One of the best guided tours we have been on! We (family of 3 adults + a 7y/o kid) booked this tour almost at the last week of our planned trip not knowing much about the wintry weather in mid Sep. The tour was operated by Prismatic Tours. We had a direct number available to call, so we got all the details of what to bring and an expected forecast etc. Directions to the location were texted to us in advance (no cell service inside the park, so download your maps in advance!). It had snowed the day prior and since we started the tour at around 9, it was freezing cold. But our tour guide Dillon was just fantastic. We started with coffee, and a quick lesson on "paddling for beginners". The kayaks and equipment were in good condition (seats could have been a but more comfy though). They had sprayskirts that protected us from water dripping onto us from the paddles, and it kept us warm too.
Dillon was very knowledgeable, entertained us with great geological facts about the Yellowstone features. This was the first day at the park, and we learned so much in 4-5 hours about the parks, that by the end, we knew exactly where to go and what to see the next 3 days we spent traveling.
The trip: started at the Grant Village marina, and covered about 6 miles (to and fro) along the shore and beach of the West Thumb. Stayed about 100 feet close to the shore, so we could see bald eagles, herd of elks (with calves and a large buck) that came to the waters. To our east was the Absaroka range and the Flat Top mountains and the Red Mountains which had snow. To the west shore we had fumeroles that emited sulfur bubbles as we went past the water. It was like a natgeo expedition. We inspected rocks and the break in the beach for lunch was fun too. Bring water and/or snacks if you have picky eaters (like kids) by the way. Thankfully my nephew liked the salami from the charcuterie plates Dillon spread out! We hope to be back in summer.
All the best to Dillon for his winter gig!