Viator Rating : 5 (185 reviews)
Dyvarcity Score : 8.2/10 (Verified Excellent)
Arizona
Emerald Cave Kayak Tour: Lunch & Colorado River Views
270
Overview
4-Hour Kayak Deluxe Tour in Emerald Cave with Catered Lunch takes adventurers to the stunning Emerald Cave and along the historic Colorado River. This easy-going trip starts at Willow Beach Marina. From there, it's a short paddle to the Emerald Cave, with stops at pretty overlooks and historic spots along the way. It's perfect for groups and anyone who loves being outside.
Imagine paddling into the Black Canyon narrows, discovering the river's history dating back to the 1920s. This tour is a chance to step back in time and see the desert Southwest in a whole new way, only an hour from the bright lights of Las Vegas. The highlight is paddling into the world-famous Emerald Cave, where the water glows a magical green color – perfect for amazing photos. After the cave, enjoy a tasty catered lunch on a beach in the canyon, with time to relax and soak in the views. This guided kayak tour is inside the Lake Mead National Recreation Area.
With top-notch kayaks and gear, plus experienced guides, visitors are in good hands. This company is the oldest and most trusted tour group on the river, and they have thousands of happy customers. This popular tour is a memorable way to experience the beauty of the Colorado River and Emerald Cave. 
Experience DNA Fingerprint
Scores are shown on a scale of 1 to 10, 1 = lowest score, 10 = highest score.
What People Love
Safety (9 - Secure) : Strong feeling of safety and control
Upsell Risk (9 - Transparent) : No upsells or hidden costs
Logistics (8 - Seamless) : Smooth and well executed
Pacing (8 - Balanced) : Smooth and comfortable timing
Instagram Factor (9 - Iconic) : Highly photogenic and memorable
Guide Quality (9 - Exceptional) : Engaging and memorable
Guide Reliability (9 - Dependable) : On time with strong follow-through
What to Watch Out For
Crowd Density (6 - Standard) : Normal crowd, some waiting or tight spots
Mobility (7 - Moderate) : Some effort required
Highlights
See the Emerald Cave: Paddle into the famous Emerald Cave and take amazing pictures of the bright green water.
Enjoy a Catered Lunch: Relax on a beach in the canyon and eat a tasty lunch with beautiful views.
Learn About History: Hear stories about the Colorado River and the people who built the Southwest.
Paddle with Experts: Go with the oldest and most experienced tour company on the river.
Sentiment Analysis
People loved the pretty Emerald Cave and the green water.
-
The guides were nice and helped everyone have a good time.
-
The lunch was yummy and a good break.
-
The views of the river and canyon were very pretty.
The entrance fee to the park is extra money.
-
Some people thought the kayaks were not very comfortable.
The Journey
Willow Beach Marina
The starting point of the kayak tour on the Colorado River, providing access to the Emerald Cave and Black Canyon.
Colorado River
A historic river flowing through the Black Canyon, offering scenic views and insights into the region's past and the 1920s government project that shaped the desert southwest.
Black Canyon
A narrow canyon on the Colorado River, featuring unique rock formations, historic sites, and the famous Emerald Cave/Cove.
Emerald Cave/Cove
A world-famous cave known for its emerald green water, providing a stunning photo opportunity and a highlight of the kayak tour.
Lake Mead National Recreation Area
A protected area surrounding Lake Mead, offering outdoor activities and scenic landscapes.
Know Before You Go
This kayak tour includes bottled water, kayaks, paddles, life vests, lunch, and snacks. It does not include the Lake Mead National Recreational Area admission fee of $25 per vehicle. Guests are responsible for their own transportation to and from Willow Beach Marina, where the tour begins and ends.
Hot Tip
Wear clothes that can get wet and bring sunscreen and a hat. Also, bring money for the park entrance fee or use your National Parks pass.
Review Summary
Customers generally say the Emerald Cave Deluxe Kayak Tour offers a well-organized, scenic, and leisurely paddle along the Colorado River with knowledgeable and attentive guides. Positive reviews emphasize the beautiful natural surroundings, wildlife sightings, and the enjoyable catered lunch break on a beach. Some travelers note that the tour is beginner-friendly and suitable for families, though a few mention the National Park vehicle entrance fee and shuttle availability as minor inconveniences. Negative comments are rare but sometimes include limited accessibility for those with mobility issues and occasional crowds near the cave area.
Frequently Asked Questions
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