Willow Beach, Arizona · 45 to 60 min from the Las Vegas Strip

Las Vegas Kayak Tours: Emerald Cave& Black Canyon on the Colorado River

Welcome to EZ Kayak Tours & Rentals, the official home of the best Las Vegas kayak tours and rentals. Family-owned, 5.0-rated guided kayak tours and self-guided rentals to Emerald Cave, through Black Canyon, and near Hoover Dam.

5.0-rated guided toursFamily-owned since day one24+ years on the Colorado River
Large group of kayakers cheering together on the Colorado River near Emerald Cave

5.0 Rated

Hundreds of 5-star reviews

Tours & rentals

Guided kayak tours and self-guided rentals on the Colorado River

Our small-group kayak tours are designed for first-time paddlers and experienced kayakers, with a focus on safety, comfort, and clear instruction. Every tour and rental includes quality kayaks, paddles, life vests, dry bags, snacks, and bottled water. Highly rated on TripAdvisor, Viator, and Google. Now booking year-round for 2026 and 2027.

Group of guests celebrating at the emerald green waters of Emerald Cove on a guided kayak tourGuided Tour: Active Beginner

Emerald Cave Kayak Tour

Emerald Cave Guided Kayak Tour: Colorado River Kayaking Near Las Vegas

From $99 / Person (USD)

Meetup

Willow Beach, AZ

Launch Time

8:00am / 10:30am

Duration

3 to 3.25 hours

Distance

4.5 miles / 7.24 km

Difficulty Level

Moderate 2 / 5

Max guest weight

260 lb (118 kg)

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What's included

  • Wider recreational sit-in kayaks designed for stability and safety rather than speed.
  • Life vest, paddle, dry bag for personal items, and waterproof phone case.
  • Sealed snacks, fresh fruit, and bottled water.
  • Paddling gloves available during colder months.

Details

  • Guided experience: professional certified guide with small groups for a more personal experience.
  • Time on water: approx. 3 to 3.25 hours (about 1 hour 45 minutes of active paddling).
  • Total distance: about 4.5 miles (7.2 km) round trip on calm, flat water.
  • Difficulty: moderate (2/5). Beginner friendly with basic fitness. No prior kayaking experience required.
  • Group friendly: popular for birthdays, friends’ trips, and small group celebrations.
  • Launch times: 8:00 AM and 10:30 AM (Nevada time). Guests must arrive on time for group launch.
  • Minimum age: 12 and older only.
  • Price: $99 per person at 8:00 AM, $119 per person at 10:30 AM.
  • Park entry: $25 per vehicle at Lake Mead National Recreation Area (card only, fee not included).
  • Late policy: this is a structured, timed group activity. Late arrivals cannot be accommodated.

Height & weight policy

  • Guests over 200 lb (91 kg / 14 st) may be discreetly weighed before launch.
  • Guests 6’1” (185 cm) and under: maximum 260 lb (118 kg / 18 st).
  • Guests taller than 6’1” up to 6’8”: maximum 300 lb (136 kg / 21.4 st).
  • Absolute height limit: 6’8” (203 cm).
  • Guests who exceed limits or provide inaccurate information are not permitted to participate and are not eligible for a refund.

Common questions

Is Emerald Cave included?

Yes. Emerald Cave is included as a planned scenic stop on this guided tour.

Do I need kayaking experience?

No. This tour is beginner friendly with basic fitness. Your guide provides instruction, and the water is typically calm and flat.

Do I need to know how to swim?

No. You do not need to know how to swim for our guided tours. Life vests are required, and your guide stays with the group.

Is this tour okay if I’m not very active?

This route is 4.5 miles round trip and requires paddling your own kayak the full distance. If you want the easiest guided option, choose Scenic Escape (ages 5+), which is shorter and more relaxed.

What happens if I arrive late?

Tours launch as a scheduled group activity. Late arrivals cannot be accommodated and are not eligible for a refund.

Guest kayaking independently near Willow Beach on a self-guided rentalRental: Self Paced (No Guide)

Emerald Cave Kayak Rentals

Emerald Cave Kayak Rentals (Self-Guided) on the Colorado River Near Las Vegas

From $79 / Person (USD)

Meetup

Willow Beach, AZ

Launch Times

8:00am - 11:00am

Duration

4 hours (up to 6)

Distance

Guest Determined

Difficulty Level

Guest Determined

Max guest weight

260 lb (118 kg)

Book Now

What's included

  • Single or tandem kayak, paddle, and Coast Guard-approved life vest (PFD).
  • Tandems recommended: the most popular option and can sell out faster than singles.
  • Dry bag and waterproof phone case.
  • Sealed snacks, fresh fruit, and bottled water.
  • Equipment staged near the water plus a shoreline safety briefing before launch.

Details

  • Type: self-guided rental (not a tour).
  • Launch area: designated paddlecraft launch area (inside the park).
  • Best time: early starts are strongly recommended.
  • Minimum age: 5+ (minimum 40 lb / 18 kg).
  • Pricing: $79 per person (8:00, 9:00, 10:00 AM) • $88 (11:00 AM) • $99 (12:00 PM Fri/Sat/major holidays only).
  • Timed start times: 8:00, 9:00, 10:00, 11:00 AM (12:00 PM only on Fridays, Saturdays, and major holidays).
  • Return deadline: all equipment must be returned by 3:00 PM.
  • Park entry: $25 per vehicle at Lake Mead National Recreation Area (card only, not included).
  • Late policy: this is a timed activity. Late arrivals may not be accommodated and are not eligible for a refund.

Height & weight policy

  • For safety, guests over 200 lb (91 kg / 14 st) may be discreetly weighed before launch.
  • Guests 6’1” (185 cm) and under: maximum weight is 260 lb (118 kg / 18 st).
  • Guests taller than 6’1” up to 6’8”: maximum weight is 300 lb (136 kg / 21.4 st).
  • Absolute height limit: 6’8” (203 cm).
  • Children must be at least 5 years old and weigh a minimum of 40 lb (18 kg).

Common questions

Is this a guided tour?

No. This is a self-guided rental with no guide on the water. Guests paddle independently.

Can beginners rent kayaks?

Rentals are best for guests comfortable navigating independently. If you want a guided option, see our Emerald Cave Guided Kayak Tour.

Can we paddle to Emerald Cave on a rental?

Many guests do, but it requires an early start and enough endurance for the round trip. There is no towing and no guide on the water.

What happens if we arrive late or return late?

This is a timed activity with a strict return deadline. Late arrivals may not be accommodated and are not eligible for a refund. Late returns may be subject to fees.

Guest paddleboarding on the calm waters of the Colorado River near Willow BeachRental: Self Paced (No Guide)

Self Guided SUP Rentals

Paddleboard Rentals at Willow Beach, Arizona (SUP Rentals Near Las Vegas)

From $69 / Person (USD)

Meetup

Willow Beach, AZ

Launch Times

8:00am - 11:00am

Duration

4 hours (up to 6)

Distance

Guest Determined

Difficulty Level

Guest Determined

Max guest weight

225 lb (102 kg)

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What's included

  • Stable board selected for control and tracking.
  • Coast Guard-approved life vest (PFD) and adjustable paddle.
  • Dry bag and waterproof phone case.
  • Sealed snacks, fresh fruit (bananas and tangerines), and bottled water.
  • Equipment staged at launch plus a shoreline safety briefing.

Details

  • Type: self-guided rental (not a tour).
  • Best time: early morning for calmer conditions.
  • Rider limit: 225 lb (102 kg / 16 st) per person.
  • Minimum age: 12+ with an adult (18+) present.
  • Rental window: standard 4 hours, optional extension by request only, subject to availability, not available on major holidays. 12:00 PM rentals limited to 3 hours.
  • Pricing: $69 per person (8, 9, 10 AM) • $79 (11 AM) • $88 (12:00 PM Fri/Sat/major holidays only).
  • Return deadline: all equipment must be returned by 3:00 PM.
  • Park entry: $25 per vehicle at Lake Mead National Recreation Area (card only, not included).

Common questions

Is this a guided tour?

No. This is a self-guided rental with no guide on the water.

Do I need paddleboarding experience?

Experience is strongly recommended. You must be comfortable balancing, steering, and self-rescuing if you fall in.

Is this good for non swimmers?

It depends. Life vests are provided, but SUP has a higher fall-in likelihood than kayaking. If you want the calmest, most supervised option, book the Scenic Escape Guided Kayak Tour (ages 5+).

What if I want a guided experience instead?

Choose a guided kayak tour. Scenic Escape is the easiest guided option (ages 5+). Emerald Cave is a longer guided route (ages 12+).

Family with children kayaking together on the calm, easy Scenic Escape routeGuided Tour: Beginner

Scenic Escape Guided Tour

Scenic Escape Guided Kayak Tour at Willow Beach (Easy Option Near Las Vegas)

From $99 / Person (USD)

Meetup

Willow Beach, AZ

Launch Times

8:00 am - 12:30pm

Duration

2 to 2.25 hours

Distance

2.2 miles / 3.5 km

Difficulty Level

Easy 1.5 / 5

Max guest weight

260 lb (118 kg)

Book Now

What's included

  • Comfort focused kayaks: wider recreational sit-in models selected for stability and safety rather than speed.
  • Paddle and Coast Guard-approved life vest (PFD).
  • Dry bag and waterproof phone case.
  • Sealed snacks, fresh fruit, and bottled water.
  • Paddling gloves available during colder months.

Details

  • Type: guided tour (guide on the water).
  • Time on water: approx. 2 to 2.5 hours.
  • Total distance: 2.2 miles (3.5 km) round trip.
  • Difficulty: easy (1.5/5).
  • Minimum age: 5+ (no child pricing).
  • Pricing: $99 per person (8:00 AM) • $119 per person (10:30 AM).
  • Tour times: 8:00 AM and 10:30 AM (Nevada time).
  • Park entry: $25 per vehicle at Lake Mead National Recreation Area (card only, not included).
  • Late policy: this is a timed group launch. Late arrivals cannot be accommodated and are not eligible for a refund.

Common questions

Is Scenic Escape a guided tour?

Yes. A professional guide is on the water with your group for the full route.

Is Scenic Escape good for non swimmers?

Yes. You do not need to know how to swim. Life vests are required and your guide stays with the group.

Is Scenic Escape easier than Emerald Cave?

Yes. Scenic Escape is shorter and easier with a relaxed pace and more flexibility for breaks.

Who is Scenic Escape best for?

Ages 5 and older, seniors 55+, first time paddlers, non swimmers, guests limited on time, and anyone who wants the easiest guided option.

Guest kayaking near the Colorado River with Hoover Dam canyon walls in the backgroundGuided Tour: Moderate

Hoover Dam Guided Tour

Hoover Dam Upper Portal Kayak Tour via Lake Mead (Front Face and Intake Towers Route)

From $229 / Person (USD)

Meetup

Las Vegas, NV (Shuttle)

Launch Time

10:00am

Duration

4.5 - 5 hours total

Distance

4 miles / 6.4 km

Difficulty Level

Moderate 3 / 5

Max guest weight

260 lb (118 kg)

Book Now

What's included

  • Stable recreational kayaks selected for control and comfort in open-water conditions.
  • Paddle and Coast Guard-approved life vest (PFD).
  • Dry bag and waterproof phone case.
  • Sealed snacks, fresh fruit, and bottled water (bring additional food if desired).

Details

  • Start time: 10:00 AM only.
  • Time on water: approx. 2.5 to 3 hours.
  • Distance: about 4 miles (6.4 km) round trip.
  • Difficulty: moderate (3/5) due to open lake exposure and wind.
  • Minimum age: 12+.
  • Pricing: typically from $229 per person (4-guest minimum).
  • Route clarification: Lake Mead near Hoover Dam intake towers (not the river route below the dam).
  • Booking: contact us to confirm conditions and scheduling.

Height & weight policy

  • Guests over 200 lb (91 kg / 14 st) may be discreetly weighed before launch.
  • Guests 6’1” (185 cm) and under: maximum 260 lb (118 kg / 18 st).
  • Guests taller than 6’1” up to 6’8”: maximum 300 lb (136 kg / 21.4 st).
  • Absolute height limit: 6’8” (203 cm).
  • Guests who exceed limits or provide inaccurate information are not permitted to participate and are not eligible for a refund.

Common questions

Is this the river route below Hoover Dam?

No. This is on the Lake Mead side near the front face and intake towers, not the Black Canyon Water Trail below the dam.

Does this tour include Emerald Cave or hot springs?

No. If you want Emerald Cave and canyon scenery, book the Emerald Cave Guided Kayak Tour (ages 12+).

Is this affected by wind?

Yes. Open-water exposure and wind are the main factors that can increase difficulty.

How do we book?

Contact us to confirm conditions and scheduling before booking.

Fleet of kayaks staged on the shore for a full-day Black Canyon expeditionGuided Tour: Advanced

Hoover Dam Guided Tour

Hoover Dam and Black Canyon Guided Kayak Tour (12 Miles) Full-Day Colorado River Expedition

From $259 / Person (USD)

Meetup

Boulder City, NV

Launch Time

7:00am

Duration

8 - 9 hours

Distance

12 miles / 19.3 km

Difficulty Level

Strenuous 4.5 / 5

Max guest weight

260 lb (118 kg)

Book Now

What's included

  • Touring focused kayaks selected for efficiency and comfort over distance.
  • Paddle and Coast Guard-approved life vest (PFD).
  • Dry bag and waterproof phone case.
  • Sealed snacks, fresh fruit, and bottled water (bring additional food if desired).
  • Paddling gloves available during colder months.

Details

  • Start time: 7:00 AM check-in (7:30 AM launch).
  • Distance: about 12 miles (19.3 km).
  • Difficulty: strenuous (4.5/5).
  • Minimum age: 12+ (no exceptions).
  • Booking: call +1-702-910-7100.
  • Pricing: $259 per person (4-person minimum).
  • Route type: long-distance Colorado River expedition through Black Canyon (endurance pacing required).

Height & weight policy

  • Guests over 200 lb (91 kg / 14 st) may be discreetly weighed before launch.
  • Guests 6’1” (185 cm) and under: maximum 260 lb (118 kg / 18 st).
  • Guests taller than 6’1” up to 6’8”: maximum 300 lb (136 kg / 21.4 st).
  • Absolute height limit: 6’8” (203 cm).
  • Guests who exceed limits or provide inaccurate information are not permitted to participate and are not eligible for a refund.

Common questions

Is this tour appropriate for beginners?

No. This is a long-distance endurance day for strong paddlers who can sustain pace and distance.

Is towing available?

No. Guests must paddle their own kayak and maintain group pace for the full route.

What if someone in our group wants something easier?

Scenic Escape is the easiest guided option (ages 5+). Emerald Cave guided is a longer guided option (ages 12+).

How do we book?

Call +1-702-910-7100 to confirm dates, group size, and fit before booking.

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Guest stories

Unforgettable moments on the water

The guides were incredible, knowledgeable, friendly, and made us feel so safe. I’ll never forget paddling through Black Canyon!
Verified Guest
Emerald Cave was amazing, but the journey there was what truly took my breath away. The scenery is unreal.
Verified Guest
This was our first time kayaking as a family, and we can’t wait to come back. Everything about the experience was perfect.
Verified Guest
Google’s Top 10 Things to Do in Las VegasViator’s Certificate of ExcellenceHundreds of 5-Star Reviews on Google, TripAdvisor & Yelp
Find us

Visit EZ Kayak Tours & Rentals

25804 N Willow Beach, Willow Beach, Arizona, 86445, United States

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With over 24 years of experience, we offer kayak and stand up paddleboard rentals, along with expertly guided tours, ensuring an unforgettable adventure that awaits you.