Evolution Expeditions Kayaking Tours — Attraction in Paradise

Well how should I start. The tour we picked was the sunset kayak expedition. After some unexpected wind hit us earlier than was expected, we were left stranded on a rocky, not island, but away from civilization. Not on the main beach but only accessible via water. We were told to shelter in place for 15-20 minutes and wait for the wind to die down. After multiple texts, and calls about a rescue option, we found out that no one was taking it seriously as we were told multiple times that we should just get in the kayaks and once we pass the side we were on that the wind would be at our backs and we would be ok to make it back to shore. Our safety wasn't a concern at all. To anyone EXCEPT our guide Soren. Not from the manager, not the owner, not Lake Mead. The rescue boat was not rescue ready or safe and after MORE than 3 hours of waiting and multiple calls, texts, attempts to rectify our situation we were given the following "options": 1) 911 would bring a helicopter. This was given as an option and turned out to not be an option. 2) Rangers would bring a rescue boat out to grab us. We were told they were waiting back at the beach but Lake Mead does not have night rescue. Despite that, this option was PRESENTED multiple times as an option but no follow through and obviously lied to as the have no night rescue. 3) Access to the zodiac. The company's rescue boat. The company would bring it over for us. 4) Support/escorts would help guide us, ride along side us, tow us back to the beach. 5) Sheltering in place for the night, this option was given to us after 2.5 hours of waiting for a rescue. And finally, and this was repeatedly given was 6) to get back in the kayaks and "brave it out". Nevermind the fact that 6 out of the 8 people it was their first time kayaking. Or that the kayaks were flipping over repeatedly from the winds. Or even one of the experienced kayakers going out and flipping over from the winds. We finally got some support from the manager and the owner to get us all back to safety. Listening to our poor guide be gaslit about how it wasn't that serious when the "support" themselves had to wait for the wind to become safer to join us where we were stranded. It was apparent that this type of situation hadn't been planned for or have had talks of what to do in this situation, as a company is just utterly dumbfounding and unprofessional. I understand this situation isnt a common issue as this was previously mentioned time and time again, but the lack of urgency and determination to ensure the safe return of un-experienced kayakers who sought out your company just seems to be entirely dishearting. This issue needs to be addressed and discussed for the further safety of future clients, and maybe some more humility and humanity to those who aren't experienced on the waters. After trying to post a review from the survey that the company sent out, it seems that they block anyone's review that ISN'T 5 stars. Yeah, that's not rigged at...

We enjoyed our 4 hour kayaking tour with Evolution Expeditions Kayak Tours this past Sunday! The whole experience was easy, straightforward, and enjoyable -- from booking through their site, to the reminder text(s), and call morning of, finding the kayaks at the launch site, taking off, etc. Our group has little kayaking experience (except for one of our members) and we are not physically fit, but we did not have a difficult time kayaking -- it was enjoyable all throughout the tour.

Our tour guide, Ryan, was approachable, kind, and knowledgeable of the area, local history, and local plants. Ryan made the tour easy and fun with his patience regarding our lack of kayaking know-how :P

We got to Willow Beach early -- about 30 minutes early to find parking, apply sunblock, get our things together, use the restroom -- then meet at launch pointe to learn how to use the rudder, etc (and we were still a bit early). Evolution asks you get there 30 minutes ahead of tour start time to allow for "fitting" of the kayaks (rudder pedal system), putting your stuff in the kayaks, kayak information session where your tour guide will go over your kayak and rudder, using the restroom, etc. We had time to take photos before the tour started and introduced ourselves to our small group. Ryan mentioned that Sundays boats are not allowed on the river --something we appreciated as we did not have to deal with the wakes from the boats.

The kayaks are in great condition and the rudder makes maneuvering the kayaks much easier. Evolution does a great job in coordinating everything and we did not feel at all jumbled or frazzled with multiple companies and people taking off from the same place. Our lunch was from a local deli and included a sandwich of your choice, cookie, pickle, chip bag -- the sandwiches were all very yummy and filling; cold waters and snacks were provided all throughout the tour.

We will definitely consider Evolution's longer kayaking tour the next time we are in Vegas. Ryan recommended the longer tour be done from Winter-Spring as it involves hikes to hot springs. The drive to Willow Beach from the strip in Vegas is not bad -- about 1 hour. We originally had an earlier tour time but were asked if we wanted to move to a tour time 1 hour later as there was space and we paid for the cost of our lunches, but drove ourselves.

Thank you for an...

A truly unforgettable adventure from start to finish! We began our day at 7 AM at the base of the Hoover Dam, where the serenity was striking—so quiet and peaceful, with crystal-clear water revealing the bottom even at depths of 70 feet. The water temperature was a brisk 55°, but the beauty made it feel invigorating rather than cold. Our guide, Maddy, was phenomenal—knowledgeable, personable, and passionate. She shared fascinating insights about the history of the dam, local geology, native culture, vegetation, and wildlife. We saw bighorn mountain sheep, waterfowl, and a variety of birds along the way.

The 12-mile paddle was perfectly paced, with about five or six stops at stunning locations: hot springs tucked into canyon walls, a sauna cave, Gold Strike Canyon, Echo Cave, Emerald Cave, and even the historic water surveyors’ home. Each stop offered something unique—whether it was climbing into warm pools, exploring hidden caves, or simply soaking in the views. The slightly overcast skies kept the temperature comfortable, and the calm water made for smooth paddling.

Lunch and snacks were plentiful and delicious, and the entire experience was timed beautifully—we wrapped up around 2 PM. Communication before the trip was excellent; every question we submitted online was answered within 24 hours. While we used Lyft to reach the early morning departure point, we appreciated that they offered shuttle service back to hotels on the Strip. We overheard that half-day trips may include hotel pickups, so it’s worth asking if that’s a priority.

This was more than just a kayak tour—it was a soul-refreshing journey through nature, history, and hidden gems. Highly recommend Evolution Expeditions and especially Maddy for anyone seeking a truly immersive and...