Tahoe Adventure Company (530) 913-9212 Toll Free (866) 830-6125
Lake Tahoe Kayak Tours
Experience the scenic and beautiful Lake Tahoe shoreline from the unique perspective of a kayak.
The Lake Tahoe area offers incredible kayaking opportunities. All of our one-day kayaking tours cover comprehensive paddling instruction, include an excellent lunch on the beach, and allow our guests to experience the area from the unique perspective of a kayak. We point out ecology, geology, and natural and human history along the way. These excellent paddles always travel with the prevailing winds and currents, which allows us to explore and have fun. The scenery is remarkable! For more information, read below about some of our guided kayak trips we offer on Lake Tahoe. All trips are suitable for beginners.
Discover Kayaking - $49!
Learn to love these exhilarating sports!
For the beginner who wants to discover kayaking or Stand Up Paddle-boarding in a safe learning environment, this 2 hour special is waiting for you! Discover an easy and accessible sport on the clear alpine waters of Lake Tahoe. Our professional guide will provide a complete and thorough lesson for beginners. Includes all your gear, introductory lesson, professional guide, natural and human history discussions. No meal provided. Please bring water. Tour meets at the Tahoe Vista Recreation Area. Reservations are required.
Typical Distance and Time: 1-3 miles, 10am-12pm. Level of Difficulty: Easy Location: Tahoe Vista Recreation Area Cost: $49 per person 2 person minimum.
North Shore Kayak Tour
Experience the scenic and beautiful Lake Tahoe shoreline from the unique perspective of a kayak.
An excellent trip from our beachfront location in Tahoe Vista, Ca. After an introductory lesson, we head out on the water for a paddle. We point out ecology, geology and other natural and human history along the way. Paddle along the coast of King's Beach, among the boulders of Crystal Bay and along scenic coastline while getting a unique glimpse of some of Tahoe's most beautiful waterfront homes. Includes all gear, professional guide, natural and human history discussions, and a deli spread lunch.
Typical Distance and Time: 3-6 miles. 10am-2pm Level of Difficulty: Easy to Moderate Location: Tahoe Vista Recreation Area Cost: $85 per person 2 person minimum
Sand Harbor Kayak Tour
Explore the only undeveloped side of Lake Tahoe - The East Shore! We start our adventure at Sand Harbor on Tahoe's East Shore and first cover a comprehensive lesson on the beach. Once on the water, we paddle along the coastline, soaking up the incredible sierra views. Your guide will explain the geology, ecology, and natural and human history of the lake throughout your trip.
To re-energize, we will land on a hidden beach for a delicious deli spread lunch and cold beverages. This trip provides great opportunities to paddle, swim, or just float. You'll even get to paddle around the fascinating historic Thunderbird Lodge. Your guide will enthrall you with the many tales of George Whittell, the original owner, and Bill, his pet lion! It's great for the whole family!
Typical Distance and Time: 3-9 miles, 9:30am to 2:30pm. Level of Difficulty: Easy - Moderate Location: Sand Harbor State Park. Cost: $90 per person 2 person minimum.
If you are one person, please call our office to join an existing group!
Sand Harbor State Park entrance fee of $12.00 applies at Park.
Sunset Friday Kayak Tour
An evening of paddling and watching the night sky.
This kayak trip is a great way to end a full day. Offered every Friday as well as other days by reservation. We meet at sunset and get on the water to watch the colors change and the stars appear. We'll cover some astronomy and tour the perfect distance before landing on the beach for some hot drinks,snacks, and more stargazing.
Typical Distance and Time: 1-2 miles, 2+ hours on the water Level of Difficulty: Easy to Moderate. Location: Tahoe Vista Recreation Area. Cost: $60 per person. 4 person minimum.
Thunderbird Lodge Kayak Tour
A truly unique Kayaking Experience!
Explore the Thunderbird Lodge Historic Site and arrive by Kayak! We start our adventure at the beautiful Sand Harbor State Beach on Lake Tahoe's magnificent East Shore. After getting outfitted and covering a comprehensive paddling lesson, we begin our journey with an easy 1.5 mile paddle along pristine coastline to the beach at Thunderbird Lodge.
After a rest and snacks, professional tour guides take visitors on an hour walk throughout the Whittell estate, including the Lighthouse Room, the Old Lodge, the maids' quarters and original kitchen, as well as a trip through the 600' underground tunnel leading to the infamous Card House and Boat House. In the Boat House you may find the fabulous yacht, Thunderbird, built for George Whittell in 1939. The yacht is a 55' long, John Hacker design with mahogany hull and dual aircraft engines and is a one-of-a-kind masterpiece built in a bygone era. The tour then follows the Dragon's Tail path, past the waterfall and fountain to the Cook and Butler's House.
After our tour, a delicious deli spread lunch will be served on the beach before our short paddle back to Sand Harbor.
Typical Distance and Time: 3 miles, 9am to 2pm. Level of Difficulty: Easy. Location: Sand Harbor State Park. Cost: $124 per person 2 person minimum. A $39 donation per person will be made to the Thunderbird Lodge Preservation Society.
If you have your own kayak and wish to kayak to the lodge and back without lunch and the full tour, the rate is $69.
Offered Every Tuesday and by custom dates June-September or by special arrangement. Tours start at Sand Harbor State Park. A $12 State Park parking fee applies.
Star Tours
Star gazers unite! Tahoe Adventure Company and Tony Berendsen present: Telescopic tours of the midnight sky! This fusion brings you the most exciting tour of the season. It all starts with guided sunset kayaking followed by a brilliant tour of the midnight sky.
Our professional, knowledgeable guides will teach you about the natural and human history of the area, while you watch the sun casts a purple alpenglow onto the Sierras. You can paddle through the crystal clear waters of Lake Tahoe, hike or snowshoe through Tahoe's vibrant, yet peaceful forest. You will be guided to a viewing point, where Tony will open your mind to the unknown world above you. Hot drinks and snacks will be served as our Star Tour begins.
For the past 15 years, award winning astronomer Tony Berendsen has exposed the superlative Sierra skies to many lucky people throughout California and Nevada. In addition to his tours, he is currently the President of the Northern Nevada Science Coalition and previously was the President of the Astronomical Society of Nevada. His large aperture telescopes will take you into the unfamiliar mysterious world that blankets the Sierra Nevada.
Let us guide you to mars and back again! Give us a call today to book this once in a lifetime opportunity. This tour is great for kids, teens, and adults bring the whole family.
2012 Summer Kayak Astronomy Adventures: Saturday, June 16: "Rise of the Scorpion" Friday, July 6: "Arc to Arcturus" Friday, August 17: "Saturn and Mars over Tahoe" Saturday, September 15: "Neptune in a Sea of Stars" Star Tour Hike Friday, October 5: "The Planets of Fomalhaut"
Cost: $70 Location: Tahoe Vista Time: Call for times.
We require an 8 person minimum to run the tour. If we do not have 8 people we will call to cancel the tour.
Full Moon Kayak Tours
Float in a kayak on the clear blue water while the sun sets the sky on fire, the full moon rises, and the stars twinkle! The water will be calm and quiet as the wind dies down and other boats button up for the night. Increase your knowledge of astronomy with jaw dropping views of Lake Tahoe illuminated by the light of the full moon. We paddle for about two hours before landing on the beach to cap it all off with hot drinks, snacks, and more stargazing on the beach.
When the moon isn't Full, Sunset and Astronomy paddles are still offered with a focus on viewing the stars and constellations. Full Moon paddles are offered June - September.
Typical Distance and Time: 1-3 miles, 2+ hours on the water Level of Difficulty: Easy to Moderate Location: Tahoe Vista Recreation Area Cost: $60 per person, 4 person minimum. Trips include: all kayaking equipment, knowledgeable guides, instruction, natural history and astronomy discussions, hot drinks and snacks. Some personal clothing required.
2012 Full Moon Kayak Tour dates: Sunday, June 3: 7-10pm Tuesday, July 3: 7-10pm Friday, August 3: 7-10pm Friday, August 31: 5:30-8:30pm Saturday, September 29: 4-7pm
Historical West Shore Kayak Tour
Explore the wonders of Lake Tahoe's West Shore.
We start our adventure at the beautiful Sugar Pine State Beach. Sugar Pine Point State Park contains one of the finest remaining natural areas on Lake Tahoe. With nearly two miles of lakefront, the park has dense forests of pine, fir, aspen and juniper.
Another attraction is the Hellman-Ehrman Mansion (also known as Pine Lodge), a summer home built in 1903 in a grove of pine and cedar. Sugar Pine Point State Park was owned by financier Isaias W. Hellman, and later by his daughter Florence Hellman until 1965. We will paddle along this mostly undeveloped section of coastline while covering these and other fascinating historical topics of this area.
Distance and Time: 3-6 miles Level of Difficulty: easy Cost: $90.00 per person. 10 person minimum.
