Emerald Bay Cruise
Visit Emerald Bay and the Vikingsholm
Our Private Emerald Bay Cruises are 2-hours, departing either in the morning or afternoon. Explore Lake Tahoe’s picturesque west shoreline and experience the pristine waters of Emerald Bay and Rubicon Bay. See Lake Tahoe’s most breathtaking views including Fannett Island, Eagle Falls, Rubicon Point and Sugar Pine Point.
We depart from the Tahoe Keys Marina and take guests along the beautiful west shore into Emerald Bay to view or unload and visit Lake Tahoe’s hidden castle the Vikingsholm and Fannette Island. Along the way we can drop anchor for a swim or enjoy a packed lunch, snacks and beverages. Then, we cruise through the Caribbean waters of Rubicon Bay and Meeks Bay. From there we continue back across the lake to the Marina.
We provide a cooler with ice, bottled water and sodas. Guests are welcome to bring snacks, packed lunches and beverages of their choice. Alcohol is allowed.
Year Round Daily Cruises on Lake Tahoe
We offer extraordinary tours to Emerald Bay with both historical and natural history provided live by our Coast Guard certified captains. There is no better way to experience Lake Tahoe than on one of our tours.
We look forward to cruising with you!
Breathtaking Views
Unforgettable memories, 1st class staff, our cruises – year round, emerald bay day cruise.
Sunset Champagne Cruise to Emerald Bay
Magical Lake Tahoe
An experience of a lifetime, voted best cruise, … on lake tahoe for the past 6 years including 2023..
If you’re looking for a terrific day on the lake, Tahoe Cruises is it. Tahoe Cruises offers daily cruises to Emerald Bay and South Shore (seasonal) as well as a fabulous sunset cruise. No matter what your plans include for your vacation or special event, we invite you to share those memorable times cruising the crystal clear waters of Lake Tahoe aboard our fine yachts.
Testimonials
This cruise around the lake was so beautiful and relaxing! They give you a little history and offer some refreshments. Me and my family had a great time!
Fantastic experience! Crew was amazing, views were awesome! Highly recommend!
One of the biggest highlights of our trip! The staff on the boat were so nice, helpful, and interactive. Made the experience above and beyond. We couldn’t be more happy with how it went!
This was my first time to Tahoe. It offers so many things to do, BUT by far, a must do on each of my returning trips will be this cruise. One of the best moments spent in lake tahoe were on this cruise. The staff really nice and the views the views the views 😍🤩 absolutely beautiful. Thank you for an unforgettable view of Lake Tahoe 🫶
The folks running the Safari Rose were very friendly, the boat was great, snacks and booze good. Highly recommend this tour. We did the sunset Cruise….perfect!
Had a great sunset cruise on the Safari Rose! The crew was great and provided great drinks, appetizers, commentary and blankets to enjoy the scenery. Kids enjoyed feeding Jonathan the seagull. Loved the unique boat – highly recommend this!
Tahoe Cruises reserves the right to determine which vessel will be in service on any particular day. The captain determines the right to choose an alternate destination due to weather if it makes for a safer and more comfortable cruise.
- Zephyr Cove Resort
- Lake Tahoe Adventures
- Adventure Mountain Lake Tahoe
- Travel Tips
- Maps & Parking
- Green Travel Tips
- Photos & Videos
- Zephyr Cove Lodging Experience
- Airstream Camping
- Zephyr Cove Dining Experience
- Zephyr Cove Restaurant
- Sunset Bar & Grille
- Sunset Dinner Cruise
- Cruise Experience
- Daytime Scenic Cruises
- Sunset Dinner Cruises
- Sipping at Sundown Cruise
- Charter Cruises
- Cruise Schedule
- Zephyr Cove Marina Experience
- Watercraft Rentals
- Parasailing
- Beach Activities
- Buoy Rentals
- Boating Safety
- Marina FAQs
- Snowmobile Shuttles
- Scenic Lakeview Tour
- Ultimate Experience Tour
- Snowmobile Tour Schedule
- Private Group Tours
- Clothing & Gear Rentals
- Snowmobiling FAQs
- Zephyr Cove Marina
- Snowmobile Tours
- Sample Itineraries
- Horseback Riding
- Tahoe Area Activities
- Upcoming Events
- Points of Interest
- Group Events
- Activity Specials
- Lodging Specials
- Member Programs
- Email Sign Up
- Retrieve Reservations
Treat Yourself to Sunshine & Fresh Air
Considered one of South Lake Tahoe’s most entertaining water activities, the Daytime Scenic Cruise on Lake Tahoe has been voted “Best Cruise in Nevada” by Nevada Magazine. This 2.25-hour scenic daytime cruise offers fabulous photo opportunities, sunshine, and fresh Lake Tahoe air, which has a way of invigorating everyone around. As you cruise to Emerald Bay on the famous M.S. Dixie II , you'll learn how it was formed, get views of Vikingsholm Castle and learn fascinating history with the narrated tour.
Pricing Information
VIEW CALENDAR
The M.S. Dixie II departs from historic Zephyr Cove, Nevada at 760 U.S. Hwy 50, Zephyr Cove, NV 89448 . Please check-in 30 minutes prior to departure time to receive boarding passes. Prepaid reservations may wait for boarding call at the end of the pier, unpaid reservations must go to the ticket booth prior to embark.
Shuttle Service & Parking
Complimentary shuttle transportation is offered from select local Lake Tahoe areas. You will have the opportunity to opt-in for this shuttle service during the online booking process. The service is first-come, first-served. There is a nominal transportation fee for groups of 20 or more. If space is not available, parking is available for a fee.
Please Note: If booking within two hours of boat departure, contact 1.800.238.2463 to confirm you are on the pick-up list.
When you book you reservation, you will see the option to select your shuttle pick up and location. Locations include:
- 3 Peaks (9321 Park Ave)
- Beach Retreat (3411 Lake Tahoe Blvd)
- Hard Rock Casino (50 Hwy 50)
- Harrah's Casino - Lake Tahoe, CA (15 US 50)
- Hotel Azure (3300 Lake Tahoe Blvd)
- Lakeland Village (3535 Lake Tahoe Blvd)
- Ski Run Marina (901 Ski Run Blvd)
- Station House (901 Park Ave)
- The Landing (4104 Lakeshore Blvd)
- WorldMark by Wyndham (180 Elks Point Rd)
Food and beverages are available for purchase onboard the cruise.
daytime Menu
A professional photographer is available onboard to take photos for purchase.
Service animals are permitted on the cruise. No other animals are allowed.
Smoking Policy
No smoking is allowed inside the M.S. Dixie II; Smoking is prohibited on the 3rd deck and outside viewing areas.
Cancellation Policy
Please cancel at least 48 hours prior to departure time in order to avoid a no show or cancellation fee of full payment.
Security Procedures
Due to increased National Security Levels, we reserve the right to search guests and their personal belongings prior to boarding the boat.
Accessibility
The M.S. Dixie II comes equipped with a handicap-accessible restroom. Wheelchairs are permitted on the boat, but there are no elevators on board to take the guest to the second deck.
- RESERVATIONS
Emerald Bay Cruise
Visit Emerald Bay and the Vikingsholm
Our Private Emerald Bay Cruises are 2-hours, departing either in the morning or afternoon. Explore Lake Tahoe’s picturesque west shoreline and experience the pristine waters of Emerald Bay and Rubicon Bay. See Lake Tahoe’s most breathtaking views including Fannett Island, Eagle Falls, Rubicon Point and Sugar Pine Point.
We depart from the Tahoe Keys Marina and take guests along the beautiful west shore into Emerald Bay to view or unload and visit Lake Tahoe’s hidden castle the Vikingsholm and Fannette Island. Along the way we can drop anchor for a swim or enjoy a packed lunch, snacks and beverages. Then, we cruise through the Caribbean waters of Rubicon Bay and Meeks Bay.
Continuing up the west shore passing by Sugar Pine Point to view the historic Pine Lodge also known as the Ehrman Mansion built in 1902. From there we continue back across the lake to the Marina.
We provide a cooler with ice, bottled water and sodas. Guests are welcome to bring snacks, packed lunches and beverages of their choice. Alcohol is allowed.
Moms ride free on Mother's Day (with each paying adult) Book Now!
The Tahoe Gal
Daily sightseeing and event cruises on lake tahoe.
- Most popular!
Lunch Cruise to Emerald Bay
See sites like the Ehrman Mansion at Sugar Pine Point and Vikingsholm Castle as you cruise over the crystal clear waters of Lake Tahoe to Emerald Bay.
- Tags 3.5 Hours , Daily Cruises
- Tags 1.5 Hours , Daily Cruises
Happy Hour Cruise
Enjoy a fun-packed boat cruise along the breathtaking north shore of Lake Tahoe.
Shoreline Brunch Cruise
Learn about Tahoe’s early tourism on this narrated cruise. See some of California’s most lavish properties, including the famous Kaiser Estate, home of the Godfather II.
- Tags 2.5 Hours , Daily Cruises
Sunset Dinner Cruise
Travel along the West Shore of Lake Tahoe cruising by the site of The Godfather II, as you enjoy California cuisine and a wine list of more than 30 wines!
An iconic 120 passenger paddle wheeler located in Lake Tahoe, California, The Tahoe Gal cruises daily to Emerald Bay and along the North and West Shores of Lake Tahoe.
We had the best time on the Happy Hour Cruise! The boat is charming and the views of the lake are stunning and beautiful! The staff were all incredibly friendly and accommodating from check in to the photo guy to the captain! We brought our own captain's hats to be goofy and the captain and staff got such a kick out of it that they let us get a look at the cockpit (is it a cockpit on a boat??) and pretend to drive! It was a fun, relaxing activity before going to dinner.
A group of 14 of us threw a surprise party for my wife, to celebrate an upcoming milestone birthday. The folks at the Tahoe Gal could not have been nicer! From the initial booking, they did everything with excellence. The music dinner cruise was extraordinary! The lake was calm. The views were stunning. The table for our group was perfect. The musicians were talented and even played Happy Birthday for my wife. The food was better than any restaurant (I had the prime rib ... not to be missed!). And I cannot say enough about our server, Christian. He was terrific and handled our large group with ease. Kudos, Tahoe Gal! Well done!!!
This was a perfect way to enjoy the lake. Took the Tahoe Gal over to Emerald Bay for a Sunday lunch cruise. The day was beautiful and the bay, beyond words. Enjoyed learning about the lake and the history of the area. The captain did a great job with all the information, however, the sound system could be improved. The food, albeit a bit pricey was good and the mixed drinks yum! The crew did a great job and were always smiling even though they were kept busy... Overall we loved it and would definitely do it again!!!
Daily Cruises
Learn More »
Specialty Cruises
- Cruises, Sailing & Water Tours
- Day Cruises
Lake Tahoe's Emerald Bay Cruise on M.S. Dixie II
- 2-hour narrated sightseeing cruise of Emerald Bay
- Admire majestic views of mountains and cascading waterfalls
- Learn the history of Fannette Island and Vikingsholm Castle
- Enjoy delicious lunch, cocktails and other refreshments available for purchase
Inclusions & Exclusions
- M.S. Dixie II cruise
- Video presentation of "The Sunken Treasures of Lake Tahoe"
- Local taxes
- Gratuities (optional)
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Food and drinks (available to purchase)
Departure & Return
Cruise departs from Zephyr Cove, Nevada
Returns to original departure point
What To Expect
Your Lake Tahoe cruise starts at Zephyr Cove, where you'll hop aboard the M.S. Dixie II. Set off toward Emerald Bay, listening to onboard narration about the formation of the bay, considered one of Lake Tahoe's most beautiful locations. Learn about its 'little rock island,' Fanette Island, the only isle on the lake, and hear about the history of Vikingsholm Castle, a stone mansion built right on the shore. You'll have plenty of photo opportunities of the mountains, forests and beautiful shoreline during the 2-hour cruise. Also on board, watch a video presentation 'Sunken Treasures of Lake Tahoe,' which depicts what lies beneath the lake's surface. Take a visual journey 500 feet (150 km) underneath the waters of Glenbrook Bay to explore the Steamer Tahoe, a boat that operated on the lake for 50 years before she was sunk. See underwater bluffs and canyons, travel through a forest of ancient petrified trees that caused scientists to reevaluate their theories of the lake's size and evolution, and roam the bottom of Emerald Bay for a look at sea mounds. If you are on the morning cruise during the summer months, you have the option for a buffet lunch, made up of deli meats, salad, soup, cheese, bread, chili, cookies, tea, soda and water. Beverages may also be purchased from the onboard bar (own expense). Your cruise ends when you return to Zephyr Cove.
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- This tour cannot be booked or amended within 24 hours of departure
- Smoking is permitted on the 3rd deck and outside viewing areas only
- Wheelchairs are permitted on M.S. Dixie II, however there are no elevators on board servicing the 2nd level
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel At least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
Your Contact Details
Questions or requests.
Do you have questions or specific requests regarding this tour?
- --> --> --> --> -->