Emerald Cave Kayak Tour: Scenic Paddle with Optional Shuttle
Overview
This 3.5-hour guided kayak tour is ideal for all skill levels, covering a scenic 4 to 5-mile roundtrip journey from Willow Beach to the magical Emerald Cave—complete with a stop for snacks, swimming, and a brief hike. Tours are small-group and led by experienced guides, giving plenty of attention whether paddling solo or with friends, and wildlife sightings are common along the Black Canyon’s dramatic volcanic cliffs. For added convenience, optional shuttle service from Mandalay Bay means stress-free transport and park entry is included with the shuttle package, making it an easy and memorable adventure just outside Las Vegas.
What's Included
- Snacks We provide bottled water, bananas and granola bars - if you have any food allergies or sensitivities please bring your own snacks
- Round Trip Transportation from the Mandalay Bay Hotel (if 'With Shuttle' option selected)
- Single or double kayak and life vest
- Professional kayak tour guide
- Round-Trip Transportation (if SELF-DRIVE option selected)
- National Park entry is free for kids, NPS card holders and military; For adults it is
- If you meet us at the launch site, National Park charges a $25 entrance fee per vehicle.
- Natinal Park Entrance is FREE with NPS Card, Millitary ID, Veteran ID and kids under 16.
Meeting and Pickup
Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino
3950 South Las Vegas Boulevard, Las Vegas, Nevada 89119, United States
Pickup is at 9am at Mandalay Bay Hotel if you booked the tour with transportation. The drop off is around 3-3:30pm at the same location. If you booked self-drive, we will meet you at 10am at Willow Beach, Arizona. The tour is 3.5 hours long, you will finish around 1:30pm.
25804 North Willow Beach
Willow Beach, AZ 86445, USA
Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.
What To Expect
Embark on a 3.5-hour, 5-mile round-trip kayak tour of the stunning Black Canyon. Start your adventure at Willow Beach, where your U.S. National Kayak Champion guide will prepare you for an unforgettable day. This small-group tour, limited to just 12 paddlers, ensures personalized attention as you explore the canyon’s beauty. Paddle through Black Canyon and keep an eye out for Desert Big Horn Sheep and Bald Eagles. Your first stop is a one-mile upstream historical overlook, offering breathtaking views of the legendary Colorado River, with a 5-6 minute hike included. Learn about the river's historical significance from your guide, then conclude your tour with a visit to the enchanting (and very insta-worthy) Emerald Cave. Fun and adventure are guaranteed—book your Emerald Cave kayak tour today!
Water shoes, sandals are highly recommended! Please keep in mind that you will have to step into the water when getting in and out of the kayak.
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Maximum weight limit is 300lb/person
- What to bring? Hat, sunglasses, sunblock, water shoes, comfortable clothing, swimsuit (under clothes)
- It's a family friendly group activity, NO ALCOHOL OR SMOKING ALLOWED
- Only service animals are allowed on this tour with SELF-DRIVE option only
- Please note that if you bring any electronics with you during the tour, it is highly recommended to bring a waterproof case
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Specialized infant seats are available
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 96 travelers
- Operated by a business
Frequently Asked Questions
(11)Q: Are there any weight restrictions for kayaking?
Cancellation Policy
Still have questions?
We're here to help.
Activity code: C-170456P1
Traveler Photos
Reviews
Average 4.90 out of 5 stars based on 3,053 traveler reviews collected by Cool Destinations and partner sites such as Trustpilot, Viator, and TripAdvisor
Additional Info
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Frequently Asked Questions (11)
The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from Cool Destinations customers.
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The maximum weight capacity for kayaking is 340 lbs / 154 kg.
Nov 2021No experience is necessary! Beginners are welcome on all of our kayak tours. Most of our guests have never been in a sea kayak before. Anyone in average physical condition may join a kayak tour. If you can hike or bike, you can paddle our sea kayaks. You do not need any swimming skills either.
The only prerequisite is a healthy spirit of curiosity and adventure.
Regardless of age or skill level you will find that our expeditions offer enough flexibility to make your experience with us safe and rewarding. We will show you proper sea kayaking technique and water safety before leaving the beach. And your expert guides will be with you throughout the adventure to give you pointers and improve your skills.
Sep 2022Your safety is Cool Destinations’s number one concern. In general, sea kayaking is safer than most other outdoor pursuits, even bicycling.
Jan 2023If you have any doubts about becoming seasick on the water, we recommend taking a Dramamine® Motion Sickness Relief tablet the night before your trip. Some people recommend taking it the night before your cruise and then again that morning so you will not feel so drowsy.
Feb 2023- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
- Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (MST).
- This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
- Snacks. We provide bottled water, bananas and granola bars - if you have any food allergies or sensitivities please bring your own snacks.
- Round Trip Transportation from the Mandalay Bay Hotel (if 'With Shuttle' option selected).
- Single or double kayak and life vest.
- Professional kayak tour guide.
- Round-Trip Transportation (if SELF-DRIVE option selected).
- National Park entry is free for kids, NPS card holders and military; For adults it is.
- If you meet us at the launch site, National Park charges a $25 entrance fee per vehicle.
- Natinal Park Entrance is FREE with NPS Card, Millitary ID, Veteran ID and kids under 16.
This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Apr 2025The minimum age to participate is 4. This tour requires at least one adult to accompany children..
Apr 2025If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.
If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.
Apr 2025Accessibility information for the Emerald Cave Kayak Tour: Scenic Paddle with Optional Shuttle is as follows:
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Maximum weight limit is 300lb/person
- What to bring? Hat, sunglasses, sunblock, water shoes, comfortable clothing, swimsuit (under clothes)
- It's a family friendly group activity, NO ALCOHOL OR SMOKING ALLOWED
- Only service animals are allowed on this tour with SELF-DRIVE option only
- Please note that if you bring any electronics with you during the tour, it is highly recommended to bring a waterproof case
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Emerald Cave Kayak Tour: Scenic Paddle with Optional Shuttle will be included in your confirmation email from Cool Destinations. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!
Mar 2024What's Included
- SnacksWe provide bottled water, bananas and granola bars - if you have any food allergies or sensitivities please bring your own snacks
- Round Trip Transportation from the Mandalay Bay Hotel (if 'With Shuttle' option selected)
- Single or double kayak and life vest
- Professional kayak tour guide
- Round-Trip Transportation (if SELF-DRIVE option selected)
- National Park entry is free for kids, NPS card holders and military; For adults it is
- If you meet us at the launch site, National Park charges a $25 entrance fee per vehicle.
- Natinal Park Entrance is FREE with NPS Card, Millitary ID, Veteran ID and kids under 16.
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Maximum weight limit is 300lb/person
- What to bring? Hat, sunglasses, sunblock, water shoes, comfortable clothing, swimsuit (under clothes)
- It's a family friendly group activity, NO ALCOHOL OR SMOKING ALLOWED
- Only service animals are allowed on this tour with SELF-DRIVE option only
- Please note that if you bring any electronics with you during the tour, it is highly recommended to bring a waterproof case
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Specialized infant seats are available
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 96 travelers
- Operated by a business
