Kayaking in Las Vegas

You probably don't know what to see and do in Las Vegas during your stay, as it is a city that offers many activities to its tourists. In this sense, the famous Sin City is known for being a true paradise of casinos, parties and adult attractions. But in fact, around Las Vegas you will also get a lot of natural beauty to explore.

You can get into a kayak and, with the help of a guide, tour the Colorado River, the interior of the Emerald Cave and the Black Canyon. You'll also have the opportunity to soak in soothing hot springs, swim in crystal clear waters and see the impressive wildlife in the canyon cliffs, in the skies and in the water.

Aside from exploring the shopping malls, visiting casinos and attending the best museums in Las Vegas, you can also take advantage of your trip to discover the natural beauty of the city's surroundings. To do so, you can join a guided kayak tour of the famous Emerald Cave.

This type of tour usually starts with hotel pick-up and drop-off before heading to Willow Beach to begin the adventure. In addition, you can choose between two options for the length of the tour beforehand:

• A quick tour of just four hours, ideal for those who don't have much time during their trip to Las Vegas, but still want to explore some of its natural regions.
• A more relaxed tour of approximately eight hours, where you can stop for a swim in the Colorado River and stop several times to carefully admire the scenery.

Whichever option you choose, you'll get into a kayak and paddle across the Colorado River, where if you're lucky, you might see some blue herons on the riverbanks, a spectacular American eagle soaring overhead or adesert bighorn sheep on the cliffs of the imposing canyon.

When you reach the Emerald Cave, you'll discover calm, crystal clear waters, which are characterised by a fabulous shade of green and a pleasant temperature. You will be able to take pictures and during the tour you will listen to the guide's commentary about this historic place.

Details of interest

• Price: From $105 per person.
• Duration: 4 to 8 hours, depending on the tour selected.
• Means of transport: Bus for transfer to and from the hotel. In addition, a modern kayak for the water tour.
• Advantages of this option: You will be able to learn about the predominant wildlife and main geological aspects of the region.
• Disadvantages of this option: This tour usually does not include entrance to the National Park, tips and snacks.

One of the most popular activities for tourists tends to be the Hoover Dam tour in Las Vegas. This is a kayaking tour that combines beautiful scenery, amazing wildlife and the chance to relax in the hot springs hidden in the canyons.

If you venture out on this tour you'll paddle approximately 12 miles, starting at the famous Hoover Dam and continuing along the flow of the Colorado River. Finally, you'll cross the mighty Black Canyon.

Meanwhile, you'll enjoy the mesmerising scenery of canyons, crystal clear waters and blue skies. You will also see some coyotes, waterfowl, the American hawk and desert bighorn sheep at a safe distance .

Also, before returning to the city you will have the opportunity to soak in the hot springs located in this region. This way, you will be able to relax and take advantage of the mineral properties of the water for the health of your skin.

Details of interest

• Price: From $199 per person.
• Duration: The tour lasts approximately 9 hours from the time of pick-up at the hotel.
• Means of transport: Bus to and from the hotel. In addition, double or single kayak during the tour on the water.
• Advantages of this option: You will be able to enjoy the beautiful natural scenery and relax in the hot springs.
• Disadvantages of this option: If you are travelling with children under eight years old, you should know that this type of tour is not suitable for them.

During your trip, don't miss the opportunity to take an unforgettable kayak tour to Black Canyon to enjoy a majestic sunset, sit around a campfire and finally gaze at the starry sky. Embark on one of the best tours and excursions from Las Vegas and experience a unique adventure.

For this tour you will set sail from Willow Beach by kayak and, together with an experienced guide, you will paddle a few miles until you reach the Black Canyon. You'll be able to admire the natural beauty of this magical region in detail. You'll then make your way to a viewpoint on the Colorado River, where you'll get a privileged view of the sunset.

Afterwards, you'll paddle a little further along the river until you reach a stop on the shore. There, the whole group will get out of the kayaks to light a campfire, eat some marshmallows and talk about their experiences during the tour before heading back.

Details of interest

• Price: From $119 per person.
• Duration: 3 hours (Approx.)
• Means of transport: You will be provided with a shuttle bus to and from the hotel. Also, a kayak for the trip on the water.
• Advantages of this option: You will see beautiful scenery and the sunset. In addition, you will participate in a campfire.
• Disadvantages of this option: Usually the tour does not include the entrance fee to the National Park, so you might have to pay an average price of 15 dollars.

If you don't know what to see and do in Las Vegas in 2 days, you have the option of escaping the hustle and bustle of the city for a few hours to kayak from Lake Mead to Boulder Island.

There you'll enjoy some beautiful natural scenery, make a few stops to soak up the sun and swim in the crystal clear waters.

Throughout the tour you will have an experienced guide at your side who will teach you the basics of kayaking before you set sail. He or she will also provide accurate commentary on the history of the island and its surroundings.

You'll kayak across Lake Mead and, after paddling for about a kilometre, you'll come across Boulder Island. In this paradisiacal place you will find some bays where you can stop for a few minutes. You can swim in these peaceful waters or lie in the sunshine of the region.

Interesting details

• Price: From 160 dollars.
• Duration: 4 hours (Approx.)
• Means of transport: Bus for transport from the hotel and a kayak for the tour.
• Advantages of this option: You will kayak with a professional guide while admiring the natural scenery. Afterwards, you can stop in some bays to rest and swim in the sun.
• Disadvantages of this option: Generally, these tours offer pick-ups from hotels along the Strip. Therefore, if you are not staying on the Strip, you will have to arrange a meeting point.

If you're someone who likes to get up close and personal with nature, sit around a campfire and sleep under the stars, then you'll be interested in a 35-kilometre tour through the waters of the Hoover Dam with a camping stop.

You'll board a kayak to paddle across the Hoover Dam to join the Colorado River and continue along the Gold Strike Trail, all the while admiring the breathtaking scenery. Afterwards, you'll stop at natural hot springs, where you'll have the privilege to soak and relax for a few minutes.

The journey continues through Boyscout and Lone Palm canyons, where you'll find a spring system. You can stop to enjoy this natural wonder and take some photos. You will then head to a beach located near the resorts and camp in that area.

At sunrise, you will return to the kayak to visit the interior of Emerald Cave and some nearby historical sites. You will return to the starting point and a bus will take you back to Las Vegas.

This is definitely a good option for you, who still don't know what to see and do in Las Vegas in 5 days.

Details of interest

• Price: From $9,800.
• Duration: 2 days.
• Means of transport: Spacious bus for the transfer to and from the hotel. During the water trip a single or double kayak, as desired.
• Advantages of this option: You will kayak, swim in crystal clear waters and enjoy the hot springs. In addition, you will enjoy a privileged day and night view.
• Disadvantages of this option: The tour could be cancelled due to bad weather conditions.

This tour departs from Las Vegas by bus to Willow Beach and continues on board a kayak to explore the region. If you're up for it, you'll be able to enjoy a colourful natural environment, swim in crystal-clear waters and see some historic sites. All this in the company of an experienced tour guide.

Before starting this adventure of approximately three hours, you will receive a brief explanation on how to use the equipment correctly and you will learn the main safety rules with the kayak.

Afterwards, you will get into the canoe and start paddling following the direction of the Colorado River.

Normally you will stop at the fish hatchery area to look at the area and take some pictures. Later on, there is a second stop at the gauging station, where you can get out of the kayak and walk along the river.

During this tour, you'll listen to the guide's commentary and learn about the history of Las Vegas.

Interesting details

• Price: From $120.
• Duration: 3 hours (Approx.)
• Means of transport: You will have a spacious bus for the transfer to and from the hotel. You will have a modern kayak to go along the beach.
• Advantages of this option: You will contemplate a beautiful landscape with crystalline and fresh waters where you can also swim. You will also get to know some of the historical sites of the region.
• Disadvantages of this option: Generally, the guide of this kind of tours speaks only English, so if you do not speak English you will have to take it into account.

Paddling a kayak on the peaceful waters of the Mead River after 5.30pm and watching a wonderful sunset are two privileges you can enjoy during your trip to Las Vegas. All you need to do is book a guided tour that has this route available.

This kayaking tour usually lasts three hours, during which you'll enjoy the stunning desert scenery surrounding the crystal clear waters. You'll paddle into the large man-made Lake Mead, where the Boulder Islands are located .

Afterwards, you'll get out of the canoe to explore the area a little and, if you wish, swim before sitting by the campfire and watching the sun slowly go down. Finally, you'll paddle back under the light of the starry sky for a stunning night-time panorama.

Interesting details

• Price: From $120.
• Duration: 3 hours (Approx.)
• Means of transport: During the tour you will have a single or double kayak, while for the transfer to and from the hotel you will board a bus.
• Advantages of this option: You will enjoy an amazing night view, as you will paddle back to the beach after sunset.
• Disadvantages of this option: This tour may not incorporate the tax fee required for boating on Lake Mead, so you will need to pay it separately.

If you're travelling to Las Vegas and want to escape the heat of the city, you can join a three-hour tour of the Boulder Islands. You'll enjoy the refreshing, crystal-clear waters while swimming, kayaking or riding a hydrobike. All this with the help of a specialised guide.

During the Boulder Islands tour you will paddle a little more than two miles and, in the meantime, you will admire the natural landscape. In addition, you will be guided to the smallest part of the islands, where you will get out of the kayak for a walking tour and to take pictures.

Afterwards, you will have the opportunity to get on a hydrobike and live a different experience. You will test your endurance by pedalling underwater. You can also swim freely and relax for a long time.

Interesting details

• Price: From 150 dollars.
• Duration: 3 hours (Approx.)
• Means of transport: You will board a bus for the transfer to and from the hotel. You will also use a kayak and a hydrobike.
• Advantages of this option: You will be able to do various water activities, admire the scenery and stop at the islands to explore them on foot.
• Disadvantages of this option: This tour does not usually incorporate the entrance fee to the islands.

If you want to enjoy the best views of Las Vegas during your stay in the city, you'll want to take part in a tour that combines a water and aerial activity. This way, you'll make the most of your time and have more fun.

The starting point for this tour is Willow Beach, where you'll get into a kayak and paddle along with a guide. You'll paddle along the water until you reach the Colorado River, where you'll paddle along the banks of the river while taking in the scenery and then explore the Emerald Cave.

When you return, you'll continue on to the second part of this exciting adventure. You'll board a helicopter and soar above the Grand Canyon for a majestic aerial view of this ancient rock formation.

Interesting details

• Price: From $599.
• Duration: 4 hours (Approx.)
• Means of transport: Kayak for the water, helicopter for an aerial adventure and bus for the city transfer.
• Advantages of this option: With this tour you will not only enjoy beautiful views as you sail through the Colorado River and Emerald Cave. You will also get an aerial view of the region as you fly over it in a helicopter.
• Disadvantages of this option: This tour is generally not suitable for children under 12 years old.

Guided kayak tours from Las Vegas give tourists more security that they won't get lost, as the route is navigated by an experienced person.

However, if it is not your first time doing this activity and you know the region, then the tour on your own is more convenient, because you can explore at your own pace.

Other important aspects of hiring a guided tour is that you will have at your disposal the necessary equipment to navigate (kayak, paddles, life jackets, etc).

Also, most of these tours include the fees for navigation within the national parks, hotel pick-up, among other benefits. In the case of self-guided tours, you'll probably end up spending more money.

Kayaking in Las Vegas can be done any day of the year, as this is a region characterised by a warm and stable climate. Therefore, you won't encounter low temperatures that will prevent you from paddling and swimming in the crystal clear waters of the lakes, rivers and beaches.

However, if you want a more enjoyable experience on the water, you should opt for kayaking during spring, autumn or winter, as the ambient temperature is better than in summer and you'll enjoy cooler water when submerged.