FAQ

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.

Directions

Absolutely. This is a family-friendly option. Children as young as 5 can join when paddling in a double kayak with an adult. Its shorter duration is perfectly suited to the attention spans and energy levels of younger adventurers.

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 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 perfectly suited for beginners and non-swimmers; no prior experience is required. The minimum age for our 1.5-hour Kayak Experience is 5 years, while our 3-hour Summer and Winter Kayak Tours are open to participants aged 12 and up.

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 unlikely unless you intentionally want to go for a swim.

If it happens by accident, there’s no need to worry. Your guide will ask you to hold on to your paddle and kayak, then talk you through the steps to get back in. Once you’re back in, you can carry on with the tour.

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.

The main difference lies in the design of the boat and the type of experience they offer on Lake Brienz.

Sit-on-Top Kayaks (Used for our 1.5-hour Experience and Rentals)

• Ultimate Stability: These kayaks are designed to be very stable and maneuverable, making them the easiest choice for absolute beginners.
• Easy Access: Because you sit "on top" of the boat rather than inside it, they are incredibly easy to get on and off.
• The "Splash" Factor: You are much more likely to get wet or go for a swim in these boats, which is why they are perfect for a relaxed, fun session focused on splashing around the shoreline. They're easy to climb back on from the water.
• Best for: Anyone looking for a time-efficient way to see the lake and beginners wanting a "zero-stress" experience. They're also perfect for families, as kids (ages 5+) can easily go with an adult on our stable double sit-on-top kayaks.

Sea Kayaks (Used for our 3-hour Summer & Winter Tours)

• Efficiency and Speed: These are traditional "sit-in" kayaks designed to glide efficiently through the water, allowing you to cover more distance with less effort.
• Distance Journeys: Because they are faster, we use these for our longer tours to reach scenic highlights like the Ringgenberg Castle and the steep rock faces of the northern shore.
• The "Journey" Experience: While still beginner-friendly, these boats provide a more traditional and "intense" kayaking experience compared to the sit-on-top.
• Best for: Adventurers who want to explore further, see the castle, and enjoy a longer journey across the turquoise waters.

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.

The main differences are duration, distance, and equipment.

• The 1.5-hour Experience: A "taster" session. You spend about 60 minutes on the water using Sit-On-Top kayaks. These are incredibly stable and easy to use, making them perfect for those who want a quick, fun introduction to the lake.
• The 3-hour Summer Tour: A half-day adventure. You spend roughly 2 hours on the water using professional Sea Kayaks. These boats are faster, allowing us to travel further to see Ringgenberg Castle and hidden cliffs. It’s the best choice for those seeking a more traditional journey and a deeper dive into paddling skills.

Since we use stable sit-on-top kayaks for this tour, you should expect to get splashed! We recommend dressing for the water temperature:

• Best choice: Swimwear or light synthetic sports clothes (shorts and a T-shirt) that dry quickly. Avoid cotton, as it stays cold and heavy when wet.
• Footwear: Water shoes, flip-flops, or sandals you don't mind getting wet. Barefoot is also fine.
• We provide: High-quality splash jackets and, if the weather is cooler, wetsuits (included in the tour).
• Don't forget: A towel and a full change of clothes for afterward, sun protection, and a strap for your glasses!

• Clothing: Swimwear or light synthetic sports clothes (shorts/T-shirt) are ideal. Avoid cotton, as it stays cold when wet.
• Footwear: Footwear is optional. You are welcome to go barefoot or bring your own sport sandals/water shoes if you prefer.
• What we provide: High-quality splash jackets and, if the weather is cooler, wetsuits (included in the tour).
• Don't forget: You'll be on the water for about 2 hours—bring a hat, sunscreen, a strap for your glasses, and a towel/dry clothes for afterward.

We ensure you stay warm and dry with specialised gear, but your base layers are essential:

• Your Layers: Wear warm thermal leggings or light sportswear and a long-sleeved top (merino wool or fleece is best). You won't need jackets or anything thick and bulky. Warm socks are recommended, but we'll also give you extra thick socks to go over the top.
• What we provide: To keep you 100% dry and warm, we provide professional watertight drysuits, neoprene boots, thick socks and "poggies" (paddling mitts).
• Don't forget: A warm beanie for your head and a change of clothes for after the 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

Yes, you should expect to get splashed. Sit-on-top kayaks are open, and because the session includes fun games and an optional swim, you’ll likely get a bit wet, or even completely soaked if you want to. We recommend bringing a towel and a full change of clothes for afterwards.

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.

Directions

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.

The main difference lies in the design of the boat and the type of experience they offer on Lake Brienz.

Sit-on-Top Kayaks (Used for our 1.5-hour Experience and Rentals)

• Ultimate Stability: These kayaks are designed to be very stable and maneuverable, making them the easiest choice for absolute beginners.
• Easy Access: Because you sit "on top" of the boat rather than inside it, they are incredibly easy to get on and off.
• The "Splash" Factor: You are much more likely to get wet or go for a swim in these boats, which is why they are perfect for a relaxed, fun session focused on splashing around the shoreline. They're easy to climb back on from the water.
• Best for: Anyone looking for a time-efficient way to see the lake and beginners wanting a "zero-stress" experience. They're also perfect for families, as kids (ages 5+) can easily go with an adult on our stable double sit-on-top kayaks.

Sea Kayaks (Used for our 3-hour Summer & Winter Tours)

• Efficiency and Speed: These are traditional "sit-in" kayaks designed to glide efficiently through the water, allowing you to cover more distance with less effort.
• Distance Journeys: Because they are faster, we use these for our longer tours to reach scenic highlights like the Ringgenberg Castle and the steep rock faces of the northern shore.
• The "Journey" Experience: While still beginner-friendly, these boats provide a more traditional and "intense" kayaking experience compared to the sit-on-top.
• Best for: Adventurers who want to explore further, see the castle, and enjoy a longer journey across the turquoise waters.

The best advice is to dress for the water!

• Clothing: Swimwear or quick-dry activewear.
• Footwear: Entirely optional. Most people choose to go barefoot (especially on SUPs) or wear their own flip-flops or water shoes.
• What's included: A buoyancy aid and paddle are included with every rental. Plus, we provide Splash Pants to keep those paddle drips off your legs—so you can stay dry even if you didn't bring your swimsuit."
• Upgrades: For extra warmth, you can rent a wetsuit or splash jacket at our base for a small fee. We recommend bringing a towel and dry clothes to leave in our lockers.

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