Las Vegas: Guided Kayak Tour from Willow Beach to Emerald Cave

Arizona , USA

Las Vegas: Guided Kayak Tour from Willow Beach to Emerald Cave

Active

(40 reviews)

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

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Embark on an unforgettable day trip to explore the breathtaking Emerald Cave on a scenic kayaking tour along the Colorado River. Enjoy included snacks and bottled water as you journey through one of the most beautiful stretches of the river. Meet your guide at Willow Beach, receive a brief safety orientation, and prepare to launch in a state-of-the-art performance kayak.

Paddle through the pristine, calm waters of the Colorado River alongside your knowledgeable guide. Along the way, take in the stunning canyon scenery and keep an eye out for desert bighorn sheep, blue herons, bald eagles, and even marine life beneath your kayak.

Upon reaching the tranquil Emerald Cave, marvel at the glowing green waters and soak in the peaceful surroundings. Enjoy a refreshing swim in the river before paddling back to the starting point to complete your adventure.

*All start times are subject to change based on weather conditions or operational restricitons.

Available options

Shuttle from Las Vegas Strip

Round-Trip Shuttle Service<br/>Air-conditioned Shuttle Van<br/>Pickup included

Self-Drive: Guided Kayak Tour

What's included

Performance Kayak, Paddle, and Life Jacket

Bottled water

WFA, CPR, and First-Aid Certified Tour Guide

Detailed itinerary

Willow Beach is a beautiful stretch of the Colorado River surrounded by towering canyon walls and crystal-clear water—perfect for a fun and relaxing kayaking adventure. As you paddle through this scenic area, you might spot desert bighorn sheep, osprey, or even bald eagles. The peaceful atmosphere, hidden coves, and stunning rock formations make it an unforgettable experience!

Kayaking to Emerald Cave offers a unique opportunity to explore a part of the Colorado River that's only accessible by boat. You'll paddle along calm, scenic waters surrounded by dramatic canyon walls, making your way to the hidden Emerald Cave. Once inside, the sunlight reflecting off the river creates a stunning green glow—something you can only witness from the water.

What's not included

National Park Entrance Fee (Per Car)

Dry Bag and Water Proof Phone Case

Gratuities

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

13 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 4.7

27 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

Continue past the National Park toll booth (entrance fee not included in ticket costs) to reach the meeting point. Look for water, kayaks, and trailers on your left. Parking is available next to the water. Your guide will be wearing a Green Wave nametag.

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