Hoover Dam 1.5‑Hour Raft Tour in Black Canyon
Description
Discover a side of the Hoover Dam that few visitors see—by floating right at its base through the dramatic Black Canyon on a relaxing, 1.5‑hour guided raft tour. Surrounded by towering canyon walls, you get up-close views of historic construction relics like the Old Catwalk and Gauging Station, while expert guides share fascinating stories about the dam’s rich past. Along the way, you have the chance to spot bighorn sheep, native birds, and desert plants in their natural habitat, making this the perfect combination of history, nature, and breathtaking views just minutes from Las Vegas.
Tour Options
Itinerary
The Black Canyon section of the Colorado River offers a quick yet unforgettable 1.5-hour journey through one of the Southwest’s most breathtaking landscapes. Glide downriver as you take in the canyon’s towering cliffs, emerald-green waters, and striking desert scenery. Along the way, enjoy a refreshing swim in the Colorado River, an ideal way to cool off and connect with nature during this scenic adventure.
Experience the grandeur of the Hoover Dam, one of the most iconic engineering marvels in the United States. Towering above the Colorado River, this massive concrete structure offers breathtaking views and a fascinating glimpse into the history of American infrastructure and innovation.
Spanning 900 feet above the Colorado River, the Mike O’Callaghan–Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge provides unmatched panoramic views of Hoover Dam and the Black Canyon. As one of the highest bridges in North America, it’s a must-see stop for photo opportunities and scenic overlooks.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Reviews(233)
We came to Vegas from Florida on a family vacation. We wanted to see the Hoover Dam, but didn’t necessarily want to take the interior tour. It was 110 degrees the day that we went. We decided to book the boat tour since it’s always cooler on the water. What an AMAZING experience! First, we met our driver Mitch at the Hoover Dam casino. He was super friendly and informative about the building of the dam on the short drive out. When we got to the boat, we met our driver Eugene. Uncle Gene he said his family called him. So funny and engaging. The boat was not shaded and there wasn’t a cloud in the sky, but they did provide us with cold wet towels to cool off with. I would recommend a hat and lots of sunscreen! We also received drawstring bags with water, an apple, some cookies, and chips. The bag was a cute touch and we are using it to carry little things around on the rest of our trip. We learned a lot from Eugene and had a great time. We also got to jump off and swim a little to stay cool. That was our favorite part. When else are you going to get to swim at the bottom of the Hoover Dam? This was a fantastic experience and I highly recommend it. I just wish we’d booked the longer tour instead of the 1.5 hour tour. Seriously considering doing the longer one before we leave!
Very friendly staff and very helpful and polite. Tim our boat operator was very knowledgeable and friendly so was both of the staff that drove us to the dam. This tour is a lot better than seeing the dam from above I would recommend this tour to anyone going to the Hoover dam.
Thank you for taking the time to leave such a thoughtful review! It means a great deal to know our team helped make your experience enjoyable from start to finish. We'll be sure to pass your compliments along to Tim and the rest of the crew. Thank you for recommending us. We hope to welcome you back to the Colorado River again someday!
Amazing experience super awesome guide very informative! Absolutely amazing
We truly appreciate your kind words! It means a lot to know you had an amazing experience and found your guide informative and engaging. Thank you for joining us. We hope to welcome you back for another unforgettable adventure!
We had an awesome time on our tour with Sarah. She was super helpful getting us on and off the raft, reminding us to stay cool with the wet towels she provided, and had a wealth of knowledge about the canyon and the dam. We brought our teenage grandson with us on this trip, and he really enjoyed it too. If we are back in Vegas again, we will definitely book this raft tour again!
Thank you for your wonderful review! We're so happy to hear Sarah helped make your day both comfortable and memorable. We'll be sure to share your kind words with her. It's especially great to know your grandson enjoyed the adventure too. We look forward to welcoming your family back the next time you're in Las Vegas!
You got to experience a lot for a great price. There were some things we didn't expect to see, like the big horn sheep!
Thank you for your review! We are so glad you enjoyed the experience and found it to be a great value. Spotting bighorn sheep is always a special bonus, and we're happy they made an appearance during your trip. We hope to see you on the river again soon!
It was great! The guide was wonderful and it was very detailed. The boat was prepared and took care of everyone!
Thank you for your kind review! We're delighted you had a great experience and that our guide made the tour both informative and enjoyable. It's also wonderful to hear our crew took great care of everyone. We hope to welcome you back again soon!
Super awesome way to see and learn the history of the Hoover Dam! Dave was a great tour captain and it was cool to be on the Colorado.
We love hearing that you enjoyed your time on the Colorado River! Thank you for the kind words about Dave. He does a fantastic job bringing the history of Hoover Dam to life. We hope you'll join us again for another adventure!
This was an amazing tour and a great chance to see the Hoover dam from a different angle that most people don’t get to see!
Thank you for your wonderful review! We're so glad you enjoyed seeing Hoover Dam from a perspective that few people get to experience. We appreciate you joining us and hope to welcome you back for another adventure on the river!
We had a great time on our 3 hour tour. You start as close to the base of the Hoover Dam as you're allowed; the drive down a secure road to get to the launch point was fun all in itself (talented drivers!) The tour guides are informative and tell plenty of stories along the way. Our guide Paul pointed out big horned sheet. It was a windy day, so although the ride was smooth, there was plenty of splashing. The lunch, packed in a take-home soft shell cooler, was also great. Would recommend.
Thank you for the great review! From the drive down to the launch site beneath Hoover Dam to the scenic journey through Black Canyon, we're glad you enjoyed the experience from start to finish. Paul loves sharing the stories, history, and wildlife that make this stretch of river so special, and spotting bighorn sheep is always a bonus. Thank you for mentioning the lunch as well. We are pleased it was a hit. We appreciate the recommendation and hope to see you on the river again soon!
Seeing and hearing about the Hoover Dam from the river was extraordinary; however the remaining boat ride was too long and not interesting.
Thank you for sharing your feedback. We are pleased that you enjoyed the unique opportunity to experience Hoover Dam from the river and learn more about its history and engineering. While the pace and length of the journey are designed to provide a relaxing exploration of Black Canyon's scenery, wildlife, and natural features, we understand that not every aspect of the experience will appeal equally to every guest. We appreciate your comments and thank you for joining us on the river.
