Las Vegas

Emerald Cave Kayak Tour with Shuttle and Lunch

Name: Emerald Cave Kayak Tour with Shuttle and Lunch
Brand: Evolution Expeditions
SKU: 240046P3
Price: 199.99 USD
Rating: 5.0 (622 reviews)

Badge of ExcellenceLas Vegas, USA

7 hours
Pickup offered
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English

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Overview

Go kayaking on the Colorado River and visit the Emerald Cave during this half-day tour from Las Vegas. Set off from Willow Beach Marina on a paddle to the Emerald Cave. Kayak through volcanic canyon walls that tower over 900 feet in height during the tour. A healthy lunch and complimentary shuttle service from Las Vegas are included.

Explore beyond Las Vegas with a kayaking adventure
Paddle along the Colorado River to the Emerald Cave
Keep an eye out for wildlife like eagles and falcons
Complimentary round-trip transportation is included

What's Included

Catered lunch on a remote beach
Complimentary bottled water, juice, & snacks
Certified river guide
Touring kayak (specify single or tandem), paddle, Life-vest (specify sizes)
Emerald Cave
Complimentary Shuttle Service

Gratuities

Meeting and Pickup

Pickup points

Select a pickup point

Start time

10:00 AM

Pickup details

For 10am tour start you will be picked up at the times below: Bellagio (Pick up: 8:20 am PST) Uber/Ride-share area; Lower level Mandalay Bay (Pick up: 8:30 am 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: 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.

What To Expect

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Not wheelchair accessible

Most travelers can participate
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 30 travelers

Operated by Evolution Expeditions

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.

Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Frequently Asked Questions

The answers provided below are based on answers previously given by the tour provider to customers’ questions.

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Q:How can I arrange hotel pickup for the Kayak Emerald Cave Lunch tour?

A:Once your reservation is confirmed, please contact the local operator directly using the phone number on your ticket to coordinate your exact pickup time and location.

Sep 2021

Q:How far from Las Vegas is the departure point for the Kayak Emerald Cave Lunch tour?

A:It generally takes a little over an hour to get from Las Vegas to Willow Beach. Please be sure to confirm your pickup details by calling the local operator at least 24 hours prior to departure.

Sep 2021

Q:How much is the National Park Entrance fee?

A:Entrance into the park is $25 per vehicle (This is waived for National Park Pass holders and military with ID), however, this is included in the tour package price, unless you choose to self-drive to Willow Beach.

Sep 2021

Q:Can I participate in the Kayak Emerald Cave Lunch tour if I've never kayaked before?

A:You may start as a beginner, but you will likely end the trip as a confident kayaker! Many guests are first-time paddlers. You will use a lightweight, fast kayak equipped with rudders for easy steering and receive safety rules and instructions.

Sep 2021

Q:What kind of distance do we kayak during the Kayak Emerald Cave Lunch tour?

A:This tour is approximately 6 miles (9.6 km) round-trip on smooth, mostly flat water.

Sep 2021

Q:What should I wear for the Kayak Emerald Cave Lunch tour?

A:Wear water shoes or sneakers that can get wet. Dress according to the weather, ideally in athletic / outdoor-type clothing that dries fast. Wear your swimsuit under your clothes. Also, bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.

Sep 2021

Q:What should I bring with me on the Kayak Emerald Cave Lunch tour?

A:You should bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Bring a towel if you plan to swim.

Sep 2021

Q:Will I be in a single or a tandem kayak during the Kayak Emerald Cave Lunch tour?

A:You may choose between a single or tandem kayak (based on availability), but any requests must be made at least 24 hours in advance. If you have a preference, please list it in the "Special Requirements" box at checkout.

Sep 2021

Q:Will I get wet during the Kayak Emerald Cave Lunch tour?

A:Yes. You will definitely get wet (at least up to your knees.) The river is 53°F/10.5°C year-round. It is refreshing during the heat of summer, but too cold for winter swimming. Bathing suits are recommended if you wish to swim.

Sep 2021

Q:Can I bring my young child with me on the Kayak Emerald Cave Lunch tour?

A:Nevada law requires minors to be 8 years of age or 80 lbs to ride on the complimentary shuttle. If your little ones do not meet these requirements, you are always welcome to self-drive and meet the group at the launch site.

Sep 2021

Traveler Photos

Featured review

Janice_Q

It was amazing. Our guide,Dillion, was so knowledgeable, patient (as this was our first time kayaking). Dillion was extremely personal and gave us an experience that was 200 percent above and beyond than we had anticipated. Lunch was from Jason’s Deli and delicious. I ordered the chicken salad it had pineapple and pecans in it. Would highly recommend this tour

Reviews

5.0

622 reviews

Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews

Reviews by Viator travelers.

We perform checks on reviews

Showing 1-10 of 622 reviews

A must do while in the Vegas area!

Carolynn_L, Apr 2024

What a beautiful day we had! Everything about the=is experience was perfect. As soon as we booked, Steven form the office called us with details and to ask our lunch preferences. Pick up was right on time by guide Burton. Burton was professional, kind, friendly, full of great information and just all around AMAZING! The equipment was on good condition and well explained. The views are gorgeous, all the knowledge that burton shared with us was super interesting. We absolutely loved our day and highly recommend this excursion.

Response from Host, Apr 2024

Thank you so much for the 5-star review. We are thrilled you had such a great experience with our company from the office to the tour with Burton. Thank you, Evolution Expeditions Kayaking Las Vegas, NV

Anazing

Janice_Q, Apr 2024

Response from Host, Apr 2024

Thank you so much for the raving review Janice. We are thrilled that Dillion gave you an experience above and beyond. Thank you for the recommendations! Evolution Expeditions Kayaking Las Vegas, NV

Fantastic trip ,dealing...

Walter_M, Apr 2024

Fantastic trip ,dealing with Viator was super easy and everything that was discussed was brought to life and we had a wonderful time in Nevada

Response from Host, Apr 2024

Thank you for the 5 star review Walter. We are so glad that you had a wonderful time in Nevada and kayaking with us! We hope to see you again soon. Thank you, Evolution Expeditions Kayaking Las Vegas, NV

Great company, amazing tour

Elyse_K, Mar 2024

Company was great with contact and follow through. Steven called me the night before to ask me what I wanted to eat. The guides were great. Ryan was early to pick me up, he, Malik, Cassidy, and Ares were very helpful. I was a newbie, and Ares and Malik paddled next to me because I was falling behind. The whole tour was enjoyable, and Ryan was very knowledgeable about all aspects including some interesting foliage that is there. He ended up dropping me off at my hotel, which I appreciated. Would recommend.

Response from Host, Mar 2024

Thank you so much Elyse for the raving review. We are so happy to hear you had such a great experience and our guides helped you be more comfortable in the water kayaking. Thank you for choosing Evolution Expeditions.

Go for the upgrade if you can!

Ansley_B, Feb 2024

Ended up not quite doing this tour and got offered an upgrade to the longer one unexpectedly that leaves earlier and goes much further but includes hiking to the hot springs and launching from the base of the Hoover Dam. I was initially hesitant to get up earlier after a late dinner reservation couldn’t be rescheduled, but I highly recommend opting for the longer one if you are even somewhat physically able and can afford it-the hiking isn’t so bad plus the views and the hot springs are magical! I am a very casual outdoorsyish person and I survived without too much problem and my boyfriend who kayaks more regularly but I’m shorter trips did all of it with little issue. Ryan was our guide and he was fun and easygoing whilst also being full of information! Can’t sing enough praises and I’m so glad we agreed to the longer option when the opportunity arose, so whilst this leg of the tour is fun and Emerald Cave is neat go big if you can!

Response from Host, Feb 2024

Thank you so much Ansley for taking the time to right such a lovely review. We are so glad you decided to do the upgrade and that it did not disappoint. Ryan, is a great guide and gives amazing tours. We're are thrilled he made the the tour for fun while sharing his knowledge of the area. We appreciate you choosing Evolution Expeditions and hope to see you again!

Breathtaking views!

Gabriele_S, Oct 2023

This was my first kayak experience in Nevada. It was a beautiful canyon and the weather couldn't have been more perfect. Lunch was great and snacks and water were plentiful! Our guide was Dash and although there are many other great reviews on him, he must not have been having a good day on our particular day. Very quiet, didn't speak unless spoken to. There was another guide, Burton, that met us at the water's edge and we all combined as a group. He was very knowledgable of the area and very pleasant. I was expecting a group picture at the Emerald Cave but Dash did not offer it. Even if it had been on our own cameras it would have been nice. I saw many other reviews that take group photos and even my daughter who previously did the Emerald Cave kayak tour got one with a different company. My own fault for not doing better homework. I have great photos of the canyon but not of the Emerald Cave. Just something to be aware of and not expect. Also in the FAQ it says it is approximately 6 miles round trip but actually was a little over 4. It was fine for me because paddling was hard work but another thing to keep in mind. Otherwise, beautiful area and kayaking is a great way to take it all in!

Response from Host, Jan 2024

Thank you so much for the review and feedback. We are sorry to hear that Dash was having an off day. He is usually one of our best guides. The pictures aren't guaranteed although we do try our best to take them for our guests. The emerald cave deluxe tour is approximately a 4 to 6 mile paddle. We appreciate your feedback and will take it into consideration moving forward.

Great fun and stunning location

Margie_S, Sep 2023

Has a wonderful day Gina and Ryan were excellent guides and very knowledgeable.. a must do with this company when in Vegas

Response from Host, Jan 2024

Thank you so much for the 5 star review and recommendation. We are so glad to hear Gina and Ryan were excellent. Thank you for choosing Evolution Expeditions.

Superb adventure

Natalija_J, Aug 2023

Fantastic day!!! Breathtaking views and great work out ;) Our tour guide Dash was super friendly, great sense of humour and we loved his stories! Definitely would recommend to anyone who is looking for a bit of adventure! Thank you 😊

Response from Host, Dec 2023

Thank you so much for the 5 star review. We are so happy to hear Dash was super friendly and had a great sense of humor. Thank you for recommending Evolution Expeditions,

Awesome trip

Bridey_D, Aug 2023

Dash was great. He was very informative and kind. Hope he wins the bonus money! Beautiful scenery, water was refreshing.

Response from Host, Dec 2023

Thank you for your kind words! We're so glad you enjoyed your time with Dash and the Emerald Cave. We strive to make sure our customers have a great experience!

Fun in the Sun

Laura_S, Jul 2023

Really great time, fun guides, instructors very helpful. Best thing to do on 119 degree days, water nice and chilly

Burton is great!

Jessica_P, Jul 2023

The entire experience was great. The operation ran very smoothly. Burton was our guide and he was excellent!! Lunch was great too. We’ll definitely be back!

Response from Host, Jul 2023

Jessica, we are so glad you had a great experience. Burton is a very talented guide. We look forward to your next visit.

An Experience of a life time you don't want to miss

Mark_W, Jul 2023

I had to get a taxi to a another hotel to be picked up which was know problem the communication from the company was excellent meet my guide for the day she was brilliant the snacks & Lunch was good thanks for the experience Down the Grand Canyon River

Response from Host, Jul 2023

Mark, We always want to help in making the guest experience wonderful. Our customer service is 2nd to none and we pride ourselves on having great communication skills with our guests every step of the way. Glad you joined us in the Black Canyon.

Trip of a lifetime

DONALD_D, Jun 2023

Salvatore, our guide was simply amazing with his total grasp and knowledge of every question asked by a team and for his professional knowledge of the history and every detail. He truly is a consummate professional and a credit to your company, food was also amazing and it was truly an amazing experience, thank you Salvatore,

Response from Host, Jun 2023

Donald...Sal makes you feel like you've known him forever. He loves to share his knowledge about everything outdoors. He is a true enthusiast and was born to be a river guide! We love that you chose Evolution Expeditions to spend your time with.

Book now! You won’t regret it!

Christi_S, Apr 2023

Our guide Burton was such a gentleman! He thought of everything to make the day so special and fun!! The lunch was amazing!! The views were spectacular!! One of the best trips ever!!!

Response from Host, Jun 2023

Hi Christi, Thanks for spending the day with us. It is great to hear Burton took such good care of you, he is an awesome guy. Thanks for the kind review. -Your Evolution Expeditions Team

Fun until it wasn’t

Esther_M, Feb 2023

All kayakers where asked their skill level at the beginning of the adventure. We announced we had never kayaked before; however, we were among a group of experienced kayakers. The instructions were fast and furious. Damned to us being inexperienced. The first part, to Bob’s house, was fine. I told Jared that my daughter has anxiety and some of the water movements were making her anxious. We kept falling behind and were asked and then told to catch up to the group. Remember we are inexperienced. We missed a lot of the narratives being given… because we were behind. Then it really became less fun when Ryan started putting time limits to when we needed to be at a certain point. It was a lot of contradiction. One point they said it was okay, the next it wasn’t. Jared offered to help us get back to the beach and hooked us to his kayak. We asked if he needed our assistance rowing. He said no. Ryan rows by and tells us we need to help him row so we can get back. In the end, telling us we needed to go faster and catch up to the group made the experience stressful for me. I was more concerned about my daughter’s anxiety than how fast we were going. It was supposed to be a relaxing experience but it became stressful as hell. Experiences are supposed to cater to the people who paid for them, not some damn time limit Ryan had because he needed to leave by a certain time “to beat traffic.”

Response from Host, Feb 2023

Esther...Thank you for taking my call yesterday and I'm glad we were able to communicate. The customer experience and safety are our #1 priorities, so I am grateful you gave us the opportunity to go over our mission. We strive to be the best outfitter on the river and I appreciate you coming on tour with us. We look forward to a future visit with your family.

Best thing to do while in Vegas.

Raquel_M, Oct 2022

We had a great time. Kurt was our guide and he was exceptional. The views were beautiful and Kurt gave us the history of the area, which was intriguing. I’ll say you have to be able to hold your own in a kayak. It was all worth it, I’d do it again. You can tell Kurt loves what he does. Kurt was informative, knowledgeable and most of all very courteous. He made the trip all that much more memorable. Thank you again Kurt.

Response from Host, Dec 2022

Raquel, Kurtis truly loves showing guests the magic of the canyon. Thanks for joining us on the river.

Your Adventure Rocks

Jose_L, Oct 2022

The attention was excellent also the communication. Everything were perfect. Our tour guy was the best. She has the most amazing history to tell.

Response from Host, Dec 2022

Thanks Jose for the kind words. We make sure we provide the best experience for our guests while out on the river.

Loved it!

lagreatrix, Oct 2022

Absolutely beautiful scenery and very, very worth the 1 hour drive from Vegas. I’d go again in a heartbeat! Very well-organized with a helpful, funny, and knowledgeable guide.

Response from Host, Dec 2022

The Black Canyon is so close to the LV strip, people are often stunned by it being located a simple drive away. It is the perfect excuse to break away from the hustle and bustle of the casinos and spend the day surrounded by unique mountainous beauty.

Fantastic Kayak Trip

John_D, Oct 2022

What a great day kayaking the Colorado River. Chanjira was a great guide! She was fun and told us a lot about the area.

Response from Host, Dec 2022

John...Chanjira is great with her guests. Thank you for posting a review.

Awesome!!!!

Stephanie_B, Sep 2022

Great guides, Jake and Curtis. Wonderful views!! Just awe inspiring. The weather was perfect, any more wind it would have been harder to come back toward pock up point.