About
Kayak Lake Mead
Environmental Education
Our guides know the history and ecology of Black Canyon and Lake Mead National Recreation Area, and they share it along the way so you leave knowing more about the river than when you arrived.
Prioritizing Guest Safety
The safety of our guests and staff comes first. Our guides are certified in Wilderness First Aid and CPR and trained in river rescue.
Exceptional Customer Service
Our passion for what we do is infectious, and we share that enthusiasm with every guest, from the first message to the last paddle stroke.
Who We Are
Kayak Lake Mead was founded in 2004 by Robert Finlay and is the longest-running kayak tour outfitter in Lake Mead National Recreation Area. We're veteran owned and authorized by the National Park Service. Today the company is in the caring hands of Ian Blair, and we're still dedicated to unforgettable kayak adventures on Lake Mead, the Colorado River and beyond.
What We Do
We offer guided kayak, hiking and camping tours for everyone from first-time paddlers to experienced kayakers. Our most popular trip is the Emerald Cave Kayak Tour, a paddle up the Colorado River through the Black Canyon Water Trail to the glowing green water of Emerald Cave. We also run the Cranes Nest Tour, the South Bound Paddle, moonlight paddles, hot spring hikes and overnight camping trips.
When We Do It
Our kayak tours run daily. The Emerald Cave Kayak Tour launches at 8 AM and 1 PM and lasts 3 to 4 hours. We picked those times on purpose to avoid the busiest hours on the river.
Where We Do It
All of our tours start at or near Willow Beach, Arizona, about an hour from the Las Vegas Strip. You'll find us and our gear at Kayak Beach, the paddle craft launch area, a 4-minute walk from Willow Beach Marina. Emerald Cave is about 2 miles upriver from Kayak Beach, making it the most popular paddle destination on this stretch of the Colorado River.
How We Do It
We keep our public tours capped at just 6 guests, so you get real time with your guide and a calmer experience on the water. Every trip comes with clean, well-kept kayaks, paddles and life vests, plus snacks and a professional guide.
Why We Do It
We've spent more than 20 years on this river because we love sharing it. Seeing a guest paddle into Emerald Cave for the first time never gets old, and our reviews say it better than we can.