The 6 Best Black Canyon Tours from Las Vegas

1.Emerald Cave & Black Canyon Kayak Tour with Vegas Pickup

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,266 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $149Our pick

Trade the Strip for a guided, roughly four-mile kayak trip on the calm Colorado River. Paddle upstream from Willow Beach through Black Canyon, pause for a snack and swim, and visit Emerald Cave when conditions and river traffic allow. Kayaks, safety gear, snacks, water, park fees, and select Strip hotel pickup are included. Guides such as Chelsea, Jeff, Lauren, and Eugene have led trips.

“Jeff did an amazing job!! He was very knowledgeable about the area and was a great instructor on the use of the kayaks.”

Check availability →Read our full review

2.Self‑Drive Emerald Cave Kayak Tour in Black Canyon

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 619 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $110

Drive from Las Vegas to Willow Beach for a guided, beginner-friendly paddle through Black Canyon to the small, sunlit Emerald Cave. You’ll cover about four miles round-trip, stop at a historic overlook, and may spot bighorn sheep or bald eagles. Guides such as Eugene, Jeff, Melissa, and Gage lead different departures. Bring a car: rideshare back from Willow Beach is not dependable.

“We got detailed information prior to our trip and was able to request tandem kayaks and life vest for our 12 year old. Links to waivers were easily done. Gage was an excellent guide. We had a great time on the river. There was a medical emergency that delayed us a bit but we had some extra time at the end. There is a small hike at halfway point to look at some local flora and to get a good view at a historical site. The last mile was for Emerald Cave. We were in the early group so the view was not a brilliant due to timing of the…”

Check availability →Read our full review

3.Self-Drive Emerald Cave Kayak Tour: Guided Willow Beach Paddle

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 383 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $99

Meet your guide at Willow Beach Marina for a safety briefing, then paddle a roughly four-mile round trip on the Colorado River. Stop near the River Gauger’s Historical Homesite for snacks and wildlife watching before reaching the small Emerald Cave. Guides such as Jessica, Ryan, Tyler, and Nick are known for sharing local stories and helping with photos.

“We had great time on this tour! Our tour girl Jessica was amazing, explaining everything about the area! Amazing views! Must see!!!”

Check availability →Read our full review

4.3-Hour Black Canyon Motorized Raft Tour with Optional Transport

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 378 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $140

Start near the base of Hoover Dam and ride a motorized raft 12 miles through Black Canyon to Willow Beach. Your guide points out the dam, canyon geology, wildlife, hot springs, and waterfalls, with a riverbank stop for lunch and a swim. The three-hour river trip costs $140 per person; hotel transport from select Las Vegas hotels is an optional add-on.

“We had a great experience on the tour. The only thing we wish we had done differently is end at the Hoover Dam. Starting there was great and our guide was excellent though.”

Check availability →Read our full review

5.Black Canyon Half-Day Kayak Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 247 reviews · 3 hours · from $149

From a selected Las Vegas Strip hotel, ride to Willow Beach for a guided, four-mile kayak outing into Black Canyon. Paddle upstream to an historic overlook, the 100-year-old river gauge station and Emerald Cave. Guides such as Chelsea, Lauren and Seth have helped beginners get comfortable on the water. Snacks, bottled water, permits and transport are included.

“Super friendly guide, fun trip, felt safe and a lot of good information and history given by the guide which is appreciated! Guide went above and beyond for us! Absolutely loved this adventure. Best day of our trip!”

Check availability →Read our full review

6.Hoover Dam 1.5‑Hour Raft Tour in Black Canyon

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 201 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $69Best value

Meet at Hoover Dam Lodge at 11 a.m. for a guided, motorized raft float beneath Hoover Dam. Expect close-up dam views, Black Canyon scenery, a short river swim stop and stories about the dam and river. The 90-minute trip suits beginners, but the raft has no shade and does not travel far downstream.

“We had a blast on our Hoover Dam raft excursion! Our van driver, Victor, was a treasure. Our boat driver, Russ, was friendly and informative. This is the best way to experience the Hoover dam. They had snacks and plenty of cold water to stay hydrated on a hot day. We came away with awesome photos and an unforgettable experience.”

Check availability →Read our full review