Lake Tahoe Emerald Bay Scenic Cruise

4.6 (988 Viator reviews) 2 hrs – 3 hrs Lake Tahoe area

Lake Tahoe Emerald Bay Scenic Cruise
Lake Tahoe Emerald Bay Scenic Cruise, photo 2
Lake Tahoe Emerald Bay Scenic Cruise, photo 3
Lake Tahoe Emerald Bay Scenic Cruise, photo 4
Lake Tahoe Emerald Bay Scenic Cruise, photo 5

Photos: Viator · 2 more on Viator

About this activity

Embark on a truly unique Lake Tahoe experience! The Emerald Bay Scenic Cruise takes place on the largest cruising vessel in South Lake Tahoe.

This one-of-a-kind paddle wheeler will take you on an unforgettable journey through world-famous Emerald Bay. Learn how the bay was formed, hear tales about Fanette Island, and see the amazing Vikingsholm Castle, the prominent stone mansion on its shores.

Enjoy the breathtaking views from outside or relax with your climate controlled indoor seating. Lunch and full bar service are available for purchase throughout your adventure.

This 2.25-hour scenic daytime cruise offers fabulous photo opportunities, sunshine, and fresh Lake Tahoe air, which has a way of invigorating everyone around.

Itinerary

  1. Stop 1 · 120 min

    To truly experience Lake Tahoe, take a trip aboard the M.S. Dixie II, a paddle-wheel boat that plies the lake’s stunning, cobalt-blue waters.

  2. Fannette Island · pass by

    Fannette is the only island to be found in all of Lake Tahoe. It is located in beautiful Emerald Bay on the west shore of the lake. A sparsely timbered, brush covered upthrust of granite that rises 150 feet above the water, Fannette Island was not always known by that name. During the past 100 years it has been known as Coquette, Fannette, Baranoff, Dead Man's, Hermit's, and Emerald Isle. Fannette was the name that finally stuck.

  3. Emerald Bay State Park · pass by

    With its rugged shoreline and blue-green water, Emerald Bay is one of the most photographed places in the world. Vikingsholm, a replica of a Scandinavian castle (800 A.D.), is part of the park. The building is considered one of the finest examples of Scandinavian

  4. Zephyr Cove · pass by

    Directly from our mile-long sandy, pine-tree covered shores, there is something for everyone at Zephyr Cove Marina.

What's included

  • Audio Guide
  • All Fees and Taxes
  • Restroom on board

Not included

  • Self Parking ($12)

Meeting point and pickup

Pickup offered, or meet at the meeting point.

Located along Highway 50 approximately five miles from Heavenly Village, guests should turn into the parking lot for Zephyr Cove Resort. Guests should park and proceed to check in at the boat dock, which is directly northwest of the Zephyr Cove Resort main lodge and restaurant.

End point: Located along Highway 50 approximately five miles from Heavenly Village, guests should turn into the parking lot for Zephyr Cove Resort. Guests should park and proceed to check in at the boat dock, which is directly northwest of the Zephyr Cove Resort main lodge and restaurant.

Good to know

  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Service animals allowed
  • Specialized infant seats are available
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Please plan to arrive at the boat dock to check in 30 minutes prior to your departure
  • If using our complimentary shuttle service, please plan additional time for pickup and drop off. Please see Meeting & pickup section for specific times from each location.

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Reviews

4.6/5

988 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor

  • 5 star760
  • 4 star134
  • 3 star41
  • 2 star20
  • 1 star33

Read the reviews on Viator

Campgrounds near this activity

RV rentals near this activity

19 RV rentals with pickup within 25 miles of the center of Lake Tahoe; showing the top 6.

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Distances are straight-line from the activity's center of Lake Tahoe (Viator lists this tour under Lake Tahoe; it has no meeting-point coordinates).