Tours/Las Vegas/Emerald Cave Premium Kayak Tour with Lunch & Las Vegas Shuttle
Emerald Cave Premium Kayak Tour with Lunch & Las Vegas Shuttle
4.9(764)Las Vegas7 hours
VIATOR4.8(82)TRIPADVISOR5.0(682)
+14 photos
At a glance
Duration
7 hours
Price from
$149 / person
Rating
4.9 / 5 · 764 reviews
Languages
EN, ES
Group
Small group, up to 30
Cancellation
Free cancellation
Meeting point
Please meet your guide at the Paddle craft launch beach 30 minutes before your tour start time to get fitted with life vests and kayaks. Tours will begin promptly at their scheduled start time. Please do not use ride share as there is no cell reception to book your return ride.
Experience Emerald Cave with one of the original guided kayak tours on the Colorado River, backed by more than 20 years of experience exploring Black Canyon near Las Vegas. You’ll paddle from Willow Beach to the famous Emerald Cave at a more leisurely pace, giving you time to explore scenic and historic stops, watch for desert wildlife, and relax over a freshly catered lunch on a river beach surrounded by towering canyon walls. With expert guides, premium touring kayaks, personalized instruction, and more time to slow down and enjoy the river, you’ll experience a comfortable, immersive, and memorable way to discover Emerald Cave and the spectacular Black Canyon.
Tour Options
Hotel Pickup & Hoover Dam Tour
Sightsee At The Hoover Dam: On your drive down to the kayak launch site you will stop at the Hoover Dam Bypass bridge, and drive on top of the Dam.
Duration: 8 hours: 1-1.5 hours drive time each way depending on traffic, 1 hour at the Hoover Dam, 4-4.5 hours of tour.
Hotel Pickup: Pick up is from Mandalay Bay, Venetian, or Bellagio
Pickup included
Self Drive Option
Lunch Included: Includes deli-style lunch
Shuttle Pickup Option
Lunch Included: Includes deli-style lunch
Pickup included
Highlights
Catered Deli Lunch, comes with chips, a cookie, a pickle, & choice of deli sandwich. Options are turkey, ham, chicken salad (contains almonds), italian, vegetarian, or vegan
Choose from an assortment of individually wrapped snacks
Guided Emerald Cave Kayak Tour through Black Canyon
Guided Hoover Dam Bypass Bridge Scenic Stop (If option selected)
Cold
Round-Trip Transportation from Select Las Vegas Strip Hotels (if option selected)
Premium Touring Kayaks, Paddles & Life Vests (single & two-seater) available
What's included
Included
Catered Deli Lunch, comes with chips, a cookie, a pickle, & choice of deli sandwich. Options are turkey, ham, chicken salad (contains almonds), italian, vegetarian, or vegan
Choose from an assortment of individually wrapped snacks
Guided Emerald Cave Kayak Tour through Black Canyon
Guided Hoover Dam Bypass Bridge Scenic Stop (If option selected)
Cold
Round-Trip Transportation from Select Las Vegas Strip Hotels (if option selected)
Premium Touring Kayaks, Paddles & Life Vests (single & two-seater) available
Not included
Gratuities (Optional)
Hotel pick-up and drop off (If self-drive option selected)
Hoover Dam Bypass Bridge Scenic Stop (if option not selected)
National Park Fee (included w/transport; not included w/self-drive or without transport option)
Pickup Locations & Times
For 10am tour start you will be picked up at the times below:
Venetian (Pick up: 8:00 am PST) Main valet, Outside Front door to the right.
Bellagio (Pick up: 8:10 am PST) Uber/Ride-share area; Lower level
Mandalay Bay (Pick up: 8:20am PST). Shuttle/Tour bus lobby on the beach level
1-1.5 hours drive time depending on traffic, 4-4.5 hours of tour, and 1-1.5 hours return drive back depending on traffic.
For 11am tour start you will be picked up at the times below:
Venetian (Pick up: 9:10 am PST) Main valet
Bellagio (Pick up: 9:20 am PST) Uber/Ride-share area; Lower level
Mandalay Bay (Pick up: 9:30 am PST). Shuttle/Tour bus lobby on the beach level
Please be courteous to other participants and promptly show up on time at the tour bus area or launch location provided on the confirmation email. Please have your cellular phone on and available. Shuttles generally arrive back to Las Vegas Resort & Hotels between 100 and 120 minutes after the kayak tour ends. Shuttle times vary with traffic.
Traveller Ratings
4.9
764 reviews
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739
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17
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Important Information
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
We offer single or tandem (2 seater) kayaks. Please specify which kayak you would prefer.
The Emerald Cave is a small cutout of the mountain for a great photo op!
If you select self drive option, you will be meeting us at the marina. Have reliable transportation to meet us, there is NO cell service at the marina to call a ride share.
If you have chosen and paid for this tour with shuttle, pick up times are: Venetian 110 minutes before, Bellagio 100 minutes before and Mandalay Bay 90 minutes before your tour start time
Message us if you need a 2XL or larger life vest
Frequently asked questions
How long does this tour take?
Emerald Cave Premium Kayak Tour with Lunch & Las Vegas Shuttle lasts about 7 hours.
How much does this tour cost?
Prices start at $149 per person for this Las Vegas experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. There are 3 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. For 10am tour start you will be picked up at the times below:
Venetian (Pick up: 8:00 am PST) Main valet, Outside Front door to the right.
Bellagio (Pick up: 8:10 am PST) Uber/Ride-share area; Lower level
Mandalay Bay (Pick up: 8:20am PST). Shuttle/Tour bus lobby on the beach level
1-1.5 hours drive time depending on traffic, 4-4.5 hours of tour, and 1-1.5 hours return drive back depending on traffic.
For 11am tour start you will be picked up at the times below:
Venetian (Pick up: 9:10 am PST) Main valet
Bellagio (Pick up: 9:20 am PST) Uber/Ride-share area; Lower level
Mandalay Bay (Pick up: 9:30 am PST). Shuttle/Tour bus lobby on the beach level
Please be courteous to other participants and promptly show up on time at the tour bus area or launch location provided on the confirmation email. Please have your cellular phone on and available. Shuttles generally arrive back to Las Vegas Resort & Hotels between 100 and 120 minutes after the kayak tour ends. Shuttle times vary with traffic. Pickup points include MEET_AT_DEPARTURE_POINT, CONTACT_SUPPLIER_LATER, LOC-6eKJ+or5y8o99Qw0C8xWyInQ1t9XvM154sKOS6zeWm8=.
What languages is this tour offered in?
The experience is available in EN, ES.
Is this a private or a group tour?
It is a small-group experience with a maximum of 30 participants.
Will my booking be confirmed immediately?
Yes, bookings are confirmed instantly.
Is this tour worth it?
Travellers rate it 4.9 out of 5 across 764 verified reviews; it is run by Evolution Expeditions. Most-mentioned highlights: Catered Deli Lunch, comes with chips, a cookie, a pickle, & choice of deli sandwich. Options are turkey, ham, chicken salad (contains almonds), italian, vegetarian, or vegan; Choose from an assortment of individually wrapped snacks; Guided Emerald Cave Kayak Tour through Black Canyon.
Reviews(764)
J
johnnieh288
September 1, 2026
Awesome experience
Faith was my guide. She was amazing guide she gave a lot of history as we were driving from Vegas to the launch area when we were at the launch area. She was very informative on instructions on kayaking so if you had very little or more experienced, she explained it to you as we were floating down to the Emerald Cave. She spotted a rattlesnake bighorn sheep, oh, and all it was a very enjoyable trip. I’ll definitely be doing it again.
Operator response
Thanks for the wonderful review! 😊 Faith will love hearing that her history, kayaking instruction, and knowledge made you feel comfortable and confident on the river. And spotting a rattlesnake and bighorn sheep along the way definitely made it even more memorable! 🐍🐏
We’re so glad you had such an enjoyable trip and are already planning to come back. Thanks for choosing Evolution Expeditions! 🌊🚣♀️
N
norris405
August 30, 2026
Amazing experience even in August heat
This was such an amazing experience! Our guide, Faith, was unbelievably kind, knowledgeable, and fun- we had some newbies to kayaking and she broke down directions easily for them. She pointed out various wildlife and took pics which were shared with our group, told stories, and swam like a mermaid. We adore her. More broadly: highly recommend going for the lunch tour, and bringing a cooling towel. Faith had plenty of water so no need to bring your own bottle. Bottom line: it was beautiful and we had a blast! 100% recommend.
Operator response
What an awesome review! 😊 We’re so glad Faith made the day so memorable for your whole group, especially the new kayakers. Her patience, stories, wildlife knowledge, photos, and of course her famous mermaid skills 😂🧜♀️ make her pretty hard to beat!
We love the lunch-tour recommendation too—and we’re happy Faith kept everyone well hydrated! 😉
Thanks for the 100% recommendation and for choosing Evolution Expeditions. We’re so glad you had a blast! 🌊🚣♀️
D
diegodD1445ZT
August 25, 2026
Amazing experience!
We had an amazing time. Our tour guide Jadyn was awesome and attentive at all times. I highly recommend this if you're in Las Vegas and want to do something more outdoors. 5/5!
Operator response
Thank you so much for the 5/5! ⭐️ We’re thrilled Jadyn took such great care of you and helped make your adventure awesome! 😄🌊
We love being the escape from the Strip and getting people out on the river. Thanks for choosing Evolution Expeditions and for the recommendation! 🚣♀️
N
nationalbiscuit
August 16, 2026
Awesome kayak tour with Ryan!
This was such a delightful experience! Our group had a lot of fun and our guide Ryan was awesome. It was an easy paced paddle with stunning views being within the canyon. We saw big horned sheep, little lizards and lots of birds. We learned a lot along the way and lunch was so surprisingly good after all of the paddling. This was a honeymoon gift from a friend and it was so so special.
Operator response
Thank you so much for the wonderful review! 🥰 We’re thrilled Evolution Expeditions could be part of such a special honeymoon gift! Ryan will love hearing that he helped make the day so memorable.
Bighorn sheep, lizards, birds, stunning canyon views, and a great lunch after paddling—sounds like a pretty perfect day! 😄🌊 Congratulations, and thanks for celebrating with us! 💙🚣♀️
A
anthonybS3350CR
August 9, 2026
great activity to beat the heat in Vegas during the summer!
Our guide, Jayden, was knowledgeable and friendly. She kept us safe and made sure that we had a great time! The Colorado River is cold year round so it's a great activity to cool off in the summer in Vegas
Operator response
Thank you so much for the awesome review! 😄 We’re thrilled Jaydn kept you safe, comfortable, and having a great time! And you’re right—the Colorado River is definitely a refreshing escape from that Vegas summer heat! 🌊☀️
Thanks for choosing Evolution Expeditions! Hope to see you back on the river soon! 🚣♀️
C
Camper64001953359
August 1, 2026
Awesome time, still cool even if it's hot in town
Phenomenal time! Faith was an excellent guide (and driver, and general entertainment!), and despite it being hot in the city, the water cooled everything off! Would definitely go again. The lunch came in clutch (would definitely recommend, absolutely worth the money) and the pickup/drop-off was very smooth. Faith made things a real slam dunk. She held us spot dozens of big horn sheep!!
Operator response
Thank you so much for the phenomenal review! 🙌 We’re thrilled Faith made your day such a slam dunk! 😂 She really does it all—guide, driver, comedian, and wildlife spotter! 🐏🌊
We’re glad the cold river water, lunch, and smooth pickup made the day even better. And dozens of bighorn sheep?! That’s a pretty epic bonus! 😄
Thanks for choosing Evolution Expeditions—we’d love to have you back again! 🚣♀️
S
sandramG1027QQ
July 11, 2026
Fabulous getaway from Las Vegas
This was a wonderful trip. Faith was a very knowledgeable & experienced guide and had a lot of local knowledge.
Operator response
Thank you for the kind words! We’re glad Faith’s experience and local knowledge added so much to your day on the river. She’s a fantastic guide, and we’ll be sure to pass this along to her!
Thanks for spending the day with Evolution Expeditions! 🌊😊
K
Kelly_B
July 1, 2026
Great experience ....
Great experience . Beautiful water and cave . Guide Fath was fantastic! Lunch was yummy too! Highly recommend
Operator response
Thank you for the great review! 😊 We’re so glad you enjoyed the beautiful water, Emerald Cave, and especially the yummy lunch! Faith will love hearing that she helped make your day so memorable. 🌊💚
Thanks for choosing Evolution Expeditions and for the recommendation! 🚣♀️
Y
Y4089RGrobh
July 1, 2026
Fun kayaking experience
Faith was amazing and very experienced on the river
Operator response
Thank you so much for choosing Evolution Expeditions for your kayaking adventure!
K
kellybY3557HC
July 1, 2026
Great day
Guide fath was excellent! We had a wonderful day on the water , excursion was perfect amount of time on water w great break spots. Lunch was really tasty too!
Operator response
Thanks for the kind words! We’re glad Faith helped make the day so enjoyable and that you found the pace and stops just right. And we’re happy lunch was a hit too! 😊
We appreciate you spending the day with Evolution Expeditions and hope to see you out on the river again!
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