Escape the Strip: Guided Kayak & SUP Adventures

Las Vegas Kayak Tours on the Colorado River

Las Vegas SUP Kayak Club runs guided kayak tours and rentals from Willow Beach and Black Canyon, a short drive from the Las Vegas Strip. Popular options include the Emerald Cave Kayak Tour, the Moonlight Kayak Tour with neon-lit kayaks, and the full-day Hoover Dam Kayak Tour that visits hot springs and natural waterfalls.

Why choose these kayak tours?

• Guided kayak tours for all skill levels with experienced guides.
• Rentals of single and tandem kayaks or SUPs for self-guided adventures.
• Shuttle options with hotel pickup and National Park entry included when selected.
• Scenic paddles past volcanic canyon walls, Emerald Cave photo stops, beach swims, and short historical hikes.

Trip highlights and details

Emerald Cave Kayak Tour: a 3-hour, 4–5 mile guided paddle from Willow Beach to Emerald Cave featuring snacks, swim breaks, and wildlife sightings. Moonlight Kayak Tour: a sunset-to-moonlight 4-mile paddle with glowing kayaks, a beach campfire, stargazing, and an optional roundtrip shuttle from Mandalay Bay. Hoover Dam Kayak Tour: a full-day 12-mile excursion through Black Canyon that combines Hoover Dam views, waterfalls, hot springs, and the Emerald Cave on a 7–8 hour guided experience.

What’s included

• Life jackets and safety briefings on guided tours
• High-quality kayaks, paddles, and SUPs for rentals
• Snacks, bottled water, and a digital map for rental customers
• Small-group guiding to maximize attention and safety
• Optional shuttle with roundtrip transportation and park entry

Booking tips and logistics

Book early for weekend and sunset departures. Shuttle-inclusive packages provide convenience with hotel pickup in Las Vegas and pre-paid park entry; self-drive rental customers pay park fees on arrival. All tours operate within Black Canyon and the Colorado River corridor, requiring comfortable clothing, sun protection, and waterproof camera gear for photos.

Perfect for groups and photographers

These tours suit families, couples, and solo adventurers looking for unique outdoor experiences near Las Vegas. Photographers will find dramatic canyon light at golden hour and striking Emerald Cave reflections.

Safety and accessibility

Professional guides provide safety briefings and route selection appropriate for mixed-skill groups. Rentals include clear instructions for self-paced floats. Beginner paddlers and experienced kayakers alike can enjoy paddles tailored to skill and fitness levels.

Frequently asked questions

How long are the tours? Tours range from 3 hours to full-day 7–8 hour trips; Moonlight and Emerald Cave tours are shorter.
Is previous experience required? No — guided trips are beginner-friendly and rentals include instructions and safety gear.
Does shuttle include park fee? Shuttle packages include National Park entry and hotel pickup when selected; self-drive guests pay park fees on arrival.

What to bring

Bring swimwear, towel, closed-toe shoes for hikes, sunscreen, a hat, a water-resistant camera, and a light jacket for evening tours.

Directions from Las Vegas

Shuttle pickups commonly leave from Mandalay Bay and other major hotels; self-drive directions lead to Willow Beach launch sites about 45–60 minutes from the Strip depending on traffic.

Cancellation and weather policy

Tours operate in fair weather and may be rescheduled for high winds, lightning, or unsafe river conditions; clear policies explain refunds and rebooking.

Ideal group sizes

Guided tours run as small groups to improve safety and personalize the experience; rentals are available for parties of any size.

Reserve early for sunset and moonlight departures; bring ID, a credit card for park fees if self-driving, and expect unforgettable desert canyon paddling and photos and smiles.