Black Canyon Self-Drive Kayak Tour to Emerald Cave from Willow Beach
by Blazin Paddles LLC
Choose from 1 available option
How do you want to book?
✓Confirmation before Wed, 9 Sept - card's only charged if it's a yes. If it's a no, still time to book on Viator.
Book on Viator Confirmed right away, but you pay full price.$178.20Overview
This kayak tour follows the Colorado River through Black Canyon, focusing on the history and natural features of the area. The tour begins at Willow Beach, where participants meet other kayakers after arriving by car. Before setting out, there is a safety briefing and waiver signing. The trip lasts about three hours on the water, including paddling upstream through a four-mile round-trip route along the Black Canyon channels. The guide provides commentary on the canyon’s history from the past century and points out wildlife such as Desert Bighorn Sheep, Bald Eagles, and Coyotes. The tour includes a stop at Emerald Cave, where the water glows green due to the sunlight filtering through the cave. Kayakers can take photos and enjoy the calm atmosphere inside the cave. There is also a brief hike to a historic overlook offering panoramic views of the Colorado River, as well as an up-close look at a 100-year-old river gauging station visible from the kayak. Snacks and bottled water are provided throughout the tour. Participants paddle back to Willow Beach to finish the trip. This guided kayak tour is beginner-friendly and requires self-drive access to Willow Beach. Rental cars are necessary because there is no hotel pickup or drop off, and rideshare is discouraged due to lack of cell reception at the launch site.
Highlights
What's included
What's not included
Itinerary
Willow Beach Departure Point
Participants drive themselves to Willow Beach with time to gather last-minute items or use the restroom before the tour. A waiver must be signed and a safety briefing given before beginning approximately 3 hours of kayaking through Black Canyon and Emerald Cove.
Black Canyon Kayaking
The group paddles upstream on a four-mile round-trip route through Black Canyon’s channels. The guide shares stories about the area's history over the last century and points out local wildlife like Desert Bighorn Sheep, Bald Eagles, and Coyotes.
120 min
Emerald Cave and Historic Overlook
The tour visits Emerald Cave, known for its glowing green water, offering photo opportunities and quiet time. Kayakers also stop at a historic overlook with panoramic views of the Colorado River and see a 100-year-old river gauging station from the kayak before returning to Willow Beach.
45 min
Meeting point
Meet @ Primitive Craft Beach. Drive until you see a dirt parking lot on your right and water on your left. You will see our orange tie dye kayaks on the dirt beach to the left. Entrance Fee $25 per car, National Park Pass=free entry NO Uber/Lyft/Taxi Only recommended for those with a vehicle.
End point
Meet @ Primitive Craft Beach. Drive until you see a dirt parking lot on your right and water on your left. You will see our orange tie dye kayaks on the dirt beach to the left. Entrance Fee $25 per car, National Park Pass=free entry NO Uber/Lyft/Taxi Only recommended for those with a vehicle.
Languages
Cancellation policy
- Cancel at least 24 hours before start for a full refund.
Additional info
Black Canyon Self-Drive Kayak Tour to Emerald Cave from Willow Beach
by Blazin Paddles LLC
Choose from 1 available option
How do you want to book?
✓Confirmation before Wed, 9 Sept - card's only charged if it's a yes. If it's a no, still time to book on Viator.
Book on Viator Confirmed right away, but you pay full price.$178.20Overview
This kayak tour follows the Colorado River through Black Canyon, focusing on the history and natural features of the area. The tour begins at Willow Beach, where participants meet other kayakers after arriving by car. Before setting out, there is a safety briefing and waiver signing. The trip lasts about three hours on the water, including paddling upstream through a four-mile round-trip route along the Black Canyon channels. The guide provides commentary on the canyon’s history from the past century and points out wildlife such as Desert Bighorn Sheep, Bald Eagles, and Coyotes. The tour includes a stop at Emerald Cave, where the water glows green due to the sunlight filtering through the cave. Kayakers can take photos and enjoy the calm atmosphere inside the cave. There is also a brief hike to a historic overlook offering panoramic views of the Colorado River, as well as an up-close look at a 100-year-old river gauging station visible from the kayak. Snacks and bottled water are provided throughout the tour. Participants paddle back to Willow Beach to finish the trip. This guided kayak tour is beginner-friendly and requires self-drive access to Willow Beach. Rental cars are necessary because there is no hotel pickup or drop off, and rideshare is discouraged due to lack of cell reception at the launch site.
Highlights
What's included
What's not included
Itinerary
Willow Beach Departure Point
Participants drive themselves to Willow Beach with time to gather last-minute items or use the restroom before the tour. A waiver must be signed and a safety briefing given before beginning approximately 3 hours of kayaking through Black Canyon and Emerald Cove.
Black Canyon Kayaking
The group paddles upstream on a four-mile round-trip route through Black Canyon’s channels. The guide shares stories about the area's history over the last century and points out local wildlife like Desert Bighorn Sheep, Bald Eagles, and Coyotes.
120 min
Emerald Cave and Historic Overlook
The tour visits Emerald Cave, known for its glowing green water, offering photo opportunities and quiet time. Kayakers also stop at a historic overlook with panoramic views of the Colorado River and see a 100-year-old river gauging station from the kayak before returning to Willow Beach.
45 min
Meeting point
Meet @ Primitive Craft Beach. Drive until you see a dirt parking lot on your right and water on your left. You will see our orange tie dye kayaks on the dirt beach to the left. Entrance Fee $25 per car, National Park Pass=free entry NO Uber/Lyft/Taxi Only recommended for those with a vehicle.
End point
Meet @ Primitive Craft Beach. Drive until you see a dirt parking lot on your right and water on your left. You will see our orange tie dye kayaks on the dirt beach to the left. Entrance Fee $25 per car, National Park Pass=free entry NO Uber/Lyft/Taxi Only recommended for those with a vehicle.
Languages
Cancellation policy
- Cancel at least 24 hours before start for a full refund.