Booking choice: The Dixie II Emerald Bay cruise, from $116 per person. Check dates Compare the options below
Zephyr Cove is on the Nevada side of Lake Tahoe, about five miles north of the Stateline casinos and Heavenly Village. The resort has a beach, a lodge, a restaurant, a marina and the long pier where the Dixie II ties up.
You can drive and park, or skip the parking with the free shuttle from select hotels.
The quick answer
The dock is at Zephyr Cove Resort, 760 US-50, Zephyr Cove, NV 89448. Parking is limited and paid (Viator lists $12). A free shuttle runs from select South Lake Tahoe and Stateline hotels, arriving 45 to 80 minutes before sailing; reserve it at least two hours ahead. Check in at the boat dock 30 minutes before departure.
Where does the Dixie II leave from?
Zephyr Cove Resort, 760 US-50, Zephyr Cove, Nevada 89448, on Lake Tahoe's east shore.
Turn into the resort's parking lot from Highway 50. The boat dock is just northwest of the main lodge and restaurant. Emerald Bay is across the lake in California, about an hour away by boat.
Know where you are going? Check dates for the Dixie II with the free hotel shuttle.
Check dates for the Dixie II Emerald Bay cruiseHow much is parking at Zephyr Cove?
Viator lists self-parking at $12, and guests report paying the same; spaces are limited.
The lot fills on summer weekends and holidays, which is why the operator runs the free shuttle. Arrive early if you drive.
How does the free shuttle work?
It collects cruise guests at select hotels in South Lake Tahoe and Stateline and brings them back after the cruise; reserve it at least two hours ahead.
The operator charges a small fee for groups of 20 or more. Guests praise the drivers, but one missed a cruise after misreading the pickup time, so double-check yours when you book.
| Pickup point | Shuttle arrives before sailing |
|---|---|
| Lakeland Village, 3535 Lake Tahoe Blvd | 80 minutes |
| Hotel Azure, 3300 Lake Tahoe Blvd | 75 minutes |
| 3 Peaks, 9321 Park Ave | 65 minutes |
| Station House, 901 Park Ave | 65 minutes |
| The Landing, 4104 Lakeshore Blvd | 60 minutes |
| Harrah's Lake Tahoe | 55 minutes |
| Harvey's Lake Tahoe | 55 minutes |
| Golden Nugget Lake Tahoe | 45 minutes |
How long is the drive?
About five miles from Heavenly Village along Highway 50, usually a short drive outside summer traffic.
From Carson City, Highway 50 climbs over Spooner Summit, drops to the lake and runs south along the shore to Zephyr Cove. Summer weekend traffic around Stateline can be slow, so leave extra time.
Rather not drive? The Viator ticket includes the free shuttle from select hotels.
Explore the Dixie II Emerald Bay cruiseWhen should you arrive?
At the boat dock 30 minutes before departure, or earlier if you want a spot at the rail.
If you drive, add time to find parking. If you ride the shuttle, the pickup times in the table already allow for check-in.
Is there anything to do at Zephyr Cove?
Yes: a long sandy beach, the lodge and restaurant, and a marina with rentals.
Arrive early and spend an hour on the beach, or have lunch at the lodge before an afternoon sailing.
Where do the other boats leave from?
The private boats leave from Tahoe Keys Marina and the sailing cruise from Ski Run Marina, both in South Lake Tahoe, California.
Tahoe Keys Marina is at 2435 Venice Dr E, where parking is limited (the sightseeing boat tour includes free marina parking); Ski Run Marina is at 900 Ski Run Blvd. Compare them in Emerald Bay boat tours compared.
Is Zephyr Cove accessible?
The dock and the Dixie II's main deck are wheelchair accessible; there are no elevators on board.
An accessible restroom is on board. Guests using wheelchairs say the gift shop is hard to reach, so ask staff for help.
All set? Check dates for the Dixie II Emerald Bay cruise.
Check dates for the Dixie II Emerald Bay cruiseFrequently asked questions
Is Zephyr Cove in California or Nevada?
Nevada. It is on Lake Tahoe's east shore, about five miles north of Stateline.
Is the Dixie II shuttle free?
Yes, from select South Lake Tahoe and Stateline hotels; groups of 20 or more pay a small fee.
Can I take the shuttle if I booked on Viator?
Yes. Choose your pickup point when you book, and reserve at least two hours before the cruise.
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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
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
