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.
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