Las Vegas · LAKE MEAD AND BLACK CANYON TOURS

The 15 Best Lake Mead and Black Canyon Tours in Las Vegas

33 tours  ·  from $52

This is the shortlist you would send a friend: 15 lake mead and black canyon tours worth the money, each with its price, its traveller verdict and the one thing to know before you commit.

Emerald Cave & Black Canyon Kayak Tour with Vegas Pickup - Paddling upstream through Black Canyon
Canoes & Kayaks, Emerald Cave and Colorado River Kayak Tours, Lake Mead and Black Canyon Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Emerald Cave & Black Canyon Kayak Tour with Vegas Pickup

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

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

Trade Las Vegas lights for a small-group paddle through Black Canyon. Guides such as Chelsea, Jeff, Lauren, and Eugene teach first-timers, share local stories, and lead you toward Emerald Cave, with time to swim, spot wildlife, and enjoy the Colorado River.

“Awesome! Pics don't do justice. Chelsea was amazing super knowledgeable and fun saw wildlife, water was beautiful and easy paddling”

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Self‑Drive Emerald Cave Kayak Tour in Black Canyon - Paddling upstream through Black Canyon
Canoes & Kayaks, Emerald Cave and Colorado River Kayak Tours, Lake Mead and Black Canyon Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Self‑Drive Emerald Cave Kayak Tour in Black Canyon

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 small-group paddle with guides such as Eugene, Jeff, Melissa, and Gage. Expect calm water, desert scenery, bighorn sheep sightings, a short overlook hike, snacks, and Emerald Cave, a small opening that glows green when sunlight hits it.

“This kayak trip is a perfect length to enjoy an adventure on the river. Beautiful scenery, good exercise, sunshine and a refreshing swim. A great guide makes the trip even more enjoyable. Thanks to Jeff at Blazing paddles for a great time.”

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Small-Group Emerald Cave Kayak Tour on Colorado River - Paddling through Black Canyon
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Small-Group Emerald Cave Kayak Tour on Colorado River

3.Small-Group Emerald Cave Kayak Tour on Colorado River

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 516 reviews · 6 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $110

Escape Las Vegas for a six-hour Colorado River outing with Venture Out Vegas. Guide Blair or EJ leads a small group from Willow Beach to Emerald Cave, with calm paddling, canyon views, wildlife, snacks, swimming, and a relaxed pace for first-time kayakers.

“This was the perfect introduction to kayaking for our family who had never kayaked. Blair was patient, informative and kind -- from the prompt pick-up and drop-off at our hotel to his expansive knowledge of the area and its hidden gems. We had a very small group (my family of four and a handful of others) and he knew at all times where everyone was on the water.”

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Small Group Guided Colorado River & Emerald Cave Kayak Tour - A swim stop adds the fun factor
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Small Group Guided Colorado River & Emerald Cave Kayak Tour

4.Small Group Guided Colorado River & Emerald Cave Kayak Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 500 reviews · 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $88

Drive to Willow Beach Marina for a guided four-mile paddle with Brett or Griff of Veteran Kayaks. You’ll pass canyon walls, swim in the Colorado River, and visit Emerald Cove. Kayaks and life jackets are supplied, but you need your own car and must pay the $25 park entry fee.

“This tour was perfect. Our tour guide, "G" was so knowledgeable, the other couple that took the tour with us was also really nice. If in Vegas and want to step away from the strip, this is the tour to do.”

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3-Hour Black Canyon Motorized Raft Tour with Optional Transport - Lake Mead and the Hoover Dam launch area
3-Hour Experiences, Lake Mead and Black Canyon Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

3-Hour Black Canyon Motorized Raft Tour with Optional Transport

5.3-Hour Black Canyon Motorized Raft Tour with Optional Transport

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

Ride 12 miles from the base of Hoover Dam to Willow Beach on a smooth, motorized raft. Your guide, such as Sarah or Kyle, points out geology, wildlife, hot springs, caves, and dam history. Add hotel transport for an easy six-hour day from Las Vegas.

“We had an incredible experience on our 3-hour Black Canyon Hoover Dam rafting tour, and Kyle was an outstanding guide from start to finish. He was knowledgeable, engaging, and made the entire trip fun and memorable. Kyle shared fascinating facts about the area’s history, geology, and wildlife, all while keeping the group relaxed and entertained. The scenery was absolutely breathtaking, and we even spotted longhorn sheep along the canyon walls—an unforgettable moment. Kyle’s passion for the river and respect for nature really came through, making the experience even more meaningful. Highly recommend this tour, and if you’re lucky enough to get Kyle as your guide, you’re in for a great…”

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From Las Vegas: Black Canyon Half-Day Kayak Tour - From the Strip to Willow Beach
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From Las Vegas: Black Canyon Half-Day Kayak Tour

6.Black Canyon Half-Day Kayak Tour

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

Travel from a Las Vegas Strip hotel to Willow Beach, then paddle four miles through Black Canyon with guides such as Chelsea or Lauren. Look for bighorn sheep and bald eagles, visit Emerald Cave and a historic river gauging station, and enjoy snacks and water along the way.

“Excellent Activity, really on time for pick up time , our tour person Mak really good she is really passionate about her job , have good knowledge about the route , always with patient to assist with any question also with the Kayak”

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Las Vegas: Colorado River to Emerald Cave Half-Day Kayak - The paddle through the Colorado River canyon
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Las Vegas: Colorado River to Emerald Cave Half-Day Kayak

7.Colorado River to Emerald Cave Half-Day Kayak

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 241 reviews · 4 hours · from $119

Leave Las Vegas for a guided kayak trip from Willow Beach to Emerald Cave. You’ll paddle about four miles round trip through 900-foot canyon walls, with time for swimming, snacks, photos, and wildlife watching. Guides such as Don, Paul, Isaac, and Johnny are praised for patient instruction and local stories.

“Awesome day, Paul was a fab guide, very knowledgeable and a really fun guy”

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ATV Tour of Lake Mead and Colorado River from Las Vegas - Lake Mead country, with one important wording issue
Lake Mead and Black Canyon Tours, Las Vegas ATV and Off-Road Tours, Quad Bikes, Tour Reviews, Tours

ATV Tour of Lake Mead and Colorado River from Las Vegas

8.ATV Tour of Lake Mead and Colorado River from Las Vegas

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 218 reviews · 6 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $299

Leave Las Vegas at 7:00 am for a guided ATV ride through the Lake Mead Recreation Area to the Colorado River. You get roughly two and a half hours on an ATV, safety gear, lunch, hotel transfers, and a ride in the world’s largest monster truck limousine. Bring swimwear, closed-toe shoes, and a photo ID.

“This really was the best day ever! Our guide Brendan was just amazing ... lots of historical knowledge and fun facts. The scenery is breathtaking and the swim in the Colorado river in the middle kept you cool and zen for the rest of the day ... nothing like it !!!”

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Hoover Dam 1.5‑Hour Raft Tour in Black Canyon - Meeting at Hoover Dam Lodge
Hoover Dam Tours from Las Vegas, Lake Mead and Black Canyon Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Hoover Dam 1.5‑Hour Raft Tour in Black Canyon

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

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

Meet at Hoover Dam Lodge, then ride by operator vehicle to the river for a gentle, motorized raft tour below Hoover Dam. Guides such as Sarah, Ryan, Paul, and Aidan explain the dam, canyon, wildlife, and river. Expect sun, a short float, snacks, and an optional swim.

“Can be very rigorous! If a couple do a tandem kayak! We each had our own and paddling up the river into the wind was very tiring! Nice views!”

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Hoover Dam & Black Canyon Full-Day Guided Kayak Tour - A 12-mile day on mostly calm Colorado River water
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Hoover Dam & Black Canyon Full-Day Guided Kayak Tour

10.Hoover Dam & Black Canyon Full-Day Guided Kayak Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 184 reviews · 12 hours (approx.) · from $315

Spend about 12 hours kayaking from Hoover Dam to Willow Beach with guides such as Antonio, Holmes, Gianni, and Sara. Expect calm river water, short hikes to caves and hot springs, a boxed lunch, dry bags, and a demanding 12-mile paddle in a group of up to 10.

“This was a Beautiful river adventure with a personal and humorous guide named “Gabriel”! Included was a delicious sandwich on the river, snacks, and even a few side hikes and excursions to get out of the kayak. Fantastic memories like that emerald water were my wife’s favorite part of our trip to Nevada.”

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Small Group Hoover Dam, Lake Mead and Boulder City Tour - Hemenway Park and the chance to see bighorn sheep
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Small Group Hoover Dam, Lake Mead and Boulder City Tour

11.Small Group Hoover Dam, Lake Mead and Boulder City Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 126 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $130

This three-hour tour takes you from Las Vegas to Boulder City, Hemenway Park, the Hoover Dam, Lake Mead, and the Mike O’Callaghan–Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge. Guide Darren is often praised for local history, wildlife knowledge, flexible timing, and thoughtful touches such as cold water and snacks.

“Darren was very knowledgeable about the dam, its history and many other things about the local area. He kept the trip interesting and made it very enjoyable.”

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Colorado River Full-Day Kayak Tour: 12 Miles, Hot Springs & Caves - Hot Springs, Emerald Cave, and River Beaches
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Colorado River Full-Day Kayak Tour: 12 Miles, Hot Springs & Caves

12.Colorado River Full-Day Kayak Tour: 12 Miles, Hot Springs & Caves

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 39 reviews · 7 hours (approx.) · from $199

Join River Dogz for a guided 12-mile paddle from Hoover Dam toward Willow Beach. Guides such as Brett and Michelle lead beginners through hot springs, caves, beaches, and wildlife stops. Expect an early start, a picnic lunch, snacks, and a real workout, not a lazy float.

“I'm looking forward to another trip down the Colorado river . We had so much fun. I did fall but i was okay.”

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Willow Beach Colorado River Kayak Day Trip with Lunch - Getting fitted for a kayak and safety gear
1-Day Tours, Canoes & Kayaks, Emerald Cave and Colorado River Kayak Tours, Lake Mead and Black Canyon Tours, Lunch Experiences, Tour Reviews

Willow Beach Colorado River Kayak Day Trip with Lunch

13.Willow Beach Colorado River Kayak Day Trip with Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 35 reviews · 9 hours (approx.) · from $218

Paddle from Willow Beach through Black Canyon to Emerald Cave, stopping for a short hike, picnic lunch, and a swim. Hotel transfers, kayak gear, snacks, water, and a guide are included. Guides vary, with Holmes, Adam, Flip, Sara, Gianni, and Neil among those who have led the trip.

“It was amazing…..it was everything they say in their website and more… Sara our guide was very nice and knowledgeable….. We will be back for sure..”

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Hoover Dam Discovery Kayak Tour with Lake Mead Views - Through slot canyons beneath 800-foot cliffs
Canoes & Kayaks, Emerald Cave and Colorado River Kayak Tours, Hoover Dam Tours from Las Vegas, Lake Mead and Black Canyon Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Hoover Dam Discovery Kayak Tour with Lake Mead Views

14.Hoover Dam Discovery Kayak Tour with Lake Mead Views

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 24 reviews · 5 hours (approx.) · from $189

Start at Hoover Dam Lodge at 10:05 a.m. for a five-hour guided kayak trip through Kingman Wash, slot canyons, and a two-mile stretch of Lake Mead. Your guide handles safety and instruction while you take in 800-foot cliffs, desert wildlife, mining sites, and the Mike O’Callaghan-Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge.

“Faith was a great tour guide. She was prepared for us with Kayaks ready to go, gave us a crash course on using foot pedals for steering and rudder control, which we had never used before. Faith pointed out much of the local wildlife and was especially knowledgeable about native plants growing in the area. We found Faith to be very friendly, courteous and informative. As we neared the Dam , she spoke about its construction, size and security and then we took a break with lunch close by the Dam and enjoyed conversation with her and our fellow Kayaker David. We had originally planned our trip for a later…”

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Hoover Dam Raft Tour with Transport & Swim in Black Canyon - Preparing for the 90-minute raft ride
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Hoover Dam Raft Tour with Transport & Swim in Black Canyon

15.Hoover Dam Raft Tour with Transport & Swim in Black Canyon

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 23 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $119

Ride from the LINQ Promenade to the Colorado River, then see Hoover Dam from the water with guides such as Sarah, Scott, Victor, and Paul. Expect a 90-minute raft trip, canyon scenery, possible bighorn sheep sightings, snacks, water, life jackets, and time for a swim.

“I will not give star. Our tour was canceled whick was not their fault as the road going to the raft was closed by the government for reason we didn't know. They couldn't tell us. So hoping we could get our refund back soon.”

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New in Lake Mead and Black Canyon Tours

★ 5.0Lake Mead Stand-Up Paddleboard Tour—Explore Boulder IslandFrom $1193 reviews
★ 4.5Lake Mead & Valley of Fire State Park Self-Guided Audio Tour6 reviews
★ 4.5Lake Mead Kayak Adventure for All Skill Levels from Las VegasFrom $1853 reviews
★ 4.5Private Guided Hoover Dam/Lake Mead Half Day Tour On A TrikeFrom $2756 reviews
★ 5.0Half-Day Colorado River Paddleboard TripFrom $1096 reviews
★ 5.0Grand Celebration Helicopter Tour with Black Canyon RaftingFrom $71912 reviews
★ 5.0Emerald Cave Paddleboard Rental—Self-Drive Colorado River SUPFrom $766 reviews
★ 5.0Boulder Islands Tour: Kayak, Paddleboard or Hydrobike Lake MeadFrom $1196 reviews
★ 5.02-Hour Lake Mead Kayak Tour from Las VegasFrom $1856 reviews
★ 5.0Moonlight Kayak Tour on the Colorado RiverFrom $1498 reviews
★ 4.5Grand Canyon Helicopter Tour with Black Canyon RaftingFrom $7197 reviews
★ 5.0Black Canyon Twilight Kayak TourFrom $1999 reviews

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