Emerald Cave Kayak Experience with Optional Las Vegas Shuttle
Description
Experience the original Emerald Cave kayak tour with Evolution Expeditions—one of the first and most trusted operators in the Black Canyon. Our founders pioneered guided trips to this iconic destination, delivering a safe, seamless, and unforgettable experience. Paddle through the scenic Black Canyon to the glowing waters of the Emerald Cave, with beach and historic sites along the way. This small-group guided kayak tour is perfect for all skill levels, with a relaxed pace and expert instruction throughout. We stand apart with top-quality equipment—premium kayaks, paddles, and comfortable life vests—paired with some of the most extensively trained guides in the industry. Expect deeper insights, better safety, and a polished experience from start to finish. Why book with us: Original Emerald Cave tour operator Most trusted and experienced kayak guides High-end kayaks, paddles, and life vests Scenic & historic stops in Black Canyon Small-group experience for personalized service
Tour Options
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
***Pick up times from Las Vegas hotels are 90-110 minutes before the tour start time*** Venetian - 110min before Bellagio - 100min before Mandalay Bay - 90min before (e.g. Pick up times for an 11:00 am tour are as follows: Venetian 9:10am, Bellagio 9:20am, Mandalay Bay 9:30am). 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 90 and 120 minutes after the kayak tour ends. Shuttle times vary with traffic.
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- We offer single or tandem (2 seater) kayaks. Please specify which kayak you would prefer.
- The Emerald Cave is just a small cutout of the mountain for a great photo op!
- If you select self drive option, you will be meeting us at the marina. Have reliable transportation to meet us, there is NO cell service at the marina to call a ride share.
- If you have chosen and paid for this tour with shuttle, pick up times are: Venetian 110 minutes before, Bellagio 100 minutes before and Mandalay Bay 90 minutes before your tour start time
- Message us if you need a 2XL or larger life vest
Reviews(1,646)
What a great excursion! It was a pretty hot day when we went, definitely load up on the sunscreen maybe bring a light weight surfing shirt for protection. Be sure to pack water shoes as you will be in and out of the water a few times.
Overall, the kayak trip was spectacular and absolutely something I would recommend, but there are a few things I wish I knew going in. With three young kids, the three-hour tour ended up being a little longer than expected. They did great, but it was a lot of time in the sun and on the water. If you go, I would definitely wear a long-sleeve shirt, bring sunscreen, and keep it with you because it gets hot quickly. The cave itself was nice, but honestly a little anticlimactic after all the buildup. The experience of kayaking the river, being out on the water, and seeing the scenery was the highlight more than the cave itself. Our guide was very friendly and knowledgeable, but at times she was so far ahead of us that it made the pace a little uncomfortable, especially with kids trying to keep up. A few things to know: there is no cell service, the water is cold, and you should be prepared for the heat. Would I do it again? Absolutely as an adult or with older kids. It’s a great experience and definitely worth doing. With younger kids, I’m not sure it’s something they would choose to do again, but I’m still glad we made the memory.
Great tour guide. Very informative. Had a great day on the water, the weather was great. It was hot but the water temperature helped.
Our family of 4 had a super time with Calvin. He was a wonderful guide - knowledgeable, friendly and confident. This was one of the highlights of our southwest trip. My husband and I got a tandem kayak and our 17 and 19 year old sons got the single kayak - both worked out great. We did the express tour and it was the perfect amount of paddling, photos in the cave and quick stop for snacks and water and a dip in the 52 degree Colorado River - it was very refreshing on the day we went which was 112 degrees. The only negative was the long wait to get into the cave. The water was a beautiful emerald green.
Great experience, highly recommend while in Las Vegas!
Faith was great and made it fun, emerald cave was smaller than expected from the online photos we thought we would actually be going through a cave but it’s more a den. Still beautiful and well worth it!!❤️
Great experience and guide. Tour was well thought out and the guide explained what we were seeing in great detail.
Calvin Olsen is the best guide, very knowledgeable and a great experience
Kristen was great getting us set up with pick up and lunch and Faith was an amazing guide talkative and so kind she was a joy to spend the day with!
It was a wonderful experience our tour guide is what made it special, Thea let us swim and take wonderful pictures as well as very knowledgeable about the water and cave and the overall environment . We were able to see the sheep and crawfish. She also let us take a quick pit stop and get some sand. It was overall amazing. I would definitely recommend !!
