The Top 10 Best Lake Tahoe Boat Tours
Some of the best views of Lake Tahoe can be seen from the water itself. Once you glide out in that open expanse of ultra-blue water, you’ll find yourself mesmerized by the clear depths as much as the encircling mountain backdrop. Several boat tours and boat rental companies will bring you nearly everywhere on Lake Tahoe, from beautiful historic mansions and cottages to the ever-popular Emerald Bay (a must-do BTW), Whether you're looking for a quiet sailboat, a sunset dinner cruise, or a thrilling party on a speedboat, you can find your best boating options on Lake Tahoe with the Crews listed here:
Map markers 1, 3 & 4 are at the same location.
1. Woodwind II - Stateline / Zephyr Cove
Woodwind II
The Woodwind II is a twin-hulled catamaran sailboat owned and operated by Tahoe Cruises launching from Zephyr Cove, NV. This 55-foot long vessel can carry up to 50 passengers and sail over 20 knots when Lake Tahoe kicks up the wind. With a full bar, sun deck and enclosed main salon, this is a great boat for special occasions like weddings, parties and receptions. The Woodwind II sails from April 15-October 15.
Hot Tip: Because the Woodwind II is a catamaran with shallow depth, this boat can get up close and personal with the shoreline of Lake Tahoe. The Woodwind II sails from April 15-October 15.
Contact: 760 U.S. 50, Zephyr Cove-Round Hill Village, NV 89448 | (775) 588-1881
2. Sierra Cloud - North Lake Tahoe
Another fine catamaran is offered by North Lake Tahoe's Hyatt, the 55-foot Sierra Cloud. Operated by Action Water Sports, the Sierra Cloud offers two-hour sailing cruises along the Northern and Eastern shores of Lake Tahoe. This catamaran is best for warm summer days where you can lounge on the fore trampolines, or the cushioned seats on the deck. The Sierra Cloud is available for private charters, weddings or groups.
Hot Tip: The Sierra Cloud offers sunset cruises or morning cruises with coffee, mimosas and pastries.
Contact: 111 Country Club Drive, Incline Village, Nevada, USA, 89451 | (775) 831-4386
3. Safari Rose - Stateline / Zephyr Cove
The Safari Rose is owned by the same company as the Woodwind II, Tahoe Cruises and sails out of the Tahoe Keys Marina in South Lake Tahoe. The Safari Rose is an 80 foot motor yacht that was built in 1959 for the 3M Corporation. The boat includes a heated salon with luxurious couches and fireplace, a full sun deck, an enclosed dining/entertaining area and a full bar. The boat is available for daily tours or weddings, receptions and corporate functions.
Hot Tip: The Safari Rose has a full stereo system so it's great for partying on your way to Emerald Bay.
Contact: 760 U.S. 50, Zephyr Cove-Round Hill Village, NV 89448 | (775) 588-1881
4. M.S. Dixie II- Stateline / Zephyr Cove
The largest boat on Lake Tahoe is the M.S. Dixie II. This 520 passenger Mississippi paddlewheel offers day and sunset dinner cruises that culminate with a tour into Emerald Bay - one of the most photographed places on the planet. Tours start daily from the Zephyr Cove Marina and take you across the South Shore area of the lake. You can get various views of the lake from the three decks of this beautiful boat.
Hot Tip: The Captain's Dinner Dance cruise on the M.S. Dixie II includes narration about the lake, a four course gourmet meal and live music.
Contact: Zephyr Cove Resort & Marina, 760 U.S. Hwy 50, Zephyr Cove, NV 89448 | 775-589-4906
5. Tahoe Queen - South Lake Tahoe
Sadly the Tahoe Queen was destroyed in a fire in August 2016. There may be a replacement but currently there is no confirmation or date.
Stay tuned - we will be updating this Top Ten with a self propelled option!
6. Wild Goose II - North Lake Tahoe
The beautiful woody, the 36-foot Wild Goose II is run by the West Shore Café in Homewood, CA and offers small group tours of Lake Tahoe from the Tahoe Marina in Tahoe Vista. The Wild Goose II holds 12 passengers, so this is a perfect boat for intimate events and for families. Both lunch and dinner cruises are available in the summer.
Hot Tip: Free parking is available at the West Shore Café for passengers.
Contact: North Tahoe Marina , 7360 N. Lake Blvd, Tahoe Vista, CA 96143 | 530-412-4064
7. Tahoe Bleu Wave - Stateline / Zephyr Cove
The Tahoe Bleu Wave is a 70-foot million dollar yacht built in 1966. It has already traveled the world and now offers daily tours around Lake Tahoe for 50 people year round. The Bleu Wave includes a full bar with a fireplace, a private lounge and stateroom, restrooms, a fly-bridge and party bow. The Bleu Wave tours cover all of Lake Tahoe and include an Emerald Bay lunch cruise and an afternoon cruise.
Hot Tip: Children under the age of three sail for free.
Contact: Zephyr Cove Resort & Marina, 760 U.S. Hwy 50, Zephyr Cove, NV 89448 | 866-413-0985
8. Rum Runner - South Lake Tahoe
The Rum Runner leaves from Camp Richardson daily in the summer for party cruises and private charters. The most anticipated part of this cruise is the ice-cold Rum Runner drink that continuously flows from the bar. There are also Non-alcoholic beverages, snacks, beer, and wine available for purchase.
Hot Tip: This might be one of the most affordable private trips on the lake for only $44 per person for a 1.5 hour tour.
Contact: 1900 Jameson Beach Road, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150 | 530-542-6570
9. Thunderbird Lodge Yacht: Tahoe - South Lake Tahoe
The Thunderbird, a historic home on the east shore of Lake Tahoe, has a 40-foot wooden cruiser available for narrated cruises along the lake's shoreline. Each tour is five hours and includes a continental breakfast and a picnic lunch. The Tahoe departs from the Tahoe Keys Marina in South Lake Tahoe Tuesday through Saturday.
Hot Tip: For a five hour trip for $135 per adult, this tour is a great value. 2435 Venice Dr E #100, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
Contact: 5000 Nevada 28, Incline Village, NV 89451 | 775- 832-8750
10. Tahoe Thunder - South Lake Tahoe
You might hear this boat from the other side of the lake as it revs up its powerful engines before roaring away. The 33-foot Tahoe Thunder catamaran is Tahoe's fastest speedboat ride with over 800 horsepower engines. This ride, which takes you to Emerald Bay is definitely one for thrill-seekers!
Hot Tip: The Tahoe Thunder will fit about four to six people. Hang on!
Contact: 3411 Lake Tahoe Blvd., South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150-7919 | 530-544-5387
