.
My personal favourite part was swimming in Lake Mead, and seeing the trail of surveyors from when the Hoover Dam location was being considered.
Highly recommend this tour!! Lunch was great and snacks/water were plentiful during the excursion.
Reviews
4.9
based on 742 reviews
Thomas_E, Apr 2026
We had the best experience on this expedition. The organisation was perfect, regular contact throughout, pickup on time, 2 great friendly and knowledgeable guides, Jeff and Emma made this our greatest experience. So friendly and patient, we had such a laugh, having never used a kayak before the instructions were clear, simple and the kayaks were brilliant, food was great, even went for a swim after lunch and as promised the river took our breathe away for the first few seconds but shortly after it was such a nice swim, we got back into the kayaks and wanted to swim again, would highly recommed this 🏊♂️.
Followed by a casual row back we kind of started a massive water fight which im sorry but I definitely won 🤪 as we approached the shore where we started Jeff gave a great speech that really touches your heart and makes you understand that even with all the entainment available, a great trip through mother nature can bring you peace and sometimes thats all you need ❤️ Thank you evolution expeditions, this memory will never be forgotten. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
From your Troublesome 2 from England UK
Tom senior and Tom Junior 🤪🫶✌️
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Thank you Tom and Tom for your review. We are very happy that you all had a great time! We hope you join us again in the future!
-Evolution Expeditions Kayaking Las Vegas
James_S, Apr 2026
Don’t go on a windy day. Not the fault of the operator but the wind made the paddle and particularly the entrance to the cave a difficult and potentially dangerous situation. Many needed to be pulled I by guides. Many capsized. On A calm day this would be great. Our guide was great.
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Thanks for sharing your experience and for the honest feedback. We’re glad to hear the guide took good care of everyone out there, especially when conditions picked up.
Wind can definitely make the paddle and cave entrance more challenging on certain days, even for experienced paddlers, and safety is always the top priority. We appreciate you pointing that out, as conditions really do play a big role in the overall experience.
We’re happy you still saw the potential of the trip on a calmer day, and we hope to have you back out with us under better conditions in the future.
-Evolution Expeditions Kayaking Las Vegas
Michael_M, Nov 2025
Great trip. Soren, Faith, and the whole team were great. We really enjoyed the mix of history and natural information they shared about the canyon and surrounding area during the trip.
Response from Host, Dec 2025
We’re so happy you enjoyed your trip! Soren, Faith, and the team love sharing the perfect mix of history, nature, and canyon stories while making sure everyone has a blast on the water 🌊📚.
-Evolution Expeditions Kayaking, Las Vegas
Lisa_W, Nov 2025
This was so much fun! Our guide was very informative and the whole experience was so worth it! Highly recommend!
Response from Host, Dec 2025
We’re thrilled you had so much fun! Our guides love sharing their knowledge while making sure every paddle is packed with adventure 😄. Thanks for the high recommendation!
-Evolution Expeditions Kayaking, Las Vegas
Karen_T, Oct 2025
A lovely experience, Faith our guide, was really nice. The actual Emerald Cave was not as great as we were expecting, the photos taken were quite far away. Also had to hang around for quite some time before the journey back to the strip. More passengers cadged a lift on the way back so the transport was cramped and uncomfortable. Still thought it was good value for money.
Mickie_H, Sep 2025
It was a wonderful experience. The transport from the hotel was very pleasant. Kayaking was peaceful and fun. Our tour guide Jayden was outstanding. She made sure everyone had a good time and was very knowledgeable. The lunch was delicious.
Response from Host, Dec 2025
We’re thrilled you had such a wonderful day! 🌊 Jayden loves making every trip fun, safe, and full of knowledge, and it sounds like you enjoyed every moment from hotel pick-up to delicious lunch. Peaceful paddling, great company, and amazing scenery make for a perfect adventure—can’t wait to see you back on the water!
-Evolution Expedition Kayaking, Las Vegas
DeAnna_W, Sep 2025
Due to an inaccessible road, we were not able to take the trip we’d planned. However the company offered us an upgraded tour at no extra cost. Guides Ray and Soren did a fantastic job leading our kayaking tour. The wild donkeys were the added bonus! Thanks for a great trip!
Response from Host, Dec 2025
We’re so glad we could turn the change of plans into a fantastic adventure! 🚣♂️ Ray and Soren love making every trip fun and memorable, and it sounds like the wild donkeys were a perfect bonus. Thanks for joining us, and we can’t wait to welcome you back for another amazing paddle!
-Evolution Expedition Kayaking, Las Vegas
Sheryl_C, Aug 2025
The trip was wonderful. Ray was a perfect guide. We were able to enjoy the beauty and nature of this spectacular area. Thanks for sharing.
Response from Host, Sep 2025
Thank you for joining us at Evolution Expeditions! 🌟 We’re so glad you had a wonderful trip and got to soak in the beauty of this special place. Ray will be thrilled to hear your kind words—he truly loves sharing the river and canyon with our guests. We hope to see you back for another adventure soon! 🚣♂️✨
Mitchel_R, Aug 2025
I opted for the Shuttle Option, and was not disappointed! Our Guide/Driver Faith was professional, down to earth, and very friendly. Along the drive up to Willow Beach she provided some interesting facts about what we’re seeing (e.g Boulder City, trail heads, hot springs etc).
It was reassuring to know she was Wildness First Aid certified and our first responder so, heaven forbid anything go wrong, we’d be safe in her hands. The overall trip was very enjoyable and easy to get launched, paddling and enjoying the lake.
My personal favourite part was swimming in Lake Mead, and seeing the trail of surveyors from when the Hoover Dam location was being considered.
Highly recommend this tour!! Lunch was great and snacks/water were plentiful during the excursion.
Response from Host, Sep 2025
Thank you for adventuring with Evolution Expeditions! 🌟 We’re so happy you enjoyed the shuttle option and had such a great time with Faith—she really does make the trip special. Swimming in Lake Mead, learning the history, and taking in all the sights sounds like an amazing day. We can’t wait to have you join us again! 🚣♀️💦
Miranda_J, Aug 2025
I have booked twice with this company, once in September 2024 and then again in August 2025. Both times, there were last minute changes and I did not get the tour I paid for.
For the first trip, I was traveling alone and they upgraded my trip to a different tour. I only had to pay for the cost of the lunch, an additional $10. The tour was fantastic and the guide was great. This was my first time ever kayaking and the pace was good for beginners, with lots of breaks and opportunities to enjoy the scenery. The last minute change was dealt with reasonably and didn't alter my plans much so I gave them another chance.
For my most recent trip, I booked the upgraded tour with lunch and transportation for my partner and myself. Neither of us are terribly athletic so I thought this would be a good break from the Vegas Strip and summer sun based on my last experience. The day before the trip, the company called to say we had to move the time of our tour. I was not able to do this based on other plans so I told them I would need to cancel. They said the other option would be to downgrade to the express tour departing at the original time we had booked. I agreed on the condition that the booking be changed and I would be refunded the difference in cost.
Over the next 24 hours, I continued to get reminder emails and details on the original deluxe booking. The morning of the tour, I received a email saying that a rebooking and refund could not be initiated. We showed up at the scheduled time not knowing (a) if the tour would be happening or (b) what tour we would actually be getting. The tour guide confirmed it was the express tour but could answer any questions about refunds.
It turned out that the express tour was not shorter in kayaking length but was only slightly shorter in total time because there was no lunch and no breaks. The express tour is not suitable for beginners and was a difficult tour to complete. Both my partner and I were exhausted, kayaking for nearly 4 hours without the opportunity to stop and rest.
The tour guide was inadequately trained and lacked professionalism. No training was provided, leading to an unsafe tip over for my partner, and safety and technique questions unanswered. There was not enough water provided to be adequately hydrated in the desert summer sun and no snacks were offered until the journey back to the city.
Based on the inconsistency in tour experiences, the last minute changes to tours, and the safety concerns, I would not recommend this tour or tour company!
Response from Host, Aug 2025
Thank you for sharing your feedback with us. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience and disappointment you experienced during your recent kayak tour. Our goal is to provide a 5-star experience, and we are sorry that we let you down.
I want to assure you that we take your comments very seriously. Both the owner of Evolution Expeditions and our operations manager have called you and left voicemail messages because we want to better understand your experience and do what we can to make things right. Please feel free to reach back to us at your convenience.
We apologize for the last-minute changes and understand the frustration it caused. Unfortunately, adjustments are sometimes necessary due to National Park regulations and logistical needs. When bookings are made directly through us, we make every effort to discuss potential time restrictions with our customers. I’m sorry this information wasn’t clearly conveyed through TripAdvisor.
Regarding your partial refund, it was processed, the day the tour got changed and TripAdvisor confirmed this. It can take 7 to 10 business days for the amount to reflect on your card.
Your safety and satisfaction are paramount. We are addressing your concerns about the express tour’s difficulty and your experience with the guide. The guide would have no idea about the tour change since that is not their department. I can assure you we have spoken with your guide who is on season two with us about what happened with your tour and taking immediate action to ensure all guests receive adequate water and snacks during their time on the river.
We appreciate your feedback, as it helps us enhance our services. If there's anything more we can do, please do not hesitate to contact us directly at 702-259-5292
Julie_B, Aug 2025
Well done! Very caring and well trained staff. First aid certified and works well with other guides for any problems.
Response from Host, Aug 2025
Thank you for your kind words! We’re proud to have such a dedicated, well-trained team that always looks out for our guests’ safety and comfort. Our guides work hard to make sure every trip is fun, safe, and memorable — and your recognition means the world to us. We hope to see you on the water again soon!
— The Evolution Expeditions Team
Leigh_S, Apr 2025
It was amazing 👏 everyone and everything was so great. The experience was scary but I was happy to finally see what I have always wanted to see. Thank you
Response from Host, Apr 2025
Well thank you so much for trusting our team at Evolution Expeditions!
Mike_L, Apr 2025
Amazing experience! Maggie and Jeff were awesome. Would most definitely do this again with my kids. 💯
Response from Host, Apr 2025
Thank you so much! We love Kid's!
Jean_B, Nov 2024
The day was really fun! The group was fun to be around. It was a great family trip and Ryan was very knowledgeable. He was a really good tour guide and a pleasure to be around We were picked up from our hotel the Venetian. The ride was about 40 minutes. The tour was four hours we had lunch. We had snacks. We learned some mystery.
Response from Host, Nov 2024
Thank you so much for the great review, Jean! We're so glad to hear that you and your family had a good time with Ryan as your guide to the Emerald Cave!
Evolution Expeditions Kayaking, Las Vegas
Jinan_R, Nov 2024
OMG! What a magical, peaceful, harmonious, most perfect experience in Kayaking I've ever had! Enjoyed Ray, he was an amazing tour guide! I loved his witty humor! Makes sure everyone is safe, good and comfortable. I appreciated it! Next time I come to visit Vegas this is certainly a tour I would do over and over again! Never thought I'd Kayak 4.5 miles lol! Amazing is all I can say, the scenery, the weather, the group I got was so much fun and inclusive with each other, specially being a solo traveler. I can't wait to come back. Thank you!
Response from Host, Nov 2024
Thank you for the great review! We're so glad you had a magical experience kayaking with Ray as your tour guide! We can't wait to have you back again for another paddle!
Evolution Expeditions Kayaking, Las Vegas
Miranda_N, Oct 2024
Our tour guide Faith was the best she’s very knowledgeable about the river and wildlife! Best trip up the river beautiful scenery!
Response from Host, Nov 2024
Thank you for the great review, Miranda! We are so glad you had a great time paddling with Faith as your guide to the Emerald Cave! We hope to have you back again in the future for another adventure!
Evolution Expeditions Kayaking, Las Vegas
Kimberly_D, Oct 2024
The time went fast and 4 miles was not difficult, as there is no current. Our guide, Maggie, was fabulous. She did an incredible job of going at a pace that suited everyone and was fun and informative. She shared lots of unique facts and we learned bits about the foliage, wildlife and river history.
Response from Host, Nov 2024
Thank you for the kind review, Kimberly! I'm so glad you had such a great time out on the water and learned a lot about the area! We hope to have you back again for another adventure in the future!
Evolution Expeditions Kayaking, Las Vegas
Charlene_L, Oct 2024
Ray the Light of Knowledge brought cool energy and bonus surprises!! What a delight. Amazing time had by all.
Response from Host, Oct 2024
Thank you for the great review! We're happy to hear the Ray provided a great tour to the Emerald Cave! We hope to have you back again for another adventure in the future!
Evolution Expeditions Kayaking, Las Vegas
crewsrvolshotmailcom, Oct 2024
The emerald cave was cool. Our guide was great. Would do it again. Our guide told us slot of history.
Response from Host, Oct 2024
Thank you for the five star review! We really try to deliver a Five Star experience! Again, The whole Evolution Expeditions team thanks you!
Tiana_V, Oct 2024
This is definitely a memorable experience and loved every minute of it. Maggie is wonderful as a guide. Her positive energy, patience and wealth of knowledge provided our group more than we expected. The tour was about 4 miles on calm waters. You don't need any experience to do this excursion. They give a brief lesson and talk you through it
They provide plenty of water and snacks. Stopping at some of the small beaches along the way, added a relaxing element to the experience. Even though the water was cold, it was refreshing on a hot day. I'm so happy we did this and you will be too. If we could give more stars, we would.
Response from Host, Oct 2024
Thank you so much for taking the time to leave such a glowing review about our tours just a short distance from the Las Vegas Strip! If you ever make it back I think you might want to try our Hot Springs tour, it's a real bucket list experience! Again thank you from the whole Evolution Expeditions team!
Lori_k, Oct 2024
Faith was our guide and she was absolutely awesome. She is 10 stars! She gave us some history of the area as we paddled. Knew tons are the area, vegetation and animals. We even got to see a bald eagle take flight.
Response from Host, Oct 2024
Thank you for the five star review! I know Faith goes out of her way to really provide a 5 star experience!
Thank you again from the whole Evolution Expeditions team!
Jennifer_K, Oct 2024
They booked me on a tour that was full. They also payed for transportation and we were waiting at the designated spot. Past the time we were supposed to be picked up I called the vender and they said they did not have a shuttle at that time. Horrible service
Response from Host, Oct 2024
Hello Jennifer, we are really sorry this was your experience. I am trying to find your reservation in our system so that I can figure what you are referring to and what happened. What name was your reservation under? It does not show this information on the review. Please feel free to call our office at 702-259-5292 to discuss this. We take negative reviews very seriously and pride our selves in exceptional customer service.
Kim_L, Oct 2024
We had a great time our Guide Ray was knowledgeable, informative and interesting.
The lunch was great and swimming fun.
Response from Host, Oct 2024
Yeah he really is a Ray of Sunshine! Seriously though thank you for taking the time to leave a five star review about your five star experience! The whole Evolution Expeditions Team thanks you!
Lake_F, Sep 2024
Our guide was epic and the day was beautiful. Can't wait till the night one. Looking forward to.the trip again.
Response from Host, Oct 2024
Thank you for the great review! We're glad to hear that you had a great time paddling to the Emerald Cave! We're excited to have you back again for another adventure!
Evolution Expeditions Kayaking, Las Vegas
Mitch_C, Sep 2024
We had Raymond as our guide he was fantastic great knowledge of the river of the area very safe perfect Adventure.
Response from Host, Oct 2024
Thanks for the great review, Mitch! We're happy to hear that you had a great time with Raymond as your guide to the Emerald Cove!
Evolution Expeditions Kayaking, Las Vegas
Michelle_C, Aug 2024
the details in the story of history, going back and forth from one state to another was cool. The clear water was amazing.
Response from Host, Oct 2024
Thanks for the great review, Michelle! We're happy you enjoyed the tour to the Emerald Cave and got to learn about the history of the area!
Evolution Expeditions Kayaking, Las Vegas
Marie_E, Aug 2024
Maggie and Ryan were my tour guides. This was such a magical place and a great way to get away from Las Vegas for a half day adventure.
I was traveling alone and pick up was easy and I felt safe the whole trip. Maggie is an excellent driver I got us to and from the hotel safely.
Response from Host, Sep 2024
Thank you so much for trusting Evolution Expeditions with your Adventure!
Jason_M, Aug 2024
Amazing experience with an amazing guide! Burton had wealth of knowledge that he shared throughout the day.
Response from Host, Sep 2024
Thank you so much for choosing Evolution Expeditions!
Letty_T, Jul 2024
Going through Viator we missed some instruction about the shuttle but we met up at the lake. Everyone was friendly very friendly us even though we were new to kayaking. The lunches were good. I did not like the place we stopped for lunch but overall it was good.
Response from Host, Aug 2024
Sorry about any confusion about the Shuttle, sometimes details get lost through third parties. We sure hope you think about giving us another chance to make it perfect next time! Either way thank you for choosing Evolution!
John_D, Jul 2024
The cave was a lengthy paddle from the entry point and the heat was unbearable. I was excited and looking forward to paddling into the cave but was disappointed to find that it was just a depression in the river's wall and not a cave in my definition.
When we stopped for lunch there were no facilities to sit and enjoy your sandwiches and you were required to sit on the dirt.
Response from Host, Aug 2024
So sorry to hear your trip was anything less than amazing. We really try to have an accurate description of how far people will have to paddle, but it can seem further when actually on the water. As for the facilities this area is controlled by the National Parks and the believe in keeping it designated as a primitive area so absolutely no structures or facilities are allowed. We still hope you had a wonderful trip and would love another opportunity if you ever reconsidered!
From $162.00
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
Compare Similar Experiences
Current
Emerald Cave Kayak Tour with Lunch & Las Vegas Shuttle Option
742
7 hours
Free Cancellation
From
$162.00
Customers Who Bought This Tour Also Bought
Explore Similar Things to Do
- Sporting Events
- Half-day Tours
- Extreme Sports
- 4WD Tours
- Tickets & Passes
- Tours, Sightseeing & Cruises
- Outdoor Activities
- Private and Luxury
- Las Vegas
- Sporting Events - Kingman
- Extreme Sports - Kingman
- Sporting Events - St George
- Half-day Tours - St George
- Extreme Sports - St George
- 4WD Tours - St George
- Sporting Events - Virgin River
- Extreme Sports - Virgin River
- 4WD Tours - Virgin River
Attractions in Las Vegas, USA
- Treasure Island Hotel & Casino Tours & Tickets
- Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood Tours & Tickets
- Paradise Wedding Chapel Tours & Tickets
- T-Mobile Arena Tours & Tickets
- Downtown Las Vegas Tours & Tickets
- Las Vegas Convention Center Tours & Tickets
- Flamingo Wildlife Habitat Tours & Tickets
- LINQ Promenade Tours & Tickets
- Hidden Valley Nevada Tours & Tickets
- Madame Tussauds Las Vegas Tours & Tickets
- Black Canyon Tours & Tickets
- Four Queens Casino Tours & Tickets
- Colorado River Tours & Tickets
- Excalibur Hotel & Casino Tours & Tickets
- Grand Canyon North Rim Tours & Tickets