Emerald Cave Kayak Tour: Deluxe Black Canyon Experience
5.0
639 Ratings
Embark on a deluxe Black Canyon kayak tour with Evolution Expeditions. Experience the history, stunning scenery, and wildlife of the Colorado River. Book now!
Duration: 7 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Willow Beach Marina - Paddle through primitive volcanic canyon walls towering over 900’.
    Explore giant volcanic boulders at the opening of Black Canyon where many paddlers contemplate a descent into the crystal clear, emerald waters of the Colorado River. Enjoy a health-conscious gourmet lunch on a remote beach, while enjoying the wildlife drama unfold on both Nevada and Arizona shorelines. Be prepared to see desert bighorn sheep, osprey, falcons, bald eagles, and great blue heron in their natural setting!
    The Black Canyon is a short distance from the Las Vegas Strip, located in the Lake Mead National Recreation Area. The tour begins in the morning at 10:00 am when you arrive at Willow Beach, Arizona.
    Evolution Expeditions designed this tour for beginners to advanced paddlers alike.
What's Included
  • Complimentary Shuttle Service
  • Catered lunch on a remote beach
  • Emerald Cave
  • Complimentary bottled water, juice, & snacks
  • Touring kayak (specify single or tandem), paddle, Life-vest (specify sizes)
  • Certified river guide
What's Not Included
  • Gratuities
Additional Information

Discover the timeless beauty of the Black Canyon on the Colorado River, hosted by the most seasoned and reputable tour company operating in these waters, Evolution Expeditions. Experience our top-of-the-line Prijon touring kayaks, complete with rudders and featuring plush, padded sitting areas. Our guides are fully trained in Wilderness First Aid and CPR, ready to execute any needed rescues. Your adventure includes a two-way paddle covering 6 miles and time to bask in the beautiful vistas, complemented by a professionally catered deli lunch. Along your journey, we take regular stops for photography at the Emerald Cave and exploration of historical spots that offer elevated views of the spectacular canyon.

As a tour company, we distinguish ourselves with unparalleled:

  • Quality of equipment and gear
  • Exceptional guides
  • Unmatchable customer service

Details of the trip:

  • Duration: Four hours (between 10:00am and 2:00pm)
  • Available all year round
  • Free shuttle service
  • Paddling distance: a maximum of 6mi/9.6km
  • Visits to emerald waters
  • Trips to historical spots
  • Wildlife sightings
  • Free juice, bottled water & snacks
  • Inclusive of a catered lunch
  • Professional tour guide(s) provided
  • All necessary gear and equipment provided
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
5.0
(639 Ratings)
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Stacy_c
Jun 30, 2024
Awesome Trip! - We had an amazing time on this trip. Our guidrs, , Sal, Burt, Dash, and Maleek were very professional, friendly, and made this trip great! Would definitely recommend to everyone.
Review provided by Viator
920parkerj
Jun 26, 2024
Amazing Tour! Amazing Guide! - I went on the deluxe emerald cove tour with my family and Sal as our guide. Sal picked us up at the Bellagio in Las Vegas and enthralled us with tales of his conservation efforts with Mojave tortoises and Gila monsters all the way to Willow beach where the kayaking tour starts. During the tour, Sal was able to show us a small herd of Bighorn sheep, a glowing emerald cave and an Eagle’s nest in the cliffside. The water was amazing and clear. Sal was amazing enough to point out an additional swimming spot for me to cool off before we hit the road back to the Bellagio. On the way back, we were able to make a pit stop at a grass patch in Boulder City where we got a close look at another small herd of Bighorn sheep. Overall it was an amazing experience and I recommend Sal as your tour guide.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
U3954pgdanielj
Jun 26, 2024
Awesome kayaking experience - Awesome tour! Our tour guide Sal was the best. Very fun and knowledgeable about the area especially habitat and conservation. The tour pickup was on time and Sal pointed out sights along the way. Kayak trip itself was great, especially Emerald Cave. Lunch was Jason’s deli and good. Would highly recommend.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
88ricardoalbertod
Jun 22, 2024
Espectacular - Fantastic. Espectacular. The service Ray and Malek provide was first class. The pickup the trip the river the equipment, everything is great. Have to go again.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Kevinjf5326qc
Jun 16, 2024
Family kayaking day on the Colorado River - The views on the river were amazing! Salvatore was a great guide and had some great information to share about the history of Hoover Dam and the Colorado River.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Maenolah
Jun 1, 2024
Who knew you could kayak in the desert? - Who knew you could kayak in the desert? Sal is an excellent guide! It’s a long paddle so know your limits. But, if you are up to it, the view is amazing and the hot springs do not disappoint!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Sara_d
Jul 2, 2024
Great fun! - It was great except there was quite a bit of down time at the end waiting for another group of kayakers to finish and get to the can to drive back. It was extremely hot. Otherwise it was great.
Review provided by Viator
Rich-stremy
Jun 27, 2024
Wonderful trip and great way to beat the heat on he strip. - 108 on the strip. You have to live in the AC… or go Kayaking on the Colorado. What a great trip. Guides were wonderful with equal measures of safety and fun. Thanks Jaiden! Be sure to wear long sleeve sun shirt and wide brim hat or you will burn. Dress like the guides do. Suggested improvement is more shuttle stops on the strip. We had to Uber to the Bellagio.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jennifer_m
Jun 17, 2024
A great excursion off the Vegas Strip - The color of the water is amazing. The guides were very knowledgeable and did a great job with educating us along with way.
Review provided by Viator
Yeseniar613
Jun 6, 2024
Please read before booking - Here was my and my family's experience: Viator advertised this tour by providing us with misleading information. The advertisement stated the tour would be with a Spanish-speaking guide. This was not the case, and we could not cancel the booking in time for a refund. When we met the tour guide, she clarified Evolution Expeditions had never had Spanish-speaking guides and did not understand why Viator would post the tour as such. However, when she contacted her manager, she told me that I could go on the tour or cancel my trip, but either way, I would not be refunded. I emphasized to the guide that we would still be going on the tour because it was "guided" and I would do my best to translate for my family. Unfortunately during the tour, we were abandoned by our guide and group because we were inexperienced kayakers. I couldn't translate the historical facts and safety information the guide explained to the group because I could not hear her. That is a safety concern. I told the guide my mother felt anxious about being out on the waters. Imagine you have this fear and are alone on a kayak because your guide and group left you behind. After finally, realizing that my mother and I were further away from the group, the guide decided to clip us onto her kayak to paddle us closer. Then, she unclipped us, appeared annoyed, and told us to paddle our kayak the rest of the way onto the beach. She then abandoned me and other group members on the way back to shore. Also, most of our group did not get in the water because the water was freezing. Lunch is not tasty so pack your snacks. The cave in the ad is a small closed-in space you back into. You must make a long line outside the cave before entering as it is so small only some people fit into it. It was not worth waiting in the hot sun to experience. I am giving this booking two stars because after submitting a previous one-star review sharing my experience Evolution Expeditions contacted me. The owner asked me about my experience, seemed genuinely disappointed about what occurred, and refunded me. I respect companies like Evolution Expeditions who own up to their mistakes, show empathy toward their customers, and offer to make it right. Viator refunded me $60 and changed their advertisement after I left my previous review. They did not acknowledge their mistake. I will no longer be using Viator to book trips and do not recommend anyone do as well.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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up to 15 guests
1 Adult
July 2024
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