Kayak to Emerald Cave and Emerald Cove with a guided half-day trip
4 Hours
Guide, snacks, ice water
Paddle the Colorado River from Willow Beach and stop at Emerald Cave and Emerald Cove on a guided, 4-hour trip. Pass the fish hatchery and stretch your legs on a short hike near Gauger’s Station.
Willow Beach has a $25 entry fee per vehicle if you do not already have an America the Beautiful National Parks Pass. Gratuity is not included. All participants must complete the general liability waiver before arrival; there is no cell service at Willow Beach.
Full refund or credit if you cancel up to 24 hours in advance. Full refund or credit if the operator cancels due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances. No-shows will be charged the full price.
The afternoon trip is timed for the best lighting in Emerald Cave; mornings still offer great conditions and scenery.
A wide assortment of kayaks is brought to each trip to match comfort and ability, from stable to more streamlined options.
Yes, on a case-by-case basis. Minors must be with a parent or legal guardian, and guides help motivate younger paddlers.
25804 N Willow Beach, Willow Beach, AZ 86445
Guides like Shawn, Cameron, Luke, and Dylan are clearly the heart of this operation, and reviewers can't stop talking about them. The full-day, 12-mile kayak from Hoover Dam to Willow Beach is the standout experience, taking guests through hidden hot springs, slot canyons, caves, waterfalls, and wildlife sightings along the Colorado River. Guides consistently go above and beyond, towing tired kids when winds pick up, sharing hundreds of photos afterward, and packing lunches and snacks for the longer trips. A few things worth knowing before you book: this is genuinely physical. Paddling 12 miles into headwinds is no joke, and the hikes to some hot springs involve slippery rocks and real climbing. Most reviewers say the effort is absolutely worth it, but if you're not a strong paddler, the half-day option might be the smarter starting point. Wildlife, stunning canyon views, and the kind of hidden spots you'd never find on your own make this a hard experience to top. If you're drawn to outdoor adventure around Las Vegas, this is one of the more memorable ways to spend a day.
Just got done touring the crystal caves along the Colorado River with Cameron and Dylan. Thanks to them we had a very entertaining journey. Saw some beautiful animals and learned so much about the history of the area, all while getting an incredible back workout from all the paddling 😁. I cant recomend it enough.
Ryan Frick
April 25, 2026
Just got done touring the crystal caves along the Colorado River with Cameron and Dylan. Thanks to them we had a very entertaining journey. Saw some beautiful animals and learned so much about the history of the area, all while getting an incredible back workout from all the paddling 😁. I cant recomend it enough.
Ryan Frick
April 25, 2026