Skip the crowds and hassle of bus tours with this half-guided, half-self-drive Colorado River tour. Make your own way to the launch point at Willow Beach; board a kayak, and then paddle into the Black Canyon. Along the way, take in the desert scenery and look out for wildlife including big horn sheep, coyotes and bald eagles.

Colorado River guided kayaking tour of the Black Canyon
Skip the hassle of bus tours by driving there yourself
Small-group kayak tour (maximum 14 people)
See the stunning Emerald Cave, a highlight of this trip

What's Included

Kayak Tour
Use of Kayaking Equipment
Professional Guide
Snacks
Bottled water

Gratuities
Personal gear (dry bags, water shoes, etc.) May be available for purchase...
$25 Entrance fee into National Recreational Area, waived with National Park Pass
Hotel pickup and drop off

Meeting And Pickup

Meeting points

Select a meeting point

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End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

Willow Beach Marina

Admission Ticket Not Included

Black Canyon

3 hours • Admission Ticket Free

Emerald Cave

Admission Ticket Free

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Not wheelchair accessible
Not recommended for travelers with back problems
No heart problems or other serious medical conditions

Most travelers can participate
Please note: This tour does not include round-trip transportation from your hotel. You will need to rent a car to go to Willow Beach. Please DO NOT use rideshare as there is no cell reception at Willow Beach so you will not be able to get a return ride.
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 14 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.

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:What time do we need to arrive for the Half Day Kayak Tour in the Black Canyon?

A:Your selected departure time is the time the tour is scheduled to be on the water. The meet time is normally about 15 minutes before this "launch time." Your tour guides will have you sign a waiver and give you a safety briefing before starting.

Aug 2021

Q:How far from Las Vegas is the departure point for the Half Day Kayak Tour in the Black Canyon?

A:It generally takes a little over an hour to get from Las Vegas to Willow Beach. Please be sure to leave early to assure you arrive on time for departure.

Aug 2021

Q:Can I take an Uber/Lyft/Taxi to the departure point for the Half Day Kayak Tour in the Black Canyon?

A:This tour is only recommended for those with a vehicle they can drive. Car service can take you one way, but there is typically no return service available. If you require transport from Las Vegas, search "39939P2" for the tour with transportation.

Aug 2021

Q:How much is the National Park Entrance fee?

A:Entrance into the park is $25 per vehicle, or if you have a National Parks pass it is free. You can also buy a National Parks pass at the gate for $80 and it will get you into any National Park for free for a year from purchase.

Aug 2021

Q:Can I participate in the Half Day Kayak Tour in the Black Canyon if I've never kayaked before?

A:Whether this is your first time in a kayak or you are a seasoned veteran; all skill levels are invited to enjoy the Black Canyon! The crystal clear water of the Colorado River is quite tame in this area since you will be paddling between two dams.

Aug 2021

Q:What kind of distance do we kayak during the Half Day Kayak Tour in the Black Canyon?

A:This tour is approximately 4 miles round-trip on smooth, mostly flat water.

Aug 2021

Q:What should I wear for the Half Day Kayak Tour in the Black Canyon?

A:Wear closed-toe water shoes or sneakers that can get wet. Dress according to the weather, ideally in athletic / outdoor-type clothing that dries fast. Wear your swimsuit under your clothes. Also, bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.

Aug 2021

Q:What should I bring with me on the Half Day Kayak Tour in the Black Canyon?

A:You will need a government-issued picture ID. You might want to bring cash to spend at the Marina store or for gratuities. Please leave bulky items at home, in your hotel, or car as there is no storage area. Bring a towel if you plan to swim.

Aug 2021

Q:Will I be in a single or a tandem kayak during the Half Day Kayak Tour in the Black Canyon?

A:You may choose between a single or tandem kayak (based on availability). If you have a preference, please list it in the "Special Requirements" box at checkout; otherwise, you can make your request on the day of departure.

Aug 2021

Q:Why would I want to select a tandem (double) kayak for the Half Day Kayak Tour in the Black Canyon?

A:If you have never been kayaking, weigh less than 120lbs, or it’s been a while since you’ve hit the gym; you may want to use a double kayak. Not only are double kayaks easier to paddle, but they are also less likely to flip.

Aug 2021

Traveler Photos

Featured review

John_W

June was great. Knowledgeable, nice and we had a great time. Everyone enjoyed the experience We will definitely recommend

Reviews

5.0

482 reviews

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

Reviews by Viator travelers.

Showing 1-10 of 482 reviews

June was great. ...

John_W, Sept 2023

June was great. Knowledgeable, nice and we had a great time. Everyone enjoyed the experience We will definitely recommend

GREAT guides!

Alyssa_W, Sept 2023

The guides were amazing! We had NO clue what we were doing but they were knowledgeable and patient. We all had a great time.

We had a fantastic...

salaimo1976, Sept 2023

We had a fantastic afternoon with our guides and fellow kayakers! Our guides provided fun facts along the way and made for a great day in the water.

Kayak Green Cavr

John_M, Aug 2023

Our guide was so far ahead of our group that she had to go back to collect about half of it.. Due to paddling so fast she caught up to two groups ahead of us. Part of our group did not do the whole tour. On our way back she attempted to stop at a “beach” that was full of other kayaks with chest deep water. We eventually paddled to the ramp to finish while she chatted with the other group. She was friendly, but not very attentive.

Response from Host, Aug 2023

Thanks for your feedback on the tour. Many times the groups are split and unevenly spread out on the river due to different paddling abilities. Our head guide will follow up with your tour leader to learn about events that day. We appreciate your input and hope that you enjoyed paddling on the river.

Heaven in the desert.

Michelle_N, Aug 2023

The water was so refreshing and our guide, Chelsea was the best guide I’ve ever met! She made that trip even more fun than it already was and one of my favorite kayaking trips to date. This company treats you like family. I can’t wait to be back again!

Response from Host, Aug 2023

So happy to hear you enjoyed your time on the river with Chelsea! Hope to see you back soon!

Best kayaking tour in my life

Maria_A, Aug 2023

It was absolutely amazing experience! Great kayaking tour with sweetest guides . Melissa and Ray were like a family for us this day . They gave us so much information . They provided snacks and water . Our kids loved this trip because of them . I definitely recommend this tour to everyone.

Response from Host, Aug 2023

The half day tour is perfect family time and fun on the water! There are so many interesting things to learn about the Colorado River, happy Melissa and Ray could help you enjoy the day!

Great experience

Kara_C, Aug 2023

Great experience, with an awesome guide. Seth was knowledgeable and fun. The wind kicked our butts on the way back, but it was totally worth it. 🙃

Response from Host, Aug 2023

Kayaking on the Colorado River is always worth the occasional wind! Happy to hear you had a good time!

Extraordinary

Maurice_W, Jul 2023

The guides Melissa and Jules made it fun and informative. While safely keeping everyone engaged. Totally fun.

Response from Host, Aug 2023

Fun times are the best! Thanks so much for your praise for Melissa and Jules! We appreciate your 5 star review.

Awesome Kayaking trip

Heather_A, Jul 2023

It was an awesome trip with a great guide with Blazzin Paddles. I would definitely recommend this half day Kayak tour to anyone.

Response from Host, Aug 2023

Thanks so much for recommending our tour! We really appreciate that and your 5 star review!

Keeping it cool in Vegas! Thanks Blazing Paddles for a great Colorado River Experience

Dallimore_F, Jul 2023

Best way to vacation in the hot Vegas summer! Cool crisp 52 degree water perfect to cool you off. We loved the Emerald cave and staying cool by jumping into the river from boulders. Lots of snacks and plenty of water provided.

Response from Host, Aug 2023

And now you know! Our guests book the tour when it is hot outside because of the super cool water! It is perfect for swimming & wading AND we have the 'super soaker' water guns accompanying each kayak so that fun = cool when on tour! Thanks for joining us!

Amazing experience

HelenMarie_W, Jul 2023

100% more fun than we expected ! Jules was an amazing guide ! There were only 4 in our group and all were family. Jules really got our British humour too , non of us had been kayaking before and she made it a breeze...... Thank you ! Helen, Stephen, Craig & Danni x

Response from Host, Aug 2023

So happy to hear you had an awesome first time kayaking! It's always a treat to see the many wonders of the Black Canyon. Thank you!

Enjoying the Colorado River

Cecil_G, Jul 2023

Melissa was an excellent tour guide. We had fun and although we had a schedule she still made it seem relaxing with some spontaneous events. Thanks.

Response from Host, Jul 2023

Glad you had a relaxing day with us on the River! Melissa is so awesome. Thank you for the review!

Beautiful kayak, great price for experience.

Jared_S, Jul 2023

Celeste was a fantastic guide and made the experience really fun. Water gun fights were also really fun on the hot day.

Response from Host, Jul 2023

The water guns really help on those hot days and make for added fun! Happy to hear you had a fun experience with Celeste on tour.

Black Canyon Kayak Tour

Shawn_H, Jul 2023

While spending some time in Las Vegas my family and I took a little time out to enjoy time together on this fantastic tour. We all enjoyed kayaking together on the water! During a break we took we jumped in the clear water, swam and cooled off. Great tour! Very pretty area in the Canyon! I would recommend this to anyone, especially families!

Response from Host, Jul 2023

Families love our tours because of everything you describe. Fun times on the river with family, the perfect day! So glad you enjoyed your time in the Black Canyon.

Great Experience

Rick_O, Jul 2023

We traveled to Las Vegas for a short weekend trip in July, can across this kayaking tour. We booked the Morning tour for 9am. Highly recommend going out early in the summer as it gets hot quickly. Our tour guide Mike was extremely knowledgeable about the area (local Boulder City Native) as well as patient with our group. There were mainly beginners with our group of 11 kayaks. He provided support for some and ensured everyone was safe on the water. The half day was perfect for us and we captured many memories during the tour. Mike also provided recommendations for lunch in Boulder City that did not disappoint. We self drove for that reason, to have lunch after our tour on our own. Great communication prior to our tour as well as a fun and enjoyable time.

Great time out on the water!

Ahyoua_V, Jun 2023

We had Jamaika as our tour guide and she was great! Had a sense of humor, was very educational, and made the overall tour very enjoyable. Highly recommend!!

Response from Host, Jun 2023

So happy you enjoyed your tour. Jamaika is awesome! Thank you for your review.

Beautiful Trip, Highly Recommend

Heather_Y, Jun 2023

Absolutely amazing time, highly recommend for anyone who has the time. Beautiful views, relaxing kayak, welcoming to various skill levels.

Weekend with my brothers

Junior_A, Jun 2023

My brothers and I had a great time. Our guides Blake and Andrew were fantastic. They were very professional and kept the group in safe environment.

We had a wonderful time...

Nealy_H, Jun 2023

We had a wonderful time kayaking down the river! Our guide, Blake, made sure we all had a great adventure.

Response from Host, Jun 2023