Things to Do in South Lake Tahoe

Founded in 1978 out of a love of the plentiful whitewater rafting around Sacramento, W.E.T. River Trips has been outfitting rafters and leading trips continuously for the last 34 years. They maintain a ratio of one guide per six to eight guests on their trips to ensure less crowded boats and to make each trip more intimate and personal. W.E.T.'s tours explore more than 18 rivers' rapids ranging in difficulty from Class II to V. Trips often include camping, meals, river stories, and musical entertainment provided by the staff.

The founders of Adventure Connection believe in magic. Not the trickery of the stage or spells cast by mysterious neighbors, but of the spiritual, environmental, and economic boons of the rivers they have spent their lives traversing. More than 25 years ago, a group of believers came together to share their love and passion for the rivers of California, building a company that combines whitewater rafting, wine tasting, and camping along the waterways they love.

Over the course of the last two decades, the staff has guided boats of up to 18 people through the rapids of the American, Kaweah, and Tuolumne Rivers, coasting through mild ripples or white-knuckling class V rapids. Groups often leave the rafts behind to explore the scenic countryside and renowned wineries of the surrounding El Dorado region or to pitch tents and sleep under the stars.

Strapped into an ultramodern Apollo Trike powered hang-glider, FAA-certified instructor Paul Hamilton pilots air tourists above South Lake Tahoe’s crystalline expanse, which reveals picturesque reflections of the Sierra Mountains’ snow-capped crags. A light-sport aircraft powered by a purring Rotax engine, the Apollo Trike enables the prolonged airtime and weather compatibility not found in flights with a conventional hang-glider or out-of-control umbrella. During Paul’s introductory, intermediate, and advanced lessons, students swiftly suit up in appropriate flight gear before a quick safety briefing prepares them for the journey. An emphasis on hands-on training anchors the interactive lessons, which require no previous experience and may even take off in winter thanks to Ultimate Flight’s heated apparel and midflight campfires.

Together, Pirate Rafting Company's guides have logged more than 15,000 miles on dozens of rivers. Their steadfast paddles continue to lead the charge as groups, seated in sky-blue rafts, crash into whitewater, spraying guests with mist like a surprise party for Shamu. Three separate stretches of river set the stage for these adventures. The North Fork American River includes Class IV+ rapids that blast the snowmelt against the dusk-colored rocks. The South Fork American River and Middle Fork American River include intense stretches, but are generally better suited to beginners.

Off the water, the guides demonstrate their expertise by setting up camp along the tree-lined banks and pitching tents beneath the stars.

Shadows from drifting kayaks spill across the bottom of the lake, the clear water offering almost no interference in the view of the lake floor. Guests float on the pristine waters as expert guides lead them through miles of waterways filled with wildlife views on guided tours. Beginners can practice their skills in an outdoor pool during lessons that cover basic paddling techniques, ocean safety, and mermaid etiquette. Guests who fall in love with the peaceful sport may purchase their own kayak or stand up paddle board at the store, or rent one and take advantage of the free instruction and gear that comes with each rental.

Gentle waves lap against the hull of the Tahoe Cruz as snow-capped mountains and evergreen trees peek through its sails. Helmed by U.S. Coast Guard–certified captains Mike and Jim, the 50-foot sloop glides along Tahoe's tranquil waters for afternoon and sunset cruises that sail travelers around the scenic lake, treating them to views of its abundant nature and grand homes—including Fleur du Lac, where parts of The Godfather Part II were filmed. Mike and Jim lead private charters as well, escorting groups as they take in the sights or race to interrupt a mermaid ex-girlfriend's wedding before she gurgles "I do."