Viator Rating : 5 (618 reviews)
Las Vegas
Kayak Emerald Cave: Self-Guided Tour from Vegas!
180
Overview
Self-Drive Half Day Emerald Cave Kayak Tour in Black Canyon is a cool way to get away from the hot Las Vegas sun! This adventure is easy for beginners and takes you kayaking on the pretty Colorado River. You'll start at Willow Beach and paddle through the amazing Black Canyon to see the glowing Emerald Cave.
What can you expect? The tour guides will take you on a short walk to a spot where you can see far away. You'll get free snacks and water. This trip is a fun way to be outside, and it's not far from the Las Vegas Strip. You'll see the Black Canyon, the Black Canyon of the Colorado, and the Emerald Cave. This tour gives everyone a memorable experience, and that's why it has over 2,500 5-star reviews.
This adventure includes bottled water, a kayak tour to Emerald Cove, snacks, use of kayaking equipment, and a professional guide. It does not include tips, personal gear like dry bags or water shoes (but you can buy them), a $25 entrance fee into the National Recreational Area (unless you have a National Park Pass), and hotel pickup or drop off. 
Highlights
Paddle to the Emerald Cave: Kayak through the stunning Black Canyon to the glowing Emerald Cave.
Enjoy Snacks and Water: Stay refreshed with complimentary snacks and bottled water provided on the tour.
Expert Guidance: Benefit from the knowledge of a professional guide throughout your kayaking adventure.
Beginner-Friendly: Suitable for all skill levels, making it a perfect outdoor activity for beginners.
See the Breathtaking View: Walk to the top of the Black Canyon and see the breathtaking views.
All Kayak Gear Included: The kayak and equipment rentals are included so there are no additional fees.
Sentiment Analysis
Customers loved the beautiful Emerald Cave and the peacefulness of kayaking on the Colorado River.
-
Many reviewers praised the knowledgeable and friendly guides who made the experience enjoyable.
-
Several visitors appreciated the provided snacks and water, finding them a convenient addition to the tour.
-
Customers highlighted the ease of kayaking, even for beginners, making it a fun activity for all skill levels.
Some reviewers mentioned the additional cost of the National Recreation Area entrance fee as an unexpected expense.
-
A few customers noted that the cave can get crowded, which slightly impacted their experience.
The Journey
Black Canyon & Emerald Cove Departure Point
The launch point for your Black Canyon kayaking adventure is more than just a meeting spot; it's the gateway to an awe-inspiring journey. Situated near Willow Beach, Nevada, this is where preparation meets anticipation. Before setting off, take a moment to appreciate the rugged beauty of the landscape, a prelude to the wonders that await. Complete a quick check-in, and listen intently during the safety briefing, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience. This unassuming location is the starting point for an unforgettable exploration into one of Nevada's natural treasures.
Black Canyon of the Colorado
Paddle through the dramatic Black Canyon, a starkly beautiful gorge carved by the Colorado River over millennia. As you navigate its tranquil waters, you are retracing the route of early explorers and witnessing a landscape steeped in history. Keep an eye out for the canyon's diverse wildlife, including Desert Bighorn Sheep and Bald Eagles, all thriving within this protected environment. The Black Canyon is not just a scenic wonder; it's a living testament to the power of nature and a sanctuary for its inhabitants, offering a unique blend of adventure and natural discovery.
Emerald Cave
Prepare to be mesmerized by Emerald Cave, a hidden gem within the Black Canyon whose waters glow with an ethereal green hue. This natural wonder offers a serene escape from the desert heat, inviting you to paddle into its depths and capture unforgettable photos. The unique color is caused by sunlight reflecting off the limestone bottom, creating a magical ambiance. More than just a photo opportunity, Emerald Cave is a place for peaceful reflection, where the tranquility of the water and the beauty of the surroundings combine to create an unforgettable experience.
Know Before You Go
This kayak tour includes bottled water, snacks, the use of kayaking equipment, and a professional guide to lead you on your adventure to Emerald Cove. This tour does not include gratuities for your guide, personal gear (such as dry bags or water shoes, which may be available for purchase), the $25 entrance fee into the National Recreational Area (waived with a National Park Pass), or hotel pickup and drop off. Meeting point is at the Black Canyon & Emerald Cove Departure Point.
Hot Tip
Bring a waterproof camera or phone case to capture the stunning views inside Emerald Cave without worrying about water damage. Also, wear sunscreen and a hat, even on cloudy days, to protect yourself from the sun reflecting off the water.
Review Summary
People usually say the Self-Drive Emerald Cave Kayak Tour offers stunning scenery, glowing Emerald Cave views, wildlife spotting like bighorn sheep, and beginner-friendly guiding with excellent snacks.[1][2][3] Frequent positives include hassle-free self-drive logistics from Willow Beach and family suitability, while some note crowds causing wait times at the cave and the 2-mile paddle effort in heat.[4]
Frequently Asked Questions
This page is synthesized and developed by Dyvarcity Team
More like this
Las Vegas
$99
Emerald Cave Kayak Tour: Vegas Adventure!
4.9
(4961 reviews)
The Half-Day Emerald Cave Kayak Tour offers a stunning adventure on the Colorado River, near Las Vegas. This kayak tour takes guests through the beautiful Black Canyon to the breathtaking Emerald Cove, a hidden gem with serene waters and towering canyon walls. It’s a perfect escape and a highlight of any Las Vegas trip!
Expect to paddle through calm, clear waters, surrounded by stunning desert scenery. The tour visits key spots like Willow Beach Marina, the impressive Black Canyon, and the magical Emerald Cove. Guests can choose to be picked up from select hotels for extra convenience or drive themselves to the location. This experience is more than just a kayak tour; it's a chance to connect with nature's beauty.
The tour includes bottled water, snacks, and all necessary safety equipment. Guests can choose to paddle in single or tandem kayaks. Hotel pick-up and National Park entrance fees are included only with the hotel pick-up option. Not included are gratuities, lunch, and National Park entrance fees for self-drive participants. With excellent quality and a low supplier cancellation rate, this tour promises a memorable experience. It is a popular choice, often selling out quickly.
Las Vegas
$149
Emerald Cove Kayak Tour from Las Vegas
5.0
(1263 reviews)
Duration: 180
minutes
The Half-Day Emerald Cove and Black Canyon Kayak Tour from Las Vegas offers a memorable adventure on the Colorado River. This guided tour takes participants through the stunning Black Canyon to the radiant Emerald Cove. Perfect for those seeking fun things to do in Vegas, this kayak tour combines natural beauty with historical insights, led by expert guides.
The adventure begins with convenient hotel pickup from select Las Vegas Strip hotels, followed by a comfortable ride to Willow Beach. From there, participants will kayak through the Black Canyon, witnessing the breathtaking scenery and learning about the area's history. A key highlight is the visit to Emerald Cove, known for its shimmering green waters. The Emerald Cove Las Vegas is a must-see destination.
This tour is ideal for beginners and experienced kayakers alike, promising an unforgettable outdoor escape. Along the way, the guide shares fascinating stories, pointing out native wildlife and historical landmarks, enhancing the experience of visiting Emerald Cove.
Las Vegas
$199
Death Valley Tour from Las Vegas: Small Group
5.0
(623 reviews)
The Best of Death Valley Small Group Day Tour from Las Vegas offers a personalized adventure into one of the most extreme environments on Earth. This small-group tour ensures a more intimate experience, allowing guests to fully appreciate the unique landscapes and hidden gems of Death Valley.
Travelers will see iconic spots like Dante's View, offering views similar to the Grand Canyon, Artist's Palette with its colorful rocks, and the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes. This Death Valley tour from Las Vegas takes guests beyond the typical tourist path.
With expert guides leading the way, this tour of Death Valley National Park is tailored to the group's interests, making sure no one misses the park's highlights. Explore Zabriskie Point in Death Valley and many other famous must-see attractions!
Las Vegas
$189.99
Grand Canyon, Hoover Dam & 7 Magic Mountains Day Tour
5.0
(2919 reviews)
The Small Group Grand Canyon, Hoover Dam, 7 Magic Mountains Tour is the ultimate Las Vegas day trip, showcasing the best of the Southwest. Awarded TripAdvisor's 'Best of the Best', this tour takes guests on a VIP adventure to iconic landmarks. Instead of spending all day on a big bus, this small group will travel in a High Roof Extended Length Touring Van to see more in one day.
Visitors will discover the beauty of the Grand Canyon West, marvel at the engineering of the Hoover Dam, and capture memorable photos at the colorful Seven Magic Mountains. This tour offers a comprehensive exploration of the region's natural wonders and man-made marvels. The tour includes stops at the Welcome to Las Vegas sign and photo opportunities at the Colorado River. At the Grand Canyon, guests can explore Eagle Point and Guano Point, with an optional visit to the Grand Canyon Skywalk.
This full-day tour includes transport in a comfortable touring van, a friendly tour guide, unlimited snacks and drinks, light breakfast, all fees and taxes, and a guided tour with photos at Seven Magic Mountains. The tour also features a walking tour on top of the Hoover Dam. The Skywalk ticket is included if the option is selected. Lunch and gratuities are excluded.
Las Vegas
$90
Conquer the Vegas Desert: First-Time ATV Rider Course & Guided Tour!
5.0
(2449 reviews)
Duration: 60
minutes
Las Vegas ATVs' First Time Adventure offers essential skills for safe and confident ATV riding. This course includes training and a guided tour. Riders learn the basics to navigate confidently. It is an adventure, offering a unique experience, but it requires a basic skill level and closed-toe shoes for safety.
Las Vegas
$109.64
Valley of Fire Hike: Vegas Desert Escape
5.0
(1589 reviews)
Duration: 300
minutes
Valley of Fire Guided Hike from Las Vegas offers a stunning escape from the city's bright lights into Nevada's oldest state park. This adventure is perfect for nature lovers and anyone wanting to explore the beautiful red rock formations and ancient history of the Valley of Fire. Choose an easy, moderate, or challenging hike and enjoy personalized attention on this small-group tour.
During the 4, 5, or 6-hour experience, a friendly guide will lead the way through trails like Fire Wave, Mouses Tank, and Rainbow Vista. Hikers will marvel at the unique rock formations shaped by faulting and erosion and discover 3,000-year-old American Indian petroglyphs. The tour also includes learning about the various American Indian tribes who have called the park home for thousands of years. There is also a stop at the Valley of Fire State Park visitor center to learn more about the park.
This guided hike includes hotel pickup and drop-off, bottled water, and snacks. Guests will have the chance to take photos and enjoy the scenery. The small-group setting, limited to 13 people, ensures a personal and memorable experience. Gratuities are not included.
Nearby Events
Hard Rock Live - Las Vegas
Feb 27
8:00 PMRod Stewart Live at Hard Rock Live - Vegas Tickets
Rod Stewart delivers an unforgettable live performance at Hard Rock Live in Las Vegas, an intimate venue known for its cutting-edge sound and immersive concert experience. Fans can expect his signature blend of pop and adult contemporary hits, performed with the energy and showmanship that have defined his enduring career.
Celebrated worldwide for classics like “Maggie May” and “Tonight’s the Night,” Rod Stewart continues to captivate audiences with his distinctive raspy voice and vibrant stage presence. Hard Rock Live offers state-of-the-art audiovisual technology and an intimate setting for 1,200 guests, set on the iconic Las Vegas Strip to create a truly memorable night of music and entertainment.
Las Vegas Festival Grounds
Apr 25
11:00 AMSick New World 2026 Las Vegas Festival Grounds Tickets
Sick New World returns to Las Vegas Festival Grounds as one of the most anticipated heavy music festivals in 2026, headlined by iconic bands like System of a Down and Korn. This festival celebrates nu-metal, alternative rock, and industrial metal, featuring multiple stages with bands such as Ministry, Evanescence, and Bring Me the Horizon, delivering a powerful live music experience.
The artists featured hold significant influence in the metal and alternative scenes, with System of a Down headlining alongside Korn, Ministry, and AFI, among others. The Las Vegas Festival Grounds is renowned for hosting large-scale concerts, providing ample space and amenities that enhance the festival vibe. Fans can expect high-energy performances in a venue designed to accommodate vast and diverse crowds with ease.
Palazzo Theatre at The Venetian Resort
Apr 25
10:00 PMNaomi Watanabe Live at Palazzo Theatre, Las Vegas
Naomi Watanabe brings her electrifying comedy and iconic impersonations to the Palazzo Theatre at The Venetian Resort, delivering a night of laughter and unforgettable entertainment. Known as the 'Japanese Beyoncé,' Watanabe has captivated audiences worldwide with her energetic performances, viral skits, and empowering presence on stage.
Watanabe’s rise from Tokyo’s comedy scene to global stardom has made her a trailblazer in Asian entertainment and a champion of body positivity. The Palazzo Theatre, renowned for its intimate setting and world-class acoustics, provides the perfect backdrop for her dynamic show.
T-Mobile Arena
Feb 13
7:30 PMCardi B Little Miss Drama Tour Las Vegas
Cardi B brings her highly anticipated Little Miss Drama Tour to T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, marking a landmark moment in her career as she launches her first-ever arena headlining tour. Following the September 2025 release of her album Am I the Drama?*—a 23-track project featuring collaborations with Janet Jackson, Lizzo, Selena Gomez, and Megan Thee Stallion—the Grammy-winning rapper is embarking on a massive 34-show North American tour that showcases her bold lyricism, genre fusion, and unapologetic persona that has made her a cultural force in hip-hop and beyond.[1][2]
The Las Vegas stop represents one of the tour's early dates and offers fans the chance to experience Cardi B's commanding stage presence at one of the nation's premier entertainment venues. T-Mobile Arena, known for hosting world-class concerts and major sporting events, provides the perfect setting for this career-defining tour that spans 31 cities across North America.[2][3]
Fontainebleau Las Vegas
Aug 16
8:00 PMDerek Hough's Symphony of Dance: Las Vegas Tickets
Derek Hough's Symphony of Dance: Encore is coming to the Fontainebleau Las Vegas, promising a spectacular fusion of dance styles and high-energy performance. Hough, known for his innovative choreography and captivating stage presence, will showcase a dynamic blend of ballroom, tap, and contemporary dance, highlighting his evolution as a dancer and choreographer since his success on Dancing with the Stars. This encore performance builds on the success of his Symphony of Dance tour, bringing fresh routines and enhanced production values to the stage.
Hough's reputation for pushing the boundaries of dance, combined with the state-of-the-art facilities at the Fontainebleau Las Vegas, creates an ideal setting for an unforgettable entertainment experience. The Fontainebleau Las Vegas is known for its luxury accommodations and world-class entertainment, making it a premier destination on the Las Vegas Strip.
The Colosseum at Caesars Palace
Mar 06
8:00 PMJennifer Lopez: Up All Night Live in Las Vegas
Jennifer Lopez: Up All Night Live in Las Vegas brings the global superstar to The Colosseum at Caesars Palace for an unforgettable residency experience. This marks Lopez's highly anticipated return to Las Vegas with a brand-new residency, featuring the entertainer's most iconic hits and electrifying performances that showcase her evolution as a recording artist and dancer. Following her successful international tour across Africa, Asia, and Europe in summer 2025, Lopez is bringing the same energy and star power to the Vegas stage, reconnecting with fans through her greatest hits catalog and reimagined performances.
The Colosseum at Caesars Palace stands as one of Las Vegas's most prestigious entertainment venues, known for hosting world-class artists and delivering spectacular production value. Lopez's residency represents a continuation of her artistic renaissance after taking time to reconnect with family and focus on her creative vision, solidifying her status as one of the entertainment industry's most enduring and versatile performers.
The Bucket List Playbook: Top Things to do in Las Vegas
Ready for adventure? Dyvarcity is your ultimate guide to the top 100 things to do in Las Vegas From must-see attractions like Short Term Availability, Music, Bus Tours & Arts & Theatre in Las Vegas. We've handpicked events & experiences with passion: whether you love activities that move your body, vibrant music, sports, food, or cultural explorations.
View Las Vegas Activities