Kayaking in Las Vegas

You probably don't know what to see and do in Las Vegas during your stay, since 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, in the surroundings of Las Vegas you will also get a great 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 will also have the opportunity to soak in relaxing hot springs, swim in crystal-clear waters and contemplate the impressive fauna present in the canyon cliffs, in the skies and in the water.

Aside from touring the 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 a pick-up at your hotel, and then you can head to Willow Beach to begin your adventure. In addition, you can previously select between two options regarding the time of the tour:

• A quick route of only 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 will get into a kayak and paddle through the Colorado River, where if you are 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 arrive at the Esmeralda Cave, you will discover calm crystalline waters, characterized 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 comments about this historic place.

Details of interest

• Price: From $105 per person.
• Duration: From 4 to 8 hours, depending on the selected tour.
• Means of transportation: Bus for the 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 the entrance fee to the National Park, tips and snacks.

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

If you venture out on this tour you will paddle approximately 12 miles, starting at the famous Hoover Dam, and continue moving along the Colorado River. Finally, you will cross the imposing Black Canyon.

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

In addition, 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 transportation: Bus for the transfer 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 a beautiful natural landscape and relax in hot springs.
• Disadvantages of this option: If you are traveling 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 the Black Canyon to enjoy a majestic sunset, sit around a campfire and, finally, contemplate the starry sky. Embark on one of the best tours and excursions from Las Vegas and live a unique adventure.

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

Afterwards, you will have to paddle a little more following the current of the river until you make a stop on the shore. There, the whole group will get out of the kayaks to light a campfire, eat some marshmallows and exchange views about their experiences during the tour before heading back.

Details of interest

• Price: From $119 per person.
• Duration: 3 hours (Approx.)
• Means of transportation: You will have a bus for the transfer to and from the hotel. Also, a kayak for the water tour.
• Advantages of this option: You will see a beautiful landscape and the sunset. In addition, you will participate in a bonfire.
• Disadvantages of this option: Generally the tour does not include the entrance fee to the National Park, so you might have to pay an average price of $15.

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

There you will enjoy some beautiful natural scenery, make some stops for sunbathing and swimming in the crystal clear waters.

Throughout this tour you will have an experienced guide by your side who, before setting sail, will teach you the basics of kayaking. Also, during the tour this person will give precise comments about the history of the island and its surroundings.

You will kayak through Lake Mead and, after paddling approximately one kilometer, you will come across Boulder Island. In this paradisiacal place there are some bays where you can stop for a few minutes. This way, you can swim in these peaceful waters or lie under the radiant sun of the region.

Details of interest

• Price: From 160 dollars.
• Duration: 4 hours (Approx.)
• Means of transportation: Bus for transportation 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 will be able to stop in some bays to rest and swim under the sun's rays.
• Disadvantages of this option: Generally, these tours offer pick-ups at the hotels located on the Strip. Therefore, if you are not staying on the Strip, you will have to arrange a meeting point.

If you're the kind of person who likes to be in close contact with nature, sit around a campfire and sleep under the stars, then you'll be interested in a 35-kilometer 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 on the Gold Strike Trail, all while admiring the breathtaking scenery. Afterwards, you will stop at some natural thermal saunas, where you will have the privilege to soak and relax for a few minutes.

The trip continues with the passage through Boyscout and Lone Palm canyons, where there is a system of springs. You can stop to enjoy this natural wonder and take some pictures. Next, you will 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 historic sites. You will return to the starting point and a bus will take you to Las Vegas.

Definitely, this is 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 transportation: Spacious bus for the transfer to and from the hotel. During the tour on the water a single or double kayak, as desired.
• Advantages of this option: You will kayak, swim in crystal clear waters and enjoy hot springs. In addition, you will contemplate 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 dare to do it, you will be able to enjoy a colorful natural environment, swim in crystal clear waters and see some historical sites. All this, accompanied by 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.

Next, 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 contemplate the area and take some pictures. A second stop is also made at the gauging station, where you can get out of the kayak and walk along the river.

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

Details of interest

• Price: From $120.
• Duration: 3 hours (Approx.)
• Means of transportation: You will have a spacious bus for the transfer to and from the hotel. On the other hand, 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 region's historical sites.
• Disadvantages of this option: Generally, the guide of this type of tour speaks only English, so if you do not speak English you should take it into account.

Paddling a kayak on the peaceful waters of the Mead River after 5:30 p.m. and watching a wonderful sunset are two privileges you can enjoy during your trip to Las Vegas. You will only need to book a guided tour that has this route available.

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

Afterwards, you will get out of the canoe to explore the area a bit and, if you wish, you can swim before sitting by the campfire and watching the sun slowly go down. To finish, you will paddle back under the light of the starry sky, which will offer you an amazing night view.

Details of interest

• Price: From $120.
• Duration: 3 hours (Approx.)
• Means of transportation: 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 are traveling in 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 specialized guide.

During the route in the Boulder Islands you will paddle a little more than two miles and, meanwhile, 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 to take a walking tour and take pictures.

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

Details of interest

• Price: From 150 dollars.
• Duration: 3 hours (Approx.)
• Means of transportation: You will board a bus for the transfer to and from the hotel. In addition, you will use a kayak and a hydrobike.
• Advantages of this option: You will be able to do several 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 payment of the entrance fee to the islands.

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

The starting point of this tour is Willow Beach, where you will board a kayak and paddle in the company of a guide. You'll paddle along the water until you reach the Colorado River, where you'll navigate along its banks while taking in the scenery, and then explore Emerald Cave.

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

Details of interest

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

Guided kayak tours from Las Vegas provide greater security to tourists not to get lost, since the navigation route is in charge of 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 will probably end up investing more money.

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

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