Emerald Bay Scenic Cruise: Lake Tahoe's Top Attraction

Discover Emerald Bay’s beauty on a 2.25-hour Lake Tahoe cruise. Enjoy stunning views, learn local history, and relax with onboard amenities.

Duration: 3 hours
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Lake Tahoe Cruises / MS Dixie II - For a genuine Lake Tahoe experience, embark on the M.S. Dixie II, a paddle-wheel boat that navigates the lake’s breathtaking, deep blue waters.
  • Fannette Island - Fannette is the sole island in Lake Tahoe, situated in the picturesque Emerald Bay on the lake’s western shore. This lightly forested,…
What's Included
  • Audio Guide
  • All Fees and Taxes
  • On-board restrooms
What's Not Included
  • Self Parking ($12)
Additional Information

Discover a truly exceptional Lake Tahoe adventure! The Emerald Bay Scenic Cruise is hosted on the largest cruise vessel in South Lake Tahoe.
This unique paddle wheeler will guide you on an unforgettable voyage through the renowned Emerald Bay. Discover how the bay was formed, listen to stories about Fanette Island, and admire the stunning Vikingsholm…

Location
Zephyr Cove Marina
Highway 50
Located along Highway 50 approximately five miles from Heavenly Village, guests should turn into the parking lot for Zephyr Cove Resort. Guests should park and proceed to check in at the boat dock, which is directly northwest of the Zephyr Cove Resort main lodge and restaurant.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.6
(830 Ratings)
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Lila_g
Jun 12, 2026
Our Garcia Family Experience - An absolute must do to capture the essence of this beautiful lake! All the staff were exceptionally friendly and accommodating! Totally scenic, food and drinks delicious, and the total experience was wonderful!
Review provided by Viator
Laura_s
Jun 11, 2026
Happy customer - The paddle boat tour was amazing!! Definitely recommend it! Grab a table inside and walk outside when you want photos.
Review provided by Viator
Carol_w
Jun 11, 2026
Lovely - Lovely paddle ride on the lake. Easy to move around from section to section. Good narration. Nice underwater video on the return.
Review provided by Viator
Lynda_s
Jun 11, 2026
Great way to see Emerald Bay and Vikingsholm Castle! - Enjoyed the cruise over to Emerald Bay on the 2:30pm cruise. It was a very, very windy day so did not want to stay up deck on cruise, so elected to stay indoors with table next to window. My husband did go outside some to get some pictures but I did get some good pics from inside and the bar service was good. Only thing better would have been a sunnier, less windy and warm day but still glad we did the cruise.
Review provided by Viator
Susan
Jun 10, 2026
Relaxing Tour - This was the best way to see the lake and not have to deal with traffic and crowds in the National Park.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Emma_o
Jun 9, 2026
Lake Tahoe adventure - It is very relaxing and staff is great Especislly Sandy st sales and Joe the bartender! Great service And the little that brought our food we went on the boat 3 timex
Review provided by Viator
Diana_m
Jun 8, 2026
A trip to remember - This was such a beautiful day experience. The bartender was super friendly and the scenery is breathtaking
Review provided by Viator
Regina_a
Jun 8, 2026
Amazing Time - A beautiful calm and breathtaking experience. I had taken this same boat ride about 20 years ago and it was just a amazing this time as last time. It is very enjoyable and educational about the area! I would highly recommend experiencing this trip!
Review provided by Viator
Susan_c
Jun 7, 2026
Top notch. On time. Very... - Top notch. On time. Very informative. Beautiful views of lake and mountains. I would recommend bringing binoculars.
Review provided by Viator
L9155mclindat
Jun 8, 2026
So sad - We didn’t get to go, I had put that I wanted to go at 11am and I wanted to go at 2:30, I was on the phone 4 times with customer service and they didn’t change my time. I was very sad and disappointed we couldn’t go on the trip and I thought someone from customer service could help us. It made my family so sad.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
From $105
up to 10 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).