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Common Questions
Find answers about our tours, what to bring, and how to book.
Before your tour
How do I book a tour?
Click "Book now" in the header or footer, or on any tour card on our Tours page. Select your tour, choose a date, and provide the number of guests. You'll pay a deposit to secure your spot. We'll send you a confirmation email with all the details, meeting time, and what to bring.
Do I need experience?
No. All our tours are designed for beginners. The Sunrise Paddle, Kayaking, and Full Moon Paddleboard Tour welcome guests with zero experience. The Sunset Cliffside Hike is moderate and suitable for any fitness level. Our guides will brief you before you go and stay with your group the whole time.
What's the best time to go?
Each tour shines at its own time. The Sunrise Paddle happens 5:45 to 7:30 a.m., perfect for seeing the river at its quietest. Kayaking works year-round on Lake Tahoe; summer is warmest. The Sunset Cliffside Hike is best in spring and fall when the light is golden and the temperature comfortable. The Full Moon Paddleboard Tour is offered once a month when the moon is full.
Can I bring children?
Yes. All tours allow children. Kids as young as 4 can paddle with us on the Sunrise Paddle or Kayaking tour. The Sunset Cliffside Hike works for children who can walk for 3.5 hours; we recommend 8 and up. Full Moon Paddleboard is best for kids 6 and older. Children always wear a life jacket, and we never leave a guest behind.
What to bring
What should I wear?
Wear layers. Even in summer, early morning on the water is cool. Bring a windbreaker or fleece for the Sunrise Paddle. For kayaking, dress in layers you can peel off as you warm up. The Sunset Cliffside Hike is a 3.5-hour walk, so wear comfortable, sturdy closed-toe shoes and bring a long-sleeve shirt for sunset. For the Full Moon Paddleboard Tour, we provide a wetsuit if you want one.
What gear is included?
All water tours include your boat (canoe or kayak), paddle, and life jacket. The Sunrise Paddle includes coffee and hot chocolate on the bank. The Sunset Cliffside Hike includes a headlamp you get to keep. The Full Moon Paddleboard Tour includes your board, paddle, PFD, and a wetsuit if requested. You do not need to bring any of this; we supply it all.
Should I bring a camera?
You can, but we don't recommend it on the water tours. Phones and cameras risk falling overboard. On the Full Moon Paddleboard Tour, the water is dark and photos won't capture the magic anyway; just enjoy the moment. For the Sunset Cliffside Hike, a small phone is fine for a few shots at the peak. If you want professional photos, ask your guide if we can arrange that.
What if I forget something?
Let us know when you arrive. We keep extra layers, sunscreen, hats, and bottles in our vehicles. If you forgot something essential like closed-toe shoes for the hike or a warm layer, we'll do our best to help. It's better to show up a little bare than to miss the tour.
Logistics & safety
Where do we meet?
Each tour has its own meeting point. Sunrise Paddle meets at Lake Blue Ridge Marina. Kayaking tours depart from Lake Tahoe. The Sunset Cliffside Hike starts at the Emerald Valley Trailhead. Full Moon Paddleboard tours leave from Tomales Bay, CA. We'll send the exact address and parking details in your confirmation email. Arrive 15 minutes early.
How many people per tour?
Group sizes vary by tour. The Sunrise Paddle takes 1 to 8 guests per boat so you stay close. Kayaking tours are also small groups to keep everyone safe and together. The Sunset Cliffside Hike limits groups to 6 to 8 so we can spot wildlife and hear the naturalist guide. Full Moon Paddleboard is a small group of 4 to 6 for the magical experience. No massive groups; you get our full attention.
Are we safe on the water?
Absolutely. Every guest wears a life jacket. All our boats are maintained and inspected before each tour. Our guides are certified and trained in water rescue. We check the weather daily and cancel if conditions are unsafe. We start on calm, flat water. Your safety is not negotiable; we turn back or skip the tour if anything feels off.
What if it rains?
We run tours in light rain. It's part of the outdoor experience. If heavy rain or lightning is forecast, we'll either reschedule your tour to another date or give you a full refund. The Sunrise Paddle and Full Moon tours might be cancelled due to visibility or water safety. You'll hear from us at least 24 hours before if we need to postpone.
Do you offer refunds or reschedules?
Yes. If you cancel at least 7 days before, you get a full refund. Cancel within 7 days and you can reschedule to another date or receive a credit. If we cancel due to weather or safety, you reschedule free or get a full refund. If you cancel within 48 hours, we keep a 20% cancellation fee. Life happens; we'll work with you.
Special requests
Can we book a private tour?
Yes. We offer private tours for groups, families, and special events. Email office@deutrix.com with your group size and dates, and we'll quote you. Private tours often include custom timing, stops, and add-ons like food or photography sessions. Pricing starts at our group rate and scales with group size.
I have a mobility concern. Can I still go?
It depends on the tour and your specific needs. The Sunrise Paddle and Kayaking can work with limited mobility; we help you in and out of the boat. The Sunset Cliffside Hike is a 3.5-hour walk on a trail with elevation gain, so it's not accessible for wheelchair users. Call us at office@deutrix.com before booking and we'll talk through what works for you.
Do you offer gift cards?
Yes. Click "Gift card" in the header and select an amount. You'll get a code to email or print. The recipient can book any tour up to the card's value. Gift cards are good for one year from purchase. If they have questions, we're here to help.
What if I have allergies?
Tell us in your booking notes. The Sunrise Paddle serves coffee and hot chocolate; we can skip the hot chocolate or bring a dairy-free alternative if you ask. Other tours don't include food, but let us know if you have a severe allergy so we can brief your guide. We take allergies seriously.
Still have questions?
Email us or call our office. We're here to help and happy to chat about your tour.
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