9 Must-Try Lake Tahoe Boat Tours for Water Adventures All Summer

Looking for a fun-loving boating day out on the shimmering waters of Lake Tahoe?

If you’re dreaming of setting sail on crystal-clear waters or speeding past the mountainous coastlines, then a Lake Tahoe boat tour should be at the top of your bucket list.

I’ve had the fortunate chance to see Lake Tahoe twice, once in summer and once in winter, to experience everything from hikes in Emerald Bay to skiing the epic slopes to adventurous kayak rides around the lake. 

But do you want to paddle yourself, take a daytime cruise, or sip champagne in the lap of a luxurious yacht? Personally, I’m all for sailing the high lakes or gliding across in a clear-bottom kayak at sunset, but there are so many choices for a boat tour in town.

Just want to pick the best? This is my top choice. Reserve this 2 Hour Sailing Cruise on Lake Tahoe with a perfect 5-star rating that goes all around the southern shorelines.

If that doesn’t float your boat, below are 10 other Lake Tahoe boat tours, all led by local guides and thoroughly vetted by us.

My Top 3 Picks: Best Boat Tours on Lake Tahoe

#1 Top Pick

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

2 Hour Sailing Cruise on Lake Tahoe

✔️ 40 foot sailing vessel for 18

✔️ Alcohol & Drinks

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#2 Pick

Clear Kayak Tour of Lake Tahoe

✔️ Transparent Bottom Kayaks

✔️ Paddle the Southern Shoreline

✔️ All Equipment

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#3 Pick

Private Yacht-Class Boat Tour on Lake Tahoe

✔️ Luxury Boat for up to 6

✔️ All must-see south attractions 

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Top Boat Tours of Lake Tahoe

1. 2 Hour Sailing Cruise

⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ LENGTH:  2 Hours | 😍 Book it!

Join Sail Tahoe Blue, the top sailing charter in South Lake Tahoe. You won’t be on a typical crowded boat tour with over 50 passengers; instead, you’ll be one of just 18 people on “Blue,” a comfortable sailing yacht. 

Enjoy the peace of moving across the water, powered by natural winds, without any engine noise or exhaust. The two-hour public cruise route changes with the wind, making every trip different and exciting. 

You can trust you’re in good hands as all captains hold the United States Coast Guard Captains Licenses for maximum safety. Each cruise includes complimentary local beer and wine and non-alcoholic drinks to stay refreshed. 

2. Clear Kayak Tour

⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ LENGTH:  2.5 Hours | 😍 Book it!

Experience the clear beauty of Lake Tahoe with this top-tier clear kayaking tour. The tour kicks off at Sand Harbor State Park on transparent kayaks, which let you see the deep blue and clear waters of one of North America’s deepest lakes.

The tour takes you along Tahoe’s southern shoreline, paddling towards the well-known Bonsai Rock. The transparent kayak lets you see 65 feet (20 meters) below the water’s surface, showing a 365-degree view of the incredible underwater world beneath and above.

The cost covers private transportation, parking, facility fees, and return shuttle service. You’ll have a US Coast Guard-approved PFD, bottled water, and, of course, a clear kayak and paddle. Plus, this tour is limited to only 5 people.

3. Private Yacht-Class Boat Tour

⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ LENGTH:  2 Hours | 😍 Book it!

Get ready for a unique trip on Lake Tahoe on this private yacht tour designed for you and up to five friends, complete with a dedicated captain to guide your exploration of the lake. Experience breathtaking views while exploring well-known destinations such as Emerald Bay, D.L. Bliss State Park, and the array of bays and beaches encircling the lake.

You’ll see Laura Knight’s “Vikingsholm” in Emerald Bay and her cute tea house on Fannette Island. You’ll also see the impressive “Eagle Falls.” There are plenty of activities at D.L. Bliss State Park, from rock climbing to cliff jumping. You’ll also pass by the fancy homes of Rubicon Estates to get a peek into the luxury lakeside life.

Sit back and relax on a high-class boat with a package that comes with bottled water and multiple departure times.

4. Private Boat Charter with Captain Half Day

⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ LENGTH:  4 Hours | 😍 Book it!

Or if that yacht is not your style, there are plenty more like this Emerald Bay boat charter, designed just for your group of up to 6. But this time, it’ll be a full half-day trip with four hours on the water. 

Similar to the itinerary of the shorter trip above, this voyage takes you across the lake to beautiful beaches on a comfortable boat. You’ll visit iconic places like Vikingsholm Castle and D.L. Bliss State Park.

Your trip starts with a pass by the historic Camp Richardson, a resort known for its beachside dining. Next, you’ll see the lovely blue-green waters of Emerald Bay State Park, one of Lake Tahoe’s nicest areas, and walk on quiet hiking trails.

Then, it’s off to the shores of Emerald Bay to see the impressive Vikingsholm Castle, followed by a ride to the D.L. Bliss State Park and Sugar Pine State Park, known for its luxurious Hellman-Ehrman Mansion. Lastly, get a good look at the famous house from the movie Godfather Part 2 in Homewood.

This tour includes life jackets, a first aid kit, restroom facilities, snacks, and drinks.

5. Sunset Wine & Cheese Emerald Bay Boat Charter

⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ LENGTH:  2 Hours | 😍 Book it!

Explore Lake Tahoe’s beauty away from the crowds on this boat charter that comes with food. You’ll journey through Emerald Bay, D.L. Bliss State Park, and Rubicon Bay. As the sun sets, chomp down on a selection of cheeses, fruits, crackers, and fine white wines.

The tour is customized for your group and may include stops at scenic spots like Sugar Pine State Park, Secret Harbor, Sand Harbor, and Ski Beach. You’ll also see Fannett Island, Lake Tahoe’s only island. If weather permits, you can dock at the beach and Vikingsholm.

The blue waters of D.L. Bliss State Park are fantastic for thrill-seekers wanting to rock climb and jump off 30-foot Rooster Rock. This relaxed cruise will end in Rubicon Bay, a popular spot for swimming in the green water.

This tour is smaller, allowing for up to four guests. Safety equipment, alcoholic drinks, and snacks are included.

6. Private Pontoon Boat Rental in Lake Tahoe

⭐️ RATING: 4.5/5 Stars | ⏳ LENGTH:  4 Hours | 😍 Book it!

Rent a private pontoon boat from Tahoe Keys and travel across the blue waters. The 23-foot Bennington pontoon boat comes with luxury features like a lounger, changing room, and a Rockford Bluetooth stereo.

It can accommodate up to 11 guests, making it suitable for small groups or family outings. Plus, you have the chance to be the captain of your voyage (if you happen to have a minimum of two years’ experience in handling similar boats).

Begin from South Lake Tahoe with options for morning or afternoon departures. The rental package includes a logo T-shirt, pool noodles, life vests, and an ice chest. If you prefer not to steer the boat, we can help you find experienced captains on the lake (their hourly wages are not included). 

7. Kayak Tour of Historic Lake Tahoe West Shore

⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ LENGTH:  Hours | 😍 Book it!

Join this 2.5-hour kayak tour to partake in the beauty of summer in Tahoe while learning about its local history and legends, such as tales of early settlers and the unfortunate fate of the Donner Party. 

From near the main marina in Tahoe City, start bright and early to avoid the summer crowds. Upon arrival, you’ll receive your kayak, paddle, life vest, and a brief safety orientation.

As your kayak cuts through the crisp, snow-fed lake, take in the west shore’s laid-back culture while you hear stories of the early settlers who built simple lakeside cabins, narratives from California’s history, and interesting facts about Teddy Roosevelt’s unsuccessful attempts to make the area a national park.

The tour package includes a guided tour, kayak, paddle, and life vest rental, and caters to all abilities and experience levels capped at 8 participants.

8. Evening LED Glow Clear Kayak Tour

⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ LENGTH:  2 Hours | 😍 Book it!

If you’re looking for something to do at night, sign up for an evening excursion on this LED Glow Clear Kayak paddle. As night approaches and the sky darkens, light up the lake with LED-lit clear kayaks. 

Enjoy the soft glow as you row through calm waters encircled by the towering Sierra Nevada Mountains. With stars shining above and the colorful lights from our kayaks reflecting below, this 1.5-hour guided tour is certainly different.

Start from the marina onto the lake for the final light of the sunset and the nocturnal life of the surrounding ecosystem. The tour provides basic instruction for beginners.

The package includes an LED-lit transparent kayak, paddle, USCG-approved PFD, bottled water, and snacks for up to 5 people.

9. Stargazing Tour on Lake Tahoe – 2 Hours Private Boat Charter

⭐️ RATING: 5/5 Stars | ⏳ LENGTH:  Hours | 😍 Book it!

Get ready for another moonlit boat tour for those who don’t want to actually tire out those arms. As evening approaches, sail along the scenic east shore during the sunset before a night sky of stars comes out to impress. 

Captain Bryan, a seasoned and licensed captain, will guide your voyage on a high-end boat. Your route includes incredible spots like Emerald Bay and Nevada Beach.

This two-hour private charter includes drinks like soda, snacks, and bottled water and is limited to 6 people.

Lake Tahoe Travel Guide and FAQ

When’s the Best Time to Visit Lake Tahoe?

It’s a tough call to say that summer or winter is better to go to Lake Tahoe. For a boat trip, definitely the summer is much warmer and pleasant as it gets windy out on the waters and you can actually swim. However, the area is also famous for it’s numerous world-class ski resorts in the winter months.

Why is Lake Tahoe so famous? 

Lake Tahoe is renowned for its clear waters and impressive size, ranking it among North America’s largest lakes. Its endorheic basin means it drains into the Truckee River instead of flowing towards the ocean, which is what makes it so clean. The lake is also a major tourist attraction with world-class skiing and summer outdoor recreation.

Is Lake Tahoe expensive? 

Visiting Lake Tahoe is not cheap. It’s hard to find availability in budget-friendly hotels, especially near the shores. Boat trips and ski resort passes are expensive leisure activities. However, there are certain cost-effective ways to see the area, too, like hiking or going for scenic drives.

How much does a boat ride in Lake Tahoe cost? 

The price of a boat ride in Lake Tahoe can fluctuate depending on the type of boat, the length of the ride, and whether it’s a private or group tour. Kayak tours can range from $50 to $100 per person. Private boat charters can cost anywhere from $300 to $600 for a couple of hours, while group tours on larger boats can range from $30 to $80 per person.

How long does it take to boat around Lake Tahoe? 

The time it takes to boat around Lake Tahoe can depend on the speed of your boat. With a shoreline of about 72 miles, it could take several hours to navigate around the entire lake.

Undoubtedly, gliding around on a boat, kayak, or yacht on Lake Tahoe is one of the most fun experiences you can have. I may have brought my own kayak to get sunburned on the serene waters, but in lieu of having your own, I highly recommend joining a trip to absorb the beauty of this place. 

In case you missed it, here are my favorites:

• See the dazzling blues of the lake; join this sailing adventure.
• Paddle around and see the depths of the blue waters; sign up for this clear kayak outing.
• Go on a private charter for just your group; book this luxury yacht class experience.

And if you’re looking for other things to do in Lake Tahoe, check out my full guide on what to do around the lake, especially if you only have a day.