Lake Tahoe: Clear Kayak Paddle Tour & Sand Harbor Shuttle

Summary

See-through kayaks, turquoise water, laughter echoing off granite boulders

You’ll float above Lake Tahoe’s clearest waters in a transparent kayak, paddle past giant submerged boulders with your guide, and maybe even jump in for a swim at Sand Harbor. With included shuttle pickup from Incline Village and all gear provided, you’ll get both adventure and those rare moments of calm that tend to stick with you long after.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the way the morning light slipped through the bottom of my kayak—like I was floating on glass instead of Lake Tahoe. Our guide, Jamie, handed me a carbon fiber paddle that felt lighter than I expected (I actually double-checked if it was real). We met up in Incline Village and after a quick safety chat—plus some awkward wriggling into life jackets—we loaded into the van for the short ride to Sand Harbor. The air smelled sharp and piney. Someone behind me kept saying they’d never seen water this clear before. I thought they were exaggerating until we got there.

Once we slid out onto the lake, everything went quiet except for our paddles tapping against the sides. You could see these massive granite boulders below—some looked close enough to touch, others just faded into deep blue. Jamie pointed out Bonsai Rock (I tried to say it in Japanese; my friend Li laughed so hard she nearly tipped us over). The sun warmed our backs but there was still this chill off the water. A couple of people jumped in for a swim—I didn’t bring a towel but kind of wish I had, because it looked fun and nobody seemed to care about getting cold.

I liked that our group was small—six kayaks max—so you never felt crowded or rushed. Jamie took photos for us (I’m usually camera-shy but ended up grinning like an idiot anyway). There was this moment where we just drifted near some rocks and watched tiny fish dart around under us—felt weirdly peaceful, almost like eavesdropping on another world. After two hours paddling along Tahoe’s northeast shore, we had a few minutes to hang out on the beach before heading back. Honestly, I still think about how quiet it felt out there in the middle of all that blue.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Kayak tour and beach visit at Lake Tahoe

• Meet at shop in Incline Village
• Get fitted with life jackets
• Listen to safety talk
• Shuttle 15 minutes to Sand Harbor
• Meet tour guide at Sand Harbor
• Paddle with guide for 2 hours
• View clear water and large boulders
• See Bonsai rock and landscapes
• Enjoy beach or use restrooms for 15 minutes
• Shuttle 15 minutes back to shop

Top questions

How long is the clear kayak paddle tour at Lake Tahoe?

The guided kayaking portion lasts about 2 hours, plus shuttle time and beach break.

Is swimming allowed during the tour?

Yes, guests may choose to swim during warmer days as part of the tour experience.

Where does the tour start?

The tour starts at the shop location in Incline Village before shuttling to Sand Harbor.

Are life jackets provided?

Yes, NRS ion life jackets are provided for all participants.

How many kayaks are allowed per tour?

A maximum of 6 clear kayaks can be launched per tour group.

Is transportation included?

Yes, round-trip shuttle transportation from Incline Village to Sand Harbor is included.

Can children join the kayak tour?

Yes, infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; infants must sit on an adult’s lap during transport.

Are guides certified for safety?

All guides are Lifeguard Certified with the American Red Cross.

What’s included

Your day includes round-trip shuttle transportation from Incline Village to Sand Harbor, use of clear kayaks with lightweight carbon fiber paddles, NRS ion lifejackets for everyone’s safety, dry bags for your stuff, all entry fees and taxes covered—and your guide will even snap photos along the way before bringing you back at the end.