Kayaking in Lake Tahoe

Kayaking is one of the best ways to enjoy all of the splendor that Lake Tahoe offers.

Besides paddleboarding, kayaking is one of the only ways to enjoy the secret spots and little inlets that give that special mystique to this special body of water. Whether you are cruising around experiencing the glorious beauty of turquoise water or you are basking in the bliss of a full moon setting over the waterscape, it's safe to say that any experience kayaking in Lake Tahoe is an experience to be appreciated forever. 

If paddling Big Blue sounds like your cup of tea, know that you are in for a treat. There are exceptional companies throughout the basin that specialize in taking guests on nautical journeys of beauty or supplying the needed gear so that you can create your own. From excursions for the entire family to a trip out with your best friends, there are guided kayak trips that will meet exactly what you are looking for. Keep reading to learn about seven local businesses that specialize in the art of a fantastic kayak trip on Lake Tahoe.

Picture: There is something truly magical about experiencing a sunset while gliding across the water. Photo courtesy of Tahoe City Kayak

Adrift Tahoe

Kings Beach

With its superb location literally on the beach of Lake Tahoe, Adrift Tahoe is a one-stop-shop for all of your floating needs. Offering stand up paddleboards, kayaks and canoe rentals as well as all of the accompanying gear, Adrift is set up to help you get out on the water. Their small shop supplies any needed apparel and sundries as well as their very own line of Adrift boards. They also offer demos, making the decision to buy not so scary. Specializing in all abilities, whether a beginner or expert paddler, Adrift Tahoe is excited to lend you their expertise when it comes to paddling Big Blue. 

Enjoying the full moon with Tahoe Adventure Company. Photo courtesy of Tahoe Adventure Company

Tahoe Adventure Company

Tahoe Vista

A business that is dedicated to helping you gain access to all of the outdoor adventure that Lake Tahoe offers, Tahoe Adventure Company is your place for not only kayaking, but also rock climbing, mountain biking and hiking. They specialize in creating custom tours that connect into exactly what you are looking for from your Lake Tahoe outing. With that they also supply immense local knowledge on the history as well as flora and fauna. Some of their incredible kayak tours that deserve your attention include the star tour, full moon tour and sunset excursions. Tahoe Adventure Company also offers winter outings as well.

Tahoe Paddle & Oar

Kings Beach

A place of sanctuary for the paddler, Tahoe Paddle & Oar has been a longtime advocate for those who love the feeling that paddling creates. They are dedicated to anything related to kayaking, canoeing or paddleboarding and offer all of the supplies needed to enjoy yourself on the water while staying safe. They have a great location for easy access to Lake Tahoe, making it simple to utilize their services and knowledge for where to go for a great adventure. Tahoe Paddle & Oar is a summer-only operation.

Tahoe Jack's Adventure Authority

Zephyr Cove

An operation that caters to all abilities and is gifted at providing guided tours, Tahoe Jack's Adventure Authority is an expedition and excursion company that is dedicated to making sure you are enjoying all that Lake Tahoe offers. With expertise in not just kayaking, they also offer rock climbing, mountain biking, paddleboarding, kiteboarding and backpacking outings as well as wilderness courses. For those that enjoy the energy of an evening jaunt, Tahoe Jack offers fantastic night adventures. In the winter, the adventures focus on the snow, with journeys involving snowshoeing, fat bike tours, sledding and avalanche courses.

There's nothing quite like watching a fireworks show from your very own boat. Picture courtesy of Tahoe City Kayak

Tahoe City Kayak

Tahoe City

A longtime player in the kayak game, Tahoe City Kayak is a trusted outfitter for kayak rentals as well as enjoyable tours. They supply top-rated kayaks as well as paddleboards, water gear and apparel. With the mission through the decades of offering unparalleled customer service, Tahoe City Kayak is known for being a place that supports you in your paddling needs, giving them the reputation for being one of the best. They also offer deliveries of kayak or paddleboard rentals to your destination of choice.

Wild Society

Kings Beach

One of the few outfitters that supplies clear kayaks, Wild Society gives the gift of getting to see what you are paddling over. They offer both kayaks and paddleboards in the form of rentals or purchase. They also have a stupendous concierge and guide service that focuses on the beginner and creating an adventure that allows for fun and relaxation. With a mission to connect guests with the sparkle that is Lake Tahoe, each guest is given an experience that is completely customized to their unique needs and desires. To help create a complete experience, Wild Society also offers a cute boutique that offers clothing, plants, gifts and novelties.

Clear kayaks create amazing views of Lake Tahoe. Picture courtesy of Clearly Tahoe

Clearly Tahoe

South Lake Tahoe

The other exceptional outfitter that supplies clear watercrafts to clients, Clearly Tahoe is dedicated to the enjoyment that comes from getting to see the underwater world as you paddle by. With the ability to see 65 feet deep, this is an experience that is truly one for the bucket list. Clearly Tahoe is gifted at knowing where to take their clients for the most memorable trip and are quite talented at providing unique trips that also deserve the category of luxurious. Each tour ranges in difficulty and length, offering a little something for everyone, with trips for those as young as 5 years old. They also offer party trips, accommodating up to 40 guests.