
Yellowstone Lake Sunset Paddle
Traveler rating
4.7/5
Based on 13 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Yellowstone Lake Sunset Paddle worth booking?
Yellowstone Lake Sunset Paddle is a 3-hour experience in Yellowstone National Park, United States, from $150 per person. It scores 64 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.7/5 rating across 13 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 64 / 100
- Rating
- 4.7/5 (13)
- Duration
- 3 hours
- From
- $150 per person
This guided kayaking tour in Yellowstone National Park, includes an introduction to Yellowstone's history and geology of the Lake, along with the kayaking equipment and techniques, then your guides lead you around the sh
What you get
About this experience
This guided kayaking tour in Yellowstone National Park, includes an introduction to Yellowstone's history and geology of the Lake, along with the kayaking equipment and techniques, then your guides lead you around the shoreline to the West Thumb Geyser Basin where there are many geothermal features on land and under water we will explore from our kayaks, many of which are not accessible by any other means. We explore from our kayaks this primitive geyser basin where there are no signs, no boardwalks and most importantly no other people. All necessary kayaking equipment and instruction on paddling techniques are included. No prior kayaking experience is required. All skill levels are welcome. Single and double kayaks are available. Small groups with an individual experience.
What's included
Included
- Professional guides will provide an introduction to Yellowstone's history and geology of the Lake, along with the kayaking equipment and techniques.
- All necessary equipment and instruction.
Not included
- Guide Gratuities are not included but greatly appreciated.
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
What you'll see and do
West Thumb Geyser Basin
Your guide will lead you around the shoreline to the West Thumb Geyser Basin where there are many geothermal features on land and under water we will explore from our kayaks, then return the way we came, following the shoreline and watching the wildlife as we casually make our way back to Grant Village, returning just before dark.
Pass by without stopping
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Yellowstone National Park
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.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
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.
Options you can book
Sunset Paddle- Tandem Kayak
Duration: 3 hours Sunset Paddle- Tandem kayak: 2 people in 1 kayak - Kids 5 and up are allowed. Guided group kayak tour. See wildlife and paddle by underwater geysers.
Sunset Paddle - Single Kayak
This is for 1 person in a single kayak (must be 13+). Guided kayak tour to see wildlife and paddle by underwater geysers. Duration: 3 hours
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Geyser Kayak Tours
Know before you go
- 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.
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What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 13 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
8 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
7 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Traveler reviews
13 verified traveler reviews for Yellowstone Lake Sunset Paddle. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Sunset Paddle on Yellowstone Lake
Brian was a fantastic guide! He took care to make sure everyone was safe and had a good time, while also being a wealth of information about all things Yellowstone. From the geology and chemistry of the geysers and springs we paddled by, the behaviors of the elk, deer, ducks and Pelican we saw, to the background of conservation of and encounters with bears and wolves, to the history of the park itself, Brian imparted fascinating knowledge for the entire 3 hour excursion.
via Tripadvisor
Would definitely recommend!
We for lucky with great weather and a calm lake. Brian, our guide, was very knowledgeable and encouraging. He had extra gear, jackets, dry bag, etc to make sure we were very comfortable.
via Tripadvisor
Must-do experience on Lake Yellowstone
Incredible sunset lake paddle with Geyser Kayak! Our guide, Ben, was great to work with and also narrated our paddle with Yellowstone facts, geyser facts, etc. The lake was beautiful and glassy, and we paddled along the West Thumb Geyser Basin. Kayaks and all equipment was clean, and there were a lot of items you could borrow from the truck if you needed them including gloves, a kayak skirt, and extra jackets. A truly unique experience on the water in Yellowstone, thanks, Ben, for a safe, fun, and memorable tour!
via Tripadvisor
Paddle to West Thumb Geyser
Great trip with our guides. Small groups. Got to go all the way to the West Thumb geyser area and see the hot springs from the kayaks and also see bubbling in the water of the lake nearby. Tour guides, Maegan and Spencer gave a lot of tips and made a safe, education and highly informative memorable trip.
via Tripadvisor
Amazing sunset tour with a great guide!
3 of us (my wife, son & myself) did the 3 hr sunset tour last night. Our guide Brandon was amazing - very attentive & helpful, he gave us a lot of information about the thermal features in West Thumb and overall just added to the amazing kayak experience we had on Yellowstone Lake last night! :)
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 3 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $150 to $185
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 5
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Why this scores 64
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Yellowstone Lake Sunset Paddle: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Yellowstone National Park.
How much does Yellowstone Lake Sunset Paddle cost?
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Prices start at $150 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Yellowstone National Park usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Yellowstone Lake Sunset Paddle take?
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Plan for about 3 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Yellowstone National Park is not rushed.
Is Yellowstone Lake Sunset Paddle worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 64 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.7/5 across 13 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Yellowstone National Park, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Yellowstone Lake Sunset Paddle?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Yellowstone Lake Sunset Paddle suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 3-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Yellowstone Lake Sunset Paddle?
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Around 5 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Yellowstone National Park can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Yellowstone National Park and add a light layer if any part of the 3-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Yellowstone Lake Sunset Paddle start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Yellowstone National Park within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Yellowstone National Park?
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Yellowstone tours run geyser basins and Grand Prismatic, Lamar Valley wolf and bison watching at dawn, photography workshops and winter snowcoach trips. Distances inside the park are enormous, so itinerary honesty matters more than anything else. On Outty we rank every Yellowstone National Park experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Lake Yellowstone Half Day Kayak Tours Past Geothermal Features, 4-Hour Kayak on Yellowstone Lake with Lunch, Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone Rim and Loop Hike with Lunch. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Yellowstone National Park?
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May to September, plus December to March for snowcoach tours. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Yellowstone National Park?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
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