Lake Tahoe is 22 miles long and famously, almost unbelievably clear —” and the best of it is only reachable by boat, from the hidden East Shore coves to the cliffs of Emerald Bay. You've got two ways to get out there.
Rent your own powerboat, pontoon or jet ski from a North Shore marina for a day of cove-hopping, or hand the navigation to a captain and settle in for a narrated scenic cruise. Either way, mornings are calmest —” afternoon winds build quickly on the lake.
North and East Shore marinas rent everything from kayaks to 24-foot powerboats. Reserve ahead in summer, and ask about required boater education and milfoil-inspection rules.
A full-service North Shore marina with powerboat and pontoon rentals, slips and charters, right at the hub of Tahoe City.
Jet skis, powerboats and parasailing on the North Shore —” a one-stop rental shop for a high-energy day on the water.
The East Shore's big resort marina —” boat and jet-ski rentals plus the home port of the M.S. Dixie II paddlewheeler.
No boater's license required —” narrated cruises range from breezy catamaran sails to historic paddlewheelers, most with a stop or slow pass at Emerald Bay.
A trampoline-deck catamaran sailing from the Hyatt in Incline Village —” mellow morning and lively sunset cruises on the East Shore.
A classic paddlewheeler running scenic and Emerald Bay cruises out of Tahoe City —” the easy North Shore way to see the lake.
Tahoe's iconic paddlewheeler, cruising from Zephyr Cove to Emerald Bay with sightseeing and dinner sailings.