Kayaking Lake Tahoe: Clear Kayaks in Emerald Bay

See straight through your kayak to the lake floor 75 feet below

A guided kayaking activity on Lake Tahoe's Emerald Bay using transparent kayaks that let you watch the water depths beneath you. The experience runs roughly three hours total: a scenic water shuttle carries you out, then a guide leads 1.5 hours of paddling in the clear kayaks while you take in views of the Sierra Nevada mountains and dramatic rock formations. Check-in is 30 minutes before departure.

The experience

The clear kayak is the whole point. You sit inside a transparent hull and paddle across water so clean you can see straight down 75 feet: rock formations, the lake bed, the scale of the place opens up beneath you instead of staying hidden. The shuttle ride out to Emerald Bay takes an hour to 90 minutes and gets you to one of Lake Tahoe's most sought-after paddling spots without the paddle-in effort. Once there, the guide leads the actual kayaking portion, which runs about 90 minutes and stays close enough to the shoreline that you're taking in the rock walls and mountain views the whole time.

The activity suits all fitness levels, and kids can join from age 4 onward. You get a Coast Guard-approved life jacket, paddles, bottled water, snacks, and coffee or tea included. Parking and landing fees are covered, so there's no surprise cost when you arrive. The guide speaks English and stays with the group throughout the paddling portion, pointing out the natural and cultural history of the bay as you move through it.

What’s included

• A completely clear kayak and paddle.
• US Coast Guard-approved life jacket.
• bottled water and snacks.
• coffee or tea.
• parking and landing fees.
• a live English-speaking guide for the 1.5-hour paddling portion.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 10:00Last departure this season: 31 Oct

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (18 and older) · Youth (12 to 17 years) · Child (4 to 11 years) · Under 4: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 28

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 level

Operated by Clearly Tahoe

Is this one for you?The guide delivers commentary in English throughout the paddling portion, so you follow the history and details of Emerald Bay as you move through it. If you're comfortable with a small group and want the natural history woven in, this works well.

Traveler reviews

5.00★★★★★★★★★★

4 verified traveler reviews

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (12 to 17 years); Child (4 to 11 years). Under 4: 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 actually see through the clear kayak?

Water visibility reaches up to 75 feet, so you can see the lake floor and rock formations directly beneath you as you paddle.

What's the difference between the shuttle ride and the kayaking part?

The scenic water shuttle takes you out to Emerald Bay over roughly an hour to 90 minutes without paddling. The guided kayaking portion lasts about 90 minutes once you arrive, and that's when you're actively paddling the clear kayak.

What's included in the price?

The clear kayak, paddle, life jacket, bottled water, snacks, coffee or tea, parking fees, and landing fees are all included. You just need to arrange your own way to the meeting point.

When do I need to show up?

Check-in is mandatory 30 minutes before the activity starts, so plan to arrive early.