Emerald Cove

Category: Park

Address: Willow Beach, AZ 86445, USA

Reviews

Denise Johnson

Feb 20, 2022

We loved loved this trip. Beautiful drive to the river and the Colorado is crystal clear. Loved our guide Ian who was charming and informative. The snacks and water were a nice treat. The trip was leisurely and it was overall perfect.

Katie

Jan 25, 2022

Put this one on your life list! Awesome ~4mi round trip kayak experience from Willow Beach. Important to note: If you go in the Fall or Winter I highly recommend leaving before 2pm as it get darker around 4pm. The mountains or hills on the sides of the river block the sun and while you think this would elevate heat (it’s not too hot this time of year), and even more importantly, you lose the vibrancy of the sun hitting the water and really seeing the incredible green hues the water has! Also note, if you leave Willow Beach late and are kayaking in the dark without lights or life vests, their are often F&W guys patrolling who will fine you!

Sean Dahlberg

Aug 14, 2021

What an awesome spot. Do yourself a favor and come aftet the tourists have left because otherwise there's a line of at least 20 people waiting to get in. We went down river a bit and came back after lunch and had the place basically to ourselves. Enough that my wife was able to jump in and swim around in there. Water is a stunning green and pictures just don't do it justice. Only a few boats can fit comfortably in there.

H K

May 17, 2021

Beautiful place. Went kayaking reserved from Evolution expedition. The guide was super informative and professional. Quite surprised how small emerald cave is! But really enjoyed overall experience. Make sure you to bring sunscreen, hat, sunglasses and water! It gets dangerous hot from sun but the water is super cold like 40-50degree.

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Questions & Answers

Should I not kayak here if I'm inexperienced?

Sylvia | Aug 14, 2020
Raquel Kulich | Aug 15, 2020

Calm waters no danger

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Are you allowed to scuba in the river/cave? If so, would it be worth trying?

wem5683 | Jul 6, 2021
Joanne Grant | Jul 7, 2021

I don't know, but reach out to either the "River Dogz" or the "Desert Adventures" outfitters and see if they know the answers! They were the two outfitters we used on our trip.

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It looks beautiful! What is the price to go in?

Glendy Pineda | Sep 13, 2020
mark osunero-lanuza | Sep 14, 2020

25 per day, 40 annual per car. Not including cost of kayak/canoe rental if you dont have one

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Do you need a permit to use your own kayaks there?

cristian serrano | Sep 13, 2020
Instant Local Marketing Profits Larry Conn | Sep 14, 2020

I only paid the gate fee n launched paddle boards from the beach.

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Do you have to go with a tour group or can you kayak on your own to see Emerald cove? Thx!

MARY PENNINGTON | Jul 10, 2020
Debo Domin | Jul 11, 2020

Yes, you can go on your own. Yes, there is a fee at the gate to enter the area.

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how much time to kayak to the cove from willow beach

frank truncellito | Jul 10, 2020
Jeff Hughes | Jul 11, 2020

30-60 min depending on your ability and any wind conditions.

I want to bring my own kayak and plan to launch from willow beach, am I able to kayak back to my start point at the end of the trip or where do people usually finish their trip in the canyon? wondering if the current would affect my return

Astrid Gonzalez | Jul 3, 2021
Sullydoc101 | Jul 4, 2021

Yes you can get back, the current is almost nothing especially on the edges. All the tours launch and return at the same spot.

How much is for entrance, no Kayak,

Maricela Villatoro | Jun 26, 2021
Sullydoc101 | Jun 27, 2021

It's in the national park system, so if you have the America the beautiful pass you can get in. I think it is like 35 bucks or something without that. You can't see the caves though without kayaking or otherwise boating there which you will need to arrange renting.

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Can you walk to the cove or is it water vessel only?

Kristy Ikner | Jun 19, 2021
Kristel Jensen | Jun 20, 2021

Water vessel only.

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