Escape the energy of Las Vegas and trade it for a peaceful journey along the Colorado River on a motorized raft. Starting near the Hoover Dam in the Lake Mead National Recreation Area, you enjoy a 3‑hour float through the stunning Black Canyon, with towering cliffs and sweeping desert scenery all around. Along the way, you’ll have time to swim in the river, relax during a lunch stop, and soak in a side of Nevada many visitors never get to see. With the option to self‑drive or take round‑trip transport, this experience is designed to be flexible and easy.
Tour Options
Rafting Tour without Transport
Duration: 3 hours
Rafting Tour with Transport
Duration: 6 hours: Includes Roundtrip Transport from Las Vegas
Pickup included
Itinerary
15 min
Your tour begins with convenient hotel pick-up from select Las Vegas hotels or by meeting the tour group in Boulder City, a historic town built in the 1930s to house Hoover Dam workers. Explore this charming town before embarking on your adventure to the Hoover Dam and surrounding landmarks.
Admission included15 min
The construction of the Hoover Dam created Lake Mead, the largest man-made lake in the United States. This iconic reservoir offers stunning views and recreational opportunities for visitors.
Pass by
You will travel down the Lower Portal Road, the original road used by the construction workers of the Hoover Dam to board your raft. You’ll enjoy 3-hours exploring 12-miles of history, beauty and wonder as you glide through the Black Canyon National Water Trail. Experience the waterfalls, hot springs and other geological wonders. This trip is fully narrated by knowledgeable guides who offer incredible history of the Hoover Dam and the Back Canyon National Water trail.
30 min
Enjoy a refreshing stop at a scenic side beach, where you can stretch your legs, swim, or relax in the cool, clear waters of the Colorado River. Plus, a delicious lunch is included, packed in a take-home, insulated souvenir bag for your convenience.
30 min
Your tour concludes at Willow Beach Marina, nestled in the scenic Mohave Desert of Arizona, where you'll board a shuttle back to the starting point. Be sure to bring your camera to capture the stunning views along the way!
Highlights
Lunch
Hotel pickup and drop-off (if option selected)
Float Trip on the Colorado River with live commentary by a local guide
NPS Park Entrance Fee
What's included
Included
Lunch
Hotel pickup and drop-off (if option selected)
Float Trip on the Colorado River with live commentary by a local guide
NPS Park Entrance Fee
Not included
Gratuities
Round-trip Transportation (depending on option selected)
National Park Fee (included with transport; not included with self-drive/without transport option)
Pickup Locations & Times
** Please note that Check in for this tour is at 930 AM. Pick Up times begin 2 hours prior to the actual tour time of 10AM. Please contact the tour operator directly for specific time and location for your selection if you have chosen "With Transportation"**
Traveller Ratings
4.8
406 reviews
5
365
4
27
3
7
2
1
1
6
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
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Children must be accompanied by an adult
Vegetarian & Gluten Free options are available, please advise at time of booking if required
Total Tour time WITH Transportation is 6 hours door-to door
Frequently asked questions
How long does this tour take?
3-Hour Black Canyon Motorized Raft Tour with Optional Transport lasts about 3 hours. The itinerary has 5 stops.
How much does this tour cost?
Prices start at $140 per person for this Las Vegas experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. There are 2 booking options, so the final price depends on the option you choose.
Can I cancel this tour for free?
Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.
Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, pickup is offered. ** Please note that Check in for this tour is at 930 AM. Pick Up times begin 2 hours prior to the actual tour time of 10AM. Please contact the tour operator directly for specific time and location for your selection if you have chosen "With Transportation"** Pickup points include MEET_AT_DEPARTURE_POINT, CONTACT_SUPPLIER_LATER, LOC-6eKJ+or5y8o99Qw0C8xWyIBMT4vyJx77EpxCmHFDCUo=.
What languages is this tour offered in?
The experience is available in EN.
Is this a private or a group tour?
It is a small-group experience with a maximum of 15 participants.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap Children must be accompanied by an adult
Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
Wheelchair accessible
Reviews(406)
C
Cyndy_P
September 9, 2026
Just do it!!
What a great experience. Our driver, Iggy?, was super informative and passionate about his love of nature. Our guide, Kathleen, was so informative and it's obvious that she loves the area and her job. It was over 100° but we kept cool with lots of provided water, cool wet cloths, and optional dips in the river. The trip also included a yummy lunch in a take-home color bag. I highly recommend this trip.
Operator response
Thank you so much for the recommendation, the 5-star review and for spending the day on the river with us! We’re lucky to have a team that genuinely loves this area, and we love hearing that their passion added to your experience. We’ll be sure to share your kind words with Kathleen and the rest of the crew. Those hot desert days make a dip in the Colorado River even more memorable! We hope you took home some great memories along with your cooler bag, and we’d love to welcome you back for another adventure.
S
Stephane_S
August 19, 2026
Very beautiful experience...
Very beautiful experience with magnificent views starting with the Hoover Dam.
Both the driver and the guide were very friendly and full of knowledge that they shared.
And then, being in the middle of nature only 1.5 hours from Las Vegas, it's quite incredible.
Operator response
Thank you for joining us and for sharing your experience! There’s something pretty special about starting beneath the incredible Hoover Dam and then watching the scenery change as you make your way into Black Canyon. We’re glad our driver and guide helped bring the history and landscape to life along the way. It’s hard to believe such a peaceful escape into nature is so close to Las Vegas! We hope you’ll come explore the Colorado River with us again someday.
D
Deborah_B
August 10, 2026
Our trip started out...
Our trip started out great with Marty as our van driver. He was friendly and very knowledgeable about the area. He answered even our off the wall questions. He took great care of us both to and from the tour. Tim was great out on the water. He too was very knowledgeable and kind. He made sure we stayed hydrated and answered all our questions. We would definitely recommend this tour.
Operator response
Thank you for sharing your experience! It sounds like Marty and Tim took great care of you from start to finish. We love hearing that their knowledge of the area added to your time with us and that they were ready for all the off-the-wall questions! We appreciate the recommendation and hope to welcome you back to the river again someday.
J
Janet_S
July 27, 2026
Wonderful way to see Hoover Dam
We were picked up by Izzy and taken to our starting point. He shared a lot of info about the area. Then we had Sarah for our guide on the raft. She was wonderful. Between her knowledge of Hoover dam and her love for nature and the canyon, we learned a lot. We saw long horn sheep and turkey vultures. Took several swim stops because of the extreme heat. I would definitely recommend this trip.
Operator response
Thank you for the wonderful 5-star review! We're so glad you enjoyed your day on the river and had the chance to experience the incredible wildlife and scenery of Black Canyon. We will be sure to share your kind words with Izzy and Sarah. They will love hearing they helped make your trip so memorable. We appreciate the recommendation and hope to welcome you back again in the future!
C
CLT2SSB
July 7, 2026
Fantastic experience!
We took the shuttle from Las Vegas to the Hoover Dam and back to Vegas. Steve and Sara were gracious hosts and guides. They both provided the history of the dam, Boulder City, and surrounding area. I highly recommend this tour. Gorgeous scenery, great people, and I would do it again. If you're attending a concert at the Sphere, or a convention, be sure to plan a day for this trip.
Operator response
Thank you for your thoughtful review! We love hearing that the journey itself- from Boulder City to Black Canyon—became part of the experience. Steve and Sarah will be so happy to know they helped make your day memorable. We appreciate your recommendation and hope your next trip to Las Vegas includes another day on the river
Z
Z7704QJdc
July 6, 2026
Great day of relaxing and seeing nature.
This was my third time to do this over the last 15 years. This a very relaxing easy going refreshing thing to do. This trip was just as good as the last two. The tour guide was very professional. She excelled at her job. This is a fantastic way to spend a day after a week in a Las Vegas convention.
Operator response
Thank you for returning to raft with us again! It means so much that you've chosen to make us part of your Las Vegas visits over the past 15 years. We are delighted to hear this trip lived up to your previous experiences and that our guide helped make your day both relaxing and memorable. We look forward to welcoming you back for visit number four!
I
I4804PCjonb
July 6, 2026
Fabulous!!!
Kathleen was our guide and absolutely fabulous. We got local historical information that was fascinating. Saw birds and big horn sheep. The river was calm and the trip was very relaxing and enjoyable. Would not hesitate to go again. Scott was our driver and land guide. Got a wonderful history lesson on Boulder City. Easy pickup and drop off from our hotel in Vegas. We thoroughly enjoyed our day.
Operator response
Reviews like yours mean the world to our team. Thank you for taking the time to recognize both Kathleen and Scott for making your day so special. There's nothing better than combining incredible scenery, wildlife, and local stories into one memorable adventure. We look forward to sharing the river with you again whenever you're back in Southern Nevada!
M
Monica_V
June 27, 2026
We were greeted so...
We were greeted so professionally and welcoming by Scott. He had a sense of humor. He was so thorough in his discussion. Michael kept in touch with me the day before and day of trip. He was very responsive. The day was planned well, punctual, detailed, and prepared. Once we got to the raft, we were greeted and guided by our guide Sarah. She was amazing!!! She took her time and was so knowledgeable and passionate about birds. The view was spectacular. The raft had everything we needed. It was a memorable experience.
Operator response
Thank you for taking the time to share your experience! It means so much to hear that Scott, Michael, and Sarah helped make your day such a memorable one. We'll be sure to pass along your kind words. They will truly appreciate the recognition. We hope to welcome you back to the river again soon!
K
Kelly_M
June 14, 2026
A Must Do When in Vegas
It was amazing. Wonderful guides who shared so much knowledge. Saw beautiful scenery and things that we could never have experienced if not on that tour!
Operator response
Thank you for the wonderful review! There are so many incredible sights and stories waiting to be discovered in Black Canyon, and it's great to hear the experience exceeded your expectations. Our guides take pride in sharing their knowledge and helping guests connect with this remarkable stretch of the Colorado River. Thank you for spending part of your adventure with us!
S
Sarah_K
June 9, 2026
Spend the day with this company!
The entire experience was well worth the cost and exceeded our expectations. Pickup was prompt and seamless, the guides were exceptional, and the scenery throughout Black Canyon was absolutely breathtaking. Sarah, our raft pilot, was fantastic—friendly, engaging, and incredibly knowledgeable about the area and its history. Izzy, our transportation guide, was equally wonderful. He was personable and accommodating, and even took us through some of the surrounding towns when we had extra time, which added an unexpected and enjoyable element to the trip.
What truly stood out was the genuine passion the staff had for the outdoors and the natural beauty of the region. Their enthusiasm for Black Canyon, the Colorado River, the surrounding wildlife, and the local history was contagious and made the experience even more meaningful. It was clear that they genuinely enjoy sharing this remarkable landscape with visitors, which added a personal touch that you don’t often find on tours.
Everything was extremely well organized from beginning to end, and the staff went above and beyond to make us feel welcomed and appreciated. Their attention to detail created a relaxing, memorable, and truly first-class vacation experience. We would highly recommend this excursion to anyone visiting Las Vegas and will definitely be recommending it to our friends and family. This was easily one of the highlights of our trip.
Operator response
Thank you for such a thoughtful review! We appreciate your recognition of Sarah, Izzy, and the entire team. Creating memorable experiences is about more than just the scenery—it's about sharing the stories, history, wildlife, and beauty of Black Canyon with guests who are eager to experience it. Your comments about our staff's passion for the outdoors mean a great deal, as that enthusiasm is at the heart of what we do. Thank you for recommending us to your friends and family, and for making us one of the highlights of your Las Vegas visit!
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Tour
Duration
Rating
Price
3-Hour Black Canyon Motorized Raft Tour with Optional Transport