Yellowstone Kayak: Steaming Lake Geothermal Immersion

This kayaking tour was really enjoyable. I was concerned at first since temperatures overnight were in the 30s and at the 8:30 launch time were only about 40, but with layers and a bit of sunshine that proved not to be an issue. Our group ranged from inexperienced to moderately experienced kayakers, so we started slowly. Our guide, Annie, was a patient and skilled instructor for the less experienced members and soon had them up to speed. We went past a place where the hot water from the thermal pools poured into the lake and right over bubbling underwater fumaroles. Annie had a large fund of stories and facts about the local wildlife, plants, thermal features and other aspects of Yellowstone. She fielded deeper questions from a couple of knowledgeable members. Expert kayakers might find this tour a bit slow but for most people it really hits the sweet spot. Highly recommended.

First of all, be aware that this is not calm water kayaking. This lake is large enough to be affected by lunar tides and typically strong winds, and so it was more like sea kayaking. I was not aware of this before arriving, otherwise I would not have reserved it because I'm not comfortable with kayaking those conditions. I gave it a try but didn't get far before I had to turn back. The tour operator told me they'd add a note to the listing about the waves, but I don't see one yet. It turned out that it was a good thing we turned back for me, because after the rest of the group went back out, the winds kicked up and sent them back due to dangerous wave heights. If we hadn't delayed, they'd have been too far along to turn back and would have had to beach & wait for the guide to hike back for the truck (which, he said, was rare). So, the rest of our group didn't get to the geyser basin, either. The guide was very nice - helpful & personable - and they had plenty of equipment to borrow. If we had completed our tour, I'm sure we'd have enjoyed it (those of us who were ok with the conditions). We tipped the guide for his kindness & work, and when the operator offered a full refund we accepted half since some of us enjoyed the short paddle.

Annie was a top-notch guide. She was patient with some novice kayaking, full of nature facts and stories.

Great tour, helpful & friendly staff, knowledgeable guide! This was a neat way to see Yellowstone. I highly recommend this tour!

Our guide Spencer was engaging and knowledgeable. The paddle to the geothermal features was wonderful. We even saw a rainbow! The short break on the beach was also a great idea.

Our guide was excellent - informative, capable, and fun - which adds to the enjoyment of the experience. We had wonderful weather for our paddle, but you need to be prepared for the weather to change the overall experience making it more difficult if there is wind and wavers.

The trip was great; definitely one of the highlights of our trip. Annie was our guide and she was fantastic; so knowledgeable and personable. She texted and emailed us a week before. Her e-mail contained information on what to wear and bring. She was spot on and I would absolutely recommend following those suggestions. We were very comfortable. We would highly recommend this trip.

The trip was fantastic. I would highly recommend this trip. Annie was our guide and I cannot express how fantastic she was. She was extremely knowledgeable and so personable.

We had a fantastic tour! Spencer was so great - full of information and very personable. We couldn't have had a better guide and experience! Highly recommend

Unique way to see and visit the thermal features in the park. The surrounding scenery is beautiful on Yellowstone Lake. It’s not very strenuous but you do need to be somewhat fit and have decent balance to complete three hours of kayaking.