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Lake Tahoe cruise guides

Practical, up-to-date guides to cruising Lake Tahoe: what the Dixie II ticket includes, how the Emerald Bay boats compare, the dinner cruise, Vikingsholm and Fannette Island, what to wear, and how to get to Zephyr Cove.

Dixie II Cruise Tickets 2026: Prices, Times & What's Included$99 direct or $116 on Viator, and what the ticket covers.Read the guide →Emerald Bay Boat Tours 2026: Dixie II vs Small Boats vs PrivateThe paddlewheeler, sailing, private boats or the helicopter.Read the guide →Dixie II Dinner Cruise 2026: Menu, Sunset Timing & Worth It?Menu, window tables, timing and whether it is worth it.Read the guide →Vikingsholm & Fannette Island 2026: Seeing Them From the BoatWhat you see from the boat, and how to visit on foot.Read the guide →What to Wear on a Lake Tahoe Cruise: Layers, Seats & PackingLayers for the wind, sun at altitude, and what to pack.Read the guide →Zephyr Cove Parking & Free Shuttle 2026: Getting to the Dixie IIThe dock, parking, and the free hotel shuttle.Read the guide →

Tickets

Popular Lake Tahoe cruises

Booked through Viator with free cancellation up to 24 hours before.

M.S. Dixie II Sunset Dinner Cruise Sunset dinner ★ 4.34 hours436 reviewsFree cancellation

M.S. Dixie II Sunset Dinner Cruise
Dinner includedLive musicSame boat

The same paddlewheeler in the evening, with a seated dinner (ribeye, chicken, salmon or a vegetarian plate), soft drinks, coffee and live music in the lounge. It sails at sunset, so later in the season guests report it is already dark by the time the boat reaches Emerald Bay.

What's included
  • Evening cruise on the M.S. Dixie II with narration
  • Dinner with a choice of entree; soda, coffee and tea
  • Live music; free shuttle from select hotels
  • Not included: alcohol, parking; 20% gratuity added for 8 or more
From$170per person Reserve
M.S. Dixie II Emerald Bay Scenic Cruise The classic ★ 4.62.25 hours936 reviewsFree cancellation

M.S. Dixie II Emerald Bay Scenic Cruise
PaddlewheelerNarratedFree hotel shuttle

The big one: a 2.25-hour narrated cruise on South Lake Tahoe's largest paddlewheeler, from Zephyr Cove on the Nevada shore across the lake and into Emerald Bay, around Fannette Island and past Vikingsholm, then back. Sit inside in the climate-controlled lounges or up on the open top deck. It is a pass-by cruise: nobody gets off in the bay.

What's included
  • 2.25-hour narrated cruise to Emerald Bay and back
  • Indoor heated seating and an open-air top deck
  • Free shuttle from select South Lake Tahoe and Stateline hotels
  • Restrooms on board; all fees and taxes
  • Not included: food and drinks (sold on board), parking (about $12)
From$116per person Reserve
Lake Tahoe 2-Hour Sailing Cruise Best rated ★ 4.92 hours1,033 reviewsFree cancellation

Lake Tahoe 2-Hour Sailing Cruise
Small groupBeer & wine includedNo engine noise

The quiet alternative: two hours under sail on the yacht "Blue" from Ski Run Marina in South Lake Tahoe, with a small group, local beer, wine and soft drinks included. It is the best rated way onto the water here, but it is a sailing trip on the open lake, not an Emerald Bay tour.

What's included
  • 2-hour public sailing cruise, small group
  • Local beer, wine and non-alcoholic drinks
  • Restroom on board
  • Ages 5 and up; not suited to people with balance or mobility problems
From$149per person Reserve

Plan your date before you go

A 2.25-hour narrated paddlewheeler cruise into Emerald Bay, a free hotel shuttle and free cancellation up to 24 hours before.

Check dates for the Dixie II Emerald Bay cruise