Water activity

Willow Beach: Emerald Cave and Lake Mead Kayaking Tour

4.7 / 5

74 reviews

Activity provider: OutdoorsterLV
Water activity

Willow Beach: Emerald Cave and Lake Mead Kayaking Tour

Activity provider: OutdoorsterLV
Save up to 10%

From US$ 108 US$ 97.20 per person

Embark on a guided kayak tour to Emerald Cave and Lake Mead in Black Canyon. Enjoy a short hike surrounded by nature, keep an eye out for fascinating wildlife, and go swimming in the enchanting cave.

About this activity

Free cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
Reserve now & pay later
Keep your travel plans flexible — book your spot and pay nothing today.
Duration 4.5 - 8 hours
Check availability to see starting times.
Live tour guide
English
Pickup optional
Please wait at the following points, depending on your location: For Bally's Hotel: rideshare pickup area in the north entrance For Circus Circus Hotel: Las Vegas Boulevard entrance For Bellagio Hotel: bus pickup area For Treasure Island: rideshare/bus pickup area For Excalibur Hotel: bus pickup area For MGM Grand: tour pickup area For Golden Nuggets Hotel: rideshare pickup area
Small group
Limited to 12 participants

Experience

Highlights
  • Explore the Emerald Cave and Black Canyon
  • Learn more about the natural history of the area
  • Experience mystical green jelly-looking waters
  • Discover scenic natural landscapes and spot local wildlife
  • Keep an eye out for local wildlife such as sheep and bald eagles
Full description

Discover a kayaker’s dream destination – the Emerald Cave and Willow Beach – on this kayaking tour from Las Vegas with a guide and unlimited snacks and drinks. Swim in the cave’s enchanting green water and keep an eye out for wildlife.

Choose to get picked up from your accommodations or make your way to Willow Beach to meet your guide. Start with a quick kayaking lesson before gearing up and getting on your kayak.

When paddling toward Emerald Cave, take a break from kayaking and explore breathtaking views of the entire canyon. Get your cameras ready for the desert bighorn sheep, blue heron, and bald eagles.

Marvel at the canyon walls lining Emerald Cave that are 5,000 to 7,000 feet high. During the tour, get the chance to swim in the mystical green water of the Colorado River.

When the sun shines at the right angle, reflections off the sediment on the cave walls make the river water look bright green. The outdoor adventure Sherpa shares that the cave's green waters shine the brightest during the spring and summer months. 

Includes
  • Hotel roundtrip shuttle (if option selected)
  • WFA and CPR certificated tour guide
  • Single or tandem performance kayak
  • All safety equipment
  • Unlimited iced drinks and snacks
  • Dry bag and waterproof phone cases are provided for $18.99 if reserved in advance and $20 if you pay the day of
  • National park admission (Free for valid military ID or NPS card)
  • Tips
Not suitable for
  • Children under 8 years

Select participants and date

Participants

Date

Meeting point

Meet at Willow Beach Marina. After the toll booth, keep driving until you see water and kayaks/trailers on your left. Your guide will be waiting, wearing a light green or white shirt with "OutdoorsterLV" written on it.

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Important information

What to bring

  • Hat
  • Camera
  • Sunscreen
  • Cash

Not allowed

  • Luggage or large bags

Know before you go

  • This tour is weather-dependent for safety reasons, all start times are subject to change
  • It is recommended that you purchase or bring a dry bag, as you are not allowed to dive in and retrieve your items in any way or form if they have been dropped into the river
  • The OutdoorsterLV team is not responsible for diving in and retrieving any items that may have been dropped into the river during your tour, due to the safety of our team
  • The Emerald Cave is a grotto-style cave
  • You will be on the water for approximately 3-4 hours
Customer reviews

Overall rating

4.7 /5

based on 74 reviews

Review summary

  • Guide
    4.8/5
  • Transportation
    4.8/5
  • Value for money
    4.5/5

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Star rating:

The pick up for this tour was located conveniently in central downtown, and my only small criticism for the day is that I was told 9-930 by the company and received a message from our fantastic guide Zack 20 mins before saying they were waiting for me. The transfer to and from Willow beach was enjoyable and included interesting stops en route so I'd recommend this too. We were given a brief on arrival by Zack and Jordan his land based comrade and released onto the water. The kayaking was good fun and we were well looked after all the way. We were given enough space and freedom to take pictures of the wonderful scenery and enjoy the experience. The stop for a short walk up the hill was very informative about the local ecology and we got more pictures with Zack taking time to photograph us. the emerald cave was awe inspiring, and the trip a little further up the river to see the workspace attached to the rock wall gave an insight into the history. A magical day. Thanks to all involved

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April 1, 2023

From the moment we found our guide Max, it was just a comfortable vibe!! He was so welcoming and made us feel relaxed right away! He was so laidback and talked to every individual on the tour. I loved that it was a small group of 7 and that he was so informative. Initially I didn’t want to waste time doing this but am so happy my sisters talked me into it! Having Max as our guide was even better than the actual emerald cave itself!!! He is a genuine person and it really made all the difference!! Thank you so much!! Would recommend to every!!

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April 1, 2023

We had an amazing experience with this tour!! Our tour guide Zach was outstanding. He was knowledgeable about the area and shared information that brought greater interest and meaning to the tour. Zach was exceptional with my autistic son and I recommend them high for neurodivergent individuals who need that slightly higher level of patience to assure they don’t feel pushed to hard or too fast. Yet, we were all physically challenged to the just right point for our individual abilities.

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April 1, 2023

Product ID: 407469