This kayak adventure near Las Vegas, Nevada, is a wonderful way to spend a few hours outdoors, gliding through the dramatic Black Canyon on the Colorado River. An experienced guide leads the way upstream past towering canyon walls, with plenty of chances to spot bighorn sheep, herons, and eagles along the shoreline. The route winds toward the shimmering blue waters of Emerald Cave, a natural wonder known for its glassy reflections and cool, cavernous walls.

Snacks and water are provided to keep energy up along the way, and every paddler gets a front-row seat to some of the best scenery the canyon has to offer. This easy, feel-good outing is well suited to first-timers, milestone celebrations, or anyone craving a few hours somewhere genuinely beautiful. Guests can choose to drive themselves down to the launch point, or let the shuttle handle the ride from Mandalay Bay and back, with both options including the same guided paddle, gear, and snacks.

Any restrictions to participate?

• Age: Recommended for ages 4 and up
• Weight: Participants must weigh under 300 lbs
• Health limitations: Guests who are pregnant are encouraged to consult a doctor before joining
• Experience level: This is a beginner and family friendly paddling experience; the guide provides instruction and support throughout

Who can you accommodate for?

• Children: Children ages 4 and up may join in a tandem kayak with an adult; all participants under 18 must be accompanied by an adult

What to expect on the day of the experience?

• Duration: Approximately 6 hours, with roughly 5 miles of paddling on the water
• What's included: Guide, kayak, life vest, snacks, water, and digital photos are included with both booking options.
  • Self-Drive: you drive yourself to the Willow Beach launch point and pay a $25/vehicle National Park Service entry fee at the gate.
  • Shuttle option: includes round-trip pickup and drop-off from Mandalay Bay (pickup windows at 9:00am, 9:30am, or 10:00am) and the standard $15/adult NPS entry fee instead. Children under 16, NPS pass holders, and active military enter the park free either way.
• Who will be present: A professional guide leads the group, with other participants also paddling along
• Spectators: No spectators are allowed, everyone must have a ticket/reservations
• Photo/video: Digital photos are included with this guided tour; waterproof phone cases are also available for purchase on-site for personal photos
• Specific rules to follow: No alcohol or smoking permitted during the tour

How to prepare?

• Weather dependency: Tours operate as long as weather permits; if a tour is canceled due to weather, guests can rebook or receive a full refund
• Arrival: Guests should arrive at least 15 minutes prior to the scheduled pickup
• Parking: Self-driving guests should note a separate vehicle entrance fee at the park
• What to wear: Water shoes are recommended; a swimsuit worn under layered clothing is suggested
• What to bring:
  • Hat
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunblock
  • Waterproof phone case
• Restrooms/lockers/changing rooms: Restrooms are available at the launch point before the tour begins; none are available on the water during the tour

Anything else I should know before going on this experience?

• Tips for the guide are appreciated but not required

Unused Experience Vouchers can be returned within 14 days for a full refund to the original purchaser, no questions asked.

If you have any unused Experience Vouchers, you can exchange them for anything else in our marketplace, no matter when. If you choose an experience that's more expensive, you'll need to pay the difference, but if you choose one that costs less, you'll receive a credit towards your next booking.

No refunds are allowed once the experience is booked, but you can reschedule up to 48 hours before your experience, for a date within a year of the original booking. To reschedule, contact the experience provider directly. No-shows or rescheduling less than 48 hours in advance means losing the value of your experience.