Lake Tahoe Emerald Bay Scenic Cruise
Recommended by 91% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
Lake Tahoe, USA
- 2 to 3 hours (approx.)
- Pickup offered
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
Climb aboard a traditional paddlewheeler and embark on a scenic cruise around Lake Tahoe’s world-famous Emerald Lake. Learn about how the bay was formed, hear tales about Fannette Island, and discover Vikingsholm Castle from your included audio guide. Choose to enjoy the scenery and fresh air outside or sit indoors in a climate-controlled seating area. Pack light: lunch and a full-service bar are available for purchase.
- See Emerald Bay from a new perspective and take spectacular photos
- A unique sailing experience on board a paddlewheeler
- Avoid paying for parking with a complimentary shuttle service to the boat
- A fun and educational activity enjoyed by all ages
What's Included
- All Fees and Taxes
- Restroom on board
- Audio Guide
- Self Parking ($12)
Meeting and Pickup
You can head directly to the meeting point, or request pickup
Itinerary
1
Lake Tahoe Cruises / MS Dixie II
2 hours • Admission Ticket Included
Fannette Island (Pass By)
Emerald Bay State Park (Pass By)
Zephyr Cove (Pass By)
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Infant seats available
- Most travelers can participate
- Please plan to arrive at the boat dock to check in 30 minutes prior to your departure
- If using our complimentary shuttle service, please plan additional time for pickup and drop off. Please see Meeting & pickup section for specific times from each location.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 400 travelers
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Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Featured review
Greg_W
This was a very pleasant experience from start to finish. The staff were very helpful, courteous and nice throughout. The cruise was very relaxing and the scenery was gorgeous. The narration was informative but not overbearing. I would definitely recommend.
Reviews
4.6
based on 771 reviews
Sort by: Most insightful
Kelly_M, Jul 2026
Over booked, overcrowded, no where to sit no where to stand, hard to move around, hard to hear loud speakers. If I had known how crowded it would be I would not have booked this!!! Not worth it at all!!!!! Do not recommend
Jeannine_S, Jul 2026
The staff was excellent. The message component of the app was useful, as well. The shuttle from the hotel to the shore was helpful.
Sarah_P, Jul 2026
The MS Dixie was down due to maintenance, so we were on a smaller boat called the Tahoe Paradise. It was a disappointment we didn’t get a chance to go on the MS Dixie, but it was still an enjoyable experience. They provided an unexpected meal, which was tasty and there was a bar with different kinds of drinks. There were beautiful views everywhere from the boat. I enjoyed the audio tour information. The bathrooms on board were clean and the staff were friendly. I would definitely recommend this activity to others.
Chris_A, Jul 2026
I was a bit thrown off when I arrived to the meeting point for the cruise. It ended up being canceled, and they offered us a separate activity which included jet skiing, parasailing, paddle boarding... etc. We chose the jet skis instead of a refund from the cruise. It turned out to be an amazing experience that neither my wife or I have ever done. The two ladies that introduced us to the jet skis on the shore were fantastic (don't know their names) but it ended up being a lifetime feeling of adrenaline and was amazing. the one hour price and amount of time on the water was perfect. for the inconvenience, they allowed us to take our own jet ski each. Definitely a must for next trip to South Lake Tahoe.
Nadeera_M, Jul 2026
It was great. Very friendly staff and the boat was clean and comfortable. Would definitely recommend to friends!
Jessica_K, Jul 2026
Amazing experience with exceptional views!! The booking and arrival was very easy. The parking ($12) was for all day so we were even able to enjoy the beach.
Yony_G, Jul 2026
Relaxing cruise across Lake Tahoe. The tour is approximately 2 hours and starts at Zephr Cove and crosses over to Emerald Bay.
Very convenient pick up locations if you are staying in the South Lake Tahoe casino area.
HeatherA_D, Jul 2026
We booked this tour to share with my 80 year old parents. We wanted them to enjoy being out on the lake. This was such a special cruise; and they loved it. We have hiked the Rubicon trail before down to Vikingsholm but the hike / walk down is too strenuous for my folks.
There was plenty of deck space on the upper deck and lots of indoor seating if you needed to get out of the sun. We took a 2pm tour and it was the perfect time for us to share a cocktail.
There is an audio tour that plays while you are touring the lake with lots of wonderful facts about the boat, Lake Tahoe, and the various state parks. I was surprised to learn something new even after 20+ years of enjoying Tahoe. The excursion down into Emerald Bay is stunning - and so beautiful to see all around Fannette Island.
I highly recommend.
Kim_T, Jul 2026
Amazing experience, we would do it again! Our 1st time to Lake Tahoe, the view of the lake and history of the lake was great!
KathyD_H, Jul 2026
It was a great day at Lake Tahoe 2 1/2 hour cruise. Had so much fun meeting new people highly recommend.
Pam_M, Jul 2026
Don’t rely on app to give you times. We missed cruise because we didn’t get a pick up time.. they only tell you cruise time
Lorri_B, Jul 2026
Beautiful and relaxing way to be on the lake. They have lots of yummy drinks to enjoy too. Did this a long time ago and it was even better.
Michael_W, Jul 2026
What a great way to see Yosemite.
It was a very early morning start, but well worth it when hardly anyone was at the beautiful stops we went to.
Our guide knew every detail on every mountain, flower, body of water and more.
I highly recommend !!
Kurtis_S, Jul 2026
You must absolutely take the cruise for both the beauty of the environment and astounding knowledge about Lake Tahoe and it history.
Arlene_L, Jul 2026
So beautiful enjoyed it so a lot to see. I would definitely come again nice cruise lotta stuff going on.
Mashawn_K, Jul 2026
This was an amazing experience. I met some wonderful people and the drinks from the bar were fantastic. The cruise to Emerald Bay was very enlightening. The captain telling us about the history of the Lake and different stories about it. Lake Tahoe is absolutely beautiful!! I would definitely recommend this boat cruise.
Deborah_B, Jul 2026
The narration is well done and the ride is very relaxing. Plenty of room to see all the awesome views.
Val_R, Jul 2026
Boat ride was excellent - informative and relaxing.
Was disappointed they the $45 parking fee was not disclosed any time in the booking process- very disappointing!
Tracy_L, Jul 2026
Very relaxing, gorgeous views. We really liked the historical information given at the appropriate times over the speakers, played good music the rest of the time. Lots of seats inside and out to choose from. We got the burgers and fries, very good!! The specialty drinks were delicious. The crew were professional and friendly.
Marcio_C, Jul 2026
Nice boat ride across the lake, got to see Emerald Bay and the Vikingsholm mansion.
There was food and drinks on board, including a scrumptious chocolate chip cookie. We got a little history lesson while on board.
Two hours was a perfect length for the cruise too
Sharon_G, Jul 2026
We didn't make it due to an emergency, all the staff were kind and refund us our money with no hesitation. We hope to come back in September and actually get on the boat.
Rolanda_P, Jul 2026
On time. Great to and from drivers that came right to Harrahs. Great lunch on
Board and a beautiful
Day. We all throughly enjoyed it.
Hope_I, Jul 2026
It is a great ship great relaxing ride. Bathrooms clean. Bar and food was great especially the fish and ships and salads. Many areas to check out on the ship. But the last hour was not traveling enough, it was just cruising back. Was hope to take a more coverage of the lake not just south.
Rishabh_G, Jul 2026
Great experience in the Tahoe Lake. The food onboard is pretty good as well. Watched the island from very close.
Howard_F, Jul 2026
Peaceful cruise on a beautiful lake with timely narration. Staff from the ticket office through departure made it a very enjoyable day. Great family activity.
rose_B, Jul 2026
Very nice people to deal with had a lovely cruise around Lake Tahoe. Lunch on the boat was tasty. Very knowledgeable about the lake history.
Margaret_S, Jul 2026
Beautiful way to see the lake. You will not be disappointed. Narrated tour with a lot of interesting information.
Naira_A, Jul 2026
We had a wonderful experience. Everything was very well organized, and the staff was friendly and helpful. The scenery was beautiful, and I really enjoyed the trip. I highly recommend this experience to other travelers. Thank you for a wonderful time!
Steve_K, Jul 2026
This is a very relaxing and an easy way to see Lake Tahoe and Emerald Bay. The lake was calm and the skies blue this excursion. We also ate on the boat and the burger we ordered was quite tasty. Adult beverages are also available.
Cathy_S, Jul 2026
Breathtaking views and wonderful history of Lake Tahoe. Plenty of room to roam around with sun, shade or seating. Loved it!
From $104.94
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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Lake Tahoe Emerald Bay Scenic Cruise
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