Top Lake Tahoe Kayaking Tours

One of the deepest lakes in North America, Tahoe famously has very blue and clear waters, but it can be tricky to get a good view of them on most boat tours. This small-group kayak tour from Sand Harbor State Park takes you out onto the water in completely transparent kayaks so that you can enjoy a fuller perspective. Paddle along the lake while seeing up to 65 feet (20 meters) below the water's surface.

See Lake Tahoe from a whole new perspective on a small-group guided tour in clear kayaks. Follow your lifeguard-certified guide and paddle around Lake Tahoe's scenic East Shore from Sand Harbor to hidden coves and highlights such as Bonsai Rock. On hot days, you can even take a dip in the waters to cool off while you soak up the scenery.

Explore the western shore of Lake Tahoe independently with a half-day kayak rental from Tahoe City. Booking a rental ahead of time makes it super easy to enjoy a day on the lake without having to bring and launch your own equipment. Soak in the views of forest and granite as you paddle across the crystal-clear waters of this enormous lake, which is surrounded by 12,000-foot-tall (3,660-meter) mountains.

Kayaking the lake at dusk is always a magical experience. Imagine yourself gliding across the clear waters of Lake Tahoe as they change from emerald blue to pink and purple. As you look up into the sky, you will see the sun slowly sinking behind the majestic peaks of Lake Tahoe’s West Shore. This is one unforgettable experience you will not want to miss.

Embark on an unforgettable adventure as you explore the clear, vibrant waters of Lake Tahoe in a fully transparent kayak. Glide over colorful rock formations, schools of fish, and shimmering sandbars, all visible through your kayak's crystal-clear base. Choose from morning, midday, or sunset tours for a completely different vibe each time. Our experienced guides lead you along the most scenic parts of the lake, sharing fun facts about Tahoe’s history, ecology, and hidden gems along the shoreline. This one-of-a-kind experience is perfect for families, couples, solo travelers, and photographers looking for an epic and unique view of Lake Tahoe’s natural beauty. No previous kayaking experience needed — we’ll provide all the training and safety gear you need for a fun, worry-free day on the water!

Enjoy the majesty of Lake Tahoe while kayaking in one of our tandem (2-person) kayaks. Our shallow water launch spot is the perfect place for beginners and experts, alike. You can access some of the best views in Lake Tahoe, including the Upper Truckee River, Secret Beach, Mount Tallac, and Cave Rock. Your tandem (double) kayak will keep you afloat among the gentle waves and light wind that cross the lake in the early morning and afternoon as you float by the granite boulders and massive sugar pines that ring the lake. The time will pass quickly as you work your muscles and push yourself throughout the three hours until you return to disembark for your next adventure - unless you decide to upgrade to a full day rental!

Lakeview Commons/El Dorado Beach is our launch point, and this location is very easy to park and access. It's centrally located in South Lake Tahoe, CA. It's also a fantastic launch point for some of the best views in Lake Tahoe. Just a 10 minute paddle from our beach, you'll access a wildlife preserve, secret beach, and the mouth of the Upper Truckee River. You'll also have sweeping views of some of Tahoe's tallest mountains. Lake Tahoe is a year-round playground offering incredible hiking, boating, and kayaking through most of the summer and some of the best skiing in North America in the winter. Ringed by massive mountains and beautiful pine forest, the lake is the largest alpine lake in North America and one of the deepest in the United States. Every year, thousand of visitors and residents alike flock to the lake to escape the searing heat of the California Central Valley and to enjoy the abundance of incredible water sports and outdoor activities the area offers.

Grab a paddle and voyage along the scenic west shore of Lake Tahoe on a guided morning kayak tour, perfect for anyone wanting to kayak while hearing insider tales of the area. Glide through the pristine water and learn about local history and legends such as the early settlers, the ill-fated Donner Party, and life on the lake before the advent of ski resorts and casinos.

Kayaking the lake at dusk is always a magical experience. Imagine yourself gliding across the clear waters of Lake Tahoe as they change from emerald blue to pink and purple. As you look up into the sky, you will see the sun slowly sinking behind the majestic peaks of Lake Tahoe’s West Shore. This is one unforgettable experience you will not want to miss.

Discover the joy of kayaking on the crystal-clear waters of Lake Tahoe. Under the guidance of our experienced instructors, you’ll learn the fundamentals of this fun and rewarding sport in a relaxed and supportive setting. Your safety is our top priority; all of our guides are certified in First Aid and CPR. Take in breathtaking alpine views as you glide across the lake, capturing unforgettable moments surrounded by Tahoe’s natural beauty. Along the way, your guides will share fascinating insights into the area’s rich natural and human history. This adventure is the perfect opportunity to connect with loved ones, embrace the tranquility of the mountains, and truly unwind. All necessary gear is provided, including kayak, paddle, and life jacket, as well as knowledgeable guides and permit fees. If you are a single traveler, please call the office to see if there is a group to join!

Experience Lake Tahoe like never before with a clear kayak adventure. Navigate across crystal-clear waters while taking in breathtaking views of the High Sierra peaks and the lake’s stunning underwater rock formations. This family friendly tour combines adventure, education, and unforgettable scenery, making it perfect for nature enthusiasts of all ages. Delve into Lake Tahoe’s ecology, geology, and fascinating human history as you gently float along the shoreline, guided by our knowledgeable and friendly guide. While on our clear kayak tour you are offered a unique perspective on the lake, allowing you to see up to 70 feet below the surface. If you are a single traveler, please call the office to see if there is a group to join!

Paddle into the night on this bucket list experience! Explore nature along the shoreline as you paddle out onto Lake Tahoe with the moonlight on the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Relax and enjoy the bright stars up above with the illumination of colorful LED lights below!

Activity Highlights: - Tahoe’s Most Premium & Unique Kayak Experience - Scenic Water Shuttle to a secluded launch point — far from the crowds - 1.5-Hour Guided Activity in completely clear kayaks - Breathtaking Views of the Sierra Nevada mountains - Crystal-Clear Waters with visibility up to 75 feet deep - Perfect Photo Opportunities in pristine, peaceful locations

This guided kayak fishing tour stands out by focusing on sunrise and sunset—when fishing is best and the lake is at its calmest. With a direct beach launch, small groups, and hands-on instruction, guests spend more time fishing and less time waiting, all while enjoying some of the most scenic conditions Lake Tahoe has to offer.

Activity Highlights: - Tahoe’s Most Premium & Unique Kayak Experience - Scenic Water Shuttle to the famed Emerald bay — one of the most sought after paddle destinations - 1.5-Hour Guided Activity in completely clear kayaks - Breathtaking Views of the Sierra Nevada mountains - Crystal-Clear Waters with visibility up to 75 feet deep - Perfect Photo Opportunities in pristine, peaceful locations

Experience the natural beauty of Lake Tahoe at night on a unique nocturnal adventure. Paddle in clear kayaks with glow lights to see the local flora and fauna in and around the lake at night. Join a small group for a more personal experience under the stars. Your clear kayak will begin to glow with special lights as the sun finishes setting and the stars come out.

Relax, unwind, and reconnect with nature as our expert guides lead you on a memorable Lake Tahoe adventure. Glide across the crystal-clear waters and take in breathtaking panoramic views that stretch across the entire 22-mile lake. Along the way, immerse yourself in the serenity of the surroundings, discovering the lake’s stunning clarity, pristine shoreline, and hidden coves. Midway through your journey, pause at a scenic beach to savor a fresh, flavorful deli lunch while soaking in the beauty of the mountains and water around you. This is the perfect combination of adventure, relaxation, and unforgettable scenery—an experience the whole family will treasure.

Our Scenic Shoreline Tour is our original and most diverse clear kayak experience. Guests on our Scenic Shoreline Tour will have the opportunity to explore beautiful coves that glisten with pyrite (fools gold), paddle along geological rock formations that lead us to reflect on the history and origin of Lake Tahoe, as well as elaborate lake front estates and the famous Cave Rock cliffs. This 1.5 hour guided tour in completely clear kayaks will take guests along the shoreline to experience depths of up to 75 feet below the surface. Across the lake, guests will have a panoramic view of the Sierra Nevada mountains and Mount Tallac on the horizon.