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Emerald Bay Clear Kayak Tour — South Lake Tahoe
Pricing
For one guest riding solo. Must be 12+. Weight capacity 375lbs..
Two guests riding together in one boat. Combined weight capacity 375lbs.
Description
Clearly Explorer | Emerald Bay Clear Kayak Tour — South Lake Tahoe, CA
Emerald Bay is the most photographed spot on Lake Tahoe and one of the most iconic natural landmarks in California — a glacially carved cove ringed by soaring granite cliffs, a lone island (Fannette Island, the lake's only island), the historic Vikingsholm castle nestled at the shoreline, and water so intensely blue-green it looks artificially colored. Most visitors see it from an overlook on Highway 89. This tour shows it to you from below, inside it, paddling through it in a completely transparent kayak.
The Clearly Explorer is a 46-foot tri-toon that departs from the Tahoe Keys Marina in South Lake Tahoe, cruising across the lake with snacks, refreshments, and sweeping open-water views before arriving at Emerald Bay. Once there, clear kayaks are launched directly from the boat for a 1 to 1.5-hour guided paddle through the bay's mesmerizing blue-green water — past the submerged forest visible through the hull, beneath the granite cliffs, and around the features that make this one of the most coveted paddle destinations anywhere in the Sierra Nevada. Because this is Lake Tahoe's only point-to-point kayak tour, you paddle one direction with the boat nearby — no retracing your route. The total experience runs 3 hours and accommodates guests ages 5 and up, with the boat providing a comfortable base for anyone who wants to take a break from paddling at any time.
Duration
- 3 hours on the water, 1.5 hours kayaking
- 4 hours total including boat cruise, check-in, and instruction
Location / Where to Meet
Ages & Requirements
- Minimum age: 5 years old. All guests under 16 must be accompanied by an adult (18+).
- Children under 12 must ride in a double kayak with an adult 18 or older.
- Single kayaks: Weight limit 375 lbs (170 kg).
- Double kayaks: Combined weight limit 375 lbs (170 kg).
- Guests who prefer not to kayak may remain aboard the Clearly Explorer for the duration of the paddle — no kayaking required to participate.
- Pets are not permitted on this experience.
What's Included
- Scenic cruise to and from Emerald Bay aboard the Clearly Explorer (46-foot tri-toon)
- Clear kayak(s) and paddle(s)
- USCG-approved Type III life preserver
- Basic paddling instruction
- Expert guide
- Small cooler with complimentary water, granola bars, and light snacks
- Non-alcoholic refreshments aboard the vessel
- Dry bag
- Sunscreen
- Onboard restroom
Not Included
- Gratuity — 18% is recommended; guides accept cash, Venmo, and PayPal
- Transportation to/from the Tahoe Keys Marina check-in location
What to Bring / Wear
- Swimsuit or quick-drying clothing — guests may get splashed
- Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat
- Light layers — the open water can be cooler than the shore
- Closed-toe water-friendly shoes
- Towel (optional)
- Waterproof camera or GoPro — no drones or professional camera equipment permitted
- Leave valuables and electronics at home or secured in a dry bag
ADVENTURE PROVIDED BY Clearly Tahoe California
FAQs
What makes the Emerald Bay Tour different from other clear kayak tours on the lake?
Emerald Bay is the most iconic destination on Lake Tahoe, and the only way to kayak inside it is by boat. The Clearly Explorer cruises across the open lake from South Lake Tahoe, drops anchor, and launches kayaks directly from the boat into the bay — no car shuttle, no public beach parking, no hiking to the water. The combination of the boat cruise and the point-to-point kayak format means you cover more distance, see more of the bay, and experience it without the crowds typically found at the hiking access points.
What will I see in Emerald Bay?
Emerald Bay is home to several remarkable features visible from the water. Fannette Island — Lake Tahoe's only island — sits in the center of the bay with the ruins of a historic tea house at its peak. Vikingsholm, a Scandinavian-style castle built in 1929, is visible along the shoreline. Below the surface, a submerged forest of tree stumps (remnants of trees flooded when the lake level rose) is visible through the clear kayak hull in the bay's remarkably clear water. Granite cliffs rise on three sides, and the blue-green color of the water in the bay is more intense than almost anywhere else on the lake.
Do I have to kayak, or can I stay on the boat?
You are welcome to stay aboard the Clearly Explorer for all or part of the kayak portion if you prefer. The boat remains near the kayak group throughout, so guests can hop in and out as they wish, or simply enjoy the views and snacks from the deck. This makes the experience accessible to guests of all ability levels, including those who may not want to paddle for the full duration.
What is the sunken forest in Emerald Bay?
When the Emerald Bay water level rose following historic high-water periods, it submerged a number of trees that once stood along the shoreline. Their trunks and root systems are still visible through the clear kayak hull in certain parts of the bay — a surreal and visually striking feature unique to this location.
Is Emerald Bay calm for kayaking?
Emerald Bay is generally more sheltered than the open lake due to the surrounding granite walls, making it one of the calmer paddling environments on the lake. However, morning is typically the most favorable time for glassy conditions — afternoon winds can pick up on the open-water crossing.
Do I need prior kayaking experience?
No experience is necessary. All tours are designed to be beginner-friendly, and your guide will walk you through everything you need to know before getting on the water. The clear kayaks are stable and easy to maneuver, making this an ideal activity for first-timers.
Cancellation Policy
2026 CLEARLY TAHOE CANCELLATION POLICIES
LATE ARRIVALS: All guests must arrive at designated check-in location no less than 30 minutes prior to the start time of their scheduled tour unless specified otherwise in activity confirmation email. Guests are responsible for obtaining the correct address of check-in location from the activity-specific listing at the time of booking. Guests who arrive late for check in or attempt to check in at an alternative location, may miss their scheduled tour. Late arrivals will be non-refundable. Please plan to arrive with plenty of extra time. Clearly Tahoe LLC is not responsible for delays due to traffic, roadwork, inability to find parking, or inability to meet other requirements outlined in company policies.
RESERVATION CHANGES: Changes made to a current reservation day, date, time or activity will result in a $20.00 Reservation Change Fee per request. Reservation Changes may be possible but are not guaranteed. Reservation Changes must be requested by completing our online Reservation Change/Cancellation Form no less than 48-hours prior to the check-in time for scheduled activity. Upon approval, any additional fees resulting from Reservation Change will be automatically charged to the method of payment on file unless otherwise noted. Cancellation Fee shall apply to any cancelled guests as per Cancellation Policy. Any remaining amount will be refunded as per our Refund Policy. Guest is responsible for original reservation if Reservation Change request is not approved.
CANCELLATION POLICY: Cancellations can be made up 48-hours prior to the check-in time for scheduled activity. Cancellations will result in a 50% Cancellation Fee plus booking fees. Full cancellations can be made via the cancel booking link in confirmation email. For customer assistance with cancellations, or for partial cancellations, please complete our Reservation/Change Cancellation form on our website. Reservation Change/Cancellation Form is available on our website at www.clearlytahoe.com.
REFUND POLICY: Cancellations made 48-hours prior to the check-in time for scheduled activity will be eligible for a full refund less a 50% Cancellation Fee and booking fees. Cancellations made within 48 hours of scheduled check-in time will be non-refundable. Refunds will be automatically issued to the original purchase method. NO REFUND WILL BE APPLIED TO CANCELLATIONS OR RESERVATION CHANGES MADE WITHIN 48-HOURS OF SCHEDULED CHECK-IN TIME.
BOOKING ERROR:
Guests may be exempt from Cancellation Fees if Cancellation is made within Booking Error window.
For Advance Reservations (Booked More than 48 hours in Advance):
Reservations made more than 48-hours prior to scheduled activity have a 24-hour booking error window from the time of initial reservation.
For Last Minute Reservations (Booked 24-48 hours in Advance):
Reservations made within 48-hours but more than 24-hours before scheduled activity shall have a 1-hour booking error window from the time of initial reservation.
Same Day Reservations (Booked within 24 hours of Activity Start):
Same-day reservations are excluded from booking error policies and shall have no Booking Error window.
Cancellation Requests as a result of Booking Error must be made by completing our online Reservation Change/Cancellation form within defined Booking Error window. Cancellations may take up to 48-hours for processing.
INCLEMENT WEATHER: In the event of unfavorable wind or weather conditions or any cancellation on the part of Clearly Tahoe LLC due to uncontrollable factors we do provide a full 100% refund to the initial method of payment on file. We reserve the right to cancel at any time for any reason in our sole discretion if we feel conditions may be unsafe or encounter operating factors beyond our control.
Availability
Reviews
Location
Address
2435 Venice Dr. E
South Lake Tahoe, CA, 96150
US
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