Clear Kayak Paddling Lake Tahoe from Incline Village

You see the lake floor through the kayak hull as you paddle.

Clear kayak paddling on Lake Tahoe departing from Incline Village takes you south along the shoreline to Bonsai Rock in a completely transparent kayak, where you paddle yourself and see depths of up to 65 feet below the surface. The 2.5-hour tour includes a live guide, complimentary shuttle from the Clearly Tahoe Shop, all safety gear, and water. Guests must be at least 6 years old, and combined weight in the kayak cannot exceed 375 pounds.

Step-by-step itinerary

Clear Kayak Tour at Lake Tahoe

• Arrive 15 minutes early for check-in
• Take complimentary shuttle from Incline Village
• Paddle south along Sand Harbor shoreline
• Explore crystal clear water in transparent kayak
• View Bonsai Rock and surrounding boulders
• Complete 90-minute guided kayak tour

The experience

You start at the Clearly Tahoe Shop in Incline Village, where you'll check in 15 minutes before departure. The shuttle takes you to Sand Harbor State Park, where your guide meets you with the clear kayaks and paddles. From there, you paddle south along the shoreline toward Bonsai Rock, the tour's main landmark. The transparent hull lets you watch the lake floor pass beneath you as you move. The water here is clear enough to see down 65 feet, and the kayak makes that visibility the whole point of the paddle.

The paddle itself is steady and manageable for all ages and fitness levels. You're in control of the kayak the entire time, setting your own pace while the guide leads the route and points out the landscape. The tour covers the most scenic stretch of the shoreline, with 360-degree views of the lake and the surrounding boulders. You stay in the kayak for the duration (there's no exiting to swim or explore on shore), so the focus stays on paddling and looking down through the hull.

The tour runs 2.5 hours total. You'll have a US Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device, bottled water, and all the equipment included. The shuttle brings you back to the shop afterward, and parking fees are covered. Pets are not permitted, and the combined weight limit means two adults or a mix of adults and children need to stay under 375 pounds per kayak.

What’s included

• Clear kayak and paddle.
• US Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device.
• bottled water.
• complimentary shuttle transportation from the Clearly Tahoe Shop in Incline Village to Sand Harbor State Park and back.
• landing and facility fees.
• live guide in English.
• parking fees.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 10:00 and 12:00Last departure this season: 30 Nov

AgesAdult (18 and older) · Youth (12 to 17 years) · Child (6 to 11 years) · Under 6: can't be booked

GroupUp to 6

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 48 h

Prices and times updated 9 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Clearly Tahoe

Is this one for you?You paddle the kayak yourself for the full 2.5 hours, so this suits anyone who wants to be on the water doing the work rather than watching from a boat. The transparent hull is the whole draw. If you want to see the lake floor as you paddle, this is the only way to do it on Tahoe.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (12 to 17 years); Child (6 to 11 years). Children under 6 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.

What can I actually see through the clear kayak hull?

The lake floor is visible up to 65 feet below the surface on this tour. The transparency of the water and the kayak hull together let you watch the lake bed, rocks, and underwater landscape pass as you paddle from Sand Harbor to Bonsai Rock.

How long does the whole experience take from start to finish?

The paddling tour itself is 2.5 hours. You'll arrive 15 minutes early for check-in at the Clearly Tahoe Shop in Incline Village, and the complimentary shuttle adds travel time to and from Sand Harbor State Park.

Do I need kayaking experience to join this tour?

No experience is necessary. The tour is suitable for all skill levels, and the guide leads the route and pace. You control the kayak, but the guide is there to help and point out the scenery along the way.

What's included in the price, and what do I need to bring?

The tour includes the clear kayak and paddle, a US Coast Guard-approved life jacket, bottled water, the live guide, shuttle transportation from Incline Village, and all landing and facility fees. Bring a swimsuit, towel, and sunscreen. Wear water shoes or sandals you don't mind getting wet.