Emerald Bay Private Boat Tour: Vikingsholm & Fannette Island

Emerald Bay from the water: Vikingsholm Castle and Fannette Island's Tea House in one cruise

A private 1.5-hour boat tour of Lake Tahoe's Emerald Bay departing from Tahoe Keys Marina, with a Coast Guard licensed captain-guide. You cruise the west shoreline to see Vikingsholm Castle (built 1929), Fannette Island and its 250-square-foot Tea House, Eagle Falls, and Eagle Point. Morning or afternoon departures; bottled water, soda and ice cooler included; you can bring your own snacks and alcohol.

Step-by-step itinerary

Private boat tour of Emerald Bay

• Depart from Tahoe Keys Marina
• Explore Lake Tahoe’s west shoreline
• View Fannett Island and Tea House
• See Eagle Falls and Eagle Point
• View Vikingsholm Castle from water
• Return to Tahoe Keys Marina

The experience

Emerald Bay sits on Lake Tahoe's west shore, and the only way to see Vikingsholm Castle and Fannette Island, the lake's only island, is from the water. The tour departs from Tahoe Keys Marina and runs 1.5 hours, long enough to cruise into the bay, circle the island, and return across the open lake without feeling rushed. A Coast Guard licensed captain-guide narrates the route in English, pointing out Eagle Falls and Eagle Point along the way.

Vikingsholm was built in 1929 as a private residence and sits on the shoreline. From the boat you see the castle's architecture and setting without leaving the water. Fannette Island's Tea House, also built in 1929 by Lora J. Knight, crowns the island at 250 square feet: a small stone structure visible from the boat. The cruise circles both, so you get views from different angles as you move through the bay.

The boat carries a cooler stocked with bottled water and sodas, and you're welcome to bring your own snacks and beverages, including alcohol. Free parking at the marina is included. You can choose a morning or afternoon departure to fit the rest of your day.

What’s included

• 1.5-hour private boat tour with a Coast Guard licensed captain-guide speaking English.
• bottled water and soda in an ice cooler.
• free parking at Tahoe Keys Marina.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 19 May 2027

Book up to1h before

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 8 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcomeNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Tahoe Lake Tours

Is this one for you?The tour departs from Tahoe Keys Marina on the west shore, so if you're staying nearby or without a car, you avoid the drive around the lake to reach Emerald Bay's trailheads and viewpoints on land.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What is Vikingsholm and why is it worth seeing from the boat?

Vikingsholm is a castle built in 1929 on the Emerald Bay shoreline. From the water you see its full setting and architecture without needing to hike or land on the shore.

Can I bring my own food and drinks on the Emerald Bay tour?

Yes, you can bring snacks and beverages of your choice, including alcohol. The boat also provides bottled water and soda in an ice cooler.

What is Fannette Island and what's on it?

Fannette Island is Lake Tahoe's only island, and it holds a 250-square-foot stone Tea House built in 1929. The tour circles the island so you see it from the water.

How long is the tour and when does it depart?

The tour runs 1.5 hours and departs either in the morning or afternoon from Tahoe Keys Marina, which offers free parking.