Top picks · LAKE KAYAKING

Where to Go Lake Kayaking: the 15 Best Tours Worldwide

39 tours  ·  from $15 a head

No swell, no tide, mountains in the reflection. The 15 lake tours below are the calmest paddling there is, from glacier lakes to alpine reservoirs, priced and timed.

Mendenhall Glacier Lake Canoe Tour - From the cruise dock to Tongass National Forest
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Mendenhall Glacier Lake Canoe Tour

1.Mendenhall Glacier Lake Canoe Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,269 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $250Our pick

Paddle roughly five miles across calm Mendenhall Lake to within view of Mendenhall Glacier, with about two hours on the water. Guides such as Luke, Mason, Issy, Ben, and Rod lead the canoe, teach first-time paddlers, share local stories, and keep the group safe. Rain gear, boots, snacks, and hot drinks are included.

“This glacier canoe tour was everything Alaska should be: wild, stunning, and absolutely unforgettable. Luke led our group with the perfect balance of humor, knowledge, and calm confidence. Every stroke brought a new perspective: glassy water, towering ice, and that surreal feeling of being somewhere few ever truly experience. Luke made the miles feel easy with his stories, love of his work environment, expertise, and his insider insight made the glacier come alive. Huge shoutout to his mom, Tess - clearly where he gets his warmth and storytelling charm. The gear was top-notch, Luke was well organized and upbeat, and the experience beyond anything we expected. If you’re debating it…”

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Rome: Popes' Lake, Kayak Tour with Swimming & Roman Pizza - Getting from Anagnina to the lake
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Rome: Popes’ Lake, Kayak Tour with Swimming & Roman Pizza

2.Rome: Popes’ Lake, Kayak Tour with Swimming & Roman Pizza

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 802 reviews · 3 hours · from $47

Leave Rome by van for Lake Albano, where guides such as Enrico, Andrea, and Simone teach basic kayaking, share stories of Roman sites, and lead you past Castel Gandolfo. Paddle at an easy pace, swim from a secluded shore when conditions allow, then enjoy pizza before a shower and return ride.

“The activity was great and a nice opportunity to leave the stress of the city. Our guides Andrea and Andrea explained a lot about the history of the lake and made the experience even better. The pizza and swimming break was awesome.”

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Castel Gandolfo Lake Kayak and Swim Tour - Meeting at the lake or Anagnina Metro station
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Castel Gandolfo Lake Kayak and Swim Tour

3.Castel Gandolfo Lake Kayak and Swim Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 661 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $50

Escape Rome for a three-hour guided kayak trip on Lake Albano. You’ll learn basic paddling, circle the lake, pass Le Macine and the Pope’s old swim platform, then stop for a swim, water, and pizza. Guides including Alex, Michael, Laura, and Francesco help beginners and families, with pickup available at Anagnina Metro station.

“This was a great experience away from the busy city of Rome. Laura picked us up at the train station and provided a great time from start to finish.”

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Lake Como Kayak Tour from Bellagio - Around the Bellagio peninsula in about 90 minutes
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Lake Como Kayak Tour from Bellagio

4.Lake Como Kayak Tour from Bellagio

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 593 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $102

Meet in Bellagio for a 90-minute guided kayak outing around the peninsula. After a safety briefing, you will paddle past Villa Serbelloni, Punta Spartivento, Villa Fanny, and the Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni. Guides such as Michele, Mich, Michael, and Daniele provide local stories and steady support. Expect beautiful views, light exercise, and a wet bottom.

“A great and different way to see Bellagio. We went on a Sunday, so there was not much boat traffic to deal with. Our guide was very knowledgeable and had answers to any questions we asked.”

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Kayak Tour of the Turquoise Lake Brienz - Starting at Bönigen and crossing the Lütschine
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Kayak Tour of the Turquoise Lake Brienz

5.Kayak Tour of the Turquoise Lake Brienz

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 566 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $166

Paddle Lake Brienz from Bönigen with a guide such as Ben, Sophie, Ryan, or Sonya. You will cross the Lütschine, pass cliffs and Ringgenberg Castle, stop at beaches, and spend about two hours on the water. Kayak hire, safety gear, instruction, and photos are included. No previous experience is needed, but you must control a kayak alone.

“Really enjoyed this kayaking experience. It was peaceful out on the lake and we got lots of opportunities to swim. What was missing was more information about Switzerland and the surrounding areas however it was still entertaining just being out there. I had quite a fun group who were all willing to give things a go like jumping out of the kayaks in the middle of the lake etc. Our guide was a nice fellow who chatted with everyone and made us all feel welcome.”

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Twilight Glowworm Kayak Tour – Lake Karapiro - Getting fitted at Riverside Adventures Waikato
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Twilight Glowworm Kayak Tour – Lake Karapiro

6.Twilight Glowworm Kayak Tour – Lake Karapiro

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 493 reviews · from $92

Meet Riverside Adventures Waikato at Piarere for a guided evening paddle on Lake Karapiro and the Pokaiwhenua Stream. You’ll receive a kayak, PFD, splash gear, and wetshoes, then paddle for about an hour before returning in the dark beneath glowworms. Guides including Daniel, Amy, Jess, David, and Lofty have led outings with nature and star stories along the way.

“Sometimes the weather doesn’t cooperate, so was it wet? Yes. Was it cold? Also yes. Was it atmospheric AF to drift in the river in the dark while the bioluminescent worms shine around you like a constellations of stars so close it feel you caRead more”

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Page/Lake Powell: Guided Kayak & Water Antelope Canyon Tour - Starting at Antelope Point Launch Ramp
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Page/Lake Powell: Guided Kayak & Water Antelope Canyon Tour

7.Page/Lake Powell: Guided Kayak & Water Antelope Canyon Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 477 reviews · 4 hours · from $111

Paddle a performance kayak from Antelope Point into Water Antelope Canyon, a quiet slot canyon reached by water. You’ll get a safety lesson, nearly two hours of round-trip kayaking, and about an hour to hike, take photos, and hear local stories. Guides such as Vince, Rich, Brian, and Oliver are praised for patient instruction and thoughtful pacing.

“Nothing short of spectacular, even in Jan/Feb. Rich was not only knowledgeable about the history of the lakes but also a thoroughly nice guy. We chatted most of the way round.”

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Winter Kayak Tour of the Turquoise Lake Brienz - Key points to know before you book
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Winter Kayak Tour of the Turquoise Lake Brienz

8.Winter Kayak Tour of the Turquoise Lake Brienz

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 439 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $202

Join Hightide Kayak School in Bönigen for a three-hour winter paddle on Lake Brienz. You’ll learn from guides such as Sean, Ryan, Chris, or Patrizia, use a kayak and dry suit, pause for tea and biscuits, and see Ringgenberg Castle, snowy peaks, and the Bernese Oberland from the water. No previous kayaking experience is required.

“Great tour! Sean was an outstanding guide and we would go back for another kayak adventure again. He was very down to earth and had a great sense of humor.”

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Kayaking 2 Hr Canyon & Cliffside on Saguaro Lake - Starting at Saguaro Lake Ranch
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Kayaking 2 Hr Canyon & Cliffside on Saguaro Lake

9.Kayaking 2 Hr Canyon & Cliffside on Saguaro Lake

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 410 reviews · from $45

Meet at Saguaro Lake Ranch near Mesa, collect a sit-on-top kayak or paddleboard, and ride to the lake launch. After a required safety and paddling lesson, you get two hours to explore on your own. Paddle toward the cliffs or Willow Creek, keeping an eye out for wildlife, then return to the same meeting point.

“The staff were very friendly and sights beautiful! It was a wonderful day on the water for our teens.”

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Antelope Canyon Lake Powell: Guided Kayaking & Hike Tour - Meeting at Antelope Point Launch Ramp
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Antelope Canyon Lake Powell: Guided Kayaking & Hike Tour

10.Antelope Canyon Lake Powell: Guided Kayaking & Hike Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 369 reviews · 4 hours · from $119

Paddle from Antelope Point into Antelope Canyon, leave your kayak for a slot canyon hike, then cool off with a swim in Lake Powell. Guides including Ian, Ben, Manny, and Lucas provide instruction, safety help, photo stops, and local stories. The four-hour route suits reasonably fit beginners and experienced kayakers.

“This was a fantastic tour and a highlight to our trip. Ben, our guide, was wonderful! He was very knowledgable and let everyone go at their own pace and even stopped to take pictures. The kayaking was amazing and the slot canyon was breathtaking. Would highly recommend!”

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Double-Seat Kayak Rental at Sete Cidades Lake - Key points for your Sete Cidades paddle
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Double-Seat Kayak Rental at Sete Cidades Lake

11.Double-Seat Kayak Rental at Sete Cidades Lake

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 223 reviews · 1 hour

Spend one hour or longer paddling a double-seat kayak on Sete Cidades’ Blue Lake, surrounded by São Miguel’s volcanic scenery. You receive a canoe, life vest, flippers, and insurance. Staff speak English and Portuguese, and the kayaks also work for solo paddlers. The shore meeting point is next to the football field.

“Really wonderful kayaking in an incredible setting. Highly professional operation and extremely accommodating when we arrived late due to some poor navigation!”

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Mendenhall Lake Canoe Adventure - Getting fitted with boots, rain gear, and safety equipment
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Mendenhall Lake Canoe Adventure

12.Mendenhall Lake Canoe Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 201 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $259

You’ll ride a stable 28-foot Tlingit-style canoe across Mendenhall Lake, passing icebergs on the way to views of Mendenhall Glacier and 377-foot Nugget Falls. Guides such as Elijah, Trent, Leann, John, and Malachai have led outings here. Rain gear, boots, life jackets, transport, and snacks are included, but you should expect real paddling.

“You won't regret it! Paddling out the glacier is cold, dress warm. Once you see it it's amazing and you will be amazed!”

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Bellagio Lake Como: Kayak Rental - Starting at the beach beside San Giovanni pier
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Bellagio Lake Como: Kayak Rental

13.Bellagio Lake Como: Kayak Rental

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 163 reviews · 1 - 3 hours

Rent a kayak from the beach beside the San Giovanni pier and set your own route for one to three hours. Paddle north toward Villa Melzi and Loppia, or south past private villas and secluded beaches. English and Italian support, life jackets, and a dry bag are included.

“Lots of fun! Really nice day on the lake. Would recommend to anyone who wants to spend some time on the lake. Saw beautiful villas. Helpful staff at the company”

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Lake Bled Stand-Up Paddle Boarding Lesson and Tour - Castle views from a lower angle
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Lake Bled Stand-Up Paddle Boarding Lesson and Tour

14.Lake Bled Stand-Up Paddle Boarding Lesson and Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 155 reviews · from $80

Meet your Bananaway instructor at Mala Zaka at 9:00 a.m. for a beginner-friendly SUP lesson on Lake Bled. You will paddle toward Bled Island, admire Bled Castle from the water, try balance games and yoga poses, and receive photos afterward. Guides such as Naja and Maia are praised for clear instruction and fun group management.

“We were total beginners with regards to paddle boarding but we quickly learned and enjoyed this beautiful tour on the lake. Definetely recommended!”

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Munduk: Twin Lakes Jungle Hike with Lake Canoe and Waterfall - The Twin Lake viewpoint begins the story
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Munduk: Twin Lakes Jungle Hike with Lake Canoe and Waterfall

15.Munduk: Twin Lakes Jungle Hike with Lake Canoe and Waterfall

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 139 reviews · 8 hours · from $44Best value

Spend eight hours exploring North Bali with a local guide such as Dharma or Pasek. Walk through Munduk’s forest, pass lakeside temples, canoe across a Twin Lake, swim at Banyumala Twin Waterfalls, and add a traditional lunch. Hotel pickup, entry fees, drinks, coffee, and homemade snacks are included.

“The Tour was such a beautiful and unique experience! Dharma is such a kind and funny Guide. He also has so much knowledge about the plants and trees in the jungle. After the jungle Trekking you get some selfmade cake and coffee which you can enjoy on the Kanu. You also visit two very nice temples on the way. The waterfall is stunning and it isn‘t crowded. There are many smaller waterfalls which you can also see. You can take your time on the waterfalls and the Guide takes some great pictures of you. I really recommend doing this tour, thank you Dharma for this beautiful day.”

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New in Lake Kayaking

★ 3.3From Shkodra: Koman Lake Adventure with Boat Ride & KayakFrom $889 reviews
★ 4.1From Khao Lak: Khao Sok & Cheow Lan Lake Tour with KayakingFrom $11226 reviews
★ 4.9Calgary: Moraine Lake (Opt.Canoe) & Lake Louise Small GroupFrom $1088 reviews
★ 4.9Bend: Half-Day Brews & Views Canoe Tour on the Cascade LakesFrom $14011 reviews
★ 4.8Bend: Guided Kayak Tour on the Cascade LakesFrom $13025 reviews
★ 4.7Bellagio Lake Como: Stand up Paddle Rental29 reviews
★ 5.0Bariloche: Half Day Kayak to Nahuel Huapi or Moreno LakesFrom $15015 reviews
★ 4.6Austin: Lady Bird Lake Stand-Up Paddleboard RentalFrom $558 reviews
★ 4.0Austin: Kayak and Canoe Rental on Lady Bird LakeFrom $1514 reviews
★ 5.0Denali State Park: Guided Byers Lake Kayaking TourFrom $11915 reviews
★ 4.8Da Lat: Tuyen Lam Lake Kayak or SUP TourFrom $1789 reviews
★ 5.0Lake Rotoiti Evening Kayak Tour including Hot Springs, Glowworm Caves and BBQ DinnerFrom $13560 reviews
★ 4.5Lake Tahoe’s West Shore Best Shore Kayak TourFrom $8026 reviews
★ 5.0Evening LED Glow Clear Kayak Tour in Lake TahoeFrom $17824 reviews
★ 5.0Paddling Thetis LakeFrom $6031 reviews

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