1) What kind of kayaks do you have?
2) What's included in the price?
3) I don't know how to swim, can I go?
4) Is there whitewater? Will I tip over?
5) Will I get wet?
6) What kind of experience do your guides have?
7) What should I bring/wear?
8) What if I am a beginner?
9) Is there a minimum age requirement?
10) Are there any restrictions we should know about
Gift Certificates Available!
11) Do I need reservations?
12) Where do we meet and what time will I get back?
13) What happens if I am late getting to the takeout?
14) What is the best time of year to go?
15) Do you offer any discounts for children (or other)?
16) Is there a minimum number required for your trips?
17) Do you supply alcohol? May we bring our own?
18) What if I have to cancel?
19) What is the difference between your trip and other kayaking trips?
1. What kind of kayaks do you use?
Our guided trips are equipped with HTP high performance blow molded kayaks made by Prejon. They are lightweight, strong, and fast. These boats have rudders to make steering easy, along with sealed hatches to keep your items protected. These are top of the line boats. Our fleet contains these high performance touring boats with rudders
2. What is included on a guided trip?
Guided trips are all inclusive. You will get personalized service, the best equipment, freshly prepared and tasty meals catered from Jason’s deli, and a certified guide. All you do is show up; we take care of the rest! Your kayak will have a rudder for easy steering, and we will give you 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, we recommend a guided trip. We also have group discounts for 4 or more. Call us and ask.
3. 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. We take every precaution to minimize risks and provide a safe, enjoyable experience. Personal flotation devices are properly fitted to you, equipped with a whistle, and mandatory on all trips. Our 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.
4. 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. Our kayaks are stable, and most people make it through the day without any “out-of-boat” experiences. 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. Our guides are prepared for this and will steer you in the right direction for a safe and memorable experience.
5. 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. We will give you a dry bag to keep your belongings safe and dry.
6. What kind of experience do your guides have?
Our 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 intense training programs which include rescue techniques, wind and weather patterns, basic river kayaking certifications, physical skills tests, and written tests. CPR and Wilderness First Aid training is standard, and we are the only outfitter that carries marine radios, satellite phones, and cell phones at all times.
7. 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 after soaking, 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 warm and toasty. Bring sunglasses and sunscreen. Water shoes or Teva type sandals will be fine. Don’t forget the camera!
8. What if I am a beginner?
You may start as a beginner, but you will end the trip as a confident kayaker. Our guides are professionals and we introduce newcomers to the sport everyday. A high percentage of our trips consist of first-time paddlers or those who have tried it once or twice. Because of this, we’ve chosen lightweight, fast kayaks equipped with rudders for easy steering. All trips will receive safety rules as well as basic paddling instructions. What better way to check out kayaking!
9. Is there a minimum age requirement?
For guided trips, the youngest we took out is 4 years old and paddle in a tandem kayak with an adult, and the oldest was 84, so far. Your guide may rearrange people throughout the day to balance the ability of the group. If you feel you can paddle for two, well we won’t stop you. Just remember, the trip is almost 12 miles.
10. Are there any restrictions in the canyon?
There are no campsite restrictions in the canyon, as long as you pack out what you pack in, and practice Leave No Trace ethics. It is recommended that large groups bring a portable toilet or “groover”, although it is not required. Depending on spring rains and weather conditions, fire restrictions may be in effect; please inquire when planning your trip. There is absolutely no cutting or gathering of wood or downed vegetation. Fishing requires a license in either AZ or NV and a stamp from the other state. A trout stamp is required for trout fishing.
11. Do I need a reservation?
Yes! Space is limited, so you should make your reservations as soon as possible. This trip is so scenic and popular that the National Park limits the number of people who can launch per day to 30 boats. They control this by issuing launch permits, which can sell out up to six months in advance. Holidays and weekends book up quickly, so be sure to call ahead. As soon as you pick a date, we can reserve your permits for you.
12. Where do we meet and what time will I get back?
For the Hoover Dam kayak tours we will pick you up at your hotel between 5:30 and 7:30 a.m. If you are meeting us at the Hacienda, please meet us 30 minutes before the launch time. For the Kayak Hoover Dam Tour and all other Kayak Las Vegas tours, conformation for your pick up will be given on booking your tour. We will be off the river for the kayak Hoover dam tour by between 2:00 and 3:30pm. Depending on traffic at the Hoover Dam, we should arrive back to your hotel by 4:30-5:00 p.m.
13. What happens if I am late getting to the takeout?
We will not leave you. But, we have an obligation to return our guests to their hotels and vehicles in a timely fashion. If you arrive more than 15-20 minutes late, we will most likely head back to Las Vegas with those paddlers who arrived on time, then make a second trip. You will be charged a late fee of $100 which covers the driver's hourly rate, along with gas expenses. You may also have to wait several hours while we return across the Hoover Dam and deliver guests to hotels on the Strip before we can return to Willow Beach to pick you up. It is an inconvenience for everyone involved. Please be on time.
14.What is the best time of year to go?
Anytime! Our guides favor the fall and winter with calm, glassy waters, no motor boats, and fewer crowds. Daytime winter temperatures hover in the low 60’s, 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 our busiest time of year. You are almost guaranteed to see bighorn sheep drinking from the river, and a good swim in the cold water is invigorating to say the least. We run trips year round, with a season for everyone!
15. Do you offer any discounts for children (or other)?
Our trips are extremely popular and therefore sell out quickly. We feel that they are reasonably priced and provide an extreme value for your hard-earned money. We are also limited to the number of trips that we can sell at full price, but we do offer discounts on our guided trips for 4 or more. We’ve paddled with young ones and old ones, small ones and tall ones, and at the end of the day no one asks for their money back.
16. Is there a minimum number required for your trips?
The minimum number of people required for a guided / self guided kayak trip is two (2) people.
17. Do you supply alcohol? May we bring our own?
Unfortunately on guided trips, the answer to both questions is no. Safety is our main concern. We have a spotless record, and we want to keep it that way. Combining tourists who aren’t used to desert temperatures of 120F with miles of paddling usually equals dehydration. Mix alcohol into that equation, and it gets dangerous quickly.
18. What if I have to cancel?
We have a 48 hour cancellation policy. If you cancel 48 hours before your trip, you will receive a full refund. We cannot be responsible for wind, weather, waves, rain, heat, or unforeseen circumstances. Although we will do everything in our power to provide the trip described, changes may be made to ensure safety of our customers and guides. Evolution Expeditions Kayaking reserves the right to change locations, use alternate routes, or cancel trips due to weather or unsafe conditions. In the event we cancel a scheduled trip, we will reschedule, issue a credit, or refund money, depending on individual circumstances. If we run the trip and you decide to cancel, the above cancellation policy will be in effect. Park service launch permits are non-refundable.
19. What is the difference between your trip and other kayak trips?
That's easy! We are an upscale kayak company and we pride ourselves on our service and equipment. Not only are our kayaks the sleekest and our guides the most professional, we pay close attention to details and add that personal touch from the beginning to the end. Our staff takes pride in making sure you are comfortable, safe, and having fun.
Our Las Vegas kayaking tours are designed for both beginners and advanced paddlers. On our guided kayak trips put your safety in our hands so you can relax and enjoy the beauty of the cool desert oasis. When doing research for your Kayak Las Vegas tours, it may seem like a few companies offer this same trip online. In reality, they are selling the trip, but only we provide it. There is a big difference.
