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South Lake Tahoe Cruises & boat tours

Our most recommended South Lake Tahoe Cruises & boat tours

South Lake Tahoe: Sightseeing Cruise of Emerald Bay

1. South Lake Tahoe: Sightseeing Cruise of Emerald Bay

Embark on a sightseeing cruise starting in South Lake Tahoe either at sunset or during the day. Take in the scenic beauty while cruising 11 kilometers across the lake to Emerald Bay, one of the top ten most photographed places in the world. Savor snacks and drinks as you sail. See the majestic mountains of South Lake Tahoe while onboard the world-class Tahoe Bleu Wave yacht. As you cruise, you will find indoor and outdoor seating with 360-degree panoramic views of Lake Tahoe, the snow-capped mountains, Fannette Island, Vikingsholm Castle, Eagle Waterfall, and the Rubicon. Navigate the pristine waters of Lake Tahoe while hearing your captain's narration about this lake. You may even get the chance to see a variety of wildlife such as the bald eagle, black bears, and wild geese. If you've chosen the sunset option, relax and watch the sun dip low below the sky.

South Lake Tahoe: Happy Hour Cruise

2. South Lake Tahoe: Happy Hour Cruise

Begin at South Lake Tahoe and embark on a 2-hour happy hour cruise. Experience a happy hour like no other on board the Tahoe Bleu Wave as it cruises on the gorgeous Lake Tahoe water. Enjoy your afternoon as you munch on delicious snacks and sip on signature drinks. Take in the scenic beauty across the lake to the pristine Emerald Bay, known as one of the top ten most photographed places in the world. Admire the mountains in the backdrop with 360-degree panoramic views of Lake Tahoe. Navigate the beautiful waters with your captain who will give a personal narration of the facts and figures of this lake. You’ll even get the chance to see a variety of wildlife such as the bald eagle, black bears, and wild geese.

Lake Tahoe: 2-Hour Private Boat Trip with Captain

3. Lake Tahoe: 2-Hour Private Boat Trip with Captain

Enjoy a boat trip around the stunning natural beauty of Lake Tahoe. Take in panoramic views of mile-high mountains and the famous Emerald Bay on this private, 2-hour tour. Meet your certified captain at the Tahoe Keys Marina. Hop aboard their ship, the White lightning, a fun boat with a 502 mag and 3,000 dollar stereo system. Get ready to set sail onto North America's second deepest lake. Enjoy spectacular views as you journey round Lake Tahoe. Pass by Camp Richardson and the Tallac Historical Site. Sail into the picturesque and photogenic Emerald Bay. See Fannette Island in the middle of the lake, and catch a glimpse of the Scandinavian architecture of the Vikingsholm mansion. Take in the beauty of the D.L. Bliss State Park. Admire the electric green and cobalt blue water of Rubicon Bay, before returning to the marina to finish the tour.

South Lake Tahoe: Private Guided Boat Tour

4. South Lake Tahoe: Private Guided Boat Tour

Perfect for families, friends, or a combination of both, explore Lake Tahoe with a private boat trip, with the local captain as your guide. Snorkel in the clear waters of Rubicon Bay, snap a photo of Vikingsholm mansion, and learn about the geographical history of the nearby Tallac Historic Site. Take in panoramic views of the Carson and Sierra Nevada mountain ranges towering over Lake Tahoe's shores. Pass by Camp Richardson and the Tallac Historic Site and then sail into the picturesque Emerald Bay, known for its vibrantly turquoise water. Continue to Fannette Island and catch a glimpse of the Scandinavian architecture of the Vikingsholm mansion. Before returning, cruise by the stunning beauty of the D.L. Bliss State Park and jump into the electric green and cobalt blue water of Rubicon Bay.

Lake Tahoe: Lakeside Highlights Yacht Tour

5. Lake Tahoe: Lakeside Highlights Yacht Tour

Experience the shoreline of Lake Tahoe aboard a yacht and take in panoramic views of the lush scenery. Join a relaxing and luxurious guided trip around the Tahoe Keys, allowing the crew to point out some of the biggest local attractions for swimming and diving. Explore the calm and secluded Eagle Falls and Fannette Island in Emerald Bay State Park, check out the clarity of the lake in Whiskey Cove, and see exciting activities taking place along the cliffs of D.L. Bliss State Park. Watch people jump off Rooster Rock and view the estates of Rubicon Bay. Make the most of your outing by bringing your favorite beverages and snacks to enjoy during your tour. Swim off the boat, sit in the shade or sun, and customize your trip to your own interests.

Lake Tahoe: Private Power Boat Charter

6. Lake Tahoe: Private Power Boat Charter

Sit back and enjoy a boat tour of some of the most famous sights and views that Lake Tahoe has to offer. Experience the most relaxing way to sightsee, free of traffic noise and congestion, with complimentary perks like light snacks, drinks, music, and swim gear. Heading out from Tahoe Keys Marina in Grateful Red, the luxury boat some call the Ferrari of Lake Tahoe. The tour starts with cruising by Camp Richardson, the oldest campground in the basin, and the Tallac Historical site. Next, venture past the golden sands of Baldwin and Ski Beach before reaching the entrance to Emerald Bay, one of the most photographed places in the world. Entering Emerald Bay, see the memorable Vikingsholm mansion which many consider the finest piece of Scandinavian architecture in the U.S. Pass by Fannette Island, the only island in Lake Tahoe, also located in Emerald Bay, and home to the former tea house where guests of Vikingsholm would travel to by boat to enjoy afternoon tea. After admiring Emerald Bay, continue up the west shore to D. L. Bliss State Park and Rubicon Bay where the water is electric green with cobalt blues, an unforgettable swimming spot to experience. The tour continues to Sugar Pine Point State Park with its Mediterranean blue waters and the picturesque Ehrman Mansion. Before heading back to Tahoe Keys Marina, visit Homewood, a quaint little town with a ski resort at the water’s edge.

South Lake Tahoe: Customizable Private Yacht Cruise

7. South Lake Tahoe: Customizable Private Yacht Cruise

Have the freedom to explore Lake Tahoe with this private sightseeing cruise from South Lake Tahoe. Travel in comfort aboard a multi-level vessel with plenty of space to hang out inside or outside. Meet your captain and hop aboard the spacious yacht which has enough space for 10 people. Cruise around destinations like the world-famous Emerald Bay, Rubicon Point, D.L Bliss State Park, and countless other Tahoe landmarks.  Decide to take in the lake's highlights like the North Shore or drop anchor and go for a dip in a pristine location. Hungry guests can stop at a dockside restaurant for a bite to eat. Return to your starting point after your cruise. 

South Lake Tahoe: Luxury Sports Boat Charter

8. South Lake Tahoe: Luxury Sports Boat Charter

Discover Lake Tahoe like a local with a sports boat charter departing from South Lake Tahoe. Charter a 33’ Formula Sun Sport and explore with a US Coast Guard-licensed captain. Feel free to bring your own food and drinks onboard and sail past sights like the Sierra Nevada mountains and Sand Harbor. The Formula Sun Sport comes with a removable full Eisen glass enclosure for cold spring mornings or chilly fall nights and has an extra-large Bimini for respite from that hot summer sun. Make use of the restroom, kitchenette, refrigerator, dining area, and stereo package for a comfortable journey. The captain will take you to the sights that most interest you, or you can spend the day relaxing on the waters of the lake. You can take in views of Emerald Bay, admire the Sierra Nevada mountains, or stop and play at Sand Harbor.

Other Sightseeing Options in South Lake Tahoe

Want to discover all there is to do in South Lake Tahoe? Click here for a full list.

What people are saying about South Lake Tahoe

This tour was excellent. The views of Lake Tahoe and the surrounding area were amazing, and we caught a beautiful sunset. The captain was very friendly & informative, and the beverage service was a nice plus. Will definitely do this tour again if/when I return to Lake Tahoe

Captain Auggie was absolutely amazing! He gave us a great cruise, lots of information and history. The drinks and snacks were amazing and the First Mate, Bob, was extremely kind and helpful. We will be back for sure in the summer!

We had a great time. Captain Steve, 1st mate Charlie and 2nd mate Josh were all awesome people and made the cruise for us. Of course the spectacular views didn’t hurt. . Thank you guys for a great experience.

Great crew! Knowledgeable and friendly, pick this boat tour, won’t be disappointed!

Amazing experience and the crew were very friendly and informative!