While Las Vegas dazzles with neon lights and casino action, the surrounding waters offer refreshing escapes from the desert heat. From kayaking the emerald waters near Hoover Dam to diving Lake Mead’s hidden depths, aquatic adventures await just minutes from the Strip.
Lake Las Vegas delivers upscale water sports in Henderson, while Boulder City’s Lake Mead beckons with fishing and scuba opportunities. The Black Canyon Water Trail and Willow Beach provide scenic paddling through towering canyon walls and secret hot springs.
Dive into Vegas’ best water adventures below!
Featured Water Activities in Las Vegas
- Lake Mead National Recreation Area (Boulder City)
- Emerald Cave Kayak Tour (Willow Beach)
- Lake Las Vegas Water Sports (Henderson)
- Black Canyon Rafting (Willow Beach)
- Hoover Dam Sightseeing Cruise (Boulder City)
- Gold Strike Hot Spring Kayak Tour (Hoover Dam)
- Lake Mead Fishing (Boulder City)
- Lake Mead Scuba Diving (Boulder City)
Boating in Las Vegas
Emerald Cave Kayak Tour (Willow Beach)
What to Expect
Emerald-green waters in a natural cave
Description
The Emerald Cave Kayak Tour offers a scenic paddle through the Colorado River, exploring the stunning Emerald Cave and Black Canyon. This tour is ideal for both beginners and experienced kayakers, providing opportunities to spot wildlife like bighorn sheep and bald eagles. The tour includes high-quality equipment and expert guides, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience amidst breathtaking desert landscapes.
Where: Willow Beach | More Info: Emerald Cave Kayak Tour
Lake Mead National Recreation Area (Boulder City)
What to Expect
750 miles of shoreline
Description
Lake Mead National Recreation Area offers extensive water-based recreation opportunities, including boating, fishing, swimming, and water sports across its 750 miles of shoreline. The area is home to two major reservoirs, Lake Mead and Lake Mohave, providing diverse landscapes for exploration. Visitors can enjoy scenic hiking trails, camping sites, and unique natural features like the Historic Railroad Trail and Liberty Bell Arch.
Where: Boulder City | More Info: Lake Mead National Recreation Area
Fishing in Las Vegas
Lake Mead Fishing (Boulder City)
What to Expect
Large striped bass catches
Description
Lake Mead offers extensive fishing opportunities across its 290 square miles of water surface. It is renowned for its striped bass, with catches often reaching up to 40 pounds. Other species include rainbow trout, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, catfish, and crappie. Fishing is allowed 24 hours a day from watercraft, shores, or designated piers. The area requires a valid Nevada or Arizona fishing license. Features fish cleaning stations and protected species conservation efforts. Offers diverse fishing experiences with both shore and boat access.
Where: Boulder City | More Info: Lake Mead Fishing
Water Sports in Las Vegas
Lake Las Vegas Water Sports (Henderson)
What to Expect
Luxury Yacht Rentals
Description
Lake Las Vegas Water Sports offers a variety of water activities, including paddleboard, kayak, and electric boat rentals. It features a Cable Park for wakeboarding and tubing, an Aqua Park with slides and trampolines, and unique experiences like the Flyboard and Electric Surfboard. Luxury yacht rentals are also available for special occasions.
Where: Henderson | More Info: Lake Las Vegas Water Sports
Diving and Snorkeling in Las Vegas
Lake Mead Scuba Diving (Boulder City)
What to Expect
Historic underwater landmarks
Description
Lake Mead offers a diverse range of scuba diving experiences with sites like Kingman Wash, Black Canyon, and Gypsum Reefs. Visibility varies seasonally, with clearer waters during winter months. The area is known for its unique underwater formations and historic landmarks, such as the remains of the Hoover Dam construction project. Divers can explore depths suitable for both novice and technical divers.
Where: Boulder City | More Info: Lake Mead Scuba Diving
Other Water Activities in Las Vegas
Black Canyon Rafting (Willow Beach)
What to Expect
Scenic rafting below Hoover Dam
Description
Black Canyon Rafting offers a serene journey through the Colorado River's stunning Black Canyon, located just below Hoover Dam. This flat water rafting experience provides breathtaking views of the canyon walls and the Hoover Dam Bypass Bridge. The tour includes a beach stop and offers a chance to explore the unique scenery and wildlife of the area. It is a great option for those seeking a peaceful and scenic water-based adventure.
Where: Willow Beach | More Info: Black Canyon Rafting
Gold Strike Hot Spring Kayak Tour (Hoover Dam)
What to Expect
Kayaking to geothermal hot springs
Description
The Gold Strike Hot Spring Kayak Tour combines kayaking down the Colorado River with a hike to natural hot springs. It offers stunning canyon views and diverse wildlife, making it a unique blend of water-based recreation and land exploration. The tour includes navigating through Black Canyon, known for its emerald waters and geothermal hot springs.
Where: Hoover Dam | More Info: Gold Strike Hot Spring Kayak Tour
Hoover Dam Sightseeing Cruise (Boulder City)
What to Expect
Mississippi-style paddle-wheeler cruise
Description
The Hoover Dam Sightseeing Cruise offers a 90-minute tour aboard the Desert Princess, a Mississippi-style paddle-wheeler. It provides 360-degree views of Lake Mead and the Hoover Dam, along with insights into the dam's history. The cruise features air-conditioned decks, an open-air observation deck, and a full bar and grill. It is an excellent way to appreciate the engineering marvel of the Hoover Dam from a unique water-based perspective. Features include pre-recorded narration and stunning views of the Mike O'Callaghan–Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge.
Where: Boulder City | More Info: Hoover Dam Sightseeing Cruise
Site Language: