Emerald Cave Scenic Escape Guided Tour —Self-Drive Colorado River
Active
2h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
This tour takes you to Emerald Cave, a popular location. The lake is known for its emerald green color, which comes from its algae-rich waters. While Emerald Cave is frequently featured on social media and can have long lines, it only accommodates 8-10 people at a time. However, you can see the same beautiful emerald waters at various other spots around the lake. We encourage you to explore and appreciate the entire area and its stunning beauty. Our tour guides are certified in Wilderness First Aid, CPR, and ACA II, ensuring your safety. We also use top-quality Wilderness Systems kayaks for your protection. We focus on providing a tranquil and enjoyable experience. Quality and personalized service are our priorities.
Available options
12:30 PM - Scenic Escape Tour
Swimming + Short Hike: Tour includes opportunities to swim, wade, or explore by foot. Short hike leads to a scenic overlook for photos and rest.<br/>Certified Wilderness Guides: Our guides are nationally certified and trained for safety, first aid, and guest experience-well beyond local park standards.<br/>Duration: 2 hours: Approximately 2 to 2.25 hours total tour time. Kayaking, hiking, snacking, and photo opportunities are included.<br/>Snacks + Bottled Water: Includes cold bottled water and a sealed snack pack (chips, granola bar, fruit, and trail mix). Perfect mid-tour refresh.<br/>Black Canyon and Scenic Stop: Paddle through the stunning Black Canyon with a scenic cave stop. Route includes emerald waters, beaches, and photo spots.<br/>Kayak: Guests choose between premium single or tandem kayaks. Tandems (double kayak) are highly recommended to reduce fatigue.<br/>Complimentary Photos: Free digital photos included -captured by your guide and shared after your experience before end of day.
8 AM - Scenic Escape Tour
Swimming + Short Hike: Tour includes opportunities to swim, wade, or explore by foot. Short hike leads to a scenic overlook for photos and rest.<br/>Certified Kayak Guides: Our guides are nationally certified and trained for safety, first aid, and guest experience-well beyond local park standards.<br/>Duration: 2 hours: Approximately 2 to 2.25 hours total tour time. Kayaking, hiking, snacking, and photo opportunities are included.<br/>Snacks + Bottled Water: Includes cold bottled water and a sealed snack pack (chips, granola bar, fruit, and trail mix). Perfect mid-tour refresh.<br/>Black Canyon and Scenic Stop: Paddle through the stunning Black Canyon with a scenic overlook. Route includes emerald waters, beaches, and photo spots<br/>Kayak: Guests choose between premium single or tandem kayaks. Tandems (double kayak) are highly recommended to reduce fatigue.<br/>Complimentary Photos: Free digital photos included -captured by your guide and shared after your experience before end of day.
10:30 AM - Scenic Escape Tour
Swimming + Short Hike: Tour includes opportunities to swim, wade, or explore by foot. Short hike leads to a scenic overlook for photos and rest.<br/>Certified Wilderness Guides: Our guides are nationally certified and trained for safety, first aid, and guest experience-well beyond local park standards.<br/>Duration: 2 hours: Approximately 2 to 2.25 hours total tour time. Kayaking, hiking, snacking, and photo opportunities are included.<br/>Snacks + Bottled Water: Includes cold bottled water and a sealed snack pack (chips, granola bar, fruit, and trail mix). Perfect mid-tour refresh.<br/>Black Canyon and Scenic Stop: Paddle through the stunning Black Canyon with a scenic stop. Route includes emerald waters, beaches, and photo spots.<br/>Kayak: Guests choose between premium single or tandem kayaks. Tandems (double kayak) are highly recommended to reduce fatigue.<br/>Complimentary Photos: Free digital photos included -captured by your guide and shared after your experience before end of day.
What's included
Professional Bi-lingual Certified Tour Guide
Bilge Pump for safety - we include most items other operators require you to buy.
Single or Tandem (2 person) Kayak
Guided Kayaking Tour
Waterproof Phone Case and Optional Clean Sun Hat
Premium Sealed Snacks and Ice Cold Bottled Water
Use of Kayaking Equipment
Clean Safety Vest, Paddles, & Personal Dry Bag
What's not included
National Park Fee (included w/transport; not included w/self-drive or without transport option)
Available languages
Guide guide
DE
ZH-TW
RU
PT
CMN
JA
FIL
EN
IT
FR
ES
Reviews breakdown
Tripadvisor
5.0
9 reviews
5★
9
4★
0
3★
0
2★
0
1★
0
Important information
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Emotional Support Animals, Pets (dogs), or Service Animals are NOT allowed on GUIDED tours - please see rentals for options. For clarification on this section, please visit the DOJ website and ADA guidelines.
Online risk waivers MUST be completed 1 day before event, failure to do so will result in forfeiting event with no refund.
We do make reasonable accomodations for individuals with disabilities, please contact us so that we may better guide you with options.
Please note that there is 260lb/118kg/18st weight restriction for single kayaks and 550lb/250kg/39st for 2 person kayaks.
Vessels have weight restrictions of 260lb / 118kg / 18st PER PERSON for safety reasons per manufacturer of equipment.
We offer additional tours designed for beginners or those who prefer a more relaxed experience. Please see "Scenic Escape" option. We also offer shuttle options
Meeting point
Designated Paddlecraft Launch Area
Important notes
Online Risk Waiver MUST be completed at least one day prior to arrival. Please click on this link and complete a waiver for each guest. Once completed, an itinerary along with detailed information for meet up will be provided via the email that the waiver was completed on. If a online risk waiver is NOT completing and you show up at the activity not meeting safety requirements, you will be turned away and you would forfeit your activity. Online risk waivers cover safety requirements such as weight and other safety related questions.
https://waiver.smartwaiver.com/w/se39qchf79h7fgpwnlxvfn/web/
About Arizona
Arizona is renowned for its stunning desert landscapes, vibrant Native American culture, and iconic natural wonders like the Grand Canyon. From the red rocks of Sedona to the cacti-filled Sonoran Desert, Arizona offers a unique blend of outdoor adventure and rich cultural heritage.
Top Attractions
Grand Canyon National Park
One of the world's most iconic natural wonders, the Grand Canyon offers breathtaking views, hiking trails, and rafting opportunities.
Nature
1-3 days
Free entry for some areas, $35 per vehicle for park entry
Sedona
Known for its stunning red rock formations, Sedona is a hub for outdoor activities, spiritual retreats, and artsy boutiques.
Nature/Cultural
1-2 days
Free to explore, $10-$20 for park entry fees
Monument Valley
Famous for its towering sandstone buttes, Monument Valley is a symbol of the American West and a significant site for Navajo culture.
Nature/Cultural
1 day
$8 per person for the Tribal Park
Antelope Canyon
A stunning slot canyon known for its mesmerizing light beams and wave-like rock formations, Antelope Canyon is a must-visit for photographers and nature lovers.
Nature
Half day
$50-$80 per person for guided tours
Phoenix
Arizona's capital city offers a mix of urban attractions, cultural sites, and outdoor activities.
Urban/Cultural
1-3 days
Varies by attraction
Must-Try Local Dishes
Sonoran Hot Dog
A bacon-wrapped hot dog topped with beans, onions, tomatoes, jalapeños, and a spicy sauce, originating from the Sonoran Desert region.
Snack
Contains meat and gluten
Chimichanga
A deep-fried burrito filled with various ingredients like beef, beans, and cheese, often served with salsa and sour cream.
Main Course
Contains gluten and dairy (vegetarian options available)
Prickly Pear Margarita
A margarita made with prickly pear cactus fruit, giving it a unique sweet and tangy flavor.
Drink
Contains alcohol
Popular Activities
Hiking in the Grand Canyon
Whitewater rafting on the Colorado River
Jeep tours in Sedona
Spa treatments in Sedona
Stargazing in the desert
Visiting hot springs
Exploring Native American reservations
Visiting museums and art galleries
Best Time to Visit
March to May and September to November
These periods offer pleasant weather with mild temperatures, making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing. The landscape is lush and green in the spring, and the fall offers beautiful foliage.
15-30°C
60-85°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: English
- Widely spoken: Spanish
- English: Widely spoken
Currency
US Dollar (USD)
Time Zone
Mountain Time Zone (MTZ, UTC-7), with Daylight Saving Time observed (UTC-6 from March to November).
Electricity
120VV, 60HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe, but exercise caution in certain areas and situations.
Arizona is generally safe for travelers, but it's important to be aware of your surroundings, especially in urban areas and when exploring remote regions. Extreme weather conditions and natural hazards also pose risks.
Important Precautions:
- • Be cautious of extreme heat and sun exposure
- • Stay hydrated and carry plenty of water
- • Avoid hiking alone in remote areas
Getting there
By air
- Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport • 5 km from downtown Phoenix
- Tucson International Airport • 12 km from downtown Tucson
By train
Phoenix Union Station, Tucson Amtrak Station
By bus
Phoenix Bus Station, Tucson Bus Station, Flagstaff Bus Station
Getting around
Public transport
Valley Metro offers a comprehensive bus network that covers most of the Phoenix metropolitan area.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Old Town Scottsdale
Downtown Phoenix
Tempe
Tucson Downtown
Day trips
Sedona
180 km from Phoenix • Full day
Sedona offers stunning red rock formations, outdoor activities, and a vibrant arts scene.
Jerome
170 km from Phoenix • Half day
A historic ghost town turned artsy community with a rich mining history.
Tombstone
210 km from Phoenix • Half day
A historic town known for its Wild West heritage and the famous Gunfight at the O.K. Corral.
Festivals
Phoenix Comicon • May
Tucson Gem, Mineral & Fossil Showcase • February
Sedona International Film Festival • February
Pro tips
- Visit national parks early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and extreme heat
- Carry plenty of water and wear sun protection, especially when hiking or exploring outdoor attractions
- Book popular tours and accommodations well in advance, especially during peak seasons
- Explore lesser-known attractions and hidden gems for a more authentic and less crowded experience
- Be respectful of local cultures and traditions, especially when visiting Native American communities
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
