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Summit Shores Clear Kayak Tour
Pricing
For one guest riding solo. Must be 12+. Weight capacity 375lbs..
Two guests riding together in one boat. Combined weight capacity 375lbs.
Description
Summit Shores Clear Kayak Tour from Camp Richardson Resort, South Lake Tahoe, CA
Most visitors to South Lake Tahoe see the historic western shoreline from Highway 89, if they slow down enough to notice it at all. This stretch of lakeshore — the old summer grounds of the Pope, Baldwin, and Heller family estates, framed by towering second-growth Sierra Nevada pines and set against the dramatic face of Mount Tallac — is one of the most historically layered and naturally beautiful sections of the lake. The Summit Shores Tour explores it by clear kayak, departing directly from the beach at Camp Richardson Resort for a guided 1.5-hour paddle that's as educational as it is scenic.
This is a brand new tour and one of the most content-rich in the lineup. Paddling above the cobblestone shoreline in completely transparent kayaks, guests can see submerged granite stones with their natural color variations through the hull at shallow depths — a different visual experience than the deep-water clarity of the Nevada shore. The route winds past the historic estates toward Taylor Creek, known for its calm morning waters and resident wildlife, all while your guide shares the natural and human history of the Lake Tahoe Basin — including how the Washoe Tribe used the 9,735-foot (2,967 m) peak of Mount Tallac as a seasonal calendar. Suitable for all skill levels, ages 5 and up, and accessible directly from Camp Richardson Resort via the Emerald Bay Shuttle or the South Lake bike path.
Duration
- 1.5 hours on the water
- 2 hours total including check-in and instruction
Location / Where to Meet
Camp Richardson Resort sits on the western South Shore of Lake Tahoe, approximately 3 miles (4.8 km) west of the South Lake Tahoe city center and about 5 miles (8 km) east of Emerald Bay State Park. Meet your guide at Camp Richardson Resort, 1900 Jameson Beach Rd, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150.
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).
- Beginner-friendly — no prior kayaking experience required.
- Pets are not permitted on this tour.
What's Included
- Clear kayak(s) and paddle(s)
- USCG-approved Type III life preserver
- Basic paddling instruction
- Expert guide with historical and ecological interpretation
- Small cooler with complimentary water and granola bars
- Dry bag
- Sunscreen
Not Included
- Parking fee if using the paid lot at Camp Richardson Resort
- Gratuity — 18% is recommended; guides accept cash, Venmo, and PayPal
What to Bring / Wear
- Swimsuit or quick-drying clothing — guests may get splashed
- Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat
- Light layers — morning lake breezes can be cooler than expected
- Closed-toe water-friendly shoes
- Bug spray — Taylor Creek marsh habitat is active with insects in warm months
- Waterproof camera or GoPro — no drones or professional equipment permitted
- Leave valuables and electronics at home or secured in a dry bag
ADVENTURE PROVIDED BY Clearly Tahoe California
FAQs
What makes the Summit Shores tour unique from other Lake Tahoe tours?
This tour departs directly from the resort beach with no shuttle required, and is focused primarily on the South Shore's human and natural history. Rather than dramatic geology or open-lake clarity, this tour is defined by the historic lakefront estates, the second-growth Sierra Nevada forest, and the marsh habitat near Taylor Creek — a very different character from the Nevada shore tours. It's the most historically rich experience in the clear kayak lineup, and the shallowest-water route, which means guests see a different kind of underwater scenery — cobblestone and submerged granite rather than deep blue visibility.
Who were the Pope, Baldwin, and Heller families?
These three families established some of Lake Tahoe's earliest and most prominent lakefront estates on the western South Shore in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The Pope and Baldwin properties are now part of the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit and are accessible to the public as the Pope-Baldwin Recreation Area. Their estates represent the beginning of recreational tourism on the South Shore and are among the best-preserved examples of early Tahoe architecture.
What wildlife might I see on the Summit Shores tour?
The Taylor Creek area is one of the most wildlife-active zones on the South Shore. Osprey, bald eagles, and great blue herons are commonly spotted fishing the marsh shallows. Beavers and otters are present in the creek habitat, and deer are frequently seen along the forest edge. In fall, Taylor Creek is also known for its kokanee salmon spawn — a striking natural event visible from the water's edge.
How does the underwater scenery differ from other clear kayak tours?
Most Clearly Tahoe tours take place over deep water where visibility stretches 65–75 feet (20–23 m) through the hull. The Summit Shores route is shallower, hugging the cobblestone shoreline near the historic estates and Taylor Creek. Through the transparent hull, guests see submerged granite stones with natural color variations at close range — a more intimate and geologically textured underwater view than the open-lake depth experience on the Nevada shore tours.
Is Camp Richardson easy to get to without a car?
Yes — this is one of the most accessible departure points in the lineup for car-free guests. Camp Richardson is served by the Emerald Bay Shuttle (seasonal) and is connected to South Lake Tahoe by the paved Pope-Baldwin Bike Path, which runs along Highway 89. Rideshare (Uber and Lyft) is also available to the resort.
What season is best for the Summit Shores tour?
The tour runs through multiple seasons, each offering a different character. Spring brings snowy peaks and budding greenery; summer offers brilliant blue water and sandy beach conditions; fall brings golden aspens along the shoreline and, if timing is right, the kokanee salmon spawn at Taylor Creek. The outfitter describes this as a tour with memorable views in any season.
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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