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Tours & experiences

Emerald Cave and Black Canyon Kayak Tour with Vegas Pickup

About this experience

Paddle emerald-green waters and venture into the famous Emerald Cave, surrounded by the dramatic cliffs of Black Canyon—all just a short drive from Las Vegas. With expert guides, beginner-friendly kayaks, and all gear, snacks, and bottled water provided, you get a hassle-free adventure. Wildlife sightings, stunning scenery, and seamless hotel pick-up make this an unforgettable way to experience the untamed Colorado River up close.

At a glance

  • Duration: 3 hr

Choose your tour option

Select a date and travellers to compare current prices and departure times.

Half Day Kayak Tour
Duration: 3 hours
Snacks and water: Light snacks (cookies, crackers, granola bars, etc.) and bottled water is included.
Mercedes Sprinter Van: Silver Mercedes Sprinter van with Blazin Paddles logo on the sides.
Half Day: Half-day Tour (4-miles/6.4km round-trip): After hotel pickup you will arrive at Willow Beach where your guide will get you prepared for the day ahead. After you are fitted into your kayaks you'll star
Pickup included

Plan your experience

Time on the tour3 hr
Getting therePickup offeredSee pickup details
Guide languagesEnglish (live guide)

Set aside 3 hr for the experience itself, with additional time to reach your meeting or pickup point.

Before you go

  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • No lockers provided. Recommended to protect any electronics from water. Dry bags, waterproof phone cases, and other last minute needs are available for purchase at our office location.

Local guides to help you plan

What is included

  • Bottled water
  • National Park fees
  • Snacks
  • All necessary kayak equipment
  • Professional Guide
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off from select Las Vegas Strip hotels
  • Guided Kayak Tour to Emerald Cave

Not included

  • Gratuities
  • Personal gear (dry bags, water shoes, etc.) May be available for purchase before tour at office.

Itinerary and highlights

Begin your day with convenient hotel pick-up from select Las Vegas Strip locations (**Pick up times can start up to 2 hours before the tour**) and travel in comfort aboard a Mercedes Sprinter to Willow Beach—the launch point for your kayaking adventure. After a quick safety briefing and gear fitting, paddle into the stunning Black Canyon, where sheer cliffs and narrow waterways set the stage for unforgettable exploration.

On this fully guided 4-mile out-and-back eco-tour, you’ll discover the glowing waters of Emerald Cave, visit a historic overlook with panoramic views of the Colorado River, and get an up-close look at a 100-year-old river gauging station. Keep watch for native wildlife such as Desert Bighorn Sheep, Bald Eagles, and Coyotes, while your expert guide shares fascinating stories about the river's history and significance. This beginner-friendly experience includes complimentary snacks and bottled water, making it a perfect outdoor escape from the Las Vegas heat.

**Pick up times can start up to 2 hours before the tour**

See the overview, available options and booking details for the experience schedule.

Meeting and pickup information

  • The operator is located inside the Hoover Dam Lodge. If you wish to bypass the shuttle and meet directly at the river you can do so, but the national park will require a fee of $25 per vehicle if you don't have a national park pass. Please enquire if you would like this option
  • Pickups start almost 2 hours before the launch time of the tour. The complimentary shuttle picks up at select hotels on the Las Vegas Strip. Please ensure you are on time to your given location out of respect to other guests on tour. Failure to be on time could result in a loss of the tour without refund. These specified hotels have quick and easy access for the shuttle to get through the busy strip, so you can spend less time in traffic and more time on the river! Travelers may also meet at the office located inside The Hoover Dam Lodge Casino. There is free parking and is last to be picked up and first to be dropped off from the shuttle. Travelers may meet at launch destination (25804 Willow Beach Rd, Willow Beach, AZ 86445) *National Park vehicle entrance fee is $25 (payable direct to the National Park Service)

Languages and tickets

  • English — Guide
  • Mobile Only

Tour operator

  • Blazin Paddles LLC

Accessibility and practical details

  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Pick up time starts up to 2 hours before tour time.
  • Swimsuits, layers, and closed toe water shoes are strongly advised.
  • No lockers provided. Recommended to protect any electronics from water. Dry bags, waterproof phone cases, and other last minute needs are available for purchase at our office location.
  • Requires some athletic ability but good for all skill levels.
  • SELECT hotel pick-ups are offered for this tour. The local operator will help organize the closest pick up if your hotel is not on the list.
  • Operates in all weather. Please dress appropriately

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?
The supplier lists a duration of 3 hr.
What are the pickup arrangements?
Pickups start almost 2 hours before the launch time of the tour. The complimentary shuttle picks up at select hotels on the Las Vegas Strip. Please ensure you are on time to your given location out of respect to other guests on tour. Failure to be on time could result in a loss of the tour without refund. These specified hotels have quick and easy access for the shuttle to get through the busy strip, so you can spend less time in traffic and more time on the river!

Travelers may also meet at the office located inside The Hoover Dam Lodge Casino. There is free parking and is last to be picked up and first to be dropped off from the shuttle.

Travelers may meet at launch destination (25804 Willow Beach Rd, Willow Beach, AZ 86445) *National Park vehicle entrance fee is $25 (payable direct to the National Park Service)
Which guide languages are listed?
English (live guide).
What ticket format is listed?
Mobile ticket.
What ticket age bands are listed?
Adult tickets: age 8+. Check the practical details for participation requirements.
What is the cancellation policy?
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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