Rent a kayak at Willow Beach and paddle toward Emerald Cave
Half Day 5 Hours
Kayak rental
Pick up your kayak at Willow Beach and explore the river at your own pace. You can paddle toward Emerald Cave during your half-day rental.
Willow Beach is in the National Parks system, and entry is $25 per vehicle if you do not have an America the Beautiful National Parks Pass. The pay booth typically opens after 7am.
Full refund if you cancel up to 24 hours in advance. Full refund if the operator cancels due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances. No-shows are charged the full price.
Product ID: F3TWTZ
Suggested items include at least 1L of water, a swimsuit or sun shirt, lunch/snacks, water shoes, sunblock/hat/sunglasses, a small towel, a Ziplock bag or dry bag, a change of clothes, and extra socks/shoes.
Bathrooms are available off the main parking lot and at the Willow Beach Marina. Food and drinks are also available for purchase at the marina.
You’ll be launching from the kayak beach just south of the main parking lot at Willow Beach.
Willow Beach Marina, 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.
Can I give Gino, our guide, TEN stars? He was so helpful and patient while we kayaked and enjoyed the beautiful scenery. We had a great morning (half day tour). So fun!!!
Renee McKelvin
August 5, 2026
Can I give Gino, our guide, TEN stars? He was so helpful and patient while we kayaked and enjoyed the beautiful scenery. We had a great morning (half day tour). So fun!!!
Renee McKelvin
August 5, 2026
Paddle to Emerald Cave with a guided lunch break—meet at Willow Beach
Paddle to Emerald Cave on a 3-hour guided tour from Willow Beach
Paddle Black Canyon’s Colorado River to Emerald Cove
Paddle into sunset, then stargaze by campfire on the Colorado River
Paddle upriver to Emerald Cave with a 4-hour kayak rental
Design your own private kayak tour to Emerald Cave