Kayaking Somers Bay: Clear Kayak on Flathead Lake

You see the lake floor from inside the kayak, not from above it.

Kayak Flathead Lake from Somers Bay in a clear kayak, a 2-hour guided paddle through calm waters with views of the Mission and Swan Mountains. The boat's transparent hull lets you watch fish and colored rocks pass underneath as you paddle past small islands and quiet coves. Your guide shares the history of the area, from the old Somers Lumber Company to the geology of one of the cleanest freshwater lakes in the U.S., and points out bald eagles, osprey, deer and river otters. Life vest, dry bag and guide are included. The tour suits all skill levels.

Step-by-step itinerary

Clear Kayak Tour on Flathead Lake

• Launch from Somers Bay
• Paddle through calm waters
• Explore scenic islands and coves
• Observe wildlife like eagles and osprey
• Learn history of Somers Bay
• Stop for photos of lake and mountains
• Enjoy relaxing time on the water

The experience

The clear kayak is the whole point. Instead of paddling on top of the water and guessing what lives below, you sit inside a boat with a transparent hull and watch the lake floor move past: colorful rocks, fish, the clarity that makes Flathead Lake famous. You launch from Somers Bay into calm, sheltered water, so the paddle itself is easy. The work is looking down and taking in what you see.

The route moves through a chain of small islands and quiet coves, with the Mission and Swan Mountains visible the whole time. Your guide steers toward spots where wildlife shows up: bald eagles and osprey are common, and on warm days you can stop and swim in water so clear you'll see your own feet. The guide talks through the area's history as you paddle, explaining the old Somers Lumber Company and how the lake's unusual geology keeps the water this clean. The tour runs about 2 hours, long enough to cover ground without rushing.

Life vests and dry bags come with the kayak, and an experienced guide leads the whole thing. No paddling skill is required. The tour is built for all fitness levels. The maximum weight limit is 215 pounds per person.

What’s included

• Clear kayak with transparent hull.
• life vest and dry bag.
• experienced guide in English leading the paddle and sharing the history of Somers Bay and Flathead Lake's geology.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 1 Jun 2027

Book up to3h before

AgesAdult (6 to 75 years) · Under 6: can't be booked

GroupUp to 14

Live guideEnglish

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

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.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.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by RMG Kayak Company

Is this one for you?The paddle is gentle and the water is sheltered, so this suits anyone who wants to be on the water without fighting current or waves. The clear kayak does the work of making the experience unusual. You don't need to be a strong paddler or comfortable in deep water to get the whole point of it.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What do I actually see when I look through the bottom of a clear kayak?

The lake floor beneath you: rocks, sand, fish and other details of the lake bed that you would never see from a regular kayak. Flathead Lake's water is so clear that visibility runs deep, so you get a real view, not a murky outline.

Will I see wildlife on this paddle?

Bald eagles and osprey show up regularly, and the guide watches for deer and river otters along the shoreline. Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed, but the area is active enough that your guide will point out what appears.

Can I swim during the kayak tour?

Yes, on warm days you can stop and swim in the lake. The water is famous for its clarity and cleanliness, so many paddlers take a refreshing dip during the tour.

What's included with the kayak rental?

The clear kayak comes with a life vest, a dry bag for your belongings, and an experienced guide who leads the paddle and shares history about the area and the lake.

How long is the paddle, and do I need experience?

The tour runs about 2 hours and launches from calm, sheltered water in Somers Bay. No paddling skill is required. The tour is designed for all fitness levels and all ages.