About Your Willow Beach Kayak Rental
Book your Willow Beach kayak rentals online and launch into a self-guided adventure through the stunning Colorado River just 50 minutes from Las Vegas. Paddle at your own pace, explore the iconic Black Canyon, and discover the stunning beauty of Emerald Cave—one of the most breathtaking sights in the entire Southwest.
Just 1 hour from the Las Vegas Strip is historic Willow Beach, AZ — your gateway to Emerald Cave, with towering red rock cliffs along a majestic stretch of the Colorado River teeming with wildlife and breathtaking desert scenery.
Our kayak rentals include up to 5 hours of exploration time. Whether you’re planning a peaceful paddle to Emerald Cave or seeking out the best photo spots near Willow Beach Marina, this is the ultimate outdoor adventure near Las Vegas.
Our rental process is simple and convenient. Once you book online, you’ll receive a confirmation with everything you need to know for the day. When you arrive at Willow Beach, your kayak and gear will be ready and waiting at the launch point — Kayak Beach. We provide you with a paddle, life vest, and a quick orientation so you feel confident and ready to go. From there, the river is yours to explore.
This is a self-guided adventure, not a group tour. There’s no guide or schedule once you’re on the water. With our Willow Beach kayak rentals, you decide where to go and how long to stay. Paddle to Emerald Cave, take breaks at scenic coves, float along the riverbanks, or beach your kayak for a riverside snack. This stretch of the Colorado River is incredibly beginner-friendly, with calm waters and unforgettable views in every direction.
Willow Beach is a hidden gem in the Lake Mead National Recreation Area — and renting a kayak is the best way to experience it. This is your opportunity to explore the wild beauty of Arizona’s desert river canyons with total freedom and zero stress.
Changes can be made free of charge 24 hours in advance. No same-day changes or cancellations. Please plan ahead, and be on time.
Important: Your rental launches at the exact time you select during booking. This is a precise launch time—check-in & launch times are not flexible. There is no cell service at Willow Beach, so please be sure to download directions and allow yourself extra time.
Our meeting location is at Kayak Beach(not the marina).
Check-in time: 8:50am
Start time: 9:00am
Return time: anytime before 2pm
Please be on time
What to Expect Before You Launch at Willow Beach, AZ
Our Willow Beach kayak rentals are designed for maximum freedom and ease. When you arrive at your selected time to the designated launch site at Kayak Beach, our team will have your kayak waiting and ready-to-go.
You’ll receive all your equipment, including a life vest and paddle — and we’ll go over a quick orientation so you’re ready to paddle and know where to go. There’s no rush or group schedule once your on the water. This is a self-guided rental, so you explore at your own pace.
Included With Your Willow Beach Kayak Rental:
- Single person kayak
- Life jacket (PFD)
- Paddle
- Safety orientation
- Route recommendations
Please arrive at least 20 minutes early to allow time for parking, prep, and check-in. Willow Beach does not offer cell service, so it’s a good idea to download your directions and maps ahead of time. Out meeting location is at Kayak Beach(not the marina).
Kayaking the Colorado River at Your Own Pace
Your adventure begins as soon as you push off from the calm waters of Willow Beach. The river here is calm and protected, ideal for beginner and intermediate paddlers alike. From the moment your paddle hits the water, you’re immersed in the breathtaking beauty of Black Canyon — towering volcanic cliffs, desert wildlife, and crystal-clear reflections that seem to stretch forever.
Our Willow Beach kayak rentals are perfect for those who want to:
- Paddle to Emerald Cave for iconic photo ops
- Drift quietly along the canyon walls for wildlife spotting
- Beach your kayak for a riverside snack or swim
- Explore crystal clear secret swim spots
- Discover hidden coves and secluded rock formations
- Visit historical sites like the gauger’s cabin along the way
The stretch between Willow Beach and Emerald Cave is about 2 miles one way. Most guests paddle there, enjoy the view, and return with plenty of time left for a second stop or some relaxed floating along the shoreline.
Explore Emerald Cave on a Self-Guided Kayak Adventure!
The number one destination for our Willow Beach kayak rentals is Emerald Cave — a stunning cove carved into the volcanic cliffs of Black Canyon. Around mid-morning, sunlight hits the water just right and transforms the inside of the cave into a glowing emerald green chamber. It’s one of the most photographed spots on the Colorado River, and an unforgettable moment for every paddler who experiences it.
With our self-guided kayak rentals, you have the freedom to time your visit perfectly. No guide. No schedule. Just you, your kayak, and nature’s light show. This flexibility is part of what makes our Willow Beach kayak rentals so popular.
The Best Kayaking Near Las Vegas – Just 1 Hour from the Strip
If you’re searching for the best kayaking near Las Vegas, look no further than Willow Beach. Tucked inside the scenic Lake Mead National Recreation Area, just one hour from the Strip, Willow Beach offers a peaceful desert escape with calm waters, dramatic canyon walls, and glowing emerald coves you won’t find anywhere else.
Unlike busy city tours or crowded lakefronts, Willow Beach delivers total serenity. Paddleboarding or kayaking here feels like stepping into another world — one where red rock cliffs rise above glassy water and the only sounds are the breeze and your paddle. You won’t need to travel far to feel completely disconnected from the noise of Las Vegas.
This stretch of the Colorado River is ideal for both first-timers and experienced paddlers. Whether you’re heading to Emerald Cave or just exploring the quiet inlets and hidden beaches, it’s the kind of adventure that resets your mind and recharges your energy. For visitors and locals alike, Willow Beach is one of the most beautiful, relaxing, and accessible outdoor experiences in all of Southern Nevada.
Why Choose Our Willow Beach Kayak Rentals?
We know you have choices when it comes to kayak rentals near Las Vegas — but here’s why guests consistently choose us:
1. High-Quality Gear
Our kayaks, paddles, and safety equipment are clean, comfortable, and beginner-friendly.
2. Simple, Streamlined Booking
Our online booking system is fast and easy, with instant confirmation. Group discounts are available and automatically applied at checkout.
3. No Hidden Fees
Everything you need is included. No bait-and-switch pricing. Just clear, honest value.
4. Ideal for All Skill Levels
Whether you’ve never paddled before or you’re a seasoned adventurer, our Willow Beach kayak rentals are designed to give you a smooth, safe, and enjoyable experience.
5. Local Guides & Expertise
We’ve been exploring Willow Beach and the Colorado River for years. Our team is happy to suggest the best route for your time window, interests, and paddling ability.
Wildlife, Views & Hidden Gems Along the Colorado River
Kayaking from Willow Beach offers a unique opportunity to witness desert wildlife and river ecology up close. Along the way, you might encounter:
- Bighorn sheep scaling canyon walls
- Ospreys and herons hunting fish from above
- Turtles basking along sunny banks
- The occasional bald eagle
The water here is so clear, you’ll often see fish swimming beneath your kayak. This part of the Colorado River feels wild, untouched, and immersive — especially if you pull into a quiet cove and just let the desert silence settle around you.
Want to take a break? Stop at one of the many small beaches or shallow entries along the way. It’s the perfect spot to cool off with a swim or relax with a packed lunch.
Nearby Points of Interest
While you’re at Willow Beach, there’s plenty more to explore:
- Willow Beach Marina – Grab snacks, drinks, or fishing supplies
- Willow Beach Campground – Make it an overnight with RV or tent camping nearby
- Willow Beach Rentals – We also offer stand-up paddleboards (SUPs)
- Things to Do in Willow Beach, AZ – From fishing & hiking to kayaking & paddle boarding, the area offers something for every outdoor lover
Whether you’re coming for a half-day paddle or making Willow Beach your base for a weekend of desert adventure, our kayak rentals let you experience it all from the water.
Who Our Kayak Rentals Are Perfect For
Our Willow Beach kayak rentals are a great fit for:
- Solo paddlers and nature lovers
- Couples looking for a peaceful outdoor date
- Families seeking a beginner-friendly river day
- Content creators and photographers
- Las Vegas visitors wanting desert adventure
- Big groups of all sizes – great for parties
This is one of the most beginner-friendly ways to explore the Colorado River. If you can paddle and follow a simple map, you can enjoy the magic of Emerald Cave and Black Canyon — no guide required.
What to Bring for Your Willow Beach Kayak Rental
Preparation is simple, but bringing the right gear makes your trip more comfortable:
- Quick-dry clothing (avoid cotton)
- Water shoes or sandals with straps
- Sunglasses and reef-safe sunscreen
- Hat or visor
- Waterproof phone case or dry bag (we provide one too)
- Water bottle (hydration is key)
- Small cooler or snacks
- Park entry fee or National Parks Pass
There’s no cell service at Willow Beach, so plan ahead, download directions, and arrive on time.
FAQ – Willow Beach Kayak Rentals
How long is the rental period?
Up to 5 hours. Plenty of time to reach Emerald Cave, stop at different beaches, have lunch and explore Black Canyon.
Check-in time: 8:50am
Launch time: 9:00am sharp
Return: anytime before 2pm
Where do I check-in?
When you come down the hill after entering the park you will see the staging area on the left for all tours & rentals, this is Kayak Beach. Park as close as possible to Kayak Beach. Look for our guide staff and company vehicles on the shoreline at Kayak Beach — and let the adventure begin! (note: we are not the marina)
Do I need prior kayaking experience?
No. The river is calm and beginner-friendly. We provide orientation and safety tips.
Is there a current on the river?
There is no strong current in this stretch of the Colorado River. The water is calm, peaceful, crystal-clear and ideal for paddlers of all levels.
Do you offer single and tandem kayaks?
Currently we offer single-person kayaks
Are kids allowed?
Yes! Ages 14 and up. Under 18 years old must be accompanied by an adult at all times and wear a life vest mat all times.
Is this a guided tour?
No. This is a self-guided kayak rental. You go at your own pace.
Where is Willow Beach located?
Willow Beach is in Arizona, inside Lake Mead National Recreation Area — just a 50 minute drive from Las Vegas. Use the directions below.
Do I need to book in advance?
Yes. Rentals must be booked online at least 1 day in advance. Call for same-day bookings.
Is there parking at Willow Beach?
Yes, and you’ll need to pay a National Park entry fee unless you have a pass.
Can I explore other areas besides Emerald Cave?
Absolutely. Echo Cave is directly across from Emerald Cave. The gauging site is at the 1.3 mile marker with a 3 minute optional walk. And there are many hidden beaches and quiet coves along the way.
Can I bring food or drinks with me?
Yes. Bring plenty of water. Many guests pack snacks, lunch, or a small cooler to enjoy at one of the scenic stops along the river. No glass and please pack your trash out.
Is there cell phone service at Willow Beach?
No. Be sure to download directions and maps in advance and plan ahead. Make sure you understand where to meet us, and please be on time. We are at Kayak Beach(not the marina).
What if I’m late?
Please arrive on time which is 10 minutes before launch(8:50am)—your rental begins at the exact time you select during booking and is not a flexible window. If you arrive late, your activity may be canceled without a refund. Same-day changes are not allowed. If you need to reschedule, you can do so free of charge with at least 24 hours notice. Please plan ahead and arrive early.
What is your cancellation, refund, & rescheduling policy?
No same-day changes or cancellations are permitted. You can make changes free of charge with at least 24 hours notice. No-shows, same-day cancellations or reschedule requests made on the day of your activity that cannot be accommodated are non-refundable. We reserve equipment and schedule guide staff specifically for your group to provide the best experience possible, so please plan ahead and make any changes the day before if necessary.
Book Your Willow Beach Kayak Rental Today
This is your chance to explore the Colorado River with the best kayak rentals in Willow Beach, AZ. Whether you’re paddling to Emerald Cave, drifting through Black Canyon, or just soaking in the views, this is one of the top-rated things to do near Las Vegas.
Book your Willow Beach kayak rental online now — your kayak will be ready when you arrive. With crystal-clear waters, towering canyon walls, and no guide required, there’s no better way to experience Willow Beach.
Willow Beach kayak rentals made easy. Reserve Online Instantly!
