Lake Bled Sunset Kayak Tour Review

Looking for something different to do during your Lake Bled trip?

There’s no shortage of things to do in Lake Bled, but in my usual travel style, I wanted to find something truly unique to experience while there.

Don’t get me wrong, walking around the lake, visiting Bled Castle and taking a traditional pletna boat to the island are all lovely experiences. But I wanted something a little different, and I loved the idea of seeing it from the water at one of the prettiest times of day too.

In this review, I’ll share what the Lake Bled Sunset Kayak Tour was actually like, what to expect, what to bring, and whether I think it’s worth adding to your Lake Bled itinerary.

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Why I Chose This Sunset Kayaking Tour

As already mentioned, I really wanted to do something on Lake Bled that was a bit different from the usual activities. And since kayaking is one of my favourite activities (I’ve done it in Antarctica, Dubai, Vietnam and Ireland, to name a few places), it was always going to catch my attention.

This tour wasn’t like all the others though, as it had transparent kayaks. I’d never tried one before, and while I wouldn’t say it completely changes the experience, it did make the tour feel a little more fun and unusual than a standard kayaking trip.

There was one point on the lake where we could actually see fish through the bottom of the kayak, which was cool.

A huge part of me booking this tour was the reviews. I’m a stickler for reviews, whether it’s for hotels, activities, shows…anything I’m spending my money on really! With hundreds of 5* reviews, I was fairly confident this would be a good choice.

Booking the Tour

I booked the tour here in advance, which I’d definitely recommend, especially if you’re visiting Lake Bled in summer or only have one evening free.

We visited in April (I will say we were incredibly lucky with the weather being so nice that early in the year).

Sunset tours are more limited than daytime activities, so it’s not the kind of thing I’d leave until the last minute.

The booking process itself was straightforward, with free cancellation, and you don’t need to pay until closer the date if you prefer.

One thing to keep in mind is that the exact start time may depend on the sunset time, so check your booking details carefully rather than assuming it will be the same all year round.

Where the Lake Bled Kayaking Tour Starts

The tour starts from the Mala Zaka side of Lake Bled, near the rowing centre.

It’s on the opposite side of the lake from the main town area, so you’ll need to give yourself time to get there. If you’re going to walk, it’s a 30 minute walk from downtown Bled. If you stop to take 400 photos on the way, it may take a little longer…

Parking near the starting point can also be limited, especially in summer, so if you’re driving, I’d arrive a little early rather than cutting it fine. We drove (it only took around 8 minutes from downtown) and found parking quickly enough, but we did have to pay for the parking.

Our guides were ready and waiting by the water with the kayaks all set up.

What to Bring / Wear

You definitely don’t need to bring much with you for this tour, but I’d wear something you don’t mind getting a little wet. I wore quick dry leggings (I think they’re called tights in the US?) and it was the best decision.

Someone else on our tour wore jeans and they were pretty wet by the end. Denim is a b**** to get dry!

I didn’t get soaked, but because you’re getting in and out of a kayak, lifting oars (dropping them sometimes when taking a picture… oops), a few splashes are pretty much guaranteed.

I brought a waterproof phone pouch for the millions of photos I wanted to take. I wouldn’t plan on bringing a big bag, because there really isn’t much room and you don’t want to be worrying about your stuff while you’re trying to paddle. But I did bring a small dry bag to put our wallets, keys, sunscreen and water in.

I also recommend bringing a light layer. Once the sun goes down, it can get chilly on the water.

The Tour Itself – My Experience

The kayaking tour started with a quick introduction on the shore, where we got our life jackets, paddles and kayaks. It was all very straightforward, and even the beginners felt confident.

Once we were on the water, we paddled out slowly as a group. There was no racing (thank God!). It was very relaxed, which suited the setting perfectly.

While it was a sunset tour, we didn’t exactly have the most incredible sunset I was longing for. It went more from daylight to dusk to night. Not to say it ruined the tour, but just to note that you may not always get a spectacular sunset.

We stopped at a few points so the guide could chat a little about the lake and give everyone time to take photos. The transparent kayaks, the island in the background and the evening light all make it so photogenic.

The guides also took pictures of us, which they shared by email after the tour. This was a welcome addition.

For me, the best part was that it didn’t feel rushed. It was a 1.5 hour tour and there was just enough time to enjoy the views, take photos, paddle around a bit by ourselves and just appreciate being out on Lake Bled.

Is it Suitable for Beginners?

Yes, I’d say this tour is suitable for beginners.

You don’t need to be an experienced kayaker, and you definitely don’t need to be super fit. The pace was relaxed, the lake was calm when we went, and the guide explains the basics before you set off.

That said, I do think it helps if you’re comfortable on the water. You’re still sitting in a kayak in the middle of a lake, so if you’re very nervous around water, it might not be the most relaxing experience for you.

But in terms of actual kayaking ability, it’s very beginner-friendly. If you’re flying solo and you’ve got experience, you’ll be in a kayak of your own. If you don’t have any prior experience, don’t worry. They’ll pair you up with someone else.

I’ve kayaked quite a few times before, so I felt completely comfortable, but there were people on our tour who clearly weren’t regular kayakers and they managed just fine.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• The transparent kayaks make it feel more unique. I wouldn’t say they completely transform the experience, but they do make it more fun than a standard kayak tour.
• The kayaks light up after dark. Once the light dropped, the kayaks glowing on the water made the whole thing feel a bit more special.
• It’s beginner-friendly. You don’t need to be an experienced kayaker, and the pace was relaxed when I did it.
• It’s a small group tour so you won’t get lost among a crowd.
• You can book as a solo traveller without paying double. This is a big plus. Some tours charge solo travellers the price of two people, which drives me mad, but you won’t have to pay for an imaginary second person with this tour.
• It’s a good length of time. It feels like a proper activity without taking up your whole day.
• You get great photos at the end. The tour guides will arrange to send you pictures they’ve taken after the tour.
• You can pay later and reschedule or cancel for free if necessary.

Cons

• The starting point may not be right beside your accommodation. Depending on where you’re staying, you might need to walk, drive, cycle or take a taxi to the meeting point.
• It’s weather-dependent. Like most outdoor activities, your experience will depend a lot on the conditions. A little rain won’t stop the tour, but if it’s raining heavily or stormy, the tour may be cancelled or postponed.
• The kayaks have a weight limit of 200kg. If you and your kayak partner add up to more than this weight, you may not be able to join the tour.

Is the Sunset Kayaking Tour Worth It?

For me, absolutely. I’m really glad I booked it!

Lake Bled is already beautiful from anywhere at any time, so you don’t need to do this tour to appreciate the lake. But I do think being out on the water in the evening added a little oomph to my visit.

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Would I recommend it? Definitely. Especially if you enjoy kayaking, want a relaxed evening activity, or you’re looking for something a little more memorable than just another viewpoint.

If you’re nervous on the water or really don’t like kayaking, I wouldn’t force it. But if you’re even slightly tempted, it’s worth it.