ActivitiesKayaking

Kayaking on Lake Tahoe

Water clear enough to see 70 feet down, and a 72-mile water trail linking coves and beaches you can only reach by boat. Rentals are available on every shore.

Open the kayaking mapTop 3 picksSee all 21 places

Conditions today

Right now
72°F, Sunny
Today
High 72°, low 48°
Wind
8 mph
Water temperature
65°F
Lake level
6,222.4 ft
  • TomorrowPartly Cloudy, 10% chance of rain68° 45°
  • ThuMostly Clear, 5% chance of rain74° 50°
  • FriPM Storms, 75% chance of rain61° 44°

Best months

  1. Jan: out of season
  2. Feb: out of season
  3. Mar: out of season
  4. Apr: possible
  5. May: possible
  6. Jun: best
  7. Jul: best
  8. Aug: best
  9. Sep: best
  10. Oct: possible (this month)
  11. Nov: out of season
  12. Dec: out of season

June to September is the main season. Spring and fall are quieter but the water is much colder.

Go with a guide. Paddle Lake Tahoe with a local guide who knows the launches, the wind and the quiet coves.

Guided kayaking tour

Know before you go

Wind
Mornings are usually calm and the wind builds after midday. Launch early and plan to be off open water by early afternoon.
Cold water
The lake only reaches 65 to 70°F at the surface in late summer, and 45 to 55°F in spring. Wear a life jacket and stay close to shore.
Clean, Drain, Dry
Kayaks do not need a station inspection, but you must clean, drain and dry your boat after every use. Inspectors check at popular launches such as Sand Harbor, Kings Beach and Pope Beach.
Emerald Bay
The signature paddle. The bay is a no-wake zone and that is strictly enforced; give tour boats room at the entrance.
Parking
Sand Harbor fills by about 10am on summer days. Arrive before 9am.

Best known for

Shore by shore

North Shore

Kings Beach is the most beginner-friendly launch. Tahoe Paddle & Oar at Kings Beach is the north shore's best outfitter.

East Shore

Sand Harbor is the clearest launch on the lake. Rent clear kayaks there for the full visibility experience — you can see the bottom in 40 feet of water.

South Shore

Camp Richardson has rentals on-site — the most convenient south shore option. Fallen Leaf Lake is a quieter alternative with no motorized boats.

West Shore

Launch from Meeks Bay before 9am — west shore mornings are glassy, afternoons get windy. Emerald Bay is the signature paddle but approach carefully; the no-wake zone is strictly enforced.

21 places for kayaking

Open the kayaking map

All 21 kayaking places, A to Z

Gear and rentals nearby

Open the amenities map
  • Tahoe Paddle & OarRentals, Kings Beach, CAKayak, SUP, pontoon & pedal boat
  • Emerald Bay Water SportsRentals, South Lake Tahoe, CAGuided kayak tours, Emerald Bay access
  • Zephyr Cove Boat RentalsRentals, Zephyr Cove, NVPowerboats, pontoons, jet ski, parasailing
  • Tahoe City KayakRentals, Tahoe City, CAKayak & SUP rentals, Lake access
  • Sand Harbor Clear Kayak ToursRentals, Sand Harbor, NVClear kayak tours, Stunning east shore water
  • Camp Richardson WatersportsRentals, South Lake Tahoe, CAKayak, SUP, paddleboats, South shore

These open on other websites.

Other activities

CampingHikingMountain BikingPaddleboardingSwimmingBoatingFishingBackpackingRock ClimbingWildlife WatchingSkiing & RidingSnowshoeingTubing & SleddingCross-Country SkiingIce SkatingSnowmobiling & Sleigh Rides