Frequently Asked Questions
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The water on Lake Tahoe tends to be the calmest in the early morning when the winds are low and there is little boat traffic. If you want to capture the calm, glassy, mirror like water on the lake then the morning is the best time to schedule your kayak. Afternoon activities are more prone to being affected by the wind.
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We recommend a double so that each guest may take turns paddling and taking photos. It is a more leisurely experience when you have a partner to help paddle. Doubles are also required for children under 12 and who must ride with an adult.
Please note: Age and weight restrictions do apply. Please see our Company Policy for more information.
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It’s not every day that we see wildlife like fish, beavers, and otters, but when we do its generally in the early hours of the morning. Most of our tour services focus on the amazing clarity of the Lake Tahoe. These areas have little plant and wildlife so the chances of seeing fish are low.
Our Tahoe Keys Marina location is the most diverse in terms of wildlife. This means the water clarity is reduced in this area. Guests can expect to see more plant life beneath their vessels and may have the occasional appearance by a beaver, bird or other local Tahoe wildlife resident. Please note that we do not guarantee wildlife sightings since we do not bait or trap the animals. (The Clearly Explorer Clear Kayak Charter starts at this location but leaves the area to visit crystal clear coves.)
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Our clear kayaks are incredibly stable and guests tend to stay much drier during their experience as opposed to the common sit-on-top kayak. However, as with any recreational water sports activity you are subject to getting wet.
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We recommend light layers, hats, sunglasses, sunscreen, and sandals or shoes that can be easily removed before entering the kayaks. Swimsuits are welcome but not required.
Guests in spring and fall should bring a light jacket. Winter guests should dress warmly in moisture wicking base layers and waterproof outer layers with hats and gloves.
A USCG Approved Life Preserver will be provided for each guest and is required.
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Yourself and a camera!
Please note: Electronics and valuables should be kept at home or in a safe environment. Clearly Tahoe does provide dry bags however, we are not responsible for any lost or damaged items.
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Guests will not be required to swim on guided tours. Clearly Tahoe provides US Coast Guard approved life preservers as well as a lifeguard certified staff member on site. Guests should be comfortable around the water and capable of following all instructions in the event of an emergency. Rental guests who plan to leave the lifeguard monitored swim area should be able to swim a short distance to seek help or reach the shore if necessary.
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Clearly Tahoe welcomes guests ages 4 and up on guided tours, though age restrictions vary by activity and location. If you are visiting with a child between 4 and 6 please review activity listings or reach out to a reservations specialist for additional assistance. All guests under the age of 12 must be paired with an Adult in a double kayak. Guests 5 and up are welcome on rentals.
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As proud pet parents ourselves we know how important it is to find activities that welcome your four-legged family members. Our pet friendly guided tour was retired in 2026, but we are still happy to welcome pets on Take and Go Rentals from the Clearly Tahoe Adventure Shop in Zephyr Cove or Bike Rentals from Bike Lake Tahoe. Connect with a staff member to learn more about the approved rental use areas that welcome pets.
Pets are not permitted on guided tours or on rentals from Sand Harbor.
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Our guides work extremely hard to prepare and facilitate all of our clear kayak tours. While it is not required to tip, any gratuities are greatly appreciated by the team.
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Our rental tent inside Sand Harbor offers a large and diverse fleet of paddle craft options for guests inside the park. All equipment is available first come first served. For seasonal updates on available equipment, hours of operations, and park access please visit www.clearlytahoerentals.com.
If you are visiting between May and September you may also enjoy a Take and Go Rental option from our Clearly Tahoe Adventure Shop in Zephyr Cove. Visit www.clearlytahoe.com/take-and-go-rentals/ to learn more about approved use areas and our mission to limit the spread of invasive species and to make an advanced reservation.
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Clearly Tahoe has multiple locations around Lake Tahoe. Your reservation is only valid for the location on your confirmation email. You will need to arrive 30 minutes before your tour for a mandatory check in at that specific location. We recommend arriving early to make sure you can find parking and gather your group before check in begins. If you miss your scheduled check in you may miss your tour.
Tahoe Key Marina (South Lake Tahoe) 2435 Venice Drive East: Clearly Explorer, Dusk LED Glow, LED Stargazing, Eco Canoe
Incline Village (North Lake Tahoe) 893 Tahoe Boulevard: Bonsai Rock, Polar Paddle
Zephyr Cove (South East Corner) 212 Elks Point Road: Take and Go Rentals, Bike Lake Tahoe, Tahoe Adventure Shop, Peak to Paddle Coffee
Camp Richardson Resort (South Lake Tahoe) 1900 Jameson Beach Road: Summit Shores, Golden Shores
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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 if we feel conditions may be unsafe or encounter operating factors beyond our control.