The number one topic rollin’ through our inbox is Lake Tahoe charter boats. From bachelor parties to corporate events, family get-togethers to trips with your buddies, everyone is looking for a private boat tour on Lake Tahoe.
The problem? There’s almost too many options. Sorting through the web of Lake Tahoe private charters and cruises and rentals is overwhelming. We’re here to help. Most charters are going to meet at the intersection of three major points—group size, location and price. We’ve listed some of the best charters around Lake Tahoe by group size. You can take it from there!
Note: All of the listed boat rentals are captained—you won’t be driving the boat! Some have the price of the captain included, others charge an additional fee at the activity start time. (This is called a bareboat charter.)
South Lake Tahoe Private Boat Charters
With more marinas, more hotels and more people, it’s no wonder why the majority of boat rentals around the lake are in South Lake Tahoe. There’s plenty of options, of course, on the north end but especially when it comes to larger groups, like bachelorette parties, South Lake Tahoe reigns supreme.
Remember, we’re talking about boat charters here—not a simple 6-person boat rental where Dad drives you around. This is for the big groups who want a custom experience! Let’s see what we’re working with.
Captained boat charters in South Lake Tahoe for up to 13 people.
Boat Tahoe – Up to 10 people. If water sports are a must-do on your chartered Lake Tahoe boat ride, then you’re gonna want something fast. In other words, anything from the Boat Tahoe fleet. Beyond knowledgable captains that will transform your boat tour into the best day of your life (no exaggeration), their boats cater to more than just swimming and lounging, with wakeboarding, tubing and all measure of adventure on the table.
Perfect day incoming! Book this 5-hour private charter with Boat Tahoe and have the most epic day on the water. Up to 10 people. Best option for watersports.
Baywatch Tahoe – Up to 12 people. Baywatch Tahoe’s luxury 26 foot pontoon style boat is a thing of beauty. Book it for 2 hours or book it for 10, but no amount of time is time wasted when you’re cruising around Emerald Bay on this bad boy. Bluetooth speakers, ice chest, water toys and bathroom are all on board for an even better experience.
The Tahoe Experience – Up to 13 people. A double decker pontoon with a slide? Things are already fun. A private boat tour with The Tahoe Experience is not just fun, it’s memorable. Partially because, hello? It’s a boat day on Lake Tahoe! And partially because they include a photo & video package with your rental (and paddleboards and water toys and more amenities.)
With a 13-person group, there’s tons of Lake Tahoe boat charter options. But The Tahoe Experience offers extras like paddleboards, water toys and a photo package. We love them for that.
Legend – Up to 13 people. If your style is more vintage yacht than pontoon boat, then a private charter with Legend is the way to go. In addition to a beautiful boat, you get an coast guard licensed captain for a truly unforgettable experience. With plenty of seating, both in the cabin and out, comfort is all but guaranteed on your adventure.
If you weren’t going to have a legendary time, would they dare call it Legend? Comfort and style are king here, with an on-board bathroom and indoor seating.
Battle Born Boat Rentals – Up to 13 people. Another double decker pontoon boat with a slide, Battle Born Boat Rentals offers a slick lookin’ ride out of the Tahoe Keys Marina. Along with an amazing captain, you get extras like water toys, snorkel gear and a giant floating “lily pad” for an action packed day of swimming and sightseeing.
Captained boat charters in South Lake Tahoe for groups of 14-20 people.
Sail Tahoe Blue – Up to 18 people. If you’ve never been on a sailing boat before, now’s the time to change it. A private charter with Sail Tahoe Blue somehow feels like more than just a cruise around the lake. Maybe it’s the premium (included!) beer and wine, maybe it’s the sail billowing overhead, maybe it’s the mountain breeze running through your hair? But it’s magical. Highly recommended.
Please go sailing! If you’ve never been, it’s time to experience magic. And no one does it better than Sail Tahoe Blue. Plus, beer & wine are included.
Cruise Tahoe – Up to 18 people. If you haven’t guessed it by now, cruising around Lake Tahoe on a vintage wooden boat is a bit of a tradition. These gorgeous, all wood boats require meticulous care, rewarding guests with the epitome of luxury, style and comfort while out on the lake. A private sightseeing charter with Cruise Tahoe, in their classic wood cruiser, offers an elevated take on a lake charter. Ideal for weddings, bachelorettes or simply relaxing in Emerald Bay with friends.
We love this classic wooden boat charter for an intimate event. Plus, more than just a beautiful boat, the Cruise Tahoe team is sure to make it an unforgettable experience.
Golden Rose – Up to 20 people. Another gorgeous and timeless wooden yacht, the Golden Rose is the perfect option for elevated get togethers. With plenty of seating both inside the cabin and out, both you and the other guests in your party will be riding in comfort and style. (Bonus: they also run public, ticketed wine tastings tours on the Golden Rose if you wanted to double down.)
Blue Warrior – Up to 20 people. A boat is great, a yacht is better. And a private charter on the Blue Warrior proves it’s true. If a great experience hinges on space and comfort for your family and friends, this is the way to go. There’s ample seating, both outside on the deck, so you can soak in the sun and the sights, and inside, where you’re protected from the cool breeze. Your charter comes with a captain and crew, of course, plus light snacks and non-alcoholic beverages.
For groups of up to 20, a yacht is the way to go. And the Blue Warrior has it all. Restroom, sound system, indoor and outdoor seating plus a custom itinerary.
Captained boat charters in South Lake Tahoe for groups of 20-49 people.
Tiki Oasis – Up to 25 people. Bookable for summer 2026, the Tiki Oasis is an absolute dream for bachelor and bachelorette parties. This double decker, double slide, mega pontoon barge situation can easily fit the whole group for the ultimate Lake Tahoe adventure. A captain and crew, bathroom, “lily pad” for lounging in the water and more make this one a guaranteed good time. Plus, it departs from Ski Run Marina, which is just minutes from the casino hotels.
Vivid Dreams Party Boat – Up to 35 people. Another perfect Lake Tahoe charter boat for big groups, the Vivid Dreams is basically a floating good time. Built to comfortably fit your entire party for a day of sightseeing, chillin’, swimming and beyond on the lake, it comes equipped with a captain and crew, open seating and a floating mat for relaxing on the water. Cruise out to Emerald Bay, Rubicon Bay or D.L. Bliss State Park.
Not only is Lake Tahoe Boat Rides one of the most-loved boat tour operators around the lake, they have the coolest 35-person option in town.
Tahoe Star – Up to 40 people. Time to level up. The Tahoe Star isn’t your average private charter—this is a full blown luxury yacht, with top-tier amenities included in the deal. Non-alcoholic beverages, premium wine, beer and seltzers, a friendly captain and crew. Catering can be added on, making the Tahoe Star ideal for weddings or more formal events. The boat itself is absolutely beautiful, with a comfortable interior and spacious deck seating. The whole experience is majorly elevated with this one, and your guests will no doubt have a great time.
Tahoe Party Boat – Up to 49 people. For those wedding parties, corporate events and family reunions, look no further than the Tahoe Party Boat. Well beyond a humble boat tour, this cruising yacht is a dream for taking in the sights of South Lake Tahoe, including Emerald Bay to Zephyr Cove or D.L. Bliss State Park. Designed as the ultimate party solution, work with their team to outfit your charter with catering options, photography, flowers, music and more.
Yes, you can finally rest. Your corporate event is safe in the hands of Tahoe Sports. Their 49-person cruising yacht is comfortable and spacious, with an experienced crew.
North Lake Tahoe Private Boat Charters
For those visiting Lake Tahoe on the north side of the lake, the options for large group private charters are much fewer than on the south shore. Still, you have a few awesome options that are sure to provide a fun and memorable experience for your family, friends or coworkers.
Captained boat charters in north Lake Tahoe for up to 12 people.
Tahoe Dreamer – Up to 12 people. The name is fitting for the Tahoe Dreamer, a comfortable catamaran departing from Tahoe City. A spacious motor yacht with indoor cabin seating, deck space and even an upper deck, she really is a dream. Beautiful, comfortable and the perfect vessel for cruising around the lake, this ride is a major score for bachelorettes or full size families departing from north Lake Tahoe.
Grand Tahoe Charters – Up to 12 people. Good news. The timeless tradition of wooden boat cruising continues on the north shore of Lake Tahoe! And you can experience all the luxury, all the history, on a boat tour with Grand Tahoe Charters. Charters depart from North Tahoe Marina in Tahoe Vista, or Sierra Boat Co in Carnelian Bay, but can be arranged at private docks as well. Rubicon Bay plus Lake Tahoe’s west and east shores are all fair game, as well as docking at local restaurants for lunch. Get ready for an action packed day!
Cruise north Lake Tahoe in style on one of Grand Tahoe Charters classic wooden boats. Elegant and spacious, they’re perfect for a day of sightseeing. Up to 12 people.
Tahoe Yacht Charters – Up to 12 people. Of all the charters we’ve listed, Tahoe Yacht Charters is the peak of luxury. Their entire fleet is top-tier, from a 55′ Sunseeker yacht that looks like it should be parked outside a beach club in Mykonos, to a gorgeous Chris Craft to a premium Natique wakesurfing boat. But the fun doesn’t stop there—their tour packages are endlessly customizable, so anything you can dream up, can happen. Remote hikes, on-board spa treatments, jet ski launches or proposals? Highly recommended.
Captained boat charters in north Lake Tahoe for groups of up to 24 people.
North Lake Tahoe Boat Rental– Up to 24 people, on 2 boats. Double the boats! A trick that can be used anywhere across Lake Tahoe, North Lake Tahoe Boat Rental just makes it exceptionally easy to do so. While they don’t offer one single boat for a large group, they make renting two, grabbing two captains, and cruising the lake together an easy task. They offer pontoon boats with a 12-person capacity, and ski boats with anywhere from a 6-9 person capacity for an even more action packed day.
Captained boat charters in north Lake Tahoe for groups of up to 32 people.
Tahoe Cruz – Up to 32 people. Sister to the dreamer, the Tahoe Cruz is a 50′ Santa Cruz sailboat that’s as comfortable as it is picturesque. Departing from Tahoe City, join your captain and crew for an easy sail down the west shore to Sugar Pine Point State Park, or any landmark around the lake. Gliding across the water, mountain peaks framing your view, glass of wine in hand? It’s heaven on earth. Public cruises on the Tahoe Cruz are also available.
Whew! Believe it or not, there’s dozens more options around the lake, and captains are readily available for any size or style of boat if ask your rental company.
In any case, a captained boat tour or charter is the way to go, unless you have an experienced boater on board. Lake Tahoe is better considered a mini-ocean from a boater’s perspective. She’s big, she’s wild and she’s fun. Be safe!
