Lake Tahoe Emerald Bay Scenic Cruise: Paddle Wheeler Tour

A paddle wheeler through Emerald Bay, the most photographed stretch of Lake Tahoe.

The Lake Tahoe Emerald Bay Scenic Cruise is a 2.25-hour boat tour on the M.S. Dixie II, the largest cruising vessel in South Lake Tahoe, that takes you through Emerald Bay to see Vikingsholm Castle and Fannette Island with an audio guide included. Pickup from select locations is available, and you can order lunch and drinks onboard; arrive 30 minutes early to check in at Zephyr Cove Marina.

Step-by-step itinerary

Lake Tahoe Emerald Bay Scenic Cruise

• Board the M.S. Dixie II paddle-wheel boat
• Cruise through Lake Tahoe's cobalt-blue waters
• View Fannette Island and learn its history
• See Vikingsholm Castle in Emerald Bay
• Enjoy photo opportunities and fresh air
• Relax indoors or outside on deck

The Experience

You board the M.S. Dixie II at Zephyr Cove Marina, a mile-long sandy beach lined with pines on Lake Tahoe's east shore. The paddle wheeler is the largest cruise vessel operating in South Lake Tahoe, and it carries you west across the lake's cobalt-blue water toward Emerald Bay, the rugged inlet on the opposite shore. An audio guide walks you through what you're seeing as the boat moves—how the bay formed, the story of Fannette Island (the only island in all of Lake Tahoe, a 150-foot granite outcrop that's held six different names over the past century), and the history of Vikingsholm, a replica Scandinavian castle built on the bay's edge and considered one of the finest examples of that architectural style in North America.

The 2.25-hour cruise gives you time to stand outside on deck for photos or retreat to the climate-controlled indoor seating if the mountain air gets too cold. A full bar and lunch menu are available for purchase throughout the journey, so you can eat and drink without leaving the boat. Restrooms are onboard. The audio guide comes with your ticket, so you don't need to rent or download anything—it's built into the experience.

Plan to arrive at Zephyr Cove Marina 30 minutes before departure to check in. If you're using the complimentary shuttle service from your hotel, add extra time for pickup and drop-off; the operator provides specific times for each location. The boat is wheelchair accessible, and infants can travel in a pram or stroller; specialized infant seats are also available.

What’s included

• Audio guide in English.
• all fees and taxes.
• onboard restroom.
• complimentary shuttle service from select hotel locations (with advance notice).

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleStroller friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcome

Operated by Aramark - S&E - Dixie II

Is this one for you?Book this cruise if you're staying near South Lake Tahoe and want to see Emerald Bay and Vikingsholm without renting a car or navigating the narrow mountain roads—the boat leaves from a beach dock, the audio guide handles the explanation, and you're back in under three hours.

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Top questions

What is Vikingsholm Castle and why is it on the shore of Emerald Bay?

Vikingsholm is a replica of a Scandinavian castle from around 800 A.D., built as a stone mansion on the shores of Emerald Bay. It's considered one of the finest examples of Scandinavian architecture in North America and is part of Emerald Bay State Park, visible from the boat as you cruise through the bay.

Can I eat lunch on the Lake Tahoe Emerald Bay Scenic Cruise?

Yes, lunch and full bar service are available for purchase throughout the cruise. You order and eat onboard without leaving the boat, so you don't need to pack food or plan a separate meal stop.

Is there a guide who explains what I'm seeing on the cruise?

An audio guide in English is included with your ticket. It explains the formation of Emerald Bay, the history of Fannette Island, and details about Vikingsholm Castle as you pass each landmark, so you get context without a live narrator.

How long is the Lake Tahoe Emerald Bay Scenic Cruise?

The cruise is 2.25 hours from departure to return. Plan to arrive 30 minutes early for check-in at Zephyr Cove Marina, and add extra time if you're using the complimentary shuttle service from your hotel.

Can I get a ride to the boat from my hotel?

Complimentary shuttle service is available from select locations. The operator provides specific pickup times for each hotel; contact them with your location to confirm your shuttle window and plan accordingly for the extra travel time.

What is Fannette Island?

Fannette Island is the only island in all of Lake Tahoe, located in Emerald Bay on the west shore. It's a sparsely timbered granite outcrop that rises 150 feet above the water and has been known by six different names over the past 100 years before Fannette finally stuck.