Leave the neon lights of Sin City behind during this relaxing full-day guided kayak excursion on the Black Canyon section of the Colorado River. This paddling trip, which navigates several miles of placid water close to Hoover Dam, is great for kayakers of all experience levels. During your trip, stop to explore idyllic riverside beaches, caves, canyons, and hot springs. Your kayak guide also points out local wildlife, hidden inlets, hiking spots, and historical sites along the way. The trip also includes all necessary kayaking equipment, river permits, and safety lesson, lunch, bottled water, snacks, dry bag for personal items and round-trip hotel transport.

• Get great views of Hoover Dam, the engineering marvel that lights up Las Vegas and much of the West
• Stop to explore canyons, caves, hot springs, and beaches along the Colorado River
• Paddle under a historic gauging station, built to measure the river’s water flow
• All kayak gear included with expert instruction, a great trip for beginning or experienced kayakers

What To Expect

Start the day with an early morning pickup from your hotel in Las Vegas, continuing to the kayak center where you meet your guide and get your necessary gear for the trip. Once you’re ready to go, jump in your transport and head to the base of Hoover Dam, walking 1,100 feet (335 meters) down to the kayak launching point. You also clear a security checkpoint where you are asked to show a government-issued photo ID.

Receive a short safety lesson and paddling tips from your guide before setting off. The trip paddles through mostly calm water, though it can occasionally be bumpy depending on the weather. Rest assured that your boat is designed for maximum stability, includes safety gear and has rudders to assist with turning.

Soon after you set out, arrive at a great photo location with fantastic sightlines back to the Hoover Dam. Snap a few shots and then follow your guide towards the next landmark at Sauna Cave, where you can take two optional short hikes. The easy trails here trace their way through a slot canyon, leading to hot springs for swimming and relaxing. For those that skip the hike, take a break on the riverbank amidst the beautiful scenery until the group returns.

Take a break for a picnic lunch situated on a secluded beach. Once you’ve fueled up, continue paddling to your next sightseeing stop at Emerald Cave, along with a historic tramway and a station once used to measure the river’s flow rate. A nearby trailhead offers more hiking depending on your group’s progress.

Finish your trip at Willow Beach, where you rendezvous with a van that transports you back to Las Vegas. Bathrooms and refreshments are available at the beach’s marina. Bid farewell to your group and guide as you head back to your hotel, arriving in the early evening.

Please note: you must provide your exact name as it appears on your government-issued ID (passport or driver’s license) at the time of booking. The local operator will use this information to obtain the required permits. The tour cannot be confirmed without this detail.