Tour / Activity Description

Itinerary:

(Times are approximate and subject to change)

• 10:00 am - Hotel Pickups from Las Vegas Strip.
• 10:45 am - Arrive at the tour office for check-in and paperwork. Guests are fitted with equipment and can purchase last minute items.
• 11:00 am - Travel across Hoover Dam toward the put-in at Willow Beach, Arizona.
• 11:45 am - Saftey briefing and kayaking instructions.
• 12:00 pm - Begin kayaking Black Canyon.
• 12:30 pm - Take a short hike along an historic trailhead.
• 1:00 pm - Kayak into Emerald Cave for a great photo opportunity.
• 1:15 pm - Lunch Break
• 2:00 pm - Refreshing dip in the Colorado River.
• 2:15 pm - Kayak through Black Canyon to Willow Beach for the take-out.
• 3:30 pm - Transportation back to Hotels.
• 5:00 pm - Arrive back at hotels on Las Vegas Strip.

Included:

• High performance kayak with rudder for easy steering
• Paddle and Life Vest
• All safety equipment
• Professional Guide
• Basic paddling instruction
• Lunch and snacks
• Bottled water
• A dry bag for your essentials
• Sunscreen
• In-park transfers
• Hotel transportation

Frequently Asked Questions:

What kind of kayaks do you use? -- These guided trips are equipped with high performance composite kayaks made by SEDA. They are lightweight, strong, and fast. These boats have rudders to make steering easy, along with sealed hatches to keep your items protected. They are top-of-the-line boats. The fleet contains these high performance boats, as well as similar plastic touring boats with rudders from Necky, and sit-on-top kayaks from Bic Sports.

What is included on a guided trip? -- You will get personalized service, the best equipment, freshly prepared and tasty meals, and a certified guide. Your kayak will have a rudder for easy steering, and you will be provided a dry bag to keep your essentials safe. A guided trip is the best value for your money. Your guide has the experience of reading the water currents, keeping you safe, taking you to the best spots, and pointing out wildlife. If you feel uneasy or uncomfortable about kayaking, or are a first time paddler, a guided trip is the way to go.

I don’t know how to swim. Can I still go? -- Although it is extremely beneficial to know how to swim, it is not necessary. Swimming, in most cases, is optional. Nature can be unpredictable though, and there is always the possibility of capsizing. Your guides take every precaution to minimize risks and provide a safe, enjoyable experience. Personal flotation devices equipped with whistles are fitted to each participant, and are mandatory on all trips. Your guides are professionally trained in river rescue techniques, as well as First Aid and CPR. They know how to read currents, keep you upright, and bail you out if the need arises.

Is there white water? Will I tip over? -- Most days, the river is moving flat water, with no rapids. Depending on wind, weather, and flow rates, there can be choppy water, rolling waves, and even large swells along the way. The kayaks are stable, and most people make it through the day without any "out-of-boat" experience. However, this doesn't mean that you should take this river lightly. The Colorado is a big cold river and there can be strong currents, eddies, hidden obstacles, and other unforeseen circumstances that may pose a threat. The guides are prepared for this and will steer you in the right direction for a safe and memorable experience.

Will I get wet? -- Yes. This is a river trip! You will definitely get wet at least up to your knees. Anything above that is considered a bonus. The river is 54F degrees year round. It is quite refreshing during the heat of summer, but unless you want to become part of the polar bear club, too cold for winter swimming. Bathing suits are recommended for the hot springs. You will be provided a dry bag to keep your belongings safe and dry.

What kind of experience do the guides have? -- These guides have been paddling personally and professionally for years. They possess a vast knowledge of the history of the area, wildlife, plants, weather patterns, and river currents. Before they can become lead guides, they must undergo a series of training programs which include rescue techniques, wind and weather, basic river kayaking, physical skills tests, and written tests. CPR and First Aid training is standard, and guides carry marine radios and cell phones at all times.

What should I bring/wear?

• In summer: shorts and a T-shirt, along with a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Wear a bathing suit under layers of clothing. Some people prefer long sleeves to protect from sun exposure. Be sure to wear river sandals or old tennis shoes that can get wet. Flip flops are NOT suitable for the area; the algae and moss is very slippery and flip flops don't give enough support. You should definitely bring a camera or buy a waterproof disposable.
• In winter: Bathing suit under long sleeves and pants (no cotton). Cotton tends to retain water, so fleece or synthetic material is best for cold weather. Nylon, polyester, capilene, and polypropylene work wonders. A light fleece jacket keeps you warm, and a pair of wool socks will warm your feet even when wet. A ski-type beanie or hat that covers your ears is oh-so-nice and a light pair of gloves will keep your digits toasty. Bring sunglasses and sunscreen. Water shoes or Teva type sandals will be fine. Don't forget the camera!

What if I am a beginner? -- You may start as a beginner, but you will end the trip as a confident kayaker. Your guides are professionals and introduce newcomers to the sport every day. A high percentage of these trips consist of first-time paddlers or those who have tried it only once or twice. Because of this, lightweight, fast kayaks equipped with rudders for easy steering have been chosen for you. All trips receive safety rules as well as basic paddling instructions. What better way to try a new sport?

Is there a minimum age requirement? -- For guided trips, a child be at least 6 years old and paddle in a tandem kayak with an adult - or 14 years old if they wish to paddle their own kayak. Your guide may rearrange people throughout the day to balance the ability of the group. If you feel you can paddle for two, the guides won't stop you. Just remember...the trip is almost 12 miles.

When should I make my reservation? -- Space is limited, so you should make your reservations as early as possible. Holidays and weekends book up quickly.

Where do we meet and what time will I get back? -- You will be picked up at your hotel at a time noted on your E-Ticket. Guests are usually off the river by 3:00 pm. Depending on traffic at Hoover Dam, you should arrive back at your hotel around 5:00 pm.

What is the best time of year to go? -- Anytime! The guides vote for the fall and winter with calm, glassy waters, no motor boats, and fewer crowds. Daytime winter temperatures hover in the low 60s, making the hot springs inviting as steam rises above their surface. Springtime brings colorful wildflowers, newborn wildlife, and warmer temperatures. Winds can sometimes be brutal during March and April. Summer is just plain hot, but is still the busiest time of year for these trips, and you are almost guaranteed to see bighorn sheep drinking from the river, plus a good swim in the cold water is invigorating to say the least. These trips run year round, with a season for everyone!

Is there a minimum number required for your trips? -- Yes, the minimum total number of participants required for these trips is two (2) people. If you are a "single," every effort will be made to combine you with another group.

Do you supply alcohol? May we bring our own? -- For day trips, alcohol is not permitted. Safety is the main concern. Your outfitter has a spotless record and wants to keep it that way. Combining tourists who aren't used to desert temperatures with miles of paddling usually equals dehydration. Mix alcohol into that equation, and it gets dangerous quickly. For the safety of everyone involved - if the guides feel you are intoxicated at pickup, they will refuse service, without a refund. Please do not show up under the influence of alcohol or drugs!

Should I buy travel insurance? -- If you are concerned about the possibility of having to cancel, it is strongly suggested that you purchase trip cancellation insurance to protect your vacation investment. We are not responsible for any expenses incurred due to travel delays, flight cancellations, or illness, and assume no financial responsibility for personal injury, emergency evacuation, or equipment lost or damaged in any way.

48 HOURS MINIMUM ADVANCE BOOKING REQUIRED. Las Vegas Strip hotel pick ups are included, in addition to the Orleans, Palms, Southpoint and Red Rock. Gratuity is not included. This tour requires a total of 2 participants to guarantee departure. Please order online or call to order or for more information.