Booking choice: The Dixie II Emerald Bay cruise, from $116 per person. Check dates Compare the options below
The most repeated tip in guest reviews of every Lake Tahoe cruise is the same: bring a jacket. Even on a warm August day, the breeze on the open deck of the Dixie II or a sailing yacht takes the temperature down fast.
Here is what to wear and bring for the paddlewheeler, the small boats and the dinner cruise.
The quick answer
Wear layers: a T-shirt, a warm top and a windproof jacket you can take off. Add sunglasses, a hat and sunscreen, because the sun is strong at altitude. Wear flat, non-slip shoes for the decks and stairs. For the evening cruise, add a warm jacket and a hat.
What should you wear on a Lake Tahoe cruise?
Layers: a T-shirt, a warm top and a windproof jacket you can add or remove as you move between the lounge and the deck.
Guests on the Dixie II put it simply: you can always take off a layer, but a light windbreaker is fine on most summer days. On the small boats there is no indoor lounge, so the jacket matters even more.
Packed your layers? Check dates for the Dixie II, with heated lounges if the wind picks up.
Check dates for the Dixie II Emerald Bay cruiseHow cold is it on the water?
Cooler than on shore: the lake is cold, the boat makes its own breeze, and afternoon winds are common.
Lake Tahoe's water stays cold even in summer, and the air above it follows. Mornings are often the calmest; afternoon wind builds on many summer days. In spring and autumn, expect it to be cold on deck.
Which shoes are best?
Flat, closed shoes with a grippy sole: the decks can be wet and the Dixie II has stairs between its three decks.
Sneakers are ideal. On the sailing yacht, soft soles are kinder to the deck and your balance. Leave heels for the shore, even on the dinner cruise.
Do you need sun protection?
Yes: at 6,225 feet the sun is strong, and it reflects off the water.
Bring sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat with a strap or a snug fit for the wind. Guests on the sailing cruise say sunblock is a must.
Sailing instead? Beer, wine and soft drinks are included; bring the sunscreen.
Explore the sailing cruiseWhat should you wear on the dinner cruise?
Smart casual plus a warm jacket; guests who dressed formally felt overdressed.
After dinner most people head up on deck for the sunset, and it gets cold fast once the sun goes. See the Dixie II dinner cruise.
What should you pack?
Pack light: you will be moving between decks.
- A windproof jacket and a warm layer
- Sunglasses, a hat and sunscreen
- Your phone or camera, with a strap
- A card for the bar and snack bar
- Your booking confirmation and shuttle reservation
- Motion-sickness tablets if you need them; the big boat is steady, the small ones less so
Where is the best place to sit?
Inside on the crossing if it is windy, then up on the top deck for Emerald Bay.
Arrive early for a spot at the promenade-deck rail. The narration can be hard to hear on the top deck, so listen inside on the way out.
What about winter cruises?
The Dixie II sails year-round with heated lounges; dress for snow and cold on deck.
Bring a warm coat, a hat and gloves if you want to step outside for photos. Emerald Bay under snowy peaks is beautiful, and much quieter.
Ready to go? Check your date for the Dixie II Emerald Bay cruise.
Check dates for the Dixie II Emerald Bay cruiseFrequently asked questions
Do I need a jacket on a Lake Tahoe cruise in summer?
Yes. Even on warm days it is breezy and cool on the open deck, and guests on every cruise recommend a light jacket.
Can I wear sandals on the Dixie II?
You can, but flat closed shoes are safer on wet decks and stairs.
Does the Dixie II have indoor seating?
Yes, heated, enclosed lounges with big windows, so you can warm up at any time.
Ready to book
Choose your cruise
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before on every option. Prices are from-prices in USD and move with the season.
M.S. Dixie II Emerald Bay Scenic Cruise
- 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
Lake Tahoe 2-Hour Sailing Cruise
- 2-hour public sailing cruise, small group
- Local beer, wine and non-alcoholic drinks
- Restroom on board
M.S. Dixie II Sunset Dinner Cruise
- 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
