Paddle to Emerald Cave on a 3-hour guided tour from Willow Beach
3 Hours
Guide, kayak, snacks
Explore the emerald green Colorado River on a guided, self-drive kayak tour from Willow Beach, Arizona. Paddle into the Black Canyon narrows and visit Emerald Cave on a route suitable for beginners and advanced paddlers.
Arrive 30 minutes before your tour start time (Pacific Time). You will enter Lake Mead National Recreation Area and pay a $25 per vehicle entry fee unless you have a qualifying pass or military ID. Alcohol and marijuana are not permitted.
Cancel at least 48 hours before start for a full refund minus a 6% credit card processing fee. No refunds within 48 hours of start, or for arriving late or no-shows. Rescheduling may be subject to a $40 per person rebooking fee.
Follow Pacific Time for all tour times. Arrive 30 minutes before your scheduled start time.
Yes. Complete the online waiver no later than the day before your scheduled tour. Every participant must complete it.
Yes. You enter Lake Mead National Recreation Area at Willow Beach Marina. The entry fee is $25 per vehicle, or free with a military ID or a National Parks pass (America the Beautiful).
25804 N Willow Beach, Willow Beach, AZ 86445
The guides here really make the experience special. Faith, Calvin, Soren, Ryan, Jeff, and Maggie all get enthusiastic shoutouts for being knowledgeable, professional, and genuinely passionate about sharing the area's ecology, geology, and history. Reviewers consistently mention feeling safe and well-cared-for, even complete beginners who'd never kayaked before. The tandem kayaks come equipped with rudders that make paddling easier, and guides adjust the pace to accommodate different skill levels while keeping the group together. The Emerald Cave tour is the clear favorite, with travelers calling it a highlight of their Vegas trips. The full-day option includes tasty lunches and plenty of snacks and water throughout. Logistics are smooth too, with clear pre-trip instructions, reliable hotel pickups, and helpful communication about what to bring. Many visitors add the Hoover Dam stop for a full-day adventure. The calm water and stunning scenery offer a refreshing escape from the Strip, and you might even spot bighorn sheep or eagles along the way.
My sister n law and I did this tour yesterday, and it was so beautiful. It was organized and stress free. Our guide Soren was great he was patient and kind and knowledgeable! He made sure each person in the group felt safe and made sure each individuals needs were met! 10 out of 10 would definitely reccomend. Ask for Soren as your guide he was amazing!
jami montes
May 24, 2026
My sister n law and I did this tour yesterday, and it was so beautiful. It was organized and stress free. Our guide Soren was great he was patient and kind and knowledgeable! He made sure each person in the group felt safe and made sure each individuals needs were met! 10 out of 10 would definitely reccomend. Ask for Soren as your guide he was amazing!
jami montes
May 24, 2026