We had a fantastic day on the river with Ian. Despite an extreme heat warning, the Emerald Cave paddle was quite doable, even for those of us over 60. A light breeze coupled with splashing water on yourself made the journey very pleasant. We chose the morning tour because of the heat and it was a good call. Though the cave colors are more vibrant in the afternoon, the cave tends to be more crowded.But the tour is much more than the cave. Being on the water alongside the soaring cliffs, soaking up the sun, and seeing the relics from the building of the dam (make sure you look for the catwalk) make the whole experience very enjoyable.If you are trying to decide on which tour company to go with, here are some good reasons to choose Kayak Lake Mead:1. Superior equipment. From what I saw, Ian’s kayaks were the best on the river. New or close to it, well maintained, and very safe.2. Kayak Lake Mead only takes a maximum of six people. This made the tour much more intimate. Ian made a point to learn everyone’s name and interacted with each of us on a personal level. If you are looking to get away from the gaggle kayak group tour, this is it.3. Ian made the tour interesting and educational. We learned so much about the history of the area and the dam as well as the local flora and fauna. He definitely knows his stuff!4. Ian owns the company and puts his heart into the tour. He lives and breathes kayaking (check out his license plate) and he clearly enjoys sharing his passion with others.One final tip: Between Memorial Day and Labor Day powered watercraft are restricted on Sunday and Monday. So if you want a more peaceful experience go on one of those two days. Less

Our tour was phenomenal, the scenery is breathtaking and our tour guide Doug is knowledgeable. He shared History about the area while making sure we had a memorable experience. Our group included a 1st time Kayaker who is uncomfortable in the water. Doug shared his experience early on and my teammate was a pro by the end of the tour. Most beautiful River I’ve seen in my home state of Arizona. Less

Today my family of seven and I had an amazing Emerald Cave tour with Doug. This afternoon was so much more than the Emerald Cave although it was the highlight. We saw a second cave (I won’t spoil it), the river gate, stopped at two spectacular beaches for pictures and snacks and so much more. I’ve been in Vegas for many years and can’t believe I waited this long to see Emerald Cave. Doug was extremely knowledgeable about the history of the lake -to the bald eagles and the crayfish we spotted. I recommend taking the afternoon tour as it seemed the morning tour was pretty busy even for a weekday. The kayaks themselves were clearly quality product when compared to what we saw offered from other tours. This was a memorable afternoon. Kayak Lake Mead is the leader for a tour! Less

Ian was a truly wonderful guide for our very active and adventurous family! He took the time to communicate with us fully about our reservation and once on the water let everyone move and enjoy the experience at their own pace. The environment is stunning and along side of Ian’s tour information was truly a memorable and captivating experience!! We came to Vegas with our family for Christmas and honestly could have just stayed more outside the city with this tour and the natural beauty! Our family consists of 5 kids ages 18, 17, 14, 12, and 10. Everyone had their own kayak and they were brand new and very easy to maneuver!Would total do this experience excursion again! Thanks Ian what an amazing holiday gift! Less

Kayak Lake Mead was a perfect 10!!!Ian, the owner and guide was fantastic. Our entire experience was amazing.Before starting my review I would like to point out what might be the best feature of Kayak Lake Mead. Ian limits his groups to 6 unless it’s a private group. If it’s a private group he will go to 8. This is HUGE!!! We saw groups well over 30 on the water. It would be miserable to be in a group that size.Ian’s communication leading up to the trip was informative and helpful. He arrived 20 minutes early the day of the event with state of the art, clean, beautiful kayaks. They were by far the best kayaks in the water that day. I described them as the F1 cars of kayaks. No other kayaks on the water compared to these.After a brief safety review we hit the water. It was Memorial Day weekend so the water was very busy. Ian told stories, pointed out facts about the Colorado River and and gave assistance when needed.We paddled about an hour on a perfect day to the only cave on the river. It’s what everyone hears about. While the cave is a bit underwhelming, Ian was a great guy to help with a few photos and also helped with organizing other kayakers to stay organized entering the cave.After the cave we began our paddle back. We made one more stop for a dip in the river and a snack. We also hiked up to the remains of an old Rangers home. Again, we ran into a crowd of people because of Memorial Day.We made our way back to where we started and thanked Ian for a wonderful day.I cannot encourage you enough to use Ian and Kayak Lake Mead. Less

The emerald cave kayak tour was breathtaking! Our guide, Ian, made it unforgettable with stunning views, fascinating historical insights, and even a few dad jokes that kept us laughing. Ian’s fun, knowledgeable approach made this trip memorable—highly recommended! Less

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Amazing Experience with Kayak Lake Mead!We had an unforgettable time with Kayak Lake Mead! From start to finish, the entire experience was seamless, professional, and packed with adventure. The staff was incredibly friendly, knowledgeable, and passionate about the area—they made us feel completely at ease, even as first-time kayakers.The equipment was top-notch and well-maintained, and the safety briefing was clear and reassuring. We chose a guided tour, and it was worth every penny. Our guide shared fascinating insights about the lake’s history, geology, and wildlife while leading us through stunning canyons and crystal-clear waters. The views were absolutely breathtaking—towering cliffs, hidden coves, and peaceful inlets that felt like something out of a dream.We even had time to swim and explore a few beaches along the way, which was a great bonus. It’s hard to overstate how peaceful and majestic Lake Mead is when you’re out on the water—so different from the hustle of the Las Vegas Strip just an hour away.Highly recommend this to anyone looking for a unique and memorable outdoor adventure in the area. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, Kayak Lake Mead is an experience you don’t want to miss! Less

We had an amazing time! The views were spectacular and our guide was hilarious. I highly recommend doing this experience. Our guide did an awesome job at making sure we saw the best sights and giving us the history of our location as well. Less

My wife and I booked a tour two days ago and we had a wonderful experience. I spent some time on the phone with Danny, who answered all the questions I had honestly and without any BS. I had plenty of them as neither my wife or I had ever been on a kayak prior to this. Our tour guide Ian was great. He was knowledgeable, friendly, and I could tell he truly wanted us to have a great trip. He genuinely loves the outdoors, this isnt just a job for him. I highly recommend this company to anyone interested in seeing the river, the beautiful green water, or is just wanting an awesome day on the water. Thank you Danny and Ian!!!!! Less

I appreciated the small group and the fact that Guide Ian let us go at our own pace. Along the way, he shared history of the lake, and fun facts about the flora and fauna; totally engaging. If you are looking for a great way to be on the water, book with Ian and have a relaxing, gorgeous kayak experience. Less

Was headed out to Las Vegas for a long weekend and wanted to take in some hiking and kayaking. Did some research and saw that Kayak Lake Mead was consistently at the top of several review sites.Well, all I can say is now I know why Ian's company is crushing it.Booking was easy breezy, but noticed Ian's timings were a bit different than the others on the lake and was curious what was going on there...more on that later! The launch point was about an hour outside of Las Vegas, so look to plan accordingly. Also, please keep in mind the launch point is inside the Lake Mead National Park Recreation Area and you may need to pay a small entrance fee.We met Ian on the banks of the river and I can honestly say I've never had a more pleasant and super personable guide over the past few years that I've been kayaking. Ian was super warm and engaged us immediately, so I knew this was going to be great.We hit the water and right away I realized why Ian stands out from his peers. The three of us were actively engaged in genuine conversation and open discussion...was awesome! Ian's awesomeness was only accentuated by his vast and thorough knowledge of the area's history, available activities, etc. We were on the lake for every second of 4 hours and it flew by like a breeze...am sure it was because we were all so engaged with one another and didn't even notice the time.Ok, one thing to consider as you look to book a kayaking adventure. Take a look at the other companies and see their launch times, then look at Ian's. His deliberate time offset from others was a smashing success. We were separated by just enough time to avoid the masses of kayakers clogging up the lake and especially the Emerald Cove. These precious few minutes provided for a truly pleasant and non-rushed experience that I would most def do again with Ian.As an added bonus, we asked Ian about Las Vegas pizza selections and he helped us there, too. We took his advice and ordered a delicious pie later on.Bottom line...Ian's got it together and provides an amazing experience. Hope to see you soon! Less

Our kayaking trip with Ian was nothing short of magical.We booked a morning tour and had the entire lake to ourselves — it was peaceful and stunning, with more visitors starting to arrive closer to noon. The location is a hidden gem: crystal-clear, deep water surrounded by majestic cliffs and untouched nature.Ian is an outstanding guide and clearly pours his heart into what he does. As the owner of this business, he brings deep knowledge of the area’s natural history, a great sense of humor (his nature jokes are top-tier!), and genuine care for every guest. Our group had little kayaking experience, but Ian was incredibly patient, supportive, and attentive throughout. He also creates a wonderfully personal experience by keeping group sizes small, ensuring everyone feels comfortable and included.Spending three hours on the water flew by — Ian is just one of those people you can talk to easily and enjoyably. He took excellent care of us, and I can’t recommend this experience enough to anyone visiting Las Vegas or nearby. Less

Doug, our tour guide went above and beyond…He was just super helpful and made you feel like you were the most important person on the water… He was knowledgeable,, friendly, and such a genuinely kind spul.The kayaks were so clean and super high-quality and glided through the water…Towards the end, my daughter was getting tired, and Doug actually towed her the rest of the way back- it must’ve been such a difficult paddle back for him, but he did it with a smile and helped prevent a meltdown from her… 😀I would strongly recommend this tour, the cave was really cool, and he pointed out a lot of other birds and gave us a lot of facts about our surroundings… it was a total recharge and inspiring day… Thank You Doug- Less

Went on the 8 am Emerald Cave tour. Had the lake to ourselves. Our guide (Doug) was knowledgeable about the area. The kayaks were top quality. Many large groups were putting in when we returned to the launch at 11. Less

super happy with a private lesson I booked with Ian. We went around Willow Beach, he had a lot of great tips and tricks to improve my paddling skills. He also taught me some interesting facts about the river and pointed out some good hikes for later. All in all a great day. Oh and I could bring my dog along! Less

Fantastically beautiful!!! What a rewarding experience!! Ian was amazing and full of knowledge. You can tell this is not just a job for him he lives and breathes this lifestyle and I love thatThank you so much Ian for making our bachelor party weekend beyond memorable!Justin and Howie Kelso Less

This trip was amazing! Absolutely beautiful and stunning views! Our guide Ian was phenomenal. Learning about the history of the river, waterfowl, and plant life during our trip was very cool! Ian made this trip fantastic for our family with his jokes and great personality! Less

Had an amazing time kayaking at Emerald Cave with Doug as our tour guide. He was very friendly and informative about the history of the lake/park. For sure an experience to remember. Would definitely recommend. Less

We enjoyed the early morning trip . Not hot good timing not traffic in the river , very good information about the canyon we learned a lots ,the natural beauty make you a happy trip Less

This trip was terrific. The equipment was in great condition and easy to use. The small group size was exactly what we were looking for. Ian knows the area very well and makes the trip a wonderful experience. Would absolutely book with his company again, he does an incredible job. Less

We had the best time with Ian. Small groups and zian gave us details about kayaking. He was a very personable and made the trip fun. I highly recommend Ian. You won't regret it. Less

We had such a beautiful kayak experience with Kayak Lake Mead. The kayaks were very modern and efficient (better than all the other tours kayaks we crossed on our path), Ian was very knowledgeable on the fauna, flora and history of the area and the canyon is just so beautiful. We organized this as a team building experience and Kayak Lake Mead made it so easy to plan thanks to smooth communication via text, everyone on the team had a great time (despite the rain which felt actually quite special). Highly recommended and would do it again Less

Finally got around to checking out the Lake Mead kayak tour — and it did not disappoint. We went out on an overcast day with a little light rain, but the calm weather made it super peaceful on the water. The scenery was beautiful, and it was such a relaxing way to explore the area.Our guide, Ian, was the best part. Super laid-back, friendly, and really knowledgeable about the area and its history. He’s also genuinely interested in getting to know you and is just fun to talk to — made the whole trip even more enjoyable. VIBES. He gave us a great tour along the Colorado River, and we even did a bit of exploring. The kayaks he uses are super nice really comfortable too.I took my girlfriend out for her 30th birthday, and we both had an amazing time. Definitely planning to come back and try out some of Ian’s other experiences. 10/10 day. Less

This was a fantastic tour! I strongly recommend booking with this company, particularly if you are looking to avoid the crowds and/or for a smaller group experience. The views were incredible. Tour guide was friendly and knowledgeable. Less

My kayaking tour guide was personable and knowledgeable, His equipment was in perfect condition and on the higher end. Other kayakers actually comment on the nice kayaks. That quality ran through the entire experience making it the best day of our vacation. 100% recommend and I will definitely be back with lake mead kayaking. Less

Kayak Lake Mead is the BEST! We have our own equipment so only used the service of meeting at Willow Beach, transporting to Dam and getting permits for water entry. Ian, the owner of the company, was fantastic. He met us on time, and provided much information about stops along the 12 mile kayak from Hoover Dam to Willow Beach. If I had to pick a guide to accompany us on the trip (and rent equipment), it surely would be him! Less

This was a great experience. Our guide, Ian, was engaging, knowledgeable, and made the trip a lot of fun. The journey is just as great as the destination, and the destination is definitely worth the journey. The small tour group size made the trip more enjoyable. I would definitely recommend this company. Less

Ian was a fantastic tour guide making sure to take great care for our group of beginner kayakers. He is incredibly knowledgeable about lake mead and you can definitely feel his passion for the outdoors and wilderness! Less

First off, this was a beautiful experience in the middle of a desert. We were looking for more than the run-of-the-mill Las Vegas show or whatnot when we found this wonderful excursion. After looking at ratings and reviews, I then looked at departure times. Kayak Lake Mead was the best for timing. If you're like my wife and I, LV is a late-night wonderland so it's tough to book anything in the morning. The 1pm departure offered by them gave us the ability to sleep in and make it there with time to spare, plus, you end up getting the place to yourselves. We must have paddled past two hundred kayaks, canoes or boats on our way up to the cove.I would be remised if I didn't mention I'm running up on "The Big Six Oh" and have gone on my share of guided tours and excursions, and Ian our guide was by far the best we've ever had. His vast knowledge of the area history and desert flora was amazing and his sense of humor and jokes had us in stiches. It was like a comedy show on the Colorado River. Oh, and his laugh will make your day. Less

I had an amazing time on the guided kayak tour! Ian was a fantastic guide—extremely patient, knowledgeable, and entertaining throughout the entire trip. You could truly sense his passion for the outdoors, and his deep knowledge of the surrounding area and its history made the experience even more enriching. The scenery was absolutely stunning, and the whole adventure was both relaxing and memorable. Ian’s warm and engaging personality really left a lasting impression. I highly recommend this tour to anyone looking to enjoy nature and learn along the way! Less

I highly recommend booking the kayak adventure to the Emerald Pools with Ian and Doug. I had my 5 year old on the trip as well and not only were they super accommodating and attentive to her, they made sure we all had the best time and experience. The kayak they use are state of the art and even had rutters in them (pedals to help you turn right and left)! They made safety a top priority even prior to the start of the trip ensuring the wind wouldn't be an issue. They were excellent instructors with my very limited kayaking experience. By the end I actually felt quite confident. There extensive knowledge of the regions history and wildlife was quite impressive. They made sure to take us to the best spots on the river, took great photos of us and sent it via Google drive which was an unexpected bonus. Perhaps the best thing about booking with Ian and Doug was that they keep the group to a maximum of 6-8 people for a more intimate experience. By the end, I did feel like we got to know them quite well. Unlike in our past experiences with other tour companies where there were like 15 people or more and I felt left behind and disconnected.Ian and Doug purposely plan the times they go out accordingly to avoid the crowds. He definitely knows what he is doing and holds his tourists interests in mind in all that he plans with this tour.10 out of 10 highly recommended and I highly recommend bringing your 5 year old. Don't be intimidated, they will love it and Ian and Doug will make sure they are safe. Less

Had a great guide, REALLY nice kayaks, great weather, nice small group instead of the massive groups some tour companies will book. Our guide was very knowledgeable and we even got to see some wild bighorn sheep too! It was also clear they had thought carefully about launch times. I would definitely do this again or do more activities with these people. Less

Highly recommended! We did the half day Emerald Cave tour and after days of hiking, it was nice to just work on our arms a bit. Water is chilly but felt great on a warm day (you really only have to get your feet wet, anything higher is optional). We saw several big horned sheep. The scenery was incredible and Ian is a fantastic guide. Super knowledgeable about the area, had great tips/tricks so we could take advantage of the timing to see the cave and stop at a nice spot for a short hike to see the best views of the area. His equipment seemed top notch compared to other tours we saw while out floating. You can tell he loves his job and enjoys meeting the people he takes out. We also appreciated that he kept the group small, it made for a very enjoyable experience! Less

Had an amazing time on The Whole Dam Tour! Everything was super well organized, and the stops along the way made the experience even better. We visited two beautiful hot springs and hiked out to the “hot tubs,” which were absolutely worth it—such a cool and relaxing spot. The scenery was stunning, especially getting dropped at the base of the Hoover Dam. Highly recommend if you’re looking for a unique and memorable adventure! Less

Beautiful adventure! Thank you to our guide, Ian, who was very knowledgeable not only about kayaking but also the wildlife and history of the area. Highly recommend- we would do this again! Less

Ian was a great tour guide, pointing out plants and wildlife, chatting about the history of the local area and providing helpful tips for our trip to Vegas. His tour was timed really well, which left us avoiding tour groups for a peaceful time on the water. The small group also felt very comfortable and ideal, making it a more personal and fun experience Less

Amazing experience! Ian is a wonderful guide and the scenery is stunning. He keeps the groups small and on the 8am tour we had the area to ourselves most of the time. Less

The guide, Ian, was very knowledgeable about the river and Lake Mead’s history, which I enjoyed. He engaged with his guests and you can see his passion for the outdoors and what he loves to do. Great tour. Less

Absolutely amazing experience! We did the Emerald Cave kayak tour last Friday with Ian as our guide, and he was fantastic. Super personable, engaging, and knowledgeable — he made the tour feel really personal and special. Ian shared tons of interesting history, pointed out wildlife, and explained how things were done back in the day, which really brought the area to life.What made it even better was how Ian went above and beyond. He suggested a great spot in Boulder for lunch and even gave us a wonderful dinner recommendation in Las Vegas. It was clear he cared about making our entire day great, not just the time on the water.If you can, book the morning tour with Ian — having the lake all to yourself before other groups arrive is truly magical. It felt like it was just our family out there, and that made the experience unforgettable.We’ve done similar tours before, but none were as personal or well-guided as this one. Highly recommend Ian if you’re thinking about this adventure! Thanks again for the awesome day — we hope to come back soon and check out the kayaking and camping once that’s available! Less

Kayak Lake Mead provided a top-notch experience! First thing to notice is the kayaks, top-of-line, second, the size of the tour (small). This is all I needed to know this would be a great experience. Ian is a superb guide, very knowledgeable about the area, friendly, talkative, and made us feel like the entire excursion had been planned special for us. Ian even braved the cold, cold waters of the Colorado River to retrieve my sunglasses after they fell into 12 feet of water. If you want a great experience with kayaking and seeing the Colorado River, Kayak Lake Mead is a must do! Less

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ five stars for IanI wanted to take a moment to express my heartfelt thanks for the wonderful kayak tour I experienced today. Although I didn’t complete the tour, your patience, understanding, and kindness made a lasting impression on me.I truly appreciated how you supported me when I fell off my kayak. Your calm demeanor and reassuring words made me feel safe, even in that challenging moment. Trying something new can be daunting, but your encouragement helped me feel more comfortable than I ever expected.Thank you for being such a fantastic guide! Your passion for kayaking and the outdoors is infectious, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to learn from you. I hope to join another tour in the future—this time with a bit more practice!Warm regards,JulieFeel free to adjust any details if needed! Less

I can’t say enough great things about our experience with Ian and his kayak company! This small group tour is absolutely the way to go—I’m extremely thrilled I found this gem of a tour. The intimate setting created such a personalized and relaxed atmosphere, perfect for both learning and bonding with your family.Leaving at 8 AM was a brilliant call—you get to experience the Colorado River at its most peaceful and breathtaking. The early light on the water is magical, and we felt like we had the river all to ourselves.Ian was engaging, knowledgeable, and genuinely interested in getting to know each of us. His passion for the river and kayaking was contagious, and he struck the perfect balance of giving guidance while letting us explore and soak it all in.If you’re looking for a unique, high-quality adventure that feels personal and enriching, this is the one. Highly recommend—you won’t be disappointed! Less

It was amazing, the water is emerald everywhere ! The water was a bit cold when I went today but we managed to jump into it anyways. The views are impressive, the place is so quiet. The water has no currents so it is very easy to kayak down and back up. Ian is a great guide! His kayaks are pretty fancy and you can maneuver with your feet to press the grips to turn right or left. He is sexy and funny lol Less

Because of some earlier misunderstandings on our part, we arrived at the kayak site unprepared. Ian’s imagination and last minute adaptability, turned a potential disappointment into a very enjoyable kayaking experience. From people to equipment, Kayak Lake Mead is a first class operation. Less

Great experience. The supplied kayaks were super nice, and Ian is an excellent and accommodating tour guide that made the whole trip very comfortable for nervous first-time kayakers. He’s also very knowledgeable about the local flora, fauna and history of the area and will show you some beautiful views if you’re nice enough.If you’re thinking of booking a tour but have reservations, just give them a call or email- they’re easy to talk to and prepared for anything. Because you’re paddling in cool, dam-released waters, there’s no bad time to book a trip (except when they’re closed in January). Less

Absolutely thrilled with this kayak experience. Not only was the itinerary wonderful but our guide, Ian, was absolutely the best. He added so much to our enjoyment of that day. I highly recommend Ian and this company. It Doesn’t matter if you’re a beginner or have never been on a kayak, he is so patient and kind and understanding that you will walk away with this relaxing, wonderful experience in this beautiful piece of the world. Don’t hesitate and just book it! Less

Group sizes are capped at relatively low numbers to ensure a more personalized experience. Also, the kayaks are some of the fanciest kayaks I've ever utilized. Delta 15.5 GT kayaks, if I'm not mistaken. Normally kayaks you rent or that groups use are (from what I gather from Google) inflatable kayaks. Like the Kayak Lake Mead kayaks are narrower than your normal kayak and you sit inside it vs on top of it. They have a rudder system and water proof compartments you can put gear in, whereas regular rentable kayaks have neither. I assume that a consequence of the rudder system is that you have a much narrower turn radius but, anyway, that, in and of itself, made for a more unique experience.While the group I was with was waiting to go inside Emerald Cave the guide (Ian) dove for some sunglasses that someone from yesterday had lost in a cove opposite Emerald Cave and successfully retrieved them. That was def an example of him going above and beyond. I mean, as a general rule of thumb, I think that you should *not* expect to get anything that falls into the water, even with Kayak Lake Mead, but I guess your odds of having your items retrieved are better with Kayak Lake Mead than they would be with another company! Less

We all had a great time kayaking with Ian to the Emerald Cave and back!! Some of us were less experienced than others, but I didn't matter Ian was a great and patient teacher!! We would highly recommend Kayak Lake Mead and we will definitely be coming back another time!!! Less

Kayak Lake Mead - Emerald Cave TourWe (my wife and I)booked this with Kayak Lake Mead, not knowing what to expect but hoping for a pleasant experience. The cost was a little more than some of the other companies but we later found out why and now understand the method to the madness! We also never knew you could kayak so close to Las Vegas - in the desert.Being from Idaho we had been hoping for warm weather and sunshine. The weather when we woke up for the 0800hrs tour seemed that it might be cold and windy, which the company has no control over, but it turned out to be perfect. We arrived at the location which was easy to do with the directions given the day before. We met with our guide, Ian, and the rest of the group which was small - 4 other people since we learned he likes to keep his groups on the smaller size. This led to him having a lot of one-on-one time with each individual kayak or tandem. We had asked for singles but he looked at the weather and determined it would be best for a tandem and boy are we glad he did! It made visiting with my wife so much easier and enjoyable! It also helped with the individual time with Ian. He took the time to get to know each person/tandem kayak. He also shared his story with us. All the while he made sure to share the history of the area, the wildlife and their habits as well as the vegetation and how each piece benefits the environment of the Colorado River. Our tour was amazing and we hope to go on his 8-hour Whole Dam Tour and bring along our twin daughters. As we have to travel a great distance to do this and planning is a must, he recommended late fall or spring.We did not realize at the time that the reason for the higher cost was so worth it. His groups are small and intimate. He loves to share his passion - nature, kayaking, history, and sense of humor! His equipment is so much higher quality than most of the other kayaks we crossed paths with (they even had rudders to assist with steering)! He is extremely personable and the sole guide for the company which means you will always be treated the same. One of the most important things for us is that Ian is an Army Veteran! He was a medic, helping those soldiers who needed any type of medical assistance. This guy is a hero!Please look no further than Kayak Lake Mead with Ian if you want one of the most pleasurable experiences around Las Vegas. 5-stars is not enough but all that I can give.The Deede’s from Idaho Less

If only all tours could be this simple and enjoyable! Ian provides a truly exceptional kayaking experience with just the right amount of guiding. Beautiful scenery, the Maserati of kayaks coupled with the exceptional Ian! Don t even hesitate to book. Ian is patient, knowledgeable, easy going with a quiet attention to every client. You couldn’t be in better hands. Looking forward to returning to do the whole Dam tour. Thank you again Ian. Really appreciate the extra help you were so gracious to provide afterward. Less

Ian was very fun and knowledgeable! He was helpful with questions, shared stories, and provided a wonderful experience. Would definitely recommend booking with him for any adventure! Less

Ian makes your experience feel very personal. He points out special interests and even takes you on a journey back in time. I learned a lot about Willow Beach and saw some spectacular views. I highly recommend this adventure for experienced and non experienced kayakers. Less

We had an absolute blast with Ian and his crew last weekend. My husband and I wanted to introduce our teenaged grandsons to Black Canyon and kayaking. This was the perfect experience. Ian was the perfect guide. He’s knowledgeable, capable, kind and entertaining. And he makes a mean lunch! We highly recommend Kayak Lake Mead. Less

We booked a group of 5 for a 1/2 day kayak adventure with Kayak Lake Mead. Ian was a great guide - he has a calm and relaxing personality and it is very apparent he loves nature and making connections with people. The scenery of the landscape was beautiful and the overall kayak experience was a very peaceful day. It was noticeable that Ian puts in effort to his company as he provides high end equipment and it is well taken care of. Due to other groups spending a bit too much time taking their photos in the cave area, it did not allow time for our group to also get these photos (sun was setting behind the mountain range), but Ian brought us to other areas where the backdrop would be similar. Overall, it was a very enjoyable experience and we have recommended Ian and his company to others and we will definitely be booking again the next time we are in the area. Less

Ian is an AMAZING tour guide! He is extremely knowledgeable about the river, personable & has a great sense of humor. The kayaks were very nice, clean, comfortable & had plenty of storage compartments. We truly enjoyed our time & conversations with our tour guide Ian. You can tell he is passionate about his job & seeks the best experience for his customers. I highly recommend booking with his tour company for the best kayak experience! Less

Ian was very personable & knowledgeable. Couldn't have asked for a better guide! It was so peaceful and serene! Emerald cave was a 4 hr tour & worth every penny! Thanks Ian! Definitely coming back! Less

Ian was an AMAZING guide! he was very informational about the history of the river and when we stopped and got out of kayaks, he was informational on our little hike about the different wildlife and plant species as well. he was very patient with our whole group and helped people in and out of kayaks if they were having trouble! he was accommodating to dietary needs for snacks too! Less

Ian was super friendly and a great host. Even though we didn’t plan ahead, he managed to work with us and fit us in for a great guided tour of emerald cave at the last minute! We had 3 kids (7, 10, and 11) and the meandering pace was perfect for a family. Interesting history and wildlife was everywhere. Less

Knowledgeable, fun guide to amazingly BEAUTIFUL sites (Thanks Ian). Easy pace for amateur kayaker & fun for kids/families to spend some serene time together in nature! Less

My husband and I wanted to share a memorable experience with our grandsons 10 and 13. The Emerald Cave Kayaking tour did not disappoint! Our guide, Ian, was fantastic from the time I made the reservation to the kayaking experience - he let us know what to bring, how to dress and directions. We had a beautiful day and Ian took the time to explain how to use the kayak and paddle ( we were inexperienced). Along the tour he would point out points of interest and answered all of my grandsons questions. Ian was extremely knowledgeable about the history of the river as well as the plant and animal life. My grandsons have asked to come back again. Less

This is the outfitter to go kayaking with on any Las Vegas vacation!!! It’s an easy lesson than one hour drive from Vegas, could be combined with Hoover Dam, but most importantly if you compare with other commercial vendors, you can feel the difference immediately! Smaller groups, high quality kayaks!!! I can tell, I own kayaks. Better equipment than other groups we saw. Friendly, personal and knowledgeable guide who’s the company owner and has vested interest in your enjoyment. Other companies charge a premium for photographs they take of you, here it’s included! I’ve no other interest other than sharing quality when I see it. Less

The Moonlight Tour was out of this world! Ian was a super chill tour guide, with plenty of info and puns about ducks. Ian showed expertise in kayaking, making kayaking for the first time fun and easy. The location he brought us to was very serene for stargazing and listening to the birds and bats of the area. I cannot recommend this tour enough! Less

Kayaking was fun, and the guid provided a nice kayak to use. Plus conversation with him was pleasent. The weather was fantastic which is always a nice bonus Less

This tour was super great! We were able to get out on the river at 7am and beat all the other tours. Ian was friendly and great guide. Highly recommend! Less

Absolutely fabulous experience! Highly recommend the Kayak Lake Mead company. Equipment and staff were top notch. Our guide Ian was well versed in ecology, history and the area in general. Great guy to spend time with. Amazing adventure we will never forget. Less

My boyfriend and I did the green cave kayak tour. This has been by far the best kayaking experience I’ve ever had. Our guide was so incredibly knowledgeable, the area is beautifully picturesque, and it was full of fun and laughter. The tour groups are small so we got a much more personal tour instead of getting lost in the crowd. We will definitely be going back to do more tours with Kayak Lake Mead. Next on the list is the Whole Dam Tour. Less

Met up with Ian for the 8am half day tour and what a great tour it was! We were some of only a handful people on the water at the time which allowed us to stop and momentary admire the views all around us. Ian was a great guide and provided plenty of information about the geology, fauna, and history of the area. Next time would love to do the full dam tour! Less

We felt super taken care of signing up for this adventure, and going out on the trip. Ian had a lot of fun facts, and made sure everyone felt included. He also has the nicest boats on the lake! Less

Ian is such a fantastic guide. The right amount of informative and just letting you be. The kayaks are top of the line which further enhances the experience. We really appreciated our small group size. Cannot recommend Ian and Kayak Lake Mead enough! Less

Good thing we checked the night before that our kayak trip would be an hour earlier as we were staying in Boulder City, NV and Willow Beach is actually in Mountain Time. My husband and I signed up for the 5 hour, 8 mile tour. That is the best time to go! We were the only people on the tour and other than our guide, Ian, there were no other kayaks out there until we turned around to come back.Ian was super friendly from the beginning and we chatted comfortably the whole trip. He knew his stuff, but didn’t sound like a long recorded message. He just snuck the facts into the conversation.His kayaks are comfy and have lots of storage space. I recommend putting any extra clothing behind the seat so you don’t get it wet. Anything else you want to grab during the trip, like your water bottle, put in the round hatch right in front of you. I took my good camera with the strap around my neck most of the way out. When it got rougher and it started to splash, I put the camera in the hatch. I also had a case for my iPhone on a strap and could take pictures through the case.We stopped for a break on a beach. He provides granola bars and such, but we picked up a couple sandwiches and stuck them in a lunch bag with cold water bottles.I’m a birder and loved seeing all the water birds, which Ian identified as Coots, Bufflehead Ducks, Greebs and a few others. Sorry most of my pictures were taken with my hood camera, it here are a few I took with my IPhone.Thanks, Ian!!!😊 Less

Ian provided an excellent 5 hour, 8 mile Cranes Nest Tour. His supplied kayaks have lots of waterproof storage space and were of high quality. Ian is an excellent conversationalist who can share many outdoor experiences and relate to your own stories. We took the 8am tour (7am Nevada time) during which we had the river to ourselves for the first 2 hours.While the “Emerald cave” gets all the tourist publicity, there isn’t much to it and a brief stop wasn’t even among the top 10 experiences on the trip. So definitely go on a longer tour as we did. Less

Last time I visited him, he took me to a bar 8 miles off. I thought I was doing well. He said I was being disrespectful and threw me out forcibly. I walked away.. this was after he brought me up to kayak with him. He left me on the side of the ride to walk 15 miles, a cop saved my life down the road not this fool. Choose a different company. Less

A lovely afternoon on the water! Beautiful scenery. Even being late due to a mistake in state time zones and traveling with a 9 and 14 year old, the tour was such a good fit to us. They could easily read our minds and adjust to each personality. Thank you so much, I can highly recommend this guided tour to any other family or group. Less