Emerald Cave Kayak Tour with Hoover Dam Stop, Lunch & Shuttle
Overview
Experience two iconic adventures near Las Vegas in one seamless day, beginning with panoramic Hoover Dam views from the Mike O’Callaghan–Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge before you kayak the Colorado River from Willow Beach through spectacular Black Canyon.
You’ll experience Emerald Cave with a team backed by more than 20 years of experience on the river, with expert guidance, premium touring kayaks, scenic and historic stops, complimentary photos taken by your guide, and a freshly catered riverside lunch at a leisurely pace.
With more time to slow down and take in the canyon, you’ll enjoy a thoughtfully guided combination of Hoover Dam sightseeing and an immersive Emerald Cave kayak adventure.
What's Included
- Lunch
- Snacks
- Bottled water
- Entry to the Hoover Dam facility
- Kayaks, paddles and life-vest
- Certified Guide
- Gratuities
Meeting and Pickup
Hotel pickup times:Venetian- 8:00 am Bellagio- 8:10 am Mandalay Bay- 8:20 amShuttles generally arrive back to the Las Vegas Strip between 4:30 and 5:00 PM depending on trafficPlease have your cellular phone on and available, your guide will call you the morning of your tour.
What To Expect
Your adventure begins with pickup from select Las Vegas Strip hotels before heading to Hoover Dam, where you’ll walk the Mike O’Callaghan–Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge for panoramic views nearly 900 feet above the Colorado River. From there, continue to Willow Beach, Arizona, where your guide provides a beginner-friendly kayaking orientation before you launch onto the calm, clear waters of the Colorado River.
You’ll paddle through the towering walls of Black Canyon toward the famous Emerald Cave, where sunlight can illuminate the water in brilliant shades of green. Along the way, explore scenic and historic stops. Watch for desert wildlife such as bighorn sheep and bald eagles while hearing stories that bring the history of the Colorado River and Black Canyon to life.
Midway through your kayak adventure, slow down and relax on a scenic river beach while enjoying a freshly catered lunch surrounded by the canyon. After lunch, continue exploring the Colorado River before returning to Willow Beach, completing a memorable day that brings together Hoover Dam sightseeing, Emerald Cave kayaking, and the natural beauty of Black Canyon—all within easy reach of Las Vegas.
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- We offer single or tandem (2 seater) kayaks. Please specify which kayak you would prefer.
- Message us if you need a 2XL or larger life vest
- The Emerald Cave is a small cutout of the mountain for a great photo op!
- We will stop at the Hoover Dam facility for photos and history
- Pickup times are: Venetian 8:10, Bellagio 8:20, Mandalay Bay 8:30
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 24 travelers
Frequently Asked Questions (12)
Q: Are there any weight restrictions for kayaking?
Cancellation Policy
Still have questions?
We're here to help.
Activity code: C-240046P12
Traveler Photos
Reviews
Average 5.00 out of 5 stars based on 23 traveler reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor
Additional Info
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Frequently Asked Questions (12)
The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from City Balloon Tours customers.
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The maximum weight capacity for kayaking is 340 lbs / 154 kg.
Nov 2021No experience is necessary! Beginners are welcome on all of our kayak tours. Most of our guests have never been in a sea kayak before. Anyone in average physical condition may join a kayak tour. If you can hike or bike, you can paddle our sea kayaks. You do not need any swimming skills either.
The only prerequisite is a healthy spirit of curiosity and adventure.
Regardless of age or skill level you will find that our expeditions offer enough flexibility to make your experience with us safe and rewarding. We will show you proper sea kayaking technique and water safety before leaving the beach. And your expert guides will be with you throughout the adventure to give you pointers and improve your skills.
Sep 2022Your safety is City Balloon Tours‘s number one concern. In general, sea kayaking is safer than most other outdoor pursuits, even bicycling.
Jan 2023If you have any doubts about becoming seasick on the water, we recommend taking a Dramamine® Motion Sickness Relief tablet the night before your trip. Some people recommend taking it the night before your cruise and then again that morning so you will not feel so drowsy.
Feb 2023- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
- Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (PST).
- This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
- Lunch.
- Snacks.
- Bottled water.
- Entry to the Hoover Dam facility.
- Kayaks, paddles and life-vest.
- Certified Guide.
- Gratuities.
This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Apr 2025The minimum age to participate is 4. This tour requires at least one adult to accompany children..
Apr 2025If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.
If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.
Apr 2025Accessibility information for the Emerald Cave Kayak Tour with Hoover Dam Stop, Lunch & Shuttle is as follows:
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for will be included in your confirmation email from City Balloon Tours. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!
Mar 2024Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.
Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.
If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.
Oct 2026What's Included
- Lunch
- Snacks
- Bottled water
- Entry to the Hoover Dam facility
- Kayaks, paddles and life-vest
- Certified Guide
- Gratuities
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- We offer single or tandem (2 seater) kayaks. Please specify which kayak you would prefer.
- Message us if you need a 2XL or larger life vest
- The Emerald Cave is a small cutout of the mountain for a great photo op!
- We will stop at the Hoover Dam facility for photos and history
- Pickup times are: Venetian 8:10, Bellagio 8:20, Mandalay Bay 8:30
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 24 travelers
