Lake Tahoe Boat Tours & Cruises
Once-in-a-Lifetime Sightseeing Boat Tours & Water Sports on South Lake Tahoe
Rent a boat on lake Tahoe
Powerboat Charters
Set off on a Lake Tahoe boat tour with one of our experienced captains. You’ll take in the history of the region while enjoying watersports, experiencing breathtaking views, taking a dip in the lake, or simply basking in the sunshine. Consider booking a sunset boat tour or wedding cruise for a romantic way to experience Emerald Bay.
For nearly two decades, our passionate, adventurous, and safe crew have made us one of the best boat tours on Lake Tahoe. We’re the perfect vacation activity for families, couples, or groups. Come once and make memories or, better yet, make it an annual tradition! We can’t wait to welcome you aboard.
About Our Lake Tahoe Boat Tours
The Ultimate Boating Experience – Custom Sightseeing and/or Water Sports – Up to 6 or 7 – 12 as Bareboat charter boat rental
Come aboard one of our power boats for a private tour of Lake Tahoe. Guests can enjoy sightseeing, water sports, swimming, and lounging with friends and family on the boat while they hear amazing tales and history of Lake Tahoe told by our local US Coast Guard licensed captains.
Lake Tahoe Boat Rental with a Captain on Board
No sea legs? No problem! Let your knowledgeable US Coast Guard licensed captain be your personal local Tahoe guide on your South Lake Tahoe boat tour. Every single captain we work with has the local knowledge and experience to give you an incredible day on the water.
What Do You Do During Boat Tours on South Lake Tahoe?
During our boat tours on Lake Tahoe, guests can enjoy:
- Sightseeing
- Water sports (wake tubing, water skiing, wake boarding, and snorkeling)
- Swimming
- Lounging with friends and family
- Listening to amazing tales and the history of Lake Tahoe told by a local Tahoe Captain
Think of it as booking an all-day, family-friendly experience, not just a boat ride. Every single embarkation is a fully customizable experience, so your journey can be as relaxed or as active as you want it to be. Describe your ideal experience and our crew will go above and beyond to meet and exceed your expectations. Even if you’ve sailed with us before, we aim to make every tour and cruise a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Where We Sail
Lake Tahoe Boat Rides sightseeing tours can include Emerald Bay, Cave Rock, Rubicon Bay, Secret Beach, Sand Harbor, Fleur du Lac (where part of Godfather II was filmed), and many other locations. Interested in an excursion? We can let you off the boat at Emerald Bay to explore the Vikingsholm Castle up close.
Who Can Sail
Our rentals can accommodate up to 6 passengers as a regular charter or up to 9 – 12 as a Bareboat Charter boat rental. Passengers of all ages are welcome aboard, including supervised children. We even welcome dogs!
Every single boat tour is a private boat tour, and there is no minimum number of passengers. We’d love to help you curate an intimate, sunset experience. We love helping with proposals and other romantic gestures!
Captain’s fee and fuel for Bareboat Charters (7 – 12 passengers) is not included in the rate. Call (530) 545-1223 to book your Lake Tahoe boat rental or charter boat tour or click Book Now to book online.
DISCOVER ALL OF OUR
Find the Right Lake Tahoe Boat Tour for Your Group
SIGHTSEEING CRUISE
4 Hour 1/2 day SPECIAL
Favorite sightseeing locations include Emerald Bay, Vikingsholm Castle, Fannette Island and the Tea House, D.L. Bliss State Park, Rubicon Bay, Meeks Bay, Sugar Pine Point State Park and the Ehrman Mansion, Fleur de Lac, Thunderbird Lodge, Sand Harbor, Bonsai Rock, Chimney Beach, Skunk Harbor and the Newhall Family Estate, Cave Rock and the Lady of the Lake, and more!
WATER SPORTS
4 Hour 1/2 day SPECIAL
Wake Boarding | Water Skiing | Wake Tubing | Snorkeling
If you’d like to add a little action to your day, take advantage of our selection of watersports & recreation equipment. Our powerboats are equipped with a variety of water skis (single and double), wake boards, and inner tubes. All of our water sports equipment is included on 1/2 day powerboat packages!
SUNSET CRUISE
Boat tours
Ready to experience one of Tahoe’s legendary sunsets? Take a Sunset Cruise and truly see the sun set over the magnificent Tahoe Mountains on our two hour Emerald Bay cruise.
Temperatures may vary so bring layers as it cools down in the evening.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is included in a Lake Tahoe boat tour with Tahoe Boat Rides?
Your private Lake Tahoe boat tour can include sightseeing, swimming, lounging, local history, and time on the water with a knowledgeable captain. Depending on the boat and package you choose, you may also be able to add watersports like wake tubing, water skiing, wakeboarding, or snorkeling.
Are Tahoe Boat Rides tours private or shared with other groups?
Tahoe Boat Rides only offers private boat charters. That means your tour is reserved for your group, not mixed with other guests. Your captain can help shape the route and pace around what you want to see and do, from Emerald Bay sightseeing to swimming, relaxing, watersports, or a sunset cruise.
What is the best boat tour in Lake Tahoe for first-time visitors?
For many first-time visitors, a private sightseeing cruise to Emerald Bay is one of the best boat tours in Lake Tahoe. It gives you a classic Tahoe experience with mountain views, clear blue water, local history, and iconic stops like Vikingsholm Castle, Fannette Island, Rubicon Bay, and D.L. Bliss.
Can I book a Lake Tahoe boat rental with a captain?
Yes. Tahoe Boat Rides offers private Lake Tahoe boat rentals with a captain, so you can enjoy the lake without navigating, docking, or planning the route yourself. Your local captain can share Tahoe history, recommend scenic stops, help with watersports, and keep the day easy for your group.
Where do South Lake Tahoe boat tours depart from?
Tahoe Boat Rides departs from Tahoe Keys Marina in South Lake Tahoe. This location makes it convenient to reach Emerald Bay, one of Lake Tahoe’s most popular sightseeing destinations. Your booking confirmation will include check-in details and instructions for finding the team at the marina.
Can our boat tour visit Emerald Bay?
Yes. Many Tahoe Boat Rides tours can include Emerald Bay, depending on the length of your charter, weather, and lake conditions. Emerald Bay is a favorite sightseeing stop because of its dramatic scenery, Vikingsholm Castle, Fannette Island, and easy access from the South Lake Tahoe marina.
What can we do during a private boat tour on Lake Tahoe?
Your private boat tour can be as relaxed or active as you want. Many guests choose a mix of sightseeing, swimming, floating, lounging, and listening to local stories from the captain. Powerboat tours can also include watersports like wake tubing, wakeboarding, water skiing, and snorkeling when available.
What is a Bareboat Charter, and when do we need one?
A Bareboat Charter is required for certain larger groups on powerboat charters. If you have more than 6 passengers on an uninspected passenger vessel, U.S. Coast Guard rules require a different charter structure. Tahoe Boat Rides can explain the process and help connect you with an approved, qualified captain.
Can we bring food and drinks on our Lake Tahoe boat tour?
Yes. You are welcome to bring food and beverages on board your private Lake Tahoe boat charter. Coolers are available, and soft-sided coolers are recommended because they are easier to store. Guests may also bring additional coolers as needed and can plan snacks, sandwiches, drinks, or catered items for the day.
What should we bring on a Lake Tahoe boat tour?
Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, towels, layers, food and drinks, and any personal items you want for the day. Even in summer, Tahoe weather can shift, and sunset cruises can feel cooler in the evening. Download your music playlist before boarding, since cell service on the lake can be limited.