Experience the serenity of Emerald Cave, a picturesque natural attraction on the Colorado River. This kayaking tour takes a small group max of 15 people paddling up the river with a guide. Stop for snacks and swimming along the way. Round-trip hotel transport is provided from Las Vegas to Willow Beach in 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 15 paddlers
Kayak, paddle, safety gear, snacks, and bottled water are provided for you
Transport is provided from Las Vegas hotels to Willow Beach Marina

What's Included

Snacks
Bottled water
Hotel Pick-up and Dropoff (if option selected)
Can choose between single (1 person) or tandem (2 person) kayaks

Gratuities

Meeting And Pickup

You can head directly to the meeting point, or request pickup

Meeting point

Willow Beach Marina
25804 N Willow Beach, Willow Beach, AZ 86445, USA
It is a 1-hour drive to Willow Beach Marina from the Las Vegas Strip. Launch times are 11:45, 12:15, and 12:45 at Willow Beach. These are subject to change based on weather and season. The operator will let you know 24-48 hours in advance what time to meet them at Willow Beach Marina.

Pickup points

Select a pickup point

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Pickup details

• 11:45am, 12:15pm and 12:45pm are the LAUNCH TIMES. • Pick-up from hotels commences approximately 90 minutes prior to launch time • If your hotel is not on the pick up list, please pick the one that is closest to your location. If you are unsure on which hotel is closest to you, please contact the operator after you have made your booking

What To Expect

Willow Beach Marina

4 hours • Admission Ticket Included

Emerald Cove

30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Willow Beach

30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

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
We have the right to cancel a booking if there are not enough travelers
Please be advised we pick up from Las Vegas about an hour before the departure time

Most days our tours fill up but in the event we don’t have enough travelers to fill the minimum numbers your day we will offer another date or refund you 100 percent of your money.
Be advised that 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
Weight limit is 260 lbs
Most travelers can participate
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 travelers

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.

Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.

Frequently Asked Questions

The answers provided below are based on answers previously given by the tour provider to customers’ questions.

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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

Q:Where is the meeting point if we choose to meet at Willow Beach for the Emerald Cave Kayak Tour on The Colorado River?

A:If you are meeting us at Willow Beach, you can come directly to the Willow Beach Marina, Willow Beach Arizona.

Mar 2021

Q:Do I need kayak experience to enjoy the Emerald Cave Kayak Tour on The Colorado River from Las Vegas?

A:No - beginners are welcome, however, you must be in at least a moderate physical condition to complete the tour.

Mar 2021

Q:How far do we kayak during the Emerald Cave Kayak Tour on The Colorado River from Las Vegas?

A:Over the course of approximately 5 hours, we will cover a distance of 4 miles (6.4 km.)

Mar 2021

Q:What should I bring with me on the Emerald Cave Kayak Tour on The Colorado River from Las Vegas?

A:We recommend packing light, but make sure to bring sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, quick-dry clothing, appropriate shoes (no flip-flops), any medication you require, and a waterproof bag if you bring any electronics with you (Ziplock bags work well.)

Mar 2021

Q:What should I wear on the Emerald Cave Kayak Tour on The Colorado River from Las Vegas?

A:Dress in light, quick-drying warm layers. Water shoes or sneakers are best. NO FLIP-FLOPS. Wear a long-sleeve shirt and long shorts, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a large hat. You may also want to wear your bathing suit under your regular clothes.

Mar 2021

Q:Do I need to bring food or water with me on the Emerald Cave Kayak Tour on The Colorado River from Las Vegas?

A:No - We provide bottled water and snacks for your convenience.

Mar 2021

Q:What happens if there is bad weather on the date of my Emerald Cave Kayak Tour on The Colorado River from Las Vegas?

A:If the weather conditions are not conducive to an enjoyable kayak tour, we may cancel your reservation. If this happens, you may either reschedule or receive a full refund.

Mar 2021

Q:Are the guides knowledgeable on the Emerald Cave Kayak Tour on The Colorado River from Las Vegas?

A:Yes! Our experienced guides have wilderness first aid and CPR certifications. They also have extensive knowledge of the history of Hoover Dam, Lake Mead, the Lower Colorado River, geology, wildlife, and plants.

Mar 2021

Q:Is there a weight limit to participate in the Emerald Cave Kayak Tour on The Colorado River from Las Vegas?

A:Riders cannot exceed 280 lbs for single kayaks or 450 lbs combined weight for double kayaks.

May 2021

Traveler Photos

Featured review

Bill_B

Our tour guide Michelle was amazing. This was my 1st time kayaking and her initial instructions were very informative and gave me some of the basics for kayaking. She was very knowledgeable about the local plants, wildlife, and history. During our trip we saw a bald eagle and several big horn sheep on the steep , beautiful mountains. This trip was the right length for beginners and experienced kayakers. It's a good workout but doable for most. The cove was very pretty but wasn't anything spectacular. I just enjoyed kayaking on the river and the mountains.

Reviews

5.0

2,733 reviews

Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews

Reviews by Viator travelers.

Showing 1-10 of 2,733 reviews

Beautiful trip, excellent tour company

Stacie_S, May 2023

This was a day very well spent!! Our guide, Paul, was excellent! He's a Vegas native so has so much knowledge about the area. The tour was extremely well organized with excellent communication right up until we left for the trip. The Colorado River is positively beautiful!! When seen from above, you'd swear you were in the Caribbean! Crystal clear, beautiful blue/green water.

Fun times made memorable memories

Maria_L, May 2023

I worried that pics would not do justice to the beauty of the water but we had the best guide. Mike was not only knowledgeable and patient but took some amazing pictures and captured the water…. We all enjoyed it very much and hope to do it again

Fun day trip!

Kristine_B, May 2023

We had a great time! Tyler was a great guide…we are local to Vegas and it was a fun day trip for us.

Thank you Kristin

Robert_B, May 2023

We loved this trip!! The cove was spectacular and lovely colours of the water once inside. Big shout out to our guide Kristin who was great. She was very knowledgeable and ensured we all knew what we were doing before setting off and kept the snacks and bottled water coming! It was a nice touch that she took group and individual pictures of us throughout the trip and shared with us after. She seemed to learn all our names really quickly which was nice as felt more personable. The trip had a very chilled vibe which we loved, thank you Kristin :)

Go for it!

Jennifer_C, May 2023

Great trip. You park next to the boat landing and away you go! Ryan and Amanda are great guides! If you are second guessing going on this, GO! IT WAS AN AWESOME EXPERIENCE

Beautiful experience meant for intermediate-level kayakers

Frances_M, May 2023

Our tour guide, Andre was absolutely Amazing! However, this was not a half day tour. We were picked up from the hotel zone at 10:30 and did not leave Boulder City until 6pm! Many of us had evening plans on the Strip and had to cancel or rearrange. I would also add that because of the lengthy nature of this tour, it is more so recommended for people who have kayaked at an intermediate/advanced level. I’ve kayaked several times in multiple cities. Once we made it to the halfway point of the river (Approx 3hrs), I had very little energy/strength to return. I think they should also consider take picture with the kayaks in the center with the water behind us and the two mountains on each side. Also, the emerald cove was nice but was a small part of the excursion. It would’ve been nice if the guides coordinated between the groups to perhaps keep as optional. so there is no wait time. The scenery was beautiful! Overall, nice excursion experience and I would do it again.

Memorable day on the water

Gary_M, May 2023

Experiencing the clean crisp river , beautiful scenery and hearing about the wildlife and history of the area added to the actual river adventure.

Great trip

Ty_E, May 2023

Guide was great, trip was great, the summer traffic caused us to have to wait a while before entering the cave

Fantastic trip. Great guide.

Nicola_W, May 2023

Great trip. Our guide (Mike) was fantastic and looked after me as I was travelling solo. All equipment was in good condition and plenty of water & snacks were available.

Incredible day!

Todd_B, May 2023

One of the best excursions we have ever done! The whole day was awesome and our guide Michelle was so informative and fun!

Great time.

cnb8869_s, May 2023

Great experience. Highly recommend. Water was beautiful. Very fun time. Guides are great. Get to see a little of Hoover dam.

Super fun!

Marqui_S, May 2023

The whole experience was a ton of fun and would highly recommend anyone to try it out! The guide, Adam provided water throughout and was very knowledgeable and helpful!

Highly Recommend!

Christian_R, May 2023

They helped us get one more from a crew get a kayak. The tour guide Andre was spectacular. Very knowledgeable and fun. The site is beautiful and definitely worth the trip. Overall a great experience.

Emerald Cove Spectacular

raelle_b, May 2023

Preston was a awesome tour guide and very knowledgeable and personable with our whole group. One of the best outdoor activity we’ve ever done.

Response from Host, May 2023

Thank you for the review and joining us, we hope to see you soon! :)

60th birthday blast.

amy_p, May 2023

We did this for a friend’s 60th bday celebration. We had a great time getting out of the city and into something different. As with most of these types of adventures, the guide makes or breaks the experience. Our guide, Michelle, was fantastic. She was great with the different levels of paddlers, informative on what we were seeing and invested in making it fun for each of us. Though you are on the River for 3+ hours, it did not see like too much. We could have easily spent more time without being exhausted. There are breaks along the way, plenty of snacks and goodies, lots of drinking water —- you never felt rushed and were encouraged to enjoy the experience of where you were. The trip was very organized. We had a wonderful time and easily recommend this trip. It was a good value for the money.

Response from Host, May 2023

Happy belated birthday and we are glad you joined us on the river! :)

Sun Fun

Darcea_D, May 2023

Great outdoor activity. Water was beautiful. Well organized. Beginners welcome. Our guide Hailey was great!

Response from Host, May 2023

Thank you for joining us for the day! :)

Adam was awesome

Daniel_P, May 2023

Adam was awesome, i was so jealous of his job, everything was great from pick up to drop off, the river was so pretty to be on, he made me feel at home and a would love to back one day Daniel from the UK

Response from Host, May 2023

We do hope to see you in the future Daniel, Adam does have a very envious job, to be in nature everyday! :)

Not to be missed!

NAUREEN_A, May 2023

Not adding a photo b/c you have to experience yourself to truly understand how amazing it is. Everyone from River Dogz was friendly and Andre was a spectacular guide who shared fun facts and took the time to talk to each person in the group. As a first time kayaker, I was terrified but the tips given by Andre had me comfortable. The view is breathtaking and the water just stunning and cooler than the temperature. This was the highlight of the trip to Vegas. A few notes: - bring plenty of sunscreen and a hat - water shoes work better than sandles that claim they work well in water - use a waterproof bag - the cave/cove is not as big as it shows in pictures but definitely worth the 2 miles up the river The only pain point is that we were told to be on time and the majority of the group were on time but we ended up having to wait for additional folks to join which while not a big deal, took away from other planned activities after the tour.

Response from Host, May 2023

We thank you for the review and sorry you had an interruption along the way, although the cove is the highlight of the trip we feel that the journey is what really makes this memorable. We do hope to see you soon for another adventure. :)

Kayaking

Brian_H, May 2023

Our tour guide Paul was awesome, he made sure everyone had a good time and we all had a blast. Paul made sure everyone was safe and knew what we were doing on the water, and he would correct us if we were messing up. Stand up dude.

Response from Host, May 2023

Thank you for the review and for joining us for the day! :)

Such a fun and relaxing experience

David_O, May 2023

Outings like this need a good itinerary and this certainly has that, but they really depend on having good guides and a good group of fellow tourists. We were lucky and had all three. Preston and Hannah of Riverdogs were really great getting everyone on the same page, keeping an eye on us, and taking care of everything we could need. We saw big horn sheep climbing down from the top of the rim, learned about the history of the area, and had a great paddle there and back. The sun cooperated and came out just as it was our time to enter the cove and that made the green light up bright and sharp. We had some snacks on the way back and then a lovely paddle back to the takeout. The paddle itself is two miles each way which is just enough for anyone who has not been paddling to manage without being sore the next day. Our pace was leisurely, we had one pair who had never paddled before and they did just fine so it's really available to just about anyone. I would definitely recommend this for anyone who would like to spend some quality time on the water.

Response from Host, May 2023

Thank you for the amazingly through review and for sharing your experience, we do hope to see you again in the future! :)

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