Emerald Bay State Park: Our most recommended tours and activities

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.

Lake Tahoe: Emerald Bay Sunset Wine Tasting Yacht Cruise

2. Lake Tahoe: Emerald Bay Sunset Wine Tasting Yacht Cruise

Step aboard the vintage Golden Rose, a 1953 Chris Craft Venetian Water Taxi, with Lake Tahoe's premier wine tasting tour company, operating out of South Lake Tahoe, California. Sit back, relax, and take in the beauty of the lake while sipping on exquisite wines hand chosen for your enjoyment on Lake Tahoe's only wine boat tour of the lake on this one-of-a-kind sunset cruise. Enjoy the beauty of Lake Tahoe during a small group tour, while tasting Northern California's great wines, or customize your own booking to celebrate that special moment in your life. Operating May - October with up to 4 cruises a day and 7 days a week during our busy season. Tours will be aboard the beautiful "Golden Rose," a one-of-a-kind 1953 Chris Craft Venetian Water Taxi and will begin at the Tahoe Keys Marina in South Lake Tahoe, California circling Emerald Bay, cruising around Fannette Island and viewing the historic Vikingsholm castle all from the boat. Throughout the tour, sampl3 8 wines from various wine regions, heavily focused on Northern California wines. You'll have the opportunity to purchase bottles of your favorite wines at the end of the tour to enjoy during the rest of their stay in Lake Tahoe or to take home to add to your collection. If you're not looking for a full bottle, wine by the glass is also offered. Water and soda are also available and complimentary to all guests. If someone in your party prefers beer, this can be accommodated if requested in advance. Charcuterie platters in various sizes are also available to enjoy onboard. These can be added to any wine cruise booking, pre-ordered in advance with a 48-hour notice and delivered right to the boat. The charcuterie board includes cheese, salami, fresh and dried fruit, crackers etc. Special catering menus are available for private charters. As always, you're still welcome to bring your own snacks on the boat, if you prefer.

Lake Tahoe: Emerald Bay Wine-Tasting Boat Tour

3. Lake Tahoe: Emerald Bay Wine-Tasting Boat Tour

Step aboard the vintage Golden Rose, a 1953 Chris Craft Venetian Water Taxi, with Lake Tahoe's premier wine tasting tour company, operating out of South Lake Tahoe, California. Sit back, relax and take in the beauty of the lake while sipping on exquisite wines hand chosen for your enjoyment on Lake Tahoe's only wine boat tour of the lake. Enjoy the beauty of Lake Tahoe during one of our 2-hour, small group, semi-private tours, while tasting Northern California's great wines, or customize your own booking to celebrate that special moment in your life! Operating May - October with up to 4 cruises a day and 7 days a week during our busy season. Tours will be aboard the beautiful "Golden Rose," a one-of-a-kind 1953 Chris Craft Venetian Water Taxi and will begin at the Tahoe Keys Marina in South Lake Tahoe, California circling Emerald Bay, cruising around Fannette Island and viewing the historic Vikingsholm castle all from the boat. Throughout the tour, we will be sampling 8 wines from various wine regions, heavily focused on Northern California wines. Guests will have the opportunity to purchase bottles of their favorite wines at the end of the tour to enjoy during the rest of their stay in Lake Tahoe or to take home to add to their collection. If you're not looking for a full bottle, we also offer wine by the glass as well. Water and soda are also available and complimentary to all of our guests. If someone in your party prefers beer, we can accommodate your guest if requested in advance. Please contact us for any special requests. FOOD OPTIONS: Stop by the Pirate's Chest Tahoe located at the Tahoe Keys Marina for grab-and-go items like sandwiches, cheese, dips, chips, salami, pasta salads and pre-made charcuterie to take with you on your wine tasting cruise! You'll find vegan, vegetarian and gluten free options as well. Just look for the life-size pirates and flags outside the store. As always, you're still welcome to bring your own snacks on the boat, if you prefer.

South Lake Tahoe: 2-Hour Emerald Bay Boat Tour with Captain

4. South Lake Tahoe: 2-Hour Emerald Bay Boat Tour with Captain

Come aboard your ultimate Lake Tahoe boating experience on our spacious Powerboat for a private tour of Lake Tahoe. Your experienced Captain will customize your excursion for you to enjoy sightseeing, water sports, swimming, and lounging with friends and family on the boat while you hear amazing tales and history of Lake Tahoe. With 17 years in business, you can trust our local, experienced team to show you the best in boating on Lake Tahoe!

South Lake Tahoe: Private Boat Charter for 2-4 Hours

5. South Lake Tahoe: Private Boat Charter for 2-4 Hours

Experience the ultimate boating experience on Lake Tahoe! With your own private captained boat tour for up to 6 people, choose from a day of cruising the lake while visiting Emerald Bay, Vikingsholm, Fannette Island, D.L. Bliss State Park, Rubicon Bay and more or enjoying a more action packed day of tubing, wakeboarding or water skiing. All charters include a US Coast Guard licensed captain that can cater your tour to your exact needs! Fuel is included in cost of charter.

Lake Tahoe: 2-Hour Private Boat Trip with Captain

6. 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.

Lake Tahoe: Self-Guided Driving Tour

7. Lake Tahoe: Self-Guided Driving Tour

Explore your way on this self-guided driving tour of Lake Tahoe. See the entire lake and all the best vistas, hikes, and swimming spots using an app that functions as a guide, audio tour, and map all in one. Enjoy a tour by local guides, creative writers, and professional voice artists. Begin your tour in Stateline on the southern shore. From there, take a clockwise loop around the lake. While driving, learn about the heated debate between California and Nevada over who technically owns the lake. Visit the summer home of a man who insisted people called his cabin the Vatican. Then, see a few more impressive homes along the shore, including some inspired by Viking longhouses. Next, visit Emerald Bay, Lake Tahoe’s crown jewel. This bay offers stunning views of the water and the mountains beyond, as well as swimming, kayaking, scuba diving, and any other water activities you could want. If you’re in the mood for a waterfall, stop by the Eagle Falls trailhead to see the only waterfall that flows into the lake. Hear the spooky tale of how Lake Tahoe’s only island, Fannette, is supposedly haunted. As you continue, learn about the Washoe tribe who lived here long before any European explorers put it on a map. Next up, see Meeks Bay, a perfect white sand beach to catch some sun. Get the scoop on a presidential visit to the lake, famous residents who occupy the houses along the shore, and learn about the lake’s origins. Pay a visit to Carnelian Bay, where boat racing used to be a big deal in the '30s and '40s. Then, say hello to Kings Beach on the north shore, a perfect picnic spot with views that will make you feel like a royal yourself. Pass by the Cal Neva Casino next, which straddles the border between California and Nevada and was once owned by Frank Sinatra. See more stunning estates along the way. Then, learn about some of the area’s wildlife. Visit the Secret Cove, a perfect spot for those looking for some secluded serenity. Nearing the end of the tour, visit a 300-foot-high vista point for perfect photo opportunities. Conclude your tour by Cave Rock, a remnant of the lake’s most ancient history.

Lake Tahoe: 2-Hour Private Sunset Boat Charter

8. Lake Tahoe: 2-Hour Private Sunset Boat Charter

Experience the ultimate boating experience on Lake Tahoe! With your own private captained boat tour for up to 6 people, choose from a day of cruising the lake while visiting Emerald Bay, Vikingsholm, Fannette Island, D.L. Bliss State Park, Rubicon Bay and more or enjoying a more action packed day of tubing, wakeboarding or water skiing. All charters include a US Coast Guard licensed captain that can cater your tour to your exact needs! Fuel is included in cost of charter.

Lake Tahoe Private Luxury Boat Tours

9. Lake Tahoe Private Luxury Boat Tours

Come aboard our charter boat for an up-close sightseeing cruise on Lake Tahoe for 3-hours. Enjoy the sights with family and friends from Emerald Bay to the lesser-traveled coves, beaches, and landmarks around the lake. It’s time to board your very own private boat, kick back and enjoy a special occasion or just an outing on Lake Tahoe. Relax with family and friends and enjoy one of our planned scenic cruises around the shoreline of Lake Tahoe. We can pull up and anchor at one of Lake Tahoe’s pristine coves or beaches for a picnic or a swim in the Caribbean colored water. See breathtaking views and unparalleled mountain vistas on your own private boat. We provide a cooler with ice, bottled water and sodas. Guests are welcome to bring snacks, packed lunches and beverages of their choice. Alcohol is allowed.

Discover Lake Tahoe from your private Double Decker Pontoon

10. Discover Lake Tahoe from your private Double Decker Pontoon

Rent a boat from Battle Born Boat Rentals and enjoy the best view of Tahoe available – from the middle of the Lake! Our brand new double decker pontoon party boat rentals include seating for up to 13 guests, Bluetooth six speaker sound systems, waterslide, tube for tubing, stand up paddle board on the upper deck, bimini top, pop up changing room and more! All you need to do is arrive and have a great time out on the water. We offer the highest level of service in South Lake Tahoe Boat Rentals.

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Emerald Bay State Park

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What people are saying about Emerald Bay State Park

Overall rating

4.8 / 5

based on 396 reviews

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!