Information On Charter Boat Rentals
Frequently asked questions
Where are you located?
All of our charter boat tours are docked in the Tahoe Keys Marina located at 2435 Venice Drive East, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150. Your confirmation will have instructions on how to find us once you get to the Tahoe Keys Marina.
Are there bathrooms on your boats?
Yes, all of our boats have an onboard bathroom. The regular powerboats are small bathrooms. The Deluxe Powerboat and the “Vivid Dreams” party boat have a standing size bathroom.
Do you allow dogs?
We LOVE dogs and we do allow well behaved dogs on the charter boat tours with prior approval and a $30 fee per dog. We ask that you bring a blanket to ensure that your dog stays off of the upholstery. Additional fees may be applied for damage (very expensive) or cleaning. Dogs are not allowed on land in the State Parks like Emerald Bay. Dog boarding is also available locally at Tahoe Best Friends.
What boat is right for my group?
Each charter boat type can accommodate a different number of passengers and comes with different amenities. All boats are great for sightseeing, cruising and exploring Lake Tahoe, lounging, and swimming. Click on the boat you are interested in to find out more.
How many passengers are allowed?
24’ – 28’ Powerboats – 1 to 12 passengers with up to 10 adults max recommended for comfort. Up to 6 passengers as a regular charter. More than 6 is a Bareboat Charter. We have multiple of these boats so that your group may charter multiple at a time.
33’ Deluxe Powerboat – 1 – 13 passengers with up to 10 adults max recommended for comfort. Up to 6 passengers as a regular charter. More than 6 is a Bareboat Charter.
40’ “Vivid Dreams” Party boat – up to 35 passengers. Average group size is 12 – 25 passengers.
What water sports and toys are included?
Each boat comes with its own amenities.
24’ – 28’ Powerboats – Include equipment for wake boarding, water skiing, and wake tubing with our multiperson couch style towable tube. This tube is also great for using as a floatie while at anchor. Wetsuits are also included. Children, youth, and adult sized skis and wake boards are on board. We are not allowed to use any other towable tube besides the ones we provide.
33’ Deluxe Powerboat – 3 paddle boards, an inflatable floating mat, and various floaties for playing in the water while at anchor. You are welcome to bring additional floaties or inflatables on this boat if you would like. We cannot tow behind this boat.
“Vivid Dreams” Tahoe party boat – two floating mats are included for playing in the water while at anchor. We cannot tow behind this boat.
Life Jackets (PFDs) are included as well as all other required safety equipment on all of our charter boat tours.
*Please note that Lake Tahoe is very cold in the early months like May and June.
Do the boats have a stereo system or Bluetooth?
Yes, all of our boats have an onboard stereo system with Bluetooth. We recommend downloading playlists and music as service on the lake is spotty or non-existent.
Do your Captains accept tips/gratuity?
Yes, and we do require a minimum of 18% gratuity. Our Captains are highly qualified, experienced, safe, and fun and will show you an amazing time during your charter boat cruise on Lake Tahoe. It is important to us that we are up front with you about expectations and costs. Please contact us right away if there were any issues at all with your boat tour. Tips are preferred in cash or Venmo directly to your Captain, but we can add it to your card if you need.
What additional costs should I plan for?
Gratuity – 18% minimum gratuity required
Fuel – Fuel is included in the rate except for *Bareboat Charters
Taxes – There are no taxes for our services
Equipment Rentals – included – each boat comes with different amenities.
Travel Protection (optional) – 10% of the boat rate purchased at the time you book your charter boat.
Online Booking Fee – 6% of amount paid at time of booking. Be sure to click to pay just the deposit. No online booking fee if booked over the phone.
*It is always best to book direct by calling (530) 545-1223 or via our website at www.TahoeBoatRides.com All other booking platforms will cost you and us more. We are a small, local business who greatly appreciates your direct support.
Is free parking available?
Yes, currently parking is free at the Tahoe Keys Marina. Parking does fill up quickly though so please arrive early to insure we can get you started on time. If the parking lot is full, there is free street parking as well. Plan enough time to account for traffic and drop your group and things off while the driver looks for parking and walks in.
Can I bring alcohol?
Yes, you are welcome to bring any food and beverages you would like on board your charter boat. Please drink responsibly and legally. A cooler is provided for you to use and you are welcome to bring additional coolers as needed. We recommend the soft sided bagged coolers as they are easier to store out of your way.
What is a Bareboat Charter?
A Bareboat Charter is required by the US Coast Guard for having more than 6 passengers on an *uninspected passenger vessel for hire. This means that you will be renting and responsible for the boat yourself and hiring/paying the Captain separately. We can help you find a qualified and approved Captain for your charter and have a list available. We do require a USCG Master licensed Captain that meets all of our requirements. You will also have an additional Bareboat Charter agreement that you as the charterer must sign. Please contact us with any questions.
* More than 6 passengers on our Powerboat and Deluxe Powerboat charters require a Bareboat Charter. This does not apply to the “Vivid Dreams” Tahoe party boat.
We work very closely with the US Coast Guard to insure all legal and safety requirements are followed.
Can we get picked up somewhere else?
If you have a safe and accessible private dock, then we usually can pick you up there. We do charge for travel time to and from your location. Most public docks do not allow us to access. Please contact us to discuss.
Pick Up and Drop off at our docks at the Tahoe Keys Marina is the safest option as we are protected from wind and waves that most other docks are exposed to.
What is your cancellation policy?
It’s different for every boat for exact info please read this or contact us via call or text:
(530) 545-1223
Do you offer Travel Insurance?
We offer an optional (highly recommended) Travel Protection for purchase. Please see our Cancellation Policy and Travel Protection page here for more information.
What food and beverages are provided?
We encourage you to bring any food and beverages you would like on board. Each boat does have a cooler for you to use and you are welcome to bring additional as needed. See our local catering recommendations here.
Can we cook, grill, or bbq on the boat?
Unfortunately, we do not offer this option. However, we have done this for your benefit (or the assigned griller) so everyone can enjoy their time on your boat cruise together.
We recommend cold sandwiches, snacks, and drinks and Lake Tahoe has many great delis to choose from.
Can we join another group or buy a ticket?
No, we only offer private boat charters. See our recommended other activities here.
What are your rates?
Rates vary by boat, day of the week, number of hours booked, and time of season. Please click here to explore the different charter boats, calendars, rates, and availabilities or contact us at 530-545-1223.
Do you rent boats so that I can drive myself?
No, we only offer private boat charters and we require a US Coast Guard licensed Master Captain with a valid Merchant Mariner Credential. All Captains are also required to be on a USCG approved Drug & Alcohol Testing and Prevention Program as well as be CPR and First Aid Certified.
Are lifejackets (PFDs) included?
Yes, all required safety equipment is provided. Children 12 and under are required to wear one at all times. Everyone must wear one while participating in water sports. You are welcome to bring your own if you would like.