Arizona kayaking: Emerald Cave and the Verde River
Arizona kayaking comes down to two places. In Black Canyon, the Colorado River runs below Hoover Dam, and Willow Beach is the launch point for the guided paddle to Emerald Cave.
Emerald Cave is a small rock niche, not a tunnel you paddle through. Its green glow depends on the time of day and the clouds, so no tour can promise a set hour. In summer you may wait your turn at the niche.
Willow Beach is about one hour by road from the Las Vegas Strip. Five of the six tours below start there, and the sixth starts in Cottonwood, near Sedona. Prices are per person, as of November 2026.
Our picks: Arizona kayak tours
Our take: the express tour is the three hour way to Emerald Cave, while the premium tour adds a deli lunch and about seven hours in all. Choose the Verde River run for a river trip near Sedona.
Hand-picked tours, booked through Viator. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Premium Emerald Cave tour with deli lunch
- Deli lunch
- Snacks
A day of about seven hours. Choose a sandwich from several options including vegetarian and vegan.
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Verde River kayak run near Sedona
- Guides
- Kayak, paddle and life vest
- Shuttle to the river
Check-in is 45 minutes before the launch.
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Self-drive Emerald Cove kayak tour
- Professional guide
- Kayaking equipment
- Snacks and bottled water
The park entrance fee of $25 per vehicle is paid separately.
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Emerald Cave express kayak tour
- Certified guide
- Kayak, paddle and life vest
- Strip shuttle option
Meet your guide 30 minutes before the start.
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Emerald Cave kayak tour with optional shuttle
- Guide
- Kayak and life vest
- Mandalay Bay shuttle option
A six hour day. With the shuttle option you meet at 9 am at Mandalay Bay, self-drive guests meet at 10 am at Willow Beach.
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Emerald Cave kayak tour
- Single or tandem kayaks
- Snacks and bottled water
- Park fees with hotel pickup
Hotel pickup from select Las Vegas hotels is an option.
Check availability →Arizona kayak tours
Emerald Cave tours from Willow Beach and a Verde River run near Sedona, with live prices and availability.
Emerald Cave kayak tours from Willow Beach
It costs $109.99, and the shuttle from select Las Vegas Strip hotels and a stop at the Hoover Dam Bypass Bridge are both options you can add. Guests who drive themselves meet the guide on the beach 30 minutes before the start.
The park entrance fee of $25 per vehicle for 1 to 7 days applies, and a valid America the Beautiful pass covers it. It is the one for guests who already have a car.
Choose single or tandem kayaks, with the entrance fee included when you take the hotel pickup. The six hour tour at $89 adds an optional shuttle from Mandalay Bay at 9 am; self-drive guests meet at Willow Beach at 10 am.
A longer day with lunch
A deli lunch is included, with turkey, ham, chicken salad, Italian, vegetarian or vegan sandwiches, plus snacks and, if you select it, the Las Vegas hotel shuttle.
Kayak tour on the Verde River
The Verde River tour costs $115 and starts at 551 N Main Street in Cottonwood, with check-in 45 minutes before launch. Kayak, paddle and life vest are included. The tour needs at least four participants to start.
Season, weather and what to bring
Black Canyon can be paddled all year. Autumn and winter are cooler but can bring strong wind, while late spring and summer are hot. Monsoon rain can cause flash floods. Life jackets are required for everyone in hand-powered boats between Hoover Dam and River Mile 43. Bring sun protection, a hat, water shoes and layers; flip-flops are not allowed on these tours.
Children join from age 5 on the Verde River tour and the $88 Emerald Cave tour. For a tour that accepts non-swimmers, the $110 self-drive tour does.
Which kayak tour fits you
Choose the $109.99 express tour for a first paddle with the shortest day. Choose the Verde River for a river run in the Sedona area; our things to do in Sedona guide shows what else is nearby.
Arizona kayaking: practical questions
How much does a kayak tour to Emerald Cave cost?
The six tours here run from $88 to $162 per person. The $109.99 express tour and the $110 self-drive tour both last 3 hours, and the premium tour at $162 includes lunch.
Can I kayak in winter?
Black Canyon can be paddled all year. Winter is cooler and strong wind is possible, so dress in layers.
Do the tours include a Las Vegas hotel pickup?
On the $88, $109.99 and $162 tours, pickup from select Las Vegas Strip hotels is an option you add when booking. The $89 tour offers a shuttle from Mandalay Bay. The $110 tour is self-drive only.