Clear Kayak Paddling on Lake Tahoe's South Shore

Paddle through 65 feet of clear water in a see-through kayak

A guided kayak tour on Lake Tahoe's South Shore using completely transparent kayaks that let you see the lake floor while paddling along the historic shoreline and Sierra Nevada forest. The two-hour experience departs from Camp Richardson Resort and suits all ages from five and up. A guide, kayak, paddle, life jacket and bottled water are included, plus transportation to and from the meeting point on the beach.

Step-by-step itinerary

Clear kayak tour on Lake Tahoe

• Arrive at Camp Richardson Resort
• Meet guides and kayaks on beach
• Receive safety briefing and instructions
• Paddle transparent kayak along shoreline
• Explore historic settlements and forest
• Enjoy views of Mount Tallac and Sierra Nevada
• Complete 90-minute kayak tour

The experience

The kayak itself is the whole point here. Completely transparent hulls let you watch the water column drop away beneath you (the lake reaches 65 feet deep along this stretch), while you paddle the shoreline. You'll see the forest edge and the historic settlements that line the South Shore, and Mount Tallac fills the view for the entire two hours. The guide handles the route and the pace. You operate the kayak.

You meet on the beach west of the Grove and the Beachside Inn at Camp Richardson Resort. Parking is first come, first served, and you pay the fee directly to the resort when you arrive. The guide and kayaks are waiting on the sand. You won't exit the vessel during the tour, the experience stays on the water, and the route follows the forested shoreline and the 150-year-old second-growth forest that backs it. A US Coast Guard-approved life jacket, paddle and bottled water come with the kayak. An air-conditioned vehicle brings you back to the parking area when the two hours are done.

The tour runs for all ages and skill levels starting at five years old, though there are weight limits: the combined weight in each kayak cannot exceed 375 pounds. Pets are not permitted. The transparent kayak is not a gimmick. It changes what you see, and the depth and clarity of the water here make that the whole reason to book this one instead of a regular kayak on any other lake.

What’s included

• The tour includes a transparent kayak and paddle for each participant.
• a US Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device.
• bottled water.
• landing and facility fees.
• and air-conditioned vehicle transportation back to the parking area after the paddle.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 2 Aug 2027

AgesAdult (18 and older) · Youth (12 to 17 years) · Child (5 to 11 years) · Under 5: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 5

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsNo refund if you cancel.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48h

Prices and times updated 16 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Clearly Tahoe

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you have a free afternoon and want to see what lies beneath the surface: the transparent hull and the lake's 65-foot clarity are what set this paddle apart from any other kayak experience. The two-hour duration fits between other activities without eating the whole day.

Traveler reviews

5.00★★★★★★★★★★

1 verified traveler review

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (12 to 17 years); Child (5 to 11 years). Under 5: they can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. No refund if you cancel.

How deep can you see through the clear kayak?

The water along the South Shore reaches depths of 65 feet, and the transparent hull lets you see through the entire water column as you paddle. The clarity is what makes the see-through kayak worthwhile here.

What's included in the kayak tour?

The tour includes the transparent kayak and paddle, a US Coast Guard-approved life jacket, bottled water, landing and facility fees, and an air-conditioned vehicle to bring you back to the parking area. A live guide leads the entire two-hour paddle.

Do I need kayaking experience to join?

No. The tour is suitable for all skill levels and all ages from five and up. The guide handles the route and pace while you operate the kayak.

Where do I park and meet the guide?

You park in the main lot at Camp Richardson Resort. Parking is first come, first served, and you pay the fee directly to the resort when you arrive. The guide and kayaks wait on the beach to the west of the Grove and the Beachside Inn. Follow signage from the parking area.

What happens if I want to stop and swim or get out of the kayak?

You stay in the kayak for the entire two-hour tour. The experience is designed as a paddle, not a swimming stop, and exiting the vessel is not permitted during this tour.

Are there weight or age limits?

Children must be at least five years old. The combined weight of passengers in each kayak cannot exceed 375 pounds. Pets are not permitted on this tour.