Black Canyon Hoover Dam Kayaking Tour from Las Vegas

Why We Love this Tour

To see the giant Hoover Dam from above is one thing, but to actually float along the Colorado River below was a whole different world. You feel so remote, so small, yet you know that hundreds of people are driving past in their cars above, or walking along the bridge, looking down at where you are unable to imagine your reality. I can’t wait to be back there!”

– JD Boyle
General Manager

Tour Highlights

  • Launch right by the Hoover Dam!
  • Colorado River
  • Emerald Cove Waterfalls
  • Arizona hot springs
  • Black Canyon
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Price: $260

Half-Day Paddles can be arranged! *Black Canyon paddle includes NPS launch permit fee ($31.80). Permit is non-refundable and non-transferrable, even in cases of cancellation due to weather.

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Overview

Black Canyon Hoover Dam Kayaking Tour

Kayak down the Colorado River on our Black Canyon Hoover Dam Kayaking tour. With daily kayak launches from the base of Hoover Dam, you can experience the wonder of the Black Canyon and it’s many hot springs all year round. Winter paddling is relaxing, with smooth and glassy waters.The hot summer temperatures make the cool waters of the Colorado river very inviting. Come experience the view from the bottom of the Hoover Dam and make some incredible memories while paddling your own high performance kayak down the calm waters of the Colorado River.This is a truly unforgettable experience! Our Colorado River Kayaking tours include high performance boats (with rudder), paddle, life vest, and all other safety equipment plus a dry bag for your camera and gear. A health-conscious picnic lunch will be served along with bottled water and snacks. Come paddle the Colorado River with us on your next trip to Vegas.

Tour Options

FULL DAY FLOAT

$260 all ages

Our most popular Colorado River Experience! This exciting & adventurous day on the river is the best value for those wanting the most “bang for their buck.” This section of Black Canyon is moving flat-water, and is perfect for first timers as well as seasoned paddlers.

  • Distance: 11.7 miles
  • Class: Moving flatwater
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Skill Level: Beginner +
  • Activities: Kayaking, Hiking, Swimming, Hot Springs (85F-120F), Wildlife Viewing

*tour runs DAILY. Kids must be 6 yrs old & accompanied by adult in tandem kayak, or 14 yrs old & 100 lbs to paddle alone. Includes $31.80 non-refundable and non-transferable launch permit even in cases of cancellation due to weather.

BOOK NOW: Full-Day Black Canyon Kayak Tour

COLORADO RIVER KAYAK TOUR

$199 all ages

Try this amazing kayaking experience in Black Canyon. The lower Colorado River is moving flatwater with no rapids – just beautiful green waters. It is perfect for beginner and seasoned paddlers alike. You’ll see:

  • Distance: 5-6 miles
  • Class: Moving flatwater
  • Difficulty: Easy-Moderate
  • Skill Level: Beginner +
  • Activities: Kayaking, Hiking, Swimming, Wildlife

*Tour runs every day except Sundays. Kids must be 6 yrs old & accompanied by adult in tandem kayak, or 14 yrs old & 100 lbs to paddle alone.

BOOK NOW: Colorado River Kayak Tour

Itinerary

SAMPLE ITINERARY

COLORADO RIVER KAYAK TOUR

You’ll be picked up from your Las Vegas Hotel around 10am for the start of your trip, and you’ll travel across the Pat Tillman Bypass Bridge into Arizona. Your destination is Willow Beach, where you will load your kayaks, and gear up for your journey on the Colorado river.

Ready to Launch
Kayak past the Fish Hatchery, toward the emergence of a historic trailhead. Take a break and enjoy a short hike with spectacular views. Explore the ruins before returning to the kayaks.

Explore Black Canyon & Emerald Cave
Back on the river, the green waters of Black Canyon flow through a narrow channel, where Emerald Cave is hidden. Paddle inside for a great photo opportunity. Watch for desert big horn sheep, bald eagles, coyotes, and striped bass.

Have a Delicious Lunch
Beyond Emerald Cave and the catwalk sits a sandy beach, where you’ll enjoy a picnic lunch with million dollar views. Take a refreshing swim in the green waters of the Colorado River before kayaking back to Willow Beach. Your day will end around 6pm with a drop off at your Las Vegas Strip hotel.

Your options are, Ham sandwich, Turkey sandwich, Bacon-Lettuce-Tomato sandwich, Peanut Butter and Jelly sandwich, or a Chef Salad with dressing. Dressing options are: Greek, 1000 Island, Ranch, Blue Cheese or Balsamic. Please notify us of any dietary restrictions.

 

SAMPLE ITINERARY

FULL DAY BLACK CANYON KAYAK TOUR

Your day will begin early in the morning as you meet your guide and prepare for the thrilling ride down the Lower Portal Road – the only road to the base of Hoover Dam. As you drop 1100′ in elevation, the mighty Hoover Dam presents itself.

Ready to Launch
After a short safety briefing and basic paddling instruction, you will get acquainted with your kayak. Once you are on the water, the adventure begins! Your guide will show you unique and hidden places such as Gold Strike Canyon, Lone Palm Canyon, Arizona Hot Springs, Emerald Cave and many other treats. You may see big horn sheep, bald eagles, coyotes, red-tail hawks, turkey vultures, striped bass, and more.

Relax in the Natural Hot Springs!
Remember to wear a bathing suit for soaking in the natural hot springs. Your day will also include a picnic lunch on a secluded beach or rock that will provide you with million dollar views.

Your options are, Ham sandwich, Turkey sandwich, Bacon-Lettuce-Tomato sandwich, Peanut Butter and Jelly sandwich, or a Chef Salad with dressing. Dressing options are: Greek, 1000 Island, Ranch, Blue Cheese or Balsamic. Please notify us of any dietary restrictions.

Explore Emerald Cave
Paddle into Emerald Cave and check out the historic catwalk.Your day ends at Willow Beach, where an air-conditioned shuttle will transport you back to your hotel on the Las Vegas Strip.

 

 

**Sample Itineraries: Please note that due to rapidly-changing conditions (weather, etc) we may need to tailor your itinerary to best suit the needs of the group. While we guarantee that we’ll do our best to provide you with all of the highlights within this itinerary (conditions permitting), we do not guarantee them in this specific order.

These kayak tours are adventure tours.  Guests should be prepared to help carry boats and gear and will be required to enter and exit their boats on their own, multiple times a day.  They will be given safety instruction and guidance throughout the tour, but they should not expect the guide to do everything for them.  These tours are designed for tourists.  Some will find them easy and others will find them strenuous.  Our guides have been trained to accommodate all levels of fitness and expertise.  If you are unsure if a tour is right for you, please don’t hesitate to call to discuss this further.**

Cancellation Policy

    1. Launch permits are non-refundable and non-transferrable.
    2. Cancellations made 14 days in advance will receive a full refund, minus a 6% processing fee.
    3. Cancellations made within 7-13 days will receive a 50% refund.
    4. Cancellations made within 3-6 days will receive a 25% refund.
    5. Absolutely NO refunds will be issued for cancellations within 48 hours of a reservation.
    6. Day trips can be rescheduled with at least 48 hours notice. Multi-day trips can be rescheduled with at least 14 days notice (Rescheduling fees will apply).
    7. Rescheduling fees of $25 per person for guided trips, and $10 per person for self-guided trips will be assessed for any change in date. Permits will need to be re-purchased per NPS policies.
    8. Routes and trips are proposed and might change. Although we will do everything in our power to make sure trips are as described, we may change routes, locations, or times to ensure the safety of our guests and guides.
    9. We cannot be responsible for wind, weather, waves, rain, heat, flash floods, earthquakes, or unforseen circumstances.
    10. We reserve the right to cancel trips due to weather or unsafe conditions. In this case, we will reschedule, issue a credit, or refund money, depending on individual circumstances.
    11. We do not cancel trips due to rain.
    12. If the trip departs as scheduled, the above cancellation policy will apply.

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Reviews

Review your trip

Best Kayaking we have Ever Done

My wife and I went on the 1 day Black Canyon kayak trip, and it was the best kayaking we have ever done! Will highly recommend anyone going to the Las Vegas area to take one of your trips.

– Danny
Traveled August 2012
Colorado River Kayak Tour

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Highlight of our Trip

My wife and I have seen Wayne Brady, Phantom of the Opera and three different Cirque du Soleil productions. I golfed three different days while in Vegas, and we ate at some fabulous restaurants. While we enjoyed everything, we both agree the highlight of our trip was kayaking down Black Canyon with Desert Adventures. We look forward to booking with you again on our next trip to Vegas!

– Derek R.
Traveled May 2012
Colorado River Kayak Tour

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Top Satisfaction!

We are elderly (70’s) seasoned river/lake/white water kayakers from Upper Michigan. The day long guided trip in Black Canyon was well worth the money! Easy paddling with time to explore Sauna Cave, Mack’s Grotto, the falls and bask in the 100 degree comfortable heat soaking in the beauty of the Colorado and its ancient canyon banks. We sat in awe as fifteen big horn sheep showed themselves during the trip. One came down to the river for a drink within 10 feet of the kayak; three others within 20 feet put on a butting heads act for us. A great guide with a delightful sense of humor enriched the trip with history, geography, geology, and cultural lessons. Shuttle service to and from hotel, sturdy kayaks, attention to safety and even a souvenir water bottle all added up to top satisfaction!

– LaDena
Traveled July 2013

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