The best advice we could ever give you—book the boat tour. Seriously, we’ve done it all and we’re here to tell you that a summer day on one of these epic Lake Tahoe cruises is simply unmatched.
The beach days, the backcountry hikes, the kayak excursions; they’re epic. But there’s just something about a Lake Tahoe boat tour that can’t be touched. You’ll get it—when you’re gliding into Emerald Bay, sipping a chilled IPA on a sunset cruise or dining on the deck with 360-degree lake views.
The best Lake Tahoe cruise depends on what you’re looking for. For a classic sightseeing cruise to Emerald Bay, the Tahoe Bleu Wave and M.S. Dixie II are the most popular options from the south shore. For a sunset experience, Sail Tahoe Blue’s sailing cruise is the most memorable. For a north shore dinner cruise, the Tahoe Gal is the longtime local favorite. All depart from South Lake Tahoe or Tahoe City marinas.
| Cruise | Type | Duration | Departs | From | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tahoe Bleu Wave | Sunset | 2 hrs | South Lake Tahoe | $138/person | Book → |
| M.S. Dixie II | Dinner | 3 hrs | Zephyr Cove | $150/person | Book → |
| Cruise Tahoe | Sightseeing + Walking | 3 hrs | South Lake Tahoe | $195/person | Book → |
| Rum Runner | Sightseeing | 2.5 hrs | Round Hill Pines | $94/person | Book → |
| Tahoe Gal | Happy Hour | 1.5 hrs | Tahoe City | $77/person | Book → |
| Sail Tahoe Blue | Sailing / Sunset | 2 hrs | South Lake Tahoe | $148/person | Book → |
| AWS Incline | Daily Catamaran | 2 hrs | Carnelian Bay | $170/person | Book → |
Tahoe Bleu Wave |
Emerald Bay Sightseeing & Sunset Cruise
- Emerald Bay Sightseeing Cruise: 2-hour afternoon cruise out to Emerald Bay.
- Sunset Cruise: 2-hour evening cruise, out to Emerald Bay
- Departing from South Lake Tahoe, year-round.
- All boat tours include sodas, juices, coffee, water and snacks, plus one complimentary alcoholic beverage
We’re squarely in the camp of all-boats-are-great-boats, but if you have the chance to cruise around in a luxury yacht, you take it. The good folks at Tahoe Bleu Wave are giving you that chance! Hop aboard their spacious yacht on this Emerald Bay boat cruise, sipping cocktails and enjoying epic views.
A 2-hour ride out to Emerald Bay and back to the Tahoe Keys in South Lake Tahoe, you get everything you’d hope for in a Lake Tahoe cruise with this one. Sodas, juices, and coffee, plus one beer, wine or champagne are included in the price, while the bartender’s special cocktails are on happy hour all night.
Relax in the beautiful interior, or head out to the deck for panoramic views of Fannette Island, Vikingsholm, and the entire Lake Tahoe. Best of all? You’ll get to learn about Lake Tahoe along the way, making this a truly perfect experience.
Tahoe Bleu Wave — Choose Your Cruise
Two ways to experience Emerald Bay aboard South Lake Tahoe’s favorite yacht tours.
M.S. Dixie II |
Year-Round Emerald Bay Cruise from Zephyr Cove
- Daytime Scenic Cruise: 2.5-hour afternoon cruise aboard a classic paddlewheeler out to Emerald Bay.
- Evening Dinner Cruise: 3-hour dinner cruise aboard a classic paddlewheeler with elevated cuisine and live music.
- All boat tours aboard the M.S. Dixie II run year-round out of Zephyr Cove, NV.
- Non-alcoholic drinks, cocktails, beer, and wine are available for purchase on board. Meal is included in dinner cruise and available for purchase during the daytime cruise.
A year-round classic cruising out from the Zephyr Cove Resort, the M.S. Dixie II offers daytime cruises, dinner cruises, and private charters that are always at the top of our list.
But the dinner cruise in particular, with its golden-hour departure, full bar, and elevated menu, transforms a scenic boat ride into a can’t-miss Lake Tahoe experience.
The M.S. Dixie II is one of the few Lake Tahoe boat tours that runs in all four seasons. The 500-passenger paddle-wheeler can make a smooth ride out of stormy seas, with a heated salon and dining room with live music. In the summer months, steal out to the sun deck to watch the alpenglow light up the mountain skyline.
Family-friendly and excellent for large groups, this iconic ride around Lake Tahoe is well-loved among locals, tourists and everyone in between.
M.S. Dixie II — Choose Your Cruise
Two ways to experience Lake Tahoe aboard the south shore’s most iconic paddlewheeler.
Tahoe Gal |
Lunch, Happy Hour & Dinner Cruises from Tahoe City
- Lunch Cruise to Emerald Bay: 3.5-hour cruise to Emerald Bay. Lunch and beverages are available for purchase.
- Happy Hour Cruise: 1.5-hour happy hour cruise along the north shore of Lake Tahoe. Drinks are available for purchase.
- Shoreline Brunch Cruise: 1.5-hour brunch cruise along the west shore of Lake Tahoe. Brunch menu is available for purchase.
- Sunset Dinner Cruise: 2.5-hour dinner cruise along the west shore of Lake Tahoe. Dinner and wine menu available for purchase on board.
- All cruises depart from Tahoe City, CA, from June to September.
A Lake Tahoe icon, it’s no wonder the Tahoe Gal gets voted the best boat cruise in North Lake Tahoe year after year. This historic paddle-wheeler operates daily tours along the stunning west & north shores of Lake Tahoe, with fun options like mimosa cruises and dinner cruises on the schedule.
Tours run daily, with on-board food & beverage available for purchase. Bring the whole family along for an Emerald Bay lunch cruise, or join friends for a scenic 1.5-hour happy hour cruise with the best views in Lake Tahoe. A long list of martini cocktails and a curated selection of local wines make it perfect as a date night or an exciting outing with the entire friend group.
Tahoe Gal — Sunset or Happy Hour?
Two great ways to cruise Lake Tahoe aboard the north shore’s favorite paddlewheeler.
Sail Tahoe Blue |
Morning, Afternoon & Sunset Sailing Cruises on Lake Tahoe
- Morning Cruise: 2-hour early morning scenic shoreline sail.
- Afternoon Cruise: 2-hour mid-afternoon scenic shoreline sail.
- Sunset Cruise: 2-hour sunset scenic shoreline sail.
- Departing from South Lake Tahoe, CA, May to October.
- Sailing tours include local beer, wine and non-alcoholic beverages.
Wine and sunsets. There’s just something about the combo that works, and trust us, it only gets better when paired with a calm Emerald Bay. Although there’s no shortage of sunset cruises to choose from around Lake Tahoe, nothing elevates the moment quite like the quiet drift of a sailboat.
Save the sails billowing in the wind and cool water spraying against the bow, your journey from South Lake Tahoe to Emerald Bay with Sail Tahoe Blue will feel like magic. No motor, no wake—just an easy breeze powering you along.
Find a comfortable spot on the deck, then tip back a glass of cold, local beer or wine as you glide past Mt. Tallac and some of Tahoe’s favorite beaches. Once in Emerald Bay, you’ll get a close look at the Vikingsholm Castle and the lake’s only island before sailing back to Ski Run Marina.
Especially if you’ve never been sailing before, this is absolutely one of the best Tahoe boat cruise experiences. It really is an unmatched feeling to float through the Sierras off the water & wind alone.
Rum Runner Cruise |
Lake Tahoe’s Most Iconic Emerald Bay Cruise
- Rum Runner Cruise: 2.5-hour cruise out to Emerald Bay.
- Departing from Round Hill Pines Marina in Zephyr Cove, NV. May to October.
- Non-alcoholic beverages, snacks, Rum Runners, beer, and wine are available for purchase.
- One of the most affordable Emerald Bay boat tours in Lake Tahoe.
Having one too many Rum Runners is just one of those South Lake Tahoe must-dos. And while you could always grab one (or three) on land, we’re partial to slurping down that tropical drink on one of everyone’s favorite Lake Tahoe cruises.
At 2.5 hours round-trip, the Rum Runner boat tour with Action Watersports is an ideal option for a scenic cruise out to Emerald Bay. It’s the perfect, scenic trip—just the right amount of time to buy your friends a round of Rum Runners from the on-boat bar, soak in the views, and get back to the marina to chill on the beach.
Perfect for larger groups or families, their daily tours are one of the cheapest (and most fun!) boat tour options in all of Lake Tahoe.
AWS Incline | Live Music Sunset Sail
- Daily Catamaran Cruise: 2-hour afternoon cruise with mimosas, plus wine, beer, non-alcoholic beverages and light appetizers included.
- Sunset Cruise with Live Music: 2-hour evening cruise with live music onboard. Beer, wine, seltzers, and light appetizers are included.
- Daily cruises depart from Carnelian Bay, CA, May to September.
Say hello to the Sierra Cloud, the smooth, spacious catamaran that AWS Incline sails around North Lake Tahoe. A cruising experience unlike any other, you get the open-air freedom of a sailboat, the stability of a double hull, and the unprecedented joy of relaxing on the netted seating with Lake Tahoe just beneath you.
It seems impossible, but it actually gets better. All AWS Incline boat tours include beer, wine, and non-alcoholic beverages and snacks in the price of your ticket. So once you’re onboard, the only thing you have to think about is soaking in the epic views.
And the views are indeed epic. Departing from Carnelian Bay in North Lake Tahoe, cruises either sail along the east shore or west shore, depending on weather conditions—but both promise idyllic mountain and lake views.
AWS Incline — Drinks & Snacks Included
Two ways to sail Lake Tahoe’s north shore aboard the 55-foot Sierra Cloud catamaran.
Best Dinner Cruises on Lake Tahoe
A Lake Tahoe dinner cruise knocks out two must-do itinerary items all at once—a cruise around the lake & an unforgettable meal. Here are the best options by shore:
Tahoe Gal Sunset Dinner Cruise (North Shore) — Departing from Tahoe City, the Tahoe Gal’s 2.5-hour sunset dinner cruise runs along the west shore with a full dinner and wine menu available on board. The longest-running dinner cruise option on the lake. From $86/person. Dinner for an additional cost.
M.S. Dixie II Dinner Cruise (East/South Shore) — Departing from Zephyr Cove, the M.S. Dixie II runs seasonal dinner cruises aboard Lake Tahoe’s largest paddlewheeler. The most family-friendly dinner cruise option. From $150/person. Dinner included.
Pro tip: Dinner cruises sell out faster than daytime sightseeing cruises. Book at least 2–3 weeks ahead for summer weekends.
This list has the potential to be really long because, well, we’re firm believers that these Lake Tahoe cruises are some of the best ways to spend your time and money.
But—let’s be honest. Can you imagine anything better than a sunny day spent on a beautiful boat? A cold water plunge? A chilled Rum Runner paired with mountain views? God speed on that booking, folks.
(Rather rent your own boat? We’ve know a few good pontoon and party boat rentals around the lake too.)
FAQ – Lake Tahoe Cruises
What is the best cruise on Lake Tahoe?
For a classic Emerald Bay sightseeing cruise, the Tahoe Bleu Wave is the most popular option from South Lake Tahoe. It’s a 70-foot luxury yacht, with indoor and outdoor seating, one complimentary drink, and 360° panoramic views. For the most affordable cruise, check out the Rum Runner Cruise or Tahoe Gal. For the most unique experience, Sail Tahoe Blue’s sunset sailing cruise is true magic.
How much do Lake Tahoe cruises cost?
Most Lake Tahoe cruise prices range from $75/person to $200/person, with special events soaring up to $450/person. (Bleu Wave 4th of July fireworks dinner cruise). Standard 2-hour sightseeing cruises to Emerald Bay typically run $100–$150/person, with included items—like drinks and snacks—varying. Dinner and sunset cruises range from $90–$200/person. Tahoe Gal offers some of the most affordable cruises on the lake, and the Rum Runner Cruise is one of the most affordable Emerald Bay cruises.
What is the best Lake Tahoe sunset cruise?
Out of South Lake Tahoe, the Tahoe Bleu Wave’s sunset cruise to Emerald Bay is one of the most popular. Sail Tahoe Blue’s 2-hour sunset sailing cruise is the most magical, plus beer and wine are included. For the north shore, the Tahoe Gal sunset dinner cruise from Tahoe City is super popular, but we’re partial to the catamaran experience with AWS Incline.
Are Lake Tahoe cruises worth it?
Definitely. A Lake Tahoe cruise is both our—and everyone else’s—top recommendation while in the area. Seeing the lake from land is amazing, but being out on the water gives a whole new perspective. It’s absolutely worth it. Plus, at $80–$150/person for a standard 2-hour cruise, it’s not wildly expensive for what you get!
Do Lake Tahoe cruises go to Emerald Bay?
Most south shore cruises head straight to Emerald Bay, including the Tahoe Bleu Wave, Rum Runner, Cruise Tahoe, and M.S. Dixie II. It’s a longer run for Tahoe City cruises, like aboard Tahoe Gal, but they also run a daily Emerald Bay cruise.
What is the difference between the Rum Runner and M.S. Dixie II?
Both cruise to Emerald Bay from the south/east shore but offer much different experiences. The Rum Runner is a smaller, more casual boat departing seasonally from Round Hill Pines Marina with a tropical cocktail vibe. The M.S. Dixie II is Lake Tahoe’s largest paddlewheeler (500 passengers), departing from Zephyr Cove year-round with a full galley, and multiple decks. The M.S. Dixie is better for families; the Rum Runner is better for a more laid-back, social experience.
Can you do a dinner cruise on Lake Tahoe?
Yes! And they are awesome. The Tahoe Gal offers a sunset dinner cruise from Tahoe City with a full dinner menu, available for purchase once aboard the boat. The M.S. Dixie II runs seasonal dinner cruises from Zephyr Cove with a full dinner buffet.
