from $105 Lake Tahoe daytime scenic cruise
A relaxed cruise across the south end of the lake towards Emerald Bay, with wide views of the surrounding peaks.
Lake Tahoe: tours & tickets
Boat trips to Emerald Bay and guided paddling on the south shore — the best ways to see the lake from the water.
Our picks
Top tours & tickets in Lake Tahoe
Nearly all of Lake Tahoe’s bookable experiences are cruises and paddle tours from the south shore, running mainly from late spring to early autumn. Seats on small boats are limited, so reserve summer and holiday dates ahead. Winter activities such as ski lessons and lift tickets are sold by the resorts themselves.
from $105 
from $125 Scenic sunset cruise with drinks and snacks
The same waters in the evening light, with refreshments on board — the classic Tahoe outing.
from $117 Emerald Bay cruise with full bar
A highly rated small-boat trip from South Lake Tahoe into Emerald Bay, past Fannette Island and Vikingsholm.
from $150 Wine-tasting cruise to Emerald Bay
A small-group boat tour that pairs a guided wine tasting with the run into Emerald Bay.
from $85 Guided kayak tour from South Lake Tahoe
A guided paddle along a quiet stretch of the south shore; suitable for beginners in calm conditions.
Prices are indicative “from” prices in US dollars and ratings are as shown on GetYourGuide when we last checked; both change often.
GetYourGuide
Live availability in Lake Tahoe
Real-time tours and tickets from GetYourGuide for Lake Tahoe and its surroundings.
Booking tips
- It is always cooler and windier on the water than on the beach. Bring a jacket, even in July.
- Afternoon winds often make the lake choppy; morning departures are calmer for kayaking.
- Check the departure point carefully — some cruises leave from the Nevada side at Zephyr Cove or Stateline.
- Sunset cruises are the most popular and the first to sell out.
Destinations
Combine it with
Sierra Nevada & national parks Yosemite
Granite cliffs a kilometre high, some of the tallest waterfalls in North America and groves of giant sequoias — the Sierra Nevada at its grandest.
San Francisco & Northern California Napa & Sonoma
Two neighbouring valleys an hour north of San Francisco with several hundred wineries between them — one polished and famous, the other broader and more relaxed.
San Francisco & Northern California San Francisco
A compact city of steep hills, cable cars and fog — with the Golden Gate Bridge at one end and Alcatraz in the middle of the bay.
Plan your trip
Book tours in Lake Tahoe
Compare real-time prices and availability on GetYourGuide. Most tours can be cancelled free of charge up to 24 hours ahead.