Three Unique Paddling Experiences to Have on Lake Tahoe
By: Kayla Anderson
Nestled in the heart of the Sierra Nevada where snow runoff from the surrounding mountains meets and melts in a pure blue alpine body of water known as Lake Tahoe, any way to get out on the lake makes for a memorable experience. However, many paddlers who visit may not realize that there’s more to do than just taking out a SUP or a kayak for an hour or so. Here are some must-do paddle experiences to check out while you’re in town:
- Go on a Clearly Tahoe LED Glow Night Tour (South Shore)
Based in the Tahoe Keys, just sitting in a Clearly Tahoe kayak is crazy because the completely transparent craft gives people a peek at what’s going on under the water, thanks to their clear bottoms.
Along with daytime eco tours, sunset, and pet-friendly tours that depart from the Tahoe Keys Marina in clear bottom kayaks, Clearly Tahoe experienced lifeguard-certified staff takes people out on LED Glow nighttime tours where one can cruise around the Tahoe Keys and catch glimpses of fish, milfoil, and other interesting features below the surface. Available to paddlers of all abilities, LED Glow tours are safe, peaceful, and something fun to do on Lake Tahoe when everyone else is at the casinos or in bed.
- Visiting in the beginning of the month? Take a Full Moon Kayak Tour with the Tahoe Adventure Company (North Shore)
Going out on Lake Tahoe under a full moon is also a surreal experience because not only is your paddle path lit up by the bright white light once the moon drifts over the mountain crest, but you can see thousands of stars visible due to the lack of light pollution in this somewhat remote area.
However, it’s always safest to go with a group when venturing out at night, and fortunately the Tahoe Adventure Company is there to lead the way. Launching from the Tahoe Vista boat ramp, professional guides take guests on a full moon kayak tour that ends with hot drinks and snacks on the beach afterwards. Full moon tours go out on the first of the month in the summer; the cost is $65 per person.
- Get some extra exercise in with a SUP Yoga Experience at Waterman’s Landing (North Shore)
Perched on a public dog-friendly beach is a café/paddleboard and kayak rental shop ran by professional paddlers Jay and Anik Wild. Along with renting out SUPs, kayaks, outriggers, and surf skis, Waterman’s Landing also hosts lessons, clinics, and special group tours for any type of paddling experience you want to have.
There are a few paddle outfitters in Lake Tahoe that promote on-the-water yoga experiences, but rarely are they located right on the lake. However, at Waterman’s Landing a yoga instructor is available to take paddlers out for private or group yoga classes where one can further test their balance on a board and playfully try new poses on a SUP.
Related Articles to get you Paddling on Lake Tahoe
Top Destinations
From walking to the beach, to finding the nearest ski resort, to taking a day trip to some of the nearby destinations. Check out the options!
Lake Tahoe is a magical place. Surrounded by mountains with access to the crystal blue water, excellent trails, world class ski ressorts and more within the Tahoe basin.
Beyond any of the mountain passes lie many additional opportunities that are a relatively easy day trip. Some are on your way to Lake Tahoe from the San Francisco Bay Area such as the Sierra Foothills and Gold Country.
Others such as the former mining town of Bodie and the Bodie State Historic Park as well as Carson City, Reno, and even a little farther to Mammoth Lakes and Mono Lake offer plenty of interesting options. As a day trip or for ideas on where to stop while exploring California and Nevada, check out some of our travel ideas.
