WILLOW BEACH KAYAK FIELD GUIDE
Sunset Paddle to the Boulder Islands: Kayaking Lake Mead from Willow Beach
An evening, 3-hour shuttle-supported kayak tour from Hemenway Harbor that covers a paddle to the Boulder Islands with swimming, a catered dinner, campfire time and stargazing—this guide explains what to expect and how to prepare.
Sunset Paddle to the Boulder Islands: Kayaking Lake Mead from Willow Beach.
Embark on a three-hour evening kayak tour from Hemenway Harbor that threads through the surreal desert waters of Lake Mead to the Boulder Islands. The outing times are set around local sunset so paddlers arrive as the light shifts, with stops to swim, dine on a catered meal, warm beside a beach campfire and finish the night roasting s'mores and paddling beneath a wide, starlit sky.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Boulder Islands at Golden Hour
The route leads across Lake Mead to the scattered rock islands known as the Boulder Islands, where desert ridgelines meet cool water—timed to arrive as the sun lowers for prime sunset views.
Catered Dinner & Campfire
After a leisurely paddle to the island, guests enjoy a catered dinner and gather near a campfire—an evening sequence that frames the sunset and extends into relaxed night-time conversation.
S'mores, Kayak Lighting and Stargazing
The trip finishes with classic campfire treats, kayaks lit for a peaceful circumnavigation of the island backside, and stargazing once darkness settles over the desert lake.
What the day feels like
What the evening feels like
This is a leisurely, shuttle-supported evening paddle: meet at Hemenway Harbor, launch toward the Boulder Islands, linger to explore and swim, then settle in for a catered meal and fireside warmth as the sun drops. The group ends the night with s'mores, illuminated kayaks and a calm paddle around the island as the sky fills with stars.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this trip suits — and the practical caveats to consider.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen; water shoes, sandals, or old tennis shoes (no flip-flops or slides); layered clothing with swimsuit and non-cotton/denim layers; camera/phone; cash for souvenirs and tips.
Meet at the shuttle pick-up location at Hemenway Harbor; you must arrive 30 minutes before the tour start time.
This is a 3-hour round-trip kayak tour.
The tour takes place in the evening with the start time determined by local sunset (summer examples often start near 5:30 PM); aim for cooler air and sunset timing.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the Lake Mead Sunset Paddle?
The tour is a 3-hour round-trip kayak tour.
Where do we meet for the tour?
The meeting point is the shuttle pick-up at Hemenway Harbor; participants must arrive 30 minutes before the start time.
What should I wear and bring?
Bring a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, water shoes/sandals or old tennis shoes (no flip-flops or slides), layered clothing with a swimsuit, and a camera or phone. Cash is recommended for souvenirs and tips.
Will we be swimming?
Yes—guests will have time to swim at the Boulder Islands; expect to get wet up to your knees at launch.
What happens after sunset?
After dinner and a campfire, the group roasts s'mores, lights kayaks and paddles around the backside of the island as night falls and stars appear.