Where to Rent Kayaks in Las Vegas
There are many different ways to experience Las Vegas kayaking. Whether you already know how you prefer to paddle or you want some inspiration, Blazin’ Paddles will gladly help you rent a boat for your adventure. Through Blazin’ Paddles, you can take a Vegas kayak tour of your choice based on your experience level, personal preferences, and other factors.
What Kind of Kayaking Tours are Available?
Several different options are available for your kayaking experience. The Half Day Self Drive Kayak Tour is a popular choice for kayakers who want a shorter day out on the water while still enjoying the area’s beautiful natural scenery. The Half Day Self Drive Kayak Tour is a shorter trip that takes approximately three hours. This trip covers a total distance of four miles, and it has an “easy to moderate” rating for athletic ability.
The Half Day Self Drive Kayak Tour starts at Willow Beach. There, you will meet your guide and find the right kayak. While your ultimate destination is the Black Canyon, you will learn all about the human and natural history of the area along the way. The first stop in the tour takes you to a historical overlook that is located about one mile upstream, heading towards the Black Canyon. From this point, you will get great views of the Colorado River, and you may even get to spot iconic local species, including Bald Eagles and Desert Big Horn Sheep. A guide can tell you about the Colorado River’s history and its uses over the past 100 years. Before you set out on the tour, you’ll get to enjoy some quality snacks for fuel. This trip offers several different launch times, which is convenient for planning around your schedule.
The Self Drive Half Day tour includes all the equipment you will need out on the water, including your kayak, paddles, and a personal flotation device (PFD). Snacks and water are also included. However, you are responsible for bringing personal items such as sunscreen and dry bags. It is also important to note that you must have a park permit and arrange shuttle service. If you drive your vehicle into the park, you must also pay the entrance fee.
Guided Tours
Along with the Self Drive tour, Blazin’ Paddles offers a variety of options for kayakers who want to go out on the water with a professional kayaking guide. Many great choices are available in this category, including the popular Hoover Dam kayak tour that allows you to kayak Hoover Dam for an unforgettable experience. This full-day tour also brings you to the Black Canyon along the Colorado River. Chances are good you will get to see some of the area’s top wildlife and build in a trip to the surrounding hot springs and beaches.
Transportation is available to and from the Las Vegas Strip for convenience. Since the Full Day Tour is a longer guided tour, it also has an early 7:00 AM departure time. The tour totals about 6-7 hours on the water, but you can expect a total duration of 9-10 hours, including the time it takes for pickup and drop-off. This tour has an athletic ability rating of “moderate to difficult.” The tour begins at the Hoover Dam, which is an awe-inspiring starting point. The Hoover Dam is one of the most impressive man-made features in the Southwest, and it provides a very picturesque background for photos.
This tour also includes a stop at the scenic and historic Black Canyon. You will stop at hot springs along the way and have the opportunity to enjoy a nice soak before starting to slowly make your way back. The trip concludes with an Emerald Cave tour, which is mesmerizing with its emerald green hues before you head back to Willow Beach.
The Twilight Paddle is a great tour for those who want to spend an enjoyable evening out on the water. If you’re lucky, there will be no clouds in the sky, and you’ll get a clear evening for watching the stars. This tour begins at Willow Beach. Before the stars emerge, you will start out watching the sunset at Willow Beach, which is the launch site for the kayaking expedition. A beach fire with marshmallows is included to start the evening. Note that the start time varies depending on the time of year.
You will start anywhere from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM, depending on the season. The tour includes a two-mile paddle out to a beach further down the Colorado River. The tour is timed to give you great views of the Black Canyon along the way. In total, this trip is four hours long, and it is a four-mile paddle round trip. If you’re trying to plan a kayaking tour, ask the staff at Blazin’ Paddles when the start time will be for the time you plan to go. You can also check the company’s website to find out when your start time will be. As with the half-day Las Vegas kayak tours that Blazin’ Paddles offers, you will get all the equipment you need for your kayaking journey, including the boat, a flotation device, and paddles, but you’ll need to provide your own personal supplies such as sunglasses and sunscreen.
What is There to See Around the Black Canyon?
The Black Canyon has many great surrounding natural attractions. The North Rim and South Rim are two popular destinations within the canyon. The South Rim is the most popular, and it is where most tourists explore the Black Canyon. The North Rim is beautiful but more remote. It can take over two hours to reach the North Rim if you’re starting from the South Rim.
Gunnison Point is another can’t-miss stop along your tour of the Black Canyon. Gunnison Point is located on Gunnison South Rim Road. Chasm View, Painted Wall View, and Sunset View are some other great spots to check out. Painted Wall View is an exceptionally stunning natural wonder that looks like it has paint dripping down the sides. Pulpit Rock stands out for its panoramic views of the Colorado River and the Black Canyon.
For those looking for an exciting road trip while visiting the Black Canyon, the East Portal Road is a spectacular route. The road winds five miles down into the bottom of the Black Canyon. This route concludes with a stop at the Gunnison River, one of the most beautiful areas of the national park it is located in.
Wildlife sightings are common in the Black Canyon, bald Eagles are common to spot, and Peregrine Falcons are other avian wildlife to be on the lookout for. You may spot weasels, chipmunks, skunks, and mule deer on the ground. Black bears and bobcats are also in the area, and you may catch sight of them if you are lucky.
Cross Fissures View is another highlight of the Black Canyon. This viewpoint tends to get fewer tourists than many of the surrounding vistas, so if you are looking for a quiet place to enjoy the scenery, this is the place to go. Bring your camera, as the panoramic views are spectacular.
Contact Blazin’ Paddles today to learn more about the great Colorado River kayaking tours available in the Las Vegas area and your options for renting a boat.
