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.
Cameron from Adventure Child was amazing! We did the Sunset & Stargazing Kayak tour. This tour includes a stop at the Emerald Cave to see it all lit up with a green glow from the light reflection. We went on a day that was windy but Cameron was able to guide us through it. His passion for geology and history came through and we learned about rock formations and the history of the area. He provides plenty of water and an assortment of food courses. We got fruits (grapes, nectarines, apples), salad, corn on the cob (with flaming hot cheetos - Mexican style), turkey hot dogs (he’s able to accommodate if you’re vegetarian or vegan), and s’mores! Oh and can’t forget about the drinks. We spent about 2-3 hours at the campground enjoying some stories under the bright strawberry moon lighting up our night. Or else it would have been super dark! We saw so many stars and enjoyed the stillness of the water and the sounds of nature. The kayaking back was so peaceful and smooth. There something so eerily beautiful about kayaking in the dark. Overall, would highly recommend this tour to everyone! Oh also - he takes videos and pictures of you and send them over! So you will always have memories!
Judith Newcomer
June 29, 2026
Cameron from Adventure Child was amazing! We did the Sunset & Stargazing Kayak tour. This tour includes a stop at the Emerald Cave to see it all lit up with a green glow from the light reflection. We went on a day that was windy but Cameron was able to guide us through it. His passion for geology and history came through and we learned about rock formations and the history of the area. He provides plenty of water and an assortment of food courses. We got fruits (grapes, nectarines, apples), salad, corn on the cob (with flaming hot cheetos - Mexican style), turkey hot dogs (he’s able to accommodate if you’re vegetarian or vegan), and s’mores! Oh and can’t forget about the drinks. We spent about 2-3 hours at the campground enjoying some stories under the bright strawberry moon lighting up our night. Or else it would have been super dark! We saw so many stars and enjoyed the stillness of the water and the sounds of nature. The kayaking back was so peaceful and smooth. There something so eerily beautiful about kayaking in the dark. Overall, would highly recommend this tour to everyone! Oh also - he takes videos and pictures of you and send them over! So you will always have memories!
Judith Newcomer
June 29, 2026
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