Emerald Cave Kayak Tour
A 4-mile round-trip paddle from Willow Beach through the Black Canyon to the glowing green Emerald Cave. Beginner friendly, small groups, launches at 8 AM and 1 PM. 3 to 4 hours.
From $110 adults, $90 children
Emerald Cave Kayak Tour
Las Vegas Kayak Tours Since 2004
Quality Over Quantity by Design:
Smallest Groups, Best Equipment.
About the Emerald Cave Kayak Tour
Paddle the Black Canyon from Willow Beach to the glowing green Emerald Cave on a beginner-friendly tour.
- 3 to 4 hour guided tour
- Launching daily at 8 AM and 1 PM
- Kayak, paddle, life vest, snacks and guide included
Groups are capped at 6, and tours start at $110 for adults. It's a self-drive trip, about an hour from the Strip.
What Our Paddlers Say
Real reviews from guests who paddled the Colorado River with us to Emerald Cave and beyond. We're proud of the experiences we create and the memories our guests take home.
Las Vegas's Longest-Running Kayak Tour Company
Kayak Lake Mead has guided visitors through Black Canyon since 2004, longer than any other kayak outfitter in Lake Mead National Recreation Area. We're veteran owned and authorized by the National Park Service, and our guides are certified in Wilderness First Aid and CPR and trained in river rescue. Every tour launches from Willow Beach, Arizona, about an hour from the Las Vegas Strip, and our public tours are capped at just 6 guests.
All Tours
Twilight and Moonlight Paddle
An evening 3-mile paddle to a secluded beach and fantastic sunset view with campfire setting, perfect for stargazing or moon bathing best around the full moon. 3 hours.
From $150 adults, $120 children
Cranes Nest Tour
An 8-mile paddle 2 miles past Emerald Cave, with slot canyons, a private beach and an optional desert hike. 5 hours.
From $160 adults, $130 children
The Whole Dam Tour
A full-day paddle from the base of Hoover Dam, with Sauna Cave and hot spring pools. Permits included, 2 people minimum. 7 hours.
From $270 adults, $240 children
South Bound Paddle
A 2-mile paddle with an optional 2-mile hike, great for beginners. 3 hours.
From $120 adults, $90 children
Leap in the Past Tour
A 7-mile paddle to ancient petroglyphs. 5 hours.
From $180 adults, $150 children
The Emerald Cave
Emerald Cave, often called Emerald Cove, is a small grotto on the Arizona side of the Colorado River, just across the Nevada line and about an hour from Las Vegas. It sits along the Black Canyon Water Trail, about 2 miles upriver from Kayak Beach at Willow Beach. It's known for its glowing green water, caused by sunlight reflecting off algae-covered rocks. You can only reach it by water, and most paddlers get there in 1 to 2 hours. The cave is open year-round, and spring and fall are the most comfortable seasons to visit.
See the TourWeather Forecast
Live wind, weather, clouds, and rain conditions on the Colorado River and Black Canyon from Willow Beach. Check the forecast before you paddle out to Emerald Cave. HRRR is the most accurate but only shows 1.5 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know before paddling out to Emerald Cave with us.
How Much Is The Emerald Cave Kayak Tour?
Adults start at $110, children start at $90.
How long is the Emerald Cave Kayak Tour?
The tour usually lasts between 3-4 hours, including the time to paddle to and from the cave, with some time to explore the surrounding Black Canyon water trail.
Where Does The Kayak Tour Start?
The Emerald Cave Kayak Tour starts at Kayak Beach, the paddle craft launch area. Plan to arrive early so you have enough time to visit the Willow Beach Marina store and bathrooms.
How long is the drive?
The drive from the Las Vegas Strip to Willow Beach is about an hour. If you are visiting during a holiday factor in an extra hour and arrive earlier. If the park rangers are turning vehicles away at the entrance be sure to show them your reservation.
Are Pets allowed?
Pets are welcome! They must be 25 lbs or less and have a life vest while in the kayak. *not provided
Do you offer shuttle pick-up from the Las Vegas strip?
We specialize exclusively in self-drive tours launching directly from Willow Beach. By driving yourself, you bypass tedious two-hour multi-hotel shuttle loops on the Las Vegas Strip. Get on the water faster and save money by booking direct. For the best experience you should rent a vehicle on TURO or, KAYAK.COM has a great tool for comparing prices and booking a rental! We highly recommend you do NOT take a ride share as you will not be able to get a ride out after.
Can I Rent Instead of Going on A Tour?
We provide high end equipment on our tours and the price difference between a kayak rental and a kayak tour is much lower than the value added by a knowledgeable tour guide!
If you are set on renting we suggest checking with the local Willow Beach Marina.
If you are set on renting we suggest checking with the local Willow Beach Marina.What should I bring on the Emerald Cave Kayak Tour?
Essentials include at least 1L of water, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, a camera or phone, and appropriate clothing.
Is the Emerald Cave Kayak Tour suitable for beginners?
Yes, the tour is beginner-friendly. Our guide provides instruction, and the pace is generally relaxed.
What is included in the Emerald Cave Kayak Tour?
We provide you with a Kayak, Paddle, Life-Vest, snacks and a certified kayak tour guide.
Are there age restrictions for the Emerald Cave Kayak Tour?
The minimum age for our tour is 5 years old or 50lbs. We recommend children under 8 ride in the front seat of a tandem kayak with an adult.
What happens if the weather is bad?
Trips run rain or shine. However, we reserve the right to cancel any tour departure for weather or safety reasons and will provide a full refund or reschedule for any tour cancelled by us.
Is There A Weight Limit?
Weight limit depends on your height. Click here to use our weight limit tool to check the maximum weight limit for your height.
Do I need to book the Emerald Cave tour in advance?
Yes, booking the Emerald Cave tour in advance is required to secure your spot. Outfitters are not allowed to accept on-location bookings.
What should I wear for the Emerald Cave tour?
Wear comfortable, moisture-wicking clothes, a swimsuit, and water shoes for the Emerald Cave tour. Don't forget a hat and sunscreen to protect yourself while enjoying the sunny Colorado River.
Willow Beach Marina, Home of the Emerald Cave
Willow Beach Marina sits on the Colorado River in Willow Beach, Arizona, along the Black Canyon Water Trail. It's about an hour southeast of the Las Vegas Strip and a 4-minute walk from Kayak Beach, where your tour starts. Stop by before or after your paddle to pick up drinks and snacks at the convenience store, cool off in the air-conditioned restrooms, or grab a meal at the Black Canyon Grill café. If you'd like to stay longer, there's RV and tent camping nearby with views of the river.
Kayak Beach, Where Your Tour Starts
Kayak Beach is the paddle craft launch area at Willow Beach, a 4-minute walk from Willow Beach Marina, and it's where every Emerald Cave kayak tour begins. Plan to check in at least 15 minutes before your launch for the safety briefing; arriving later may count as a no-show. Your guide will have your kayak, paddle and life vest ready. From here, it's about a 2-mile paddle up the Colorado River through the Black Canyon Water Trail to Emerald Cave.
River Gauger's Site (Bob's Beach) on the Emerald Cave Tour
After visiting Emerald Cave, the tour stops at River Gauger's Site, known to paddlers as Bob's Beach, on the Black Canyon Water Trail. You'll have time to swim in the Colorado River, have a snack, and take an optional short hike up to an overlook with views of the canyon. The site is named for the historic gauging station where river gaugers lived from 1935 to 1939, measuring the Colorado River's flow.
Unforgettable Kayak & Hiking Experiences
Join hundreds of happy adventurers exploring Emerald Cave, Willow Beach, and the Black Canyon with Kayak Lake Mead.