11 Best Lake Tahoe Boat Tours and Cruises in 2024

RESEARCHING THE BEST LAKE TAHOE BOAT TOURS?

You’ve landed on the right page! We’ve spent months traveling in California, with some decent hours logged in Lake Tahoe. And we can say with certainty that a trip to Lake Tahoe isn’t complete before you spend some time on the water.

There are countless ways to enjoy the crystal clear lake, but nothing beats one of the memorable Lake Tahoe Boat Tours and Cruises.

Take a look at our list of the best Lake Tahoe boat tours when planning your perfect vacation itinerary.  We absolutely love spending time in Lake Tahoe and hope you enjoy the amazing views and fun activities in the area.

South Lake Tahoe Boat Tours 

1. 2 Hour Sailing Cruise on Lake Tahoe

⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 | 🕑 TOUR LENGTH: 2 Hours | Check Rates & Availability

2 Hours Sailing Cruise on Lake Tahoe offers a quiet and intimate experience on the water in South Lake Tahoe. Limited to only 18 passengers on their quaint yacht named ‘Blue’ you can enjoy the gorgeous landscape propelled by the wind instead of an engine. 

One of our favorite things about this tour is their commitment to local beer and wine brands, offering complimentary drinks on board. But don’t worry, the kids and those not interested in drinking aren’t left out. They also stock plenty of non-alcoholic drink options for the journey. 

The trip was amazing! The views were awe-inspiring. The ship itself is quite cozy, and the free drinks were a great addition. The crew members were very helpful and helped us taking many great pictures. Definitely recommend this experience!

– Alvin (Read More Reviews)

Boat tours in South Lake Tahoe are known for staffing very knowledgeable and friendly crews. That will be your experience on this sailing cruise, as the guide will offer some amazing insight into the history of the lake as you sail around. 

This is one of a few Lake Tahoe cruises that charges per individual. Keep in mind that many of these cruises list a hefty price, but if it’s a private charter, the listed price covers the entire group, as opposed to a per-person fee. 

▶️ BOOK 2 Hour Sailing Cruise on Lake Tahoe

2. Private Emerald Bay, Lake Tahoe Tour with Captain

⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 | 🕑 TOUR LENGTH: 2 Hours | Check Rates & Availability

Emerald Bay is regarded as the most beautiful portion of Lake Tahoe.  Private Emerald Bay, Lake Tahoe Tour with Captain gives guests one of the most unique experiences South Lake Tahoe boat tours can offer.  

You won’t only be exploring the crystal clear waters of this ancient lake, but you will be stepping back in time as you board a beautiful restored wooden boat from the 1950s. There isn’t a more nostalgic way to explore the lake than onboard a classic boat like this. 

A refreshing trip to Emerald Bay with some historic background and landmark guidance provided by our Captain, Ed! Will definitely be booking with a larger group again!

– Bob (Read More Reviews)

Because the boat is small, this is a private tour only available to parties of up to six people. The tour is guided by a local captain that is eager to share all the ins and outs and hidden gems of South Lake Tahoe. 

Highlights of the tour include some historic insight into Lake Tahoe, the bay, and even Vikingsholm Castle on Fannette Island. If time permits, you’ll be able to check a visit to D.L. Bliss State Park off your bucket list, as the tour swings by the park just north of Emerald Bay near North Lake Tahoe. 

▶️ BOOK Private Emerald Bay, Lake Tahoe Tour With Captain

3. 4-Hour Private Boat Tour on Beautiful Lake Tahoe in the White Lightning

⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 | 🕑 TOUR LENGTH: 4 Hours | Check Rates & Availability

If you’ve got a need for speed, the 4-Hour Private Boat Tour on Beautiful Lake Tahoe in the White Lightning is one of the best South Lake Tahoe cruises for you. The 25 ft private luxury powerboat can accommodate up to eight guests and includes a driver so everyone can relax and enjoy the day together. 

The boat is sleek, powerful, and fast! It’s also equipped with a state-of-the-art sound system, so you can enjoy some amazing tunes as you cruise through the crystal-clear waters of Lake Tahoe. 

We had a great day on the lake! Captain Daniel was a fantastic host!

– Verified Traveler (Read More Reviews)

This fast-paced and fun tour covers Lake Tahoe highlights like Pope Beach, Baldwin Beach, and Camp Richardson and, of course, Emerald Bay sightseeing, which offers some of the most breathtaking natural beauty the lake has to offer. Be sure to have your camera handy to capture the beautiful sights and memories along the way. 

While sightseeing, you will also have the opportunity to swim and soak up the sun. You’re encouraged to bring any food or additional items you might need onboard with you. 

▶️ BOOK 4 Hour Private Boat Tour on Beautiful Lake Tahoe in The White Lightening

4. 4-Hour Private Boat Charter With Captain

⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 | 🕑 TOUR LENGTH: 4 Hours | Check Rates & Availability

4-Hour Private Boat Charter With Captain is one of the best Lake Tahoe cruises if you’re interested in running the show yourself. Some people enjoy a predetermined itinerary, but this is one of few cruises in Lake Tahoe that lets the party direct how your time on the water is spent. 

With four hours at your disposal, your captain can take you on a stunning journey around the highlights of South Lake Tahoe or, if you’d rather, you can spend your time in the water, taking in the great outdoors. 

We had a great day on the water with “Cap.” We were able to see a lot of the lake and had a great time tubing. It was perfect!

– Jonathan (Read More Reviews)

This is one of the best boat tours in South Lake Tahoe for families. Older kids will be over the moon with the chance to water ski or wakeboard, while younger kids can enjoy some fun tubing. All water sports activities equipment is included in the charter rental.

All parties are encouraged to bring their own snacks on this tour. It will help keep everyone happy until you can enjoy some delectable food at one of South Lake Tahoe’s best restaurants.  

▶️ BOOK 4-Hour Private Boat Charter With Captain

5. Private Yacht Class Boat Tour on Lake Tahoe

⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 | 🕑 TOUR LENGTH: 2 Hours | Check Rates & Availability

There isn’t a more luxurious way to experience Lake Tahoe boat cruises than aboard a Private Yacht Class Boat Tour on Lake Tahoe. Take in some of the most picturesque sights of South Lake Tahoe in style on this two-hour tour. 

The beauty of nature, the history and a skilled captain..this is a must do for all..thank you Captain Jason.

– Carol (Read More Reviews)

This tour is a relaxing and even romantic way to spend a memorable afternoon on Lake Tahoe. Some of the notable highlights of this tour include Vikingsholm, D.L. Bliss State Park, and Rubicon Peak. Not included on this tour, Sand Harbor, is another Lake Tahoe spot not to be missed!

▶️ BOOK Private Yacht Class Boat Tour on Lake Tahoe

North Lake Tahoe Boat Tours 

6. Luxury Lake Tahoe Boat Charters Private Tour 

🕑 TOUR LENGTH: 9-12 Hours | Check Rates & Availability

If a full day on the lake is on your docket, Luxury Lake Tahoe Boat Charters Private Tour with take you on a journey of the “jewel of the Sierras” with Tahoe Luxury Charters your family won’t soon forget. 

This is one of the most stylish boat tours in Lake Tahoe, as the boat itself has only the best amenities and impressive performance engines, and where this amazing boat takes you is up to you. 

Make it your dream day in Tahoe! Want to find a secret beach just for you? They can do that! Want to experience the most breathtaking views the lake can offer at sunset? They’ve got you covered there too! 

Tahoe Luxury Charters boast U.S. Coast Guard-certified and licensed captains, so you will be in good hands all day. Without a worry in the world, Lake Tahoe Cruises like this one truly give you the opportunity to relax and enjoy the day with those you love. 

▶️ BOOK Luxury Lake Tahoe Boat Charters Private Tour

7. Lake Tahoe: Lakeside Highlights Yacht Tour

⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 | 🕑 TOUR LENGTH: 2 Hours | Check Rates & Availability

Lake Tahoe: Lakeside Highlights Yacht Tour is another cushy, luxurious option for those eager to get on the water in high class and style. This tour won’t only showcase the best and most beautiful landmarks around Lake Tahoe but also offer some secret gems too! 

Known to offer a sneak peek into some of the best swimming locales throughout the lake as well as some prime diving locations, this is a great tour to take if you’re a family of swimmers. 

Absolutely perfect! Captain Jason was a complete pro and made our experience unforgettable! Sign up now worth every cent than some!

– Verified Traveler (Read More Reviews)

Also, a customizable tour, you can make it a mixture of sightseeing and splashing around fun. You can maybe even take a jump off Rooster Rock to commemorate your trip to Lake Tahoe! 

A morning or afternoon on the water under the sun can make for hearty appetites. Feel free to bring your own drinks and snacks on this tour. 

▶️ BOOK Lake Tahoe: Lakeside Highlights Yacht Tour

Lake Tahoe Dinner Cruises

8. Sunset Wine & Cheese Emerald Bay Boat Charter 

⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 | 🕑 TOUR LENGTH: 2 Hours | Check Rates & Availability

Dinner cruises in Lake Tahoe are hard to come by, but a sunset cruise on Lake Tahoe, like Sunset Wine & Cheese Emerald Bay Boat Charter, is one of the best ways to wrap up a day in Tahoe. 

Anytime spent on the water in such a beautiful place like this feels magical. This tour adds in the gorgeous reds, oranges, and yellows of sunset and sets the scene on a sailboat. It’s such a peaceful setting. Try not to get whisked away on a daydream when the wind picks up!

Kevin was a great guide! We were even able to stop at Vikingsholm. Highly recommend. Wine was great as well.

– Andrew (Read More Reviews)

The sights aren’t the only lovely thing you will enjoy on this two-hour trip. White wine paired with an array of cheeses, fresh fruit, and crackers will be available to devour while you spend your evening on the water. 

▶️ BOOK Sunset Wine & Cheese Emerald Bay Boat Charter

9. South Lake Tahoe: Sightseeing Cruise of Emerald Bay 

⭐️ RATING: 4.7 out of 5 | 🕑 TOUR LENGTH: 2 Hours | Check Rates & Availability

You might not be able to find a South Lake Tahoe dinner cruise, but  South Lake Tahoe: Sightseeing Cruise of Emerald Bay is a sweet consolation prize. It’s an amazing way to enjoy scenic Lake Tahoe.

Tahoe Bleu Wave yacht, the means of travel for the Cruise of Emerald Bay, offers both indoor and outdoor seating with unobstructed views of the beauty of Lake Tahoe. 

Saw some gorgeous sights of the lake and bay. It’s a great experience to be on the water. Would definitely recommend to everyone to take this tour while visiting Lake Tahoe.

– Verified Traveler (Read More Reviews)

Sunset is an amazing time to take in the beauty of Emerald Bay, which is considered to be one of the most beautiful places in the world. The views of the Sierra Nevada Mountains are stunning on this tour as well. 

The captain will offer delightful insights about the history of Lake Tahoe while you take in all the sights, which often include wildlife. Be sure to look out for bald eagles, black bears, and wild geese while exploring Lake Tahoe! 

▶️ BOOK South Lake Tahoe: Sightseeing Cruise of Emerald Bay

10. South Lake Tahoe: Happy Hour Cruise

⭐️ RATING: 4.6 out of 5 | 🕑 TOUR LENGTH: 2 Hours | Check Rates & Availability

Lake Tahoe dinner cruises aren’t a common attraction in the area, but they do know how to ring in a happy hour. South Lake Tahoe: Happy Hour Cruise is a surefire bet for fun on the gorgeous lake waters. 

Another tour aboard the Tahoe Bleu Wave, you can choose from indoor or outdoor seating on the sun deck as you enjoy the happiest and most fun hour of the day. 

As a whole the experience was good, could of offered some better snacks for the price. The crew was knowledgeable and friendly.

– Verified Traveler (Read More Reviews)

Snacks and beverages (non-alcoholic options like soda and juices are complimentary, and alcoholic beverages are available for purchase at the full bar) add to the fun atmosphere as you ride the waves through Emerald Bay. The lush and spectacular views showcased on this cruise are definitely worth the trip to Lake Tahoe.  

▶️ BOOK South Lake Tahoe: Happy Hour Cruise

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

🕑 TOUR LENGTH: 2 Hours | Check Rates & Availability

Dinner cruises on Lake Tahoe might sound like a dream to some, but others crave adventure on the water as the sun sinks low. Lake Tahoe: 2-Hour Private Sunset Boat Charter is one of our favorite boat tours on Lake Tahoe because it offers such a fun opportunity to enjoy the water at the most beautiful time of day. 

How you spend this magical golden hour is up to you. You can watch the water glisten under the sunset rays, enjoy a sunset swim in the cool water, or even cruise through a water skiing session. The possibilities are endless.

This private boat tour for just your family will be a highlight of your Lake Tahoe adventure. 

▶️ BOOK Lake Tahoe: 2-Hour Private Sunset Boat Charter

FAQ: Lake Tahoe Boat Tours 

How Much Does It Cost To Go Boating in Lake Tahoe? 

Lake Tahoe boat cruise prices vary but are relatively expensive. As a rough estimate based on the rates of the tours discussed here, you can expect to pay anywhere from $140 to $250 per person, depending on the size of your group. 

Most Tahoe cruises are private cruises featuring a small number of seats, which can draw the price point higher. 

Charter Lake Tahoe boat rides are another popular option in the area. Because these are customized experiences and designed itineraries just for you, they run more expensive than those with large groups and a pre-set schedule.

How Long Does It Take To Go Around Lake Tahoe By Boat? 

At a leisurely pace, a boat trip around Lake Tahoe could take up to seven hours. If you’re looking for a more thrilling or speedy experience, some of the most popular Lake Tahoe Cruises feature speed boats that can carry you around the lake much quicker. 

What Is The Best Time To Go Boating in Lake Tahoe? 

Mornings are the best time to be on the water if you’re looking for smooth sailing. The wind and waves pick up a bit in the afternoon, which offers more exciting waters to explore. 

Early spring and fall are the optimal times of year to visit Lake Tahoe. Lake Tahoe boat tours in the winter are hard to come by. 

What is The Famous Boat on Lake Tahoe? 

The Thunderbird Yacht is the iconic wooden speedboat on Lake Tahoe. Around the 1940s, this special watercraft only runs cruises a few times a year for a special event here and there.  

Conclusion: Lake Tahoe Cruises 

There are so many South Lake Tahoe must-see activities and attractions, not to mention some amazing places to camp in Lake Tahoe too. Whether you’re looking for a fun-filled day of water sports and adventure or a sightseeing tour, any Lake Tahoe boat tour will have you covered.

There are so many wonderful ways to boat Tahoe. We hope you find the perfect fit for your family and have a great time exploring one of the largest alpine lakes in North America!