About this experience
Experience Emerald Cave with one of the original guided kayak tours on the Colorado River, backed by more than 20 years of experience exploring Black Canyon near Las Vegas. You’ll paddle from Willow Beach through dramatic canyon scenery to the famous Emerald Cave, discovering historic sites, scenic stops, and wildlife along the way—not simply kayaking to the cave and back. With expert guides, premium touring kayaks, personalized instruction, and a relaxed pace, you’ll enjoy a comfortable, memorable Black Canyon adventure whether it’s your first time kayaking or you’re an experienced paddler.
At a glance
- Duration: 3 hr
Plan your experience
Set aside 3 hr for the experience itself, with additional time to reach your meeting or pickup point.
Compare the available options before choosing: their itinerary, inclusions and pickup arrangements can differ. Check the price for your date and whole group.
Before you go
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Local guides to help you plan
Las Vegas beyond the marquee: a guide to the whole city
A practical framework connecting the Strip, Downtown, creative neighborhoods, and the Mojave edge without turning the trip into a checklist.
Downtown Las Vegas on foot: neon, museums, and 18b
A street-scale Downtown framework moving from daylight context through Fremont and the Arts District.
Planning a Red Rock Canyon day from Las Vegas
Build a Red Rock day around current BLM guidance, real conditions, group ability, and a safe return margin.
What is included
- Hoover Dam Bypass Bridge Scenic Stop (If option selected)
- Guided Emerald Cave Kayak Tour through Black Canyon
- Cold
- Snacks
- Expert, Extensively Trained Certified Guide
- Premium Touring Kayaks, Paddles & Life Vests
- Round-Trip Shuttle from Select Las Vegas Strip Hotels (if option selected)
Not included
- Transportation (unless option selected)
- Gratuities
- National Park Fee (included w/transport; not included w/self-drive or without transport option)
Itinerary and highlights
• Meet your guide at Willow Beach, Arizona, for a safety briefing and gear fitting with
premium kayaks, paddles, and life vests.
• Paddle through the Black Canyon along the Colorado River, enjoying towering cliffs
and desert scenery.
• Paddle past historic 1920s sites that shaped the desert southwest and explore
canyon passages.
• Reach Emerald Cave and back your kayak into the glowing waters for an
unforgettable photo opportunity.
• Stop at scenic viewpoints along the way for photos, snacks, and rest.
• Return to Willow Beach at a relaxed pace, guided by some of the most extensively
trained guides in the region.
Operated by Evolution Expeditions, one of the original Emerald Cave tour companies, ensuring a safe, smooth, and memorable adventure for all skill levels.
See the overview, available options and booking details for the experience schedule.
Meeting and pickup information
- Please meet us at the Paddle craft launch beach 30 minutes before your tour start time to meet your guide and get fitted with life vests and boats. Tours will begin promptly at their scheduled start time. The Paddle Craft Beach is the first beach on the left as you first come down to the water.
- ***Pick up times from Las Vegas hotels are 90-110 minutes before the tour start time*** Venetian - 120min before...THE PICKUP LOCATION IS OUT THE FRONT DOOR AND TO THE RIGHT OF MAIN ENTRANCE. Bellagio - 110min before... THE PICKUP LOCATION IS AT THE RIDE SHARE TOURBUS PICKUP AREA DOWNSTAIRS. Mandalay Bay - 100min before THE PICKUP LOCATION IS ON THE BEACH LEVEL OUTSIDE AT BENCHES. (e.g. Pick up times for an 11:00 am tour are as follows: Venetian 9:00am, Bellagio 9:10am, Mandalay Bay 9:20am). Please be courteous to other participants and promptly show up on time at the tour bus area or launch location provided on the confirmation email. Please have your cellular phone on and available. Shuttles generally arrive back to Las Vegas Resort & Hotels between 90 and 120 minutes after the kayak tour ends. Shuttle times vary with traffic.
Languages and tickets
- English — Guide
- Spanish — Guide
- Mobile Only
Tour operator
- Evolution Expeditions
Accessibility and practical details
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- We offer single or tandem (2 seater) kayaks. Please specify which kayak you would prefer.
- The Emerald Cave is just 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
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Questions about this experience
How long is this experience?
What are the pickup arrangements?
Venetian - 120min before...THE PICKUP LOCATION IS OUT THE FRONT DOOR AND TO THE RIGHT OF MAIN ENTRANCE.
Bellagio - 110min before... THE PICKUP LOCATION IS AT THE RIDE SHARE TOURBUS PICKUP AREA DOWNSTAIRS.
Mandalay Bay - 100min before THE PICKUP LOCATION IS ON THE BEACH LEVEL OUTSIDE AT BENCHES.
(e.g. Pick up times for an 11:00 am tour are as follows: Venetian 9:00am, Bellagio 9:10am, Mandalay Bay 9:20am).
Please be courteous to other participants and promptly show up on time at the tour bus area or launch location provided on the confirmation email. Please have your cellular phone on and available. Shuttles generally arrive back to Las Vegas Resort & Hotels between 90 and 120 minutes after the kayak tour ends. Shuttle times vary with traffic.
Which guide languages are listed?
What ticket format is listed?
What ticket age bands are listed?
What is the cancellation policy?
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