Yellowstone Lake Kayak Tour: Explore Hidden Geysers

Embark on a guided kayak tour of Yellowstone Lake and discover hidden geysers. Explore the pristine West Thumb Geyser Basin from your kayak, enjoy a picnic lunch on a secluded beach, and return with unforgettable memories. No experience necessary!

Duration: 5 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Grant Marina Road - Kayak in Yellowstone! Our experienced and trained guides provide expert kayak instruction and information on the local history and geology, as they lead you around the shoreline to the West Thumb Geyser Basin and explore the many geothermal features on land and under water. We’ll paddle by the more remote features, most of which are not accessible from land, where there are no signs, no boardwalks and most importantly no other people. 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 the trip. We have both single and double kayaks available. No prior kayaking experience is required. Space is limited on each trip so sign up as soon as possible.
What's Included
  • Lunch included
  • Educational introduction to Yellowstone’s history and geology
  • Professional guides for equipment and kayaking instruction
What's Not Included
  • Guide Gratuities are not included but greatly appreciated.
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
Additional Information

This guided kayaking tour in Yellowstone National Park includes an introduction to Yellowstone’s history and the geology of the Lake. You’ll receive kayaking equipment and learn techniques before your guides lead you along the shoreline to the West Thumb Geyser Basin. Here, you’ll explore numerous geothermal features on land and underwater from your kayak, many of which are inaccessible by any other means. This primitive geyser basin has no signs, no boardwalks, and most importantly, no other people. We’ll stop at a secluded beach for a picnic lunch, which we provide, then return the same way, arriving back at our vehicles around 2 PM, depending on the group. All necessary kayaking equipment and paddling instruction are included. No prior kayaking experience is required, and all skill levels are welcome. Single and double kayaks are available. Enjoy a personalized experience in small groups.

  • 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 advise any dietary requirements in the Special Requirements field at checkout. Vegetarian and gluten free lunches are available if you let us know.
  • 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.
Location
Grant Marina Road
Meet at the marina, in Grant Village inside Yellowstone National Park. There is no exact street address in a National Park, so we meet you in Grant Village, at the marina boat ramp, where the kayaks will be spread out on the beach. There are restrooms and parking for all sized vehicles.
Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings
4.8
(273 Ratings)
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Cynthia_h
Jun 29, 2024
Great day on the water - The guide was great and very knowledgeable about the area, the water was beautiful, and all in all it was a wonderful way to spend the day enjoying the beauty that God created. Thinking about a longer trip.
Review provided by Viator
Lisadf7969km
Jun 24, 2024
Guided Kayaking Day Trip - Our paddle to the geyser basin on Yellowstone Lake was absolutely amazing! My husband and I lucked out to have the BEST guide we could have ever asked for! Brian was a true professional in every sense! Not only was he safety conscience and an excellent paddling instructor his depth of knowledge of Yellowstone ecology and history was captivating and engaging! I highly recommend this kayaking trip and ask to take a trip being guided by Brian. It will definitely be a favorite memory of Yellowstone!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Elmerine
Jun 22, 2024
Kiakak Yellowstone Breathtaking - Brian and the trip was amazing. Very friendly and informative. Provided lunch. Brian shared other possible adventures. We will definitely be back
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Lisaj950
Jun 18, 2024
Great day on the lake - This was a great trip - they had all sort of helpful equipment (dry bags, waterproof jackets, paddle gloves, etc) to guard against the cold water and wind. The guides were really knowledgeable about all the flora and fauna, history, and of course the geothermal features. They were also able to predict the wind and work on timing and positioning for the excellent picnic and trip. We had a really great day!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
976djn
Jun 18, 2024
Great family outing!! - The guides were great- informative, covered the slowest to faster in the larger group, and were friendly! Lunch was great- we requested gluten free and they provided great options in that specialty lunch. Good equipment- they provided wet bags, splash/ wind resistant pullovers and ensured each kayak was adjusted to the person. Trip included great view of a geyser.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Malloryg269
Jun 3, 2024
Fun day of floating - Our guide was very friendly and welcoming. He had two helpers who were with him too who were also very friendly. Our guide was knowledgeable about Yellowstone and the wildlife living there. Lovely views and a great lunch!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
K3871nmrobertc
Jul 22, 2023
Fun day. - Our guide was excellent and very knowledgeable about the park. The equipment is simple and easy to use. The kayaks have rudders. The sack lunch was good. We had excellent weather and light breezes. It's a little bit of a workout, so be prepared to paddle a bit. If this old guy can do it, you can too.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Arnoldp640
Jul 22, 2023
Terrific kayak trip - This trip exceeded our expectations. We are on our late 70’s and we had no problem paddling the kayak. Our guide Bryan could not have been better. He was extremely knowledgeable about the area and history and this added immeasurably to our trip. We had one mother and her son in our group that struggled and he handled this delicate situation with tact and grace! This day trip should be included in your stay and you will finish it with a deeper knowledge of Yellowstone and having visited the geyser basin from the water.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Archerc2013
Jul 17, 2023
Relaxing (yet intense), Memorable Family Adventure - Our family of four (kids aged 14-18) took the Day Trip with Brian and Tim on July 10. Fantastic. Brian was very informative and educational, and both were really friendly and accommodating. They engaged with everyone on the trip and truly wanted all to have a great time. They remembered that one child had a peanut allergy so they provided a non-allergic lunch. They lunch they served was filling and well-balanced. What was also cool was that they provided "dry bags"for us to store extra clothing in, and they also offered extra jackets just in case anyone needed them. Overall a very cool and memorable adventure. Thank you so much Brian and Tim!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Ambercwru
Jun 21, 2023
Great experience - would recommend - This was fantastic. Our guides, Noah and Brian (I think), were both awesome. They made sure we were safe and comfortable in our kayaks, and entertained us the entire way. The lake was beautiful, and we had a really great time. Would definitely recommend.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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September 2024
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