Willow Beach Emerald Cave: Sunset Tour Review & Campfire Dinner

So, you’re perhaps thinking regarding checking out the Willow Beach Emerald Cave sunset tour and maybe even adding on the campfire dinner? It’s almost like that’s the entire reason you’re here, right? Well, let’s chat regarding whether it lives up to the hype. We took the tour ourselves, and are ready to give you the rundown – the views, the kayaking, and if those s’mores are something to write home about.

What’s the Emerald Cave Sunset Tour About?

The Emerald Cave Sunset Tour at Willow Beach, well it’s actually a pretty chill way to see the Colorado River, particularly as the sun begins to lower in the sky. You’ll paddle in a kayak, is that right, toward the Emerald Cave, a spot that gets a pretty awesome green glow when the sunlight hits it just right. Many tour companies offer this trip, but they more or less stick to the same route and the same timeframe. You’ll often start in the later afternoon, that is correct, and then paddle for a few hours. Some tours also include a campfire dinner after you’re done kayaking, which could be nice for folks wanting a complete evening thing.

But, what I really appreciated most, and I was saying, well that was how tranquil everything seemed. Being on the water as the day cooled off felt amazing. The colors in the sky, reflecting on the river… well, it’s just lovely.

Getting to Willow Beach

Alright, first thing’s first – actually reaching Willow Beach. This is a tiny spot right on the Colorado River, south of Hoover Dam, and that also means it’s a little bit remote, which isn’t the worst thing in the word. From Las Vegas, you’re likely facing roughly a 1-hour drive, or possibly a little more, depending on traffic. The route, I think, is pretty straightforward, but just in case, punch “Willow Beach, Arizona” into your GPS. Don’t depend only on that GPS lady though, as phone signal can be spotty out in these kinds of areas, almost in every circumstance. Download an offline map ahead of time, for peace of mind. You will probably want that offline map later anyway.

As I remember saying to my spouse, the road to Willow Beach, anyway it gives you some amazing views of the desert surroundings. And in the same way, just watch out for any bighorn sheep possibly crossing the road. When you reach Willow Beach, typically you will discover that there is a decent sized parking area, and is something I found good about it. Yet, and especially for sunset tours, that parking area fills up. Arrive quite a bit ahead of schedule, that is what I tell folks, in order to snag a parking place and be on time for your tour. Another consideration, maybe, well there could be a park entrance fee, and that’s something to remember to keep some money on hand just for it.

What to Expect on the Tour: A Kayaking Experience

The kayaking trip out to Emerald Cave and is typically fairly relaxed, something I do like to say. Before getting out, the guides often give you a little security talk and demonstrate a number of paddling strategies. Don’t fret if you’re new to kayaking; it’s honestly relatively easy to find the hang of things. Typically, you’ll paddle against the present to begin with, heading upriver closer the cave. Is that hard? Not excessively, yet you might have to place in some effort. The water is nearly usually tranquil, so you do not often need to manage serious waves, that is what I love about the sport in the first place.

The cave itself isn’t truly a cave in the normal sense. It is similar to an alcove, very much so, but what makes it unique is actually how the sunlight bounces off the water and is reflected onto the rock walls. Is the “emerald” hue consistent? Not always, I must state. Based upon the time of the year, the time of day, and the weather situations, is that a constant occurrence?, the color is possibly brighter or more subdued. We took the tour at sundown, and as the sun got reduced, it became extra golden than green, and something you have to accept. Even without that brilliant green, it’s something pretty to behold. The surrounding rock formations, as I found out on the excursion, well they’re similarly genuinely stunning, so you’ll without a doubt discover lots to see. Very good in its own way!

Sunset Views and Photo Opportunities

You might want to bring a camera due to that part, so. Kayaking as the sun drops can be, effectively, really magical. The way the light reflects off the water, in addition to colors in the sky – ah, very fantastic stuff! This excursion gives you a fantastic danger of capturing some genuinely exceptional pics, or possibly some memorable moments. I located that some of the excellent photographs had been captured just after the sun dipped below the horizon. That’s the thing – those soft, pastel colors that just begin painting the sky! But I forgot my camera on that adventure!

Keep in mind, that a lot of the time, handling a camera while kayaking will be challenging, therefore you have to take safety measures. A water resistant bag for your phone and a floating strap for your camera (in case you drop it) are possibly really great thoughts. Also, it tends to get a touch cooler as quickly because the sun drops, in order that also seems smart to have an extra layer convenient.

Is the Campfire Dinner Worth It?

Okay, shall we speak food? In any event, after paddling back, a few tours offer a campfire dinner. Is this part worth the additional cost? I’d guess that relies upon your priorities and what you need. For a couple of tours we’ve taken, dinner become pretty easy fare: burgers, hotdogs, chips, or stuff like that. Nothing gourmet, yet satisfactory after a paddling exercising. I liked being outside with all of those human beings, trading stories, as I love to speak! As a matter of fact, there’s typically something honestly great about meals cooked and consumed outside.

What I would be suggesting in general is, to maybe ask what’s at the menu before reserving, for real. If you’re searching out a fancy meal, that will most likely disappoint you. In case you are hungry and trying to relax by a fire with a few tasty bites, then is that perhaps pretty top notch? Many human beings definitely like making s’mores; for plenty it seems like this become a real highlight.

What to Bring on Your Emerald Cave Tour

To actually ensure you benefit from the Emerald Cave sunset excursion, take a little advice from yours genuinely, I might also say? Right, I’ll get to it:

Water and Snacks: Even even though it’s a sundown tour and not super hot, staying hydrated continues to be honestly crucial. Likewise, a few snacks are normally top, and more so in case you pass the campfire dinner.
Sunscreen and Hat: While you’re paddling into the sunset, you’re possibly uncovered to the sun for a chunk, just like most adventurers who aren’t in it for the view!
Water Shoes: They will shield your feet from the rocks when you are entering and exiting your kayak.
Quick-Drying Clothes: Something light and relaxed is perfect. Something you don’t care about getting a bit wet may additionally come in handy as well.
A Light Jacket or Sweater: Once that sun drops, it could actually get cooler pretty speedy, and something you should be expecting!
Waterproof Bag: Guard your telephone, digicam, and keys from getting wet.
Bug Spray: There may be bugs by the river, mainly round sunset, after I do find myself speaking with others about kayaking, more often than not about bug sprays.

Final Thoughts: Is the Tour Worth It?

In truth, the Willow Beach Emerald Cave sunset tour, as I see it, gives a lovely way to actually experience the Colorado River. You have good workout with the kayaking, is that right, that’s right, that mixes nature and fitness? The Emerald Cave is something to peer, even if the inexperienced glow could differ a little from excursion to tour, possibly. In addition, as I will honestly say, the sunset views will just sell it, since the view is perfect for the adventuring soul. In the end, it is all worth it, to see Emerald Cave from the setting sun! What better ways is there than that to celebrate your wins!

As far as the campfire dinner goes, you already know, is that possibly something to consider based upon in case you’re seeking out an handy, no-frills meal to pinnacle off your night time, that might be top! I bet some will just suppose that makes it top notch, really!

Key Takeaways

Here’s what you must actually hold in mind when you’re considering this tour:

The sundown kayak to Emerald Cave gives great views and a amazing experience on the water, period!
Getting to Willow Beach entails a drive and planning for parking
The campfire dinner will be very very laid-back and relaxed and a perfect complement to your trip.
Carry necessities like water, sunscreen, and a water-resistant bag to be able to benefit from your excursion, and to keep all your gadgets in prime condition!