Emerald Cave Kayak Rental with Optional Vegas Shuttle
Overview
6 hours
Mobile ticket
You can rent high-quality single or tandem kayaks (or SUPs) for a self-paced adventure to Emerald Cave on the scenic Colorado River, just a short drive from Las Vegas. Opt for the shuttle and hotel pickup option for convenient, worry-free roundtrip transportation and included National Park entry—or choose self-drive for maximum flexibility (park fees paid on arrival). Rentals include all gear, a digital map, snacks, and bottled water, covering everyone from beginners to paddle pros for relaxing floats to unforgettable Emerald Cave photos.
Additional Info
Specialized infant seats are available
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Basic kayaking instructions provided
Directions about all surrounding destinations, Emerald Cave and the Black Canyon
What To Expect
Come and explore the beautiful Black Canyon! You will arrive at Willow Beach where you will get your rental kayak or paddleboard to enjoy an amazing day! This is a 4-4.5 hours kayak rental (meeting time at Willow Beach is between 9am and 10am, the equipment has to be returned by 2:30pm). If you take the shuttle, pickup is at 9am and drop-off around 3:30pm at the Mandalay Bay Hotel on the Strip. You will receive basic paddling and water safety instructions and information about the surrounding area, directions to Emerald Cave, a bottle of water, life vest, paddle, single or double kayak or SUP. When paddling upstream into Black Canyon scour the banks to be the first to spot Desert Big Horn Sheep. You can stop at a historical overlook, that will give you awe-inspiring views of the legendary Colorado River. Finally, enjoy the beautiful green waters of Emerald Cave. ▪ See amazing desert wildlife ▪ Explore beautiful Emerald Cave What to bring? Hat, sunglasses, sunblock, water shoes or sandals, layered clothing, swimsuit (in summer). Water shoes, sandals are highly recommended! Please keep in mind that you will have to step into the water when getting in and out of the kayak.
Options
Paddleboard Rental Self-Drive
Stand Up Paddleboard: Transportation from Las Vegas not included
Double Kayak Rental w Shuttle
Double Kayak Pickup included
Single Kayak Rental w Shuttle
Singel Kayak Pickup included
Single Kayak Rental Self-Drive
Single or Double Kayak Rental: Transportation from Las Vegas not included
Double Kayak Rental Self-Drive
Double Kayak
Paddleboard Rental w Shuttle
Stand Up Paddleboard Pickup included
What‘s Included
We will contact you regarding your choice of equipment/ single or double kayak
Single or double kayak, or SUP, life vest, paddle, bottled water
Directions about all surrounding destinations, Emerald Cave and the Black Canyon historical sites
Basic kayaking instructions
Shuttle pickup from Mandalay Bay Hotel from the Strip if you selected the "with Shuttle" option
National park fee
Tour guide - this is a kayak rental, not a guided kayak tour
If you meet us at the launch site, National Park entrance fee per vehicle is
Pickup points
Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino
3950 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas United States
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
277 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great kayak ride down the Colorado River
crtaveras,Jun 6, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What an amazing experience! The team was really nice and helped us have a great time down the river. They also gave us recommendations on where to eat. Highly recommended!
A gorgeous day trip outside of Las Vegas!
Kalli H,Jun 3, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00It was just as described. Worth it! Highly recommended. Convenient pick up from the Strip and such a beautiful spot!
It’s a wonderful paddle...
George B,May 30, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00It’s a wonderful paddle on the Colorado River with stunning views. The trip is 4 miles round trip and an easy paddle unless the winds are high. I definitely recommend a guided tour - we had Anthony and he was great! The shuttle leaves from Mandalay Bay and is about an hour’s drive to the launch site. The cave itself is cool but, as Anthony told us, it’s more about the journey than the destination. Expect to wait (45-60 minutes) to enter and only spend 5-10 minutes in the cave itself. Overall I highly recommend if you want to get out of the city and explore the beautiful desert scape.
Super beautiful experience...
Valerie C,May 30, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00Super beautiful experience, but many people in line to see the Emerald Cave. Perfect temperature. Incredible landscapes.
Had a great time
Julie S,May 28, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We had a great time. A bottle of water is provided. They give instructions before you take off and let you know which direction to head.
Loved it!
E3318FVmaddyc,May 14, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Absolutely incredible experience! Justin the tour guide was amazing and had some fun jokes. 10/10 would do it again for sure.
Well worth the money
477brennenw,May 14, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This tour was well worth the money. Our guide Jonny was very entertaining and educational from pick up to drop off. I went solo and the group that I was with were awesome and friendly. The day of, Jonny text everyone detailed instructions on how to get to the pick up. I was staying at the Luxor hotel so I took the free tram from there to mandalay bay where the shuttle pick up was at
Great times!
David B,May 12, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00It was a great experience, it was my wife and step sons first time on a kayak, we got a little tutorial how to paddle, get in and off the kayak and how to avoid injuries in terms of rowing, the “cave” we actually passed by due to us thinking “that can’t be it” as we passed it due to it being so small, we went an additional mile still beautiful if you go further you will go come across an entire empty place where echos sound pretty awesome, I will say the only down side is that there were tons of mosquitos, bring repellant, and have proper form or your elbows will hurt, over all beautiful we saw 3 big horn sheep, you can’t swim by the shore where you take off with your kayak, so make sure to stop further up stream at some spots to jump into the water, definitely go again.
Reliable and professional
Ricardo K,May 7, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Reliable company for rental (and guide) of kayaks and paddles. Good instruction. This is the second time we have booked with them
Pure Peace & Paddles
Weirddoe,Apr 28, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Everything was smooth and easy from booking to being dropped off at the end of the day. There is a shop at the marina where you can buy water shoes/shirts/waterproof bags/sunscreen/hats etc. If needed. Our tour guide, Zen, was fantastic! Super chill with lots of knowledge and he really made our day feel special with some awesome surprises along the way! Can't thank him enough for a lovely last day of our holiday. As first timers, the kayaking instructions were super clear and we were in the water in no time, the journey up the river was so peaceful and the views were stunning. Zen even pointed out lots of views and cool facts on the roadtrip to and from Willow Beach. You really are in great hands and in for an epic day from start to finish, thank you!!
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Operated by Las Vegas SUP Kayak Club