FAQ

Have a question before you paddle with us?
Here you’ll find answers to the things we get asked most often about our kayak tours, SUP and kayak and rentals, and kayak courses, from meeting time and meeting point to what to bring, weather, parking, equipment, and bookings. If you don’t see your question here, just get in touch and we’ll be happy to help.

Yes, we have plenty of lockers available, and they are included in the tour and rental price. The lockers are large enough for backpacks and shoes. If you have bigger suitcases or other luggage, we can store those safely for you as well.

Yes, there is public parking on Parkstrasse in Bönigen with a few minutes’ walk to the base. The public parking areas are payable.

Our drysuits are equipped with latex gaskets around the wrists to prevent water entry. Your neck is protected by a neoprene fabric called GlideSkin. Unfortunately, direct skin contact with these materials is unavoidable. If you have a latex or neoprene allergy, participating may not be suitable depending on the severity of your reaction. We recommend consulting your doctor for personalised advice before joining.

No, absolutely not. Our dry suits will not only keep you dry but also warm, and our neoprene boots are big enough to fit several pairs of socks. There are also neoprene gloves attached to the paddle to keep your hands warm.


Kayaking is fun in any weather. You will be surprised how nice it is to kayak in rain. Nature is all the more dramatic and the drops of water on the lake make the experience even more unique. The expectations are often lower and, in the end, all the more positive. Trust us, it’s still going to be great. During thunderstorms or very strong winds we may have to cancel or delay tours for safety reasons.

More information on this topic can be found here: Will Bad Weather Ruin My Kayak Tour?

You can book your winter kayak tour directly online on our website. After booking, you will receive instant confirmation with all the details you need, including where to go, what time to arrive, and what to bring.

The tour is approximately 2 hours of kayaking on the water, not including the preparation beforehand and packing up at the end. Please allow a total of about 3 hours from arrival to departure.

Our tours are well suited for beginners and non-swimmers. Prior experience is not necessary. You must be at least 12 years old to take part in the tour. We are happy to organize a private tour for younger participants or in summer season we recommend our Family Fun Tour for a more games and splashing orientated session.


No. With expert guides and top quality equipment, our winter kayak tours are designed to be safe and comfortable. We do not recommend kayaking alone in winter unless you have the right experience, training and equipment.

No. The kayaks are very stable and easy to paddle. On a guided tour you’ll get clear instructions before and as you go on the water, and your guide is there to help you the whole time.


Thermal underwear / light sportswear

Warm sweater (e.g. fleece), sports pants if necessary

Warm hat and warm socks

Sunglasses and sunscreen

Warm gloves for the break

Change of clothes


Falling out of your kayak is not a very likely occurrence. However, there's no need to worry if it does happen: In summer the lake temperatures are very pleasant anyways, and in winter the drysuits will keep you completely insulated and dry, even if you do fall in. The guide will ask you to hold on to paddle and boat and will give you step-by-step instructions on how to get back into the kayak. If needed, the guide will also give you an extra jacket to wear on top to keep you nice and warm. Once you're back in the kayak you're ready to keep going!

There's no need to worry if you get tired. You can always let your guide know if you need to slow down or take a little break.

Please write us an email to info@hightide.ch explaining your medical condition and which tour /course and date you would like to book.

If it’s not possible to find a seat on one of our guided kayak tours, you can always rent and explore the lake on your own. The only condition is that you need to be able to swim. Visit our rental page for more details.

Wetsuits don’t keep you dry, but they do keep you warm once you get wet. Dry suits keep you dry – no water gets on your skin. We use them only in winter or in very cold temperatures.


When is the best time of day for a kayak tour?
There’s really no bad time for a kayak tour, it just depends on what you enjoy.

  • Mornings are often quieter and more atmospheric.
  • Afternoons are usually warmer and sunnier.
  • Evenings tend to be calmer and more peaceful.

But it all depends on the weather, which can change throughout the day. We recommend choosing a tour time that best fits your schedule and your energy level.

Please arrive 5 minutes before your scheduled tour start time. Our start times are coordinated 5 minutes after the arrival of the public bus outside, so there is no need to come earlier.

Meet at Hightide Kayak School
Am Quai 1, 3806 Bönigen
Opposite the bus stop Bönigen See.
10 minutes on bus line 103 from Interlaken Ost. Timetable

Directions: How to Find Us

No. Dogs and other pets are not allowed on our rental equipment.

Yes, we have plenty of lockers available, and they are included in the tour and rental price. The lockers are large enough for backpacks and shoes. If you have bigger suitcases or other luggage, we can store those safely for you as well.

Yes, there is public parking on Parkstrasse in Bönigen with a few minutes’ walk to the base. The public parking areas are payable.

To rent a kayak or SUP, you must be able to swim. 

We do not do reservations for rental equipment. We have enough equipment on site so you can just come by.

Children aged 3 to 8, who are unable to swim, may accompany an adult on the water water under the condition that the adult, as the responsible party, is fully capable of effecting their rescue and safely returning them to the watercraft, should they fall overboard. They must wear a correctly sized childs life jacket.

The rental price includes the boat, paddle and a buoyancy aid. Wetsuits and splash jackets can be rented for CHF 10 each.

Meet at Hightide Kayak School
Am Quai 1, 3806 Bönigen
Opposite the bus stop Bönigen See.
10 minutes on bus line 103 from Interlaken Ost. Timetable

Directions: How to Find Us

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