Half Day Paddle on Yellowstone Lake

Overview

Available languages

English

3 hours

Mobile ticket

Your guide will lead you around the shoreline where there are many geothermal features on land and under water that we’ll explore from our kayaks. Then, we will return the way we came, following the shoreline and watching the wildlife as we casually make our way back to Grant Village. Paddling away from the crowds in the west thumb of the lake, we teach you how to safely and properly control your kayak so you are able to relax and take in all of the natural beauty of Yellowstone.

We always stay in small groups to make sure you get the most information and best access to this incredible area, and to ensure safety throughout each trip. Ages 12 and under are required to be in a tandem kayak with an adult, and we take kids as young as 5 regularly. We have both single and double kayaks available for everyone to enjoy and absolutely no prior kayaking experience is required.

Additional Info

Wheelchair accessible

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

All children 12 and under must paddle in a tandem kayak with an adult. If booking with children, you must choose the tandem kayak option. This is the rate per kayak, for 2 people.

If you wish to have single kayaks (not available for children under 13), the rate is per person.

Please come dressed for cold weather, as it is usually colder in Yellowstone than you are expecting. Keep in mind that while kayaking, you will get wet. The weather in Yellowstone can vary greatly, and change quickly. Typically the days are sunny with temps in the upper 60's to low 80's, however it does get cold at night and early morning. Afternoon showers and passing thunderstorms are always possible in the mountains. We plan to go in rain or sunshine. We will provide all the necessary kayaking equipment. You should arrive dressed according to the weather, keeping in mind that while you wont ever be submerged in the water, you will get wet. Therefore dressing in layers is always best, with shorts or wind pants made of synthetic quick drying material, and shoes that you dont mind getting wet. Having a rain or wind jacket, extra layers, and/or a change of warm dry clothes for after the trip ends, is also a good idea. Guide gratuities are always appreciated, but never expected. If you have any questions any time, please dont hesitate to ask.

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What‘s Included

All necessary equipment and instruction.

Guide Gratuities are not included but greatly appreciated.

Hotel pickup and drop-off.

What To Expect

Yellowstone Lake

We meet at the marina in Grant Village, on the western edge of Yellowstone Lake. The largest lake in the country above 7000 feet elevation, Yellowstone Lake provides a pristine paddling experience. Your guide will lead you around the shoreline where there are many geothermal features on land and under water that we’ll explore from our kayaks.

Admission Not Applicable

Options

Tandem Kayak | 2 People

Single Kayak

Reviews

4.89

9 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

Great Morning Paddling Experience
brtours,
Sep 18, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
This was an awesome experience! We were a group of 4, and did a 10 am trip with Ben as our guide. First, Ben was extremely likable and we all hit it off right away. We had a single paddler with us for our 3 hour trip, and we all connected. The day was sunny but cold. Ben made sure we were all prepared, and we took off. His commentary was just right, and there was a lot of questions and answers going back and forth. The trip itself was fascinating with a different view and perspective of the West Thumb Basin. It made for a nice addition to our 6 day Yellowstone trip. I highly recommend!!!
Great Experience for an Active Family
Gtleong,
Sep 2, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Our family of 5 (parents and young adults in their 20s) had a wonderful time kayaking with Ben and Allen. They were kind, friendly and very knowledgeable about the area. They are expert kayakers and we felt very safe and secure as they led us on our journey. There is a lot of paddling on this trip, so it's good for people who want a bit of a work out. Would highly recommend for an active family of teens and above. If you master the paddling, you don't get wet at all. We wore tennis shoes, water resistant pants and 2-3 layers of clothing and we were very warm, event hot at times. Bring lanyards for your sunglasses.
Beautiful paddle with excellent guides.
pjtravelings,
Aug 24, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We took the half day kayak trip with our 5 year old and 9 year old. We had Brian and Allen as our guides. The whole trip was peaceful, beautiful, and fascinating. Brian was a fountain of knowledge on every topic (geology, history, wildlife, plant life, etc). Allen was a great help with our youngest paddler making sure he was safe, situated, and having fun. This was the family’s favorite excursion of our Yellowstone visit. Highly recommend paddling during your visit and doing it with Geyser Kayak Tours.
You should take this kayak trip
mikeaY486KB,
Aug 5, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Highly recommend. Great experience, our guide was awesome. Friendly and gave great instructions. Frequently checked in with us to make sure we were having a good experience Check in at the marina was well marked and easy, All guides we dealt with were professional and the lake is beautiful. Trip was just the right length Maybe the best thing we did while at Yellowstone
alvaroaT8847GN,
Jul 23, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Amazing experience in the private tour. We take distance to the crowds of the Park and we're able to feel the loneliness and splendor of Yellowstone Lake. Our guide Bryan was awesome, he give us confidence and a magistral lesson of history and geology of the Yellowstone NP.
Time flew for our family!
gosiat898,
Jun 15, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00
Wonderful trip for the family. The 3 hours went by so quick for our family of 3. The guide we had was so knowledgeable on the park features, history. Thanks for a wonderful time.
Kayak tour with geysers!
marim4688,
Jun 11, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Brian and Allen were amazing kayak tour guides! Very accommodating for our small mixed levels group. They ensured we were safe at all times and let us stop for a picnic and bathroom break on the shore. They were both very knowledgeable on the history of Yellowstone and answered all our questions. Thank you for being so patient with us!
Great Experience
kevingH4458SK,
Sep 23, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Great experience. Beautiful scenery. Jeff was an excellent guide. One of the highlights of my visit to Yellowstone. Highly recommended.
Good fun but hard work!
AJMglobaltraveller,
Sep 20, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Enjoyable kayak in Yellowstone Lake in a cold and windy day! We were in two minds about going but I’m pleased we did it. The wind made it difficult to steer the kayak but we enjoyed the experience. Jeff was a good guide and kept checking that we were okay.