
Emerald Cave Kayak Rental with Optional Vegas Shuttle
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September 2026
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Who is going?
Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
Select a highlighted day to see live departure times and the exact price for your group.
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
4.9/5
Based on 288 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Emerald Cave Kayak Rental with Optional Vegas Shuttle worth booking?
Emerald Cave Kayak Rental with Optional Vegas Shuttle is a 6-hour experience in Las Vegas, United States, from $69 per person. It scores 83 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 288 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 83 / 100
- Rating
- 4.9/5 (288)
- Duration
- 6 hours
- From
- $69 per person
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 conv
What you get
About this experience
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.
What's included
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
Not included
- 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
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Las Vegas
If you take the shuttle, pick up is at 9am at the Mandalay Bay Hotel - Main Entrance, Lower Level - Valet pickup area. If you drive yourself, we will meet you at Willow Beach, AZ between 9 and 10am - designated paddle-craft area, far left side of the beach. The kayaks must be returned by 1:30pm PT.
Hotel pickup
Pickup is available for selected locations.
Ends at
If you take the shuttle, pick up is at 9am at the Mandalay Bay Hotel - Main Entrance, Lower Level - Valet pickup area. If you drive yourself, we will meet you at Willow Beach, AZ between 9 and 10am - designated paddle-craft area, far left side of the beach. The kayaks must be returned by 1:30pm PT.
Options you can book
Paddleboard Rental Self-Drive
Stand Up Paddleboard: Transportation from Las Vegas not included
Paddleboard Rental w Shuttle
Stand Up Paddleboard Pickup included
Double Kayak Rental Self-Drive
Double Kayak
Double Kayak Rental w Shuttle
Double Kayak Pickup included
Single Kayak Rental Self-Drive
Single or Double Kayak Rental: Transportation from Las Vegas not included
Single Kayak Rental w Shuttle
Singel Kayak Pickup included
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 10 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Las Vegas SUP Kayak Club
Know before you go
- 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
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 288 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
6 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
3 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
3 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Organization
3 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Pace and timing
3 mentionsSeveral reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.
Value for money
2 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Traveler reviews
288 verified traveler reviews for Emerald Cave Kayak Rental with Optional Vegas Shuttle. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Amazing experience!
This was our first time kayaking and didn't know what to expect. Our guide, Jonny, made everything run smoothly and had our entire group feeling completely comfortable beforehand. He is very knowledgeable of the area and history. He is also very funny and accommodating. He stopped at Boulder City on the way back to let us see some big horn sheep and take some pictures. Very nice touch Jonny! Made the day even more special. Overall a great experience. Highly recommend. Thanks again Jonny!
via Tripadvisor
Perfect and relaxing
Experience was amazing, this was our 2nd time doing this tour and we would definitely do it again, our guide was awesome, super informative and funny which was a plus. The pick up and drop off was very organized and we stopped on the way back to see the big horns which was a plus. The kayaks are very well kept and the amount of time spent on the water is perfect, the pace is great as well. Will definitely do again and highly recommend this company.
via Tripadvisor
Emerald Cave Kayaking
The kayaking through the canyons was amazing. Our guide was great! The emerald cave was a bit disappointing based on the photos from the internet. All in all, a great experience.
via Viator
Highly Recommended
We had the pleasure of experiencing the Emerald Cave Kayak Tour in July 2026, honestly it was one of the best days of our holiday. Our guide Kwame was absolutely brilliant and looked after us all day, the river was gorgeous and calm, perfect conditions and the location of Willow beach is just lovely, so peaceful. We highly recommend this day out, even our teenage kids loved it, it’s not a strenuous workout as you go at your own pace and the views are spectacular. Again, thank you Kwame for a great experience. Regards – Jason Campbell (UK)
via Tripadvisor
It was easy to book, easy...
It was easy to book, easy communication, and a great time on the Colorado River! We opted to meet the group at the launch site since we needed to pick up snacks and drinks. The weather was quite warm, but the breeze on the water and the ability to get wet kept us cool. The trip is a down-and-back and on the day we went it was just as much work to get down the river as it was to get back - partly due to the wind. The key to not waiting in line to see the Emerald Cave is to get going early!
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 6 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $69 to $99
- Hotel pickup
- Available for selected locations
- Booked in 30 days
- 101
- Verdict
- Exceptional
Why this scores 83
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Emerald Cave Kayak Rental with Optional Vegas Shuttle: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Las Vegas.
How much does Emerald Cave Kayak Rental with Optional Vegas Shuttle cost?
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Prices start at $69 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Las Vegas usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Emerald Cave Kayak Rental with Optional Vegas Shuttle take?
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Plan for about 6 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Las Vegas is not rushed.
Is Emerald Cave Kayak Rental with Optional Vegas Shuttle worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 83 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 288 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Las Vegas, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Emerald Cave Kayak Rental with Optional Vegas Shuttle?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Emerald Cave Kayak Rental with Optional Vegas Shuttle suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 6-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Emerald Cave Kayak Rental with Optional Vegas Shuttle?
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Around 101 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Las Vegas can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Las Vegas and add a light layer if any part of the 6-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Emerald Cave Kayak Rental with Optional Vegas Shuttle start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Las Vegas within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Las Vegas?
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Las Vegas sells two trips at once: the Strip after dark, and the red-rock desert that starts twenty minutes past the last casino. Helicopter runs to the Grand Canyon, Hoover Dam half-days and Red Rock Canyon drives all leave early, while show tickets, speakeasy crawls and high-roller dining fill the evening. Outty Ranking weighs operator reliability heavily here, because the gap between a well-run desert tour and a coach-and-queue version is enormous. On Outty we rank every Las Vegas experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Small Group: Valley of Fire Half Day Tour from Las Vegas, Small Group Grand Canyon, Hoover Dam, 7 Magic Mountains VIP Tour, Grand Canyon West, Hoover Dam Stop, Breakfast, Lunch & Skywalk. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Las Vegas?
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October to April. Summer highs above 105F make midday outdoor tours punishing. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Las Vegas?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
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