Tours/Lake Tahoe/Lake Tahoe Emerald Bay Scenic Cruise
Viator · group up to 400 pax

Lake Tahoe Emerald Bay Scenic Cruise

4.6(721)Lake Tahoe1 hour
VIATOR4.6(636)TRIPADVISOR4.5(85)

Description

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 our 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.

Tour Options

New Year's Eve Cruise
  • New Year's Eve Cruise: Our New Year's Eve Cruise includes a three-course meal, live music w/dancing, and a special champagne toast! Pickup included
Lake Tahoe Emerald Bay Scenic Cruise
  • Pickup included
Santa Cruise
  • Santa Cruise: Bring the whole family for pictures, a special meet and greet with Santa, holiday music, and delicious treats with hot cocoa. Pickup included

Itinerary

Admission included120 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.

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.

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

Pass by

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

Highlights

Audio Guide
All Fees and Taxes
Restroom on board

What's included

Included
Audio Guide
All Fees and Taxes
Restroom on board
Not included
Self Parking ($12)

Pickup Locations & Times

Shuttle Service & Parking: Please note parking on site can be busy on weekends and holidays, so we offer guests complimentary shuttle service that picks up and drops off at several area hotels. Please see below for information about individual pickup locations: • Beach Retreat (3411 Lake Tahoe Blvd): Shuttle arrives 80 minutes prior to cruise departure. Meet at the designated bus stop in the parking area. Look for sign. • Lakeland Village (3535 Lake Tahoe Blvd): Shuttle arrives 80 minutes prior to cruise departure. Meet at the designated bus stop in parking area. Look for sign. • Hotel Azure (3300 Lake Tahoe Blvd): Shuttle arrives 75 minutes prior to cruise departure. Meet at the parking area on Freemont St. • 3 Peaks (9321 Park Ave): Shuttle arrives 65 minutes prior to cruise departure. Meet at the main entrance, adjacent to the lobby. • Station House (901 Park Ave): Shuttle arrives 65 minutes prior to cruise departure. Pick-up on Pine Blvd. Ask front desk for directions. • The Landing (4104 Lakeshore Blvd): Shuttle arrives 60 minutes prior to cruise departure. Meet at the main entrance, adjacent to the lobby. • Harrah's Casino - Lake Tahoe, CA (15 US 50): Shuttle arrives 55 minutes prior to cruise departure. Meet at the rear entrance near the arcade. • Harvey’s Lake Tahoe – Lake Tahoe, CA (18 Hwy 50): Shuttle arrives 55 minutes prior to cruise departure. Meet at the bus loading area nearby the main lobby. • Golden Nugget (50 Hwy 50): Shuttle arrives 45 minutes prior to cruise departure. Meet at the valet entrance at the main lobby.

Traveller Ratings

4.6
721 reviews
5
557
4
99
3
25
2
16
1
24

Important Information

  • 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.

Reviews(721)

G
Gail_E
June 24, 2026
Travels across the lake...

Travels across the lake and then along a little of the coastline...disappointed that it spent so much time crossing the lake but, it was still beautiful. Glad we went. Pleasantly surprised that the food we ordered...fish and chips...was so good. Did not expect that quality of food or preparation.

H
Haibo_L
June 23, 2026
I like it

Great cruise experience, organized well, the crew are friendly and helpful, I strongly recommend this cruise to the first time vistors

G
Garren_P
June 23, 2026
Very relaxing time

Overall a nice boating trip! Food and drinks available but, you can bring your own. Beautiful and scenic.

A
Arthur R
June 23, 2026
Highly recommend!!

Great excursion out onto Lake Tahoe. On-time, professional staff, would highly recommend!

B
Bayardo_R
June 23, 2026
Lake Tahoe Emerald Bay Boat Tour

Wonderful experience seeing natures beauty! Highly recommend this tour to everyone visiting Lake Tahoe!

L
Lajeanna_B
June 23, 2026
Beautiful and relaxing

It was beautiful! They gave you so much rich history and fun facts about the lake . They played good music . There were yummy drinks and snacks for purchasing.

D
Debra_M
June 22, 2026
Paddle boat trip

Spectacular views. Great commentator, delicious drinks but needed another bartender on 2nd floor. Waited in line for at least 20 mins TWICE for a beverage. Met some great new friends and enjoyed it immensely

S
Sandra_B
June 22, 2026
Fish and Chips made my day!

I enjoyed the experience but would have preferred fewer people. The highlight for me was the fish and chips on board! By far, the best I've ever had!

D
Doyle_O
June 21, 2026
Scenic Boat Tour Lake Tahoe

Phenomenal experience. Beautiful view of South Lake Tahoe. Our tour was about 2 hours. Sat on top, but bring a hat!

R
Richard_D
June 20, 2026
Great emerald bay cruise

Clean boat, yacht rock music, good narration. Our weather was great. Family group of 8 all enjoyed the half day cruise.

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