Paddle 12 miles from Hoover Dam to Emerald Cove on an 8-hour guided kayak trip
8 Hours
2-3 people
Sandwich, snack, ice water
Kayak downstream from Hoover Dam on an all-day, guided 12-mile trip with stops for short hikes, hot springs, and Emerald Cove. Take breaks along the way and enjoy a provided lunch and snack.
National Park Service permit is required and costs $32 each (non-refundable), or $16 each with an America the Beautiful National Parks Pass. Entry into Willow Beach may cost $25 per car without a National Parks Pass; if you arrive after the booth opens, you could have to pay. Tips for guides are not included.
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Full refund if the operator cancels due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances. No-shows are charged the full price. Hoover Dam permit fees are non-refundable.
You must purchase a National Park Service permit after booking; it is non-refundable. Entry into Willow Beach is extra if you do not have an America the Beautiful National Parks Pass. Guide tips are not included.
Yes. Bring a government-issued ID (or a copy of your ID or passport). If you forget your ID, you cannot launch.
You get a sandwich, a snack, and an ice water. Bring an extra 2–3 liters of water per person, plus any additional food or snacks you want for the day.
Adventure Child delivers an exceptional Black Canyon kayaking experience that consistently outshines typical Vegas activities. Guides like Cameron, Ben, Heath, Wolf, and Gino earn glowing praise for their deep knowledge of the area's geology, history, and hidden gems. They lead groups to stunning hot springs, slot canyons, climbable waterfalls, and the famous Sauna Cave while sharing fascinating stories about the Colorado River and Hoover Dam. Even visitors with extensive paddling experience note how much more they discover with these guides compared to other groups passing by. What really sets them apart is the personal touch. Guides arrive with snacks, cold water, and everything you might need, then spend the day capturing hundreds of photos and videos so you can stay fully present. They're especially skilled at making nervous beginners feel comfortable and confident on the water. The pacing feels relaxed and unhurried while somehow staying perfectly on schedule. Whether you're doing the shorter Emerald Cave trip or the full 12-mile journey from Hoover Dam to Willow Beach, expect breathtaking scenery, entertaining commentary, and guides who genuinely love what they do. Groups of all sizes and skill levels have fantastic experiences here.
I did a 12 mile kayaking excursion down the Colorado from the base of the Hoover dam. My guide was Shawn, and he was excellent! Shawn was very knowledgable about the history of the area. He knew every inch of the river: where the hot springs were, the best beaches for stops, and camping if that is your thing. We were never rushed and the pace was good. He provided plenty of food for lunch, and a nice little variety too. He also took quite a few pictures and shared them. Which was a big plus for me being solo traveler. All-in-all it was a great tour from start to finish and would highly recommend Shawn as a guide.
Brian
April 7, 2026
I did a 12 mile kayaking excursion down the Colorado from the base of the Hoover dam. My guide was Shawn, and he was excellent! Shawn was very knowledgable about the history of the area. He knew every inch of the river: where the hot springs were, the best beaches for stops, and camping if that is your thing. We were never rushed and the pace was good. He provided plenty of food for lunch, and a nice little variety too. He also took quite a few pictures and shared them. Which was a big plus for me being solo traveler. All-in-all it was a great tour from start to finish and would highly recommend Shawn as a guide.
Brian
April 7, 2026