Where to Kayak in Lake Tahoe: 3 Must-See Paddle Destinations Around the Lake (Spec Piece)

Tahoe’s east shore features brilliant blue waters and unbelievable water clarity.

Your long-awaited vacation has finally arrived, and it wouldn’t be complete without an expedition to kayak Tahoe. There is no better way to explore Lake Tahoe than to get amongst it. With your paddle in the water, you’ll get an opportunity to experience Lake Tahoe that could not be matched on the shore or by trail. Keep reading for a few of our picks for the best kayaking trips along the Lake Tahoe Water Trail.

Safety First!

Be prepared; wear a life jacket and check wind and weather conditions before you go.

Before you embark on any of the epic adventures we will recommend in this post, consider all safety precautions. Be a good paddler, and get your ‘ducks in a row’ before hitting the shore. (Pun very much intended.) First-time kayakers can find lots of great resources on our blog, from information on what to wear kayaking to this guide on filing a float plan. Even the most experienced paddlers may find our guide to the Lake Tahoe Water Trail useful. All year round, weather in Lake Tahoe can become unwelcoming at the drop of a hat. To maintain your safety on the water, check out our guide to understanding Lake Tahoe weather in June, July, and August.

Best Kayak Destinations in Tahoe

Emerald Bay

Emerald Bay is one of the highlights of any Lake Tahoe vacation. Its turquoise waters and surrounding peaks make it a popular destination for visitors and residents alike. On many days, especially during the busy tourist season, viewpoint parking lots fill up by late morning. We recommend leaving the car parked and taking the path less traveled (err… paddled?) for a unique and unforgettable Tahoe kayak experience.

On your day trip to Emerald Bay, you will paddle through crystal clear waters ranging in color from turquoise to cerulean to deep navy blue. You will get up close and personal with Eagle Falls and the oft-photographed Fannette Island. Experienced boaters can also turn this Tahoe kayak into an overnight trip by securing permits for Emerald Bay Boat Camp.

Try paddling from Baldwin Beach to Emerald Bay for some of the best views Tahoe’s south shore has to offer.

You can access Emerald Bay by launching at Baldwin Beach on Tahoe’s south shore. Head northwest for a 3-mile voyage (one-way). Make it an even longer trip (approximately 4 miles one-way) by launching at D.L. Bliss State Park and traveling south toward Emerald Bay. This is a lengthy paddle and a popular destination for motorized watercraft. This difficult route is best attempted by folks with some prior paddling experience.

Sand Harbor

Sand Harbor, in Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park, is another popular launching point for Tahoe kayak trips. Silky smooth, translucent aqua waters will leave you in awe. Soft white sands meet dramatic granite boulders and rocky alcoves. Views of snow-capped Sierra Nevada mountains to the north help complete a picture-perfect image of the ideal Tahoe kayak day.

From Sand Harbor, head north to Memorial Point for an approximate mile-long journey one-way. Or continue another mile to Hidden Beach and enjoy a local’s favorite secret spot. Parking areas at Sand Harbor fill up quickly in the summer, so get an early morning start to make the most of your day. Southwest winds on this part of the lake may become especially ferocious by afternoon. Be sure to check wind and weather conditions before heading out on this Tahoe kayak adventure.

Zephyr Cove

Zephyr Cove is notorious for strong westerly winds in the summertime. When planning a trip from Zephyr Cove, check wind and weather conditions before you head out. Be sure to plan for an early departure to beat dangerous afternoon winds. For a beginner-friendly paddle, head to Round Hill Pines beach. On this 1.5-mile trip, kayakers can take advantage of amenities at Round Hill Pines Beach Resort. Check out their restaurant and bar to enjoy a nice midday meal before paddling back to the car.

For a longer route from Zephyr Cove, experienced paddlers can head for Cave Rock. Cave Rock lies three miles to the north at the other end of one tough Tahoe kayak trip. A sacred site for the native Washoe peoples, Cave Rock is a must-see granite feature perched high above the southeast shore of Lake Tahoe. Cave Rock recreation area features opportunities for swimming, fishing, boating, and hiking.

Lake Tahoe’s crystal clear waters and mountain views make it a premier kayaking destination.

For more information on the routes listed here, head to our day trips section and download our PDF for the section of trail you plan to visit. Or better yet, pick up a copy of our Lake Tahoe Water Trail Map & Access Guide.