Lake Tahoe Helicopter Tour: South Shore & Emerald Bay
Fly the south shore of Lake Tahoe and see three alpine lakes from above
A 20-minute helicopter tour departing Lake Tahoe Airport that circles the south shore, crosses into Nevada at Zephyr Cove, and passes over Fallen Leaf Lake and Cascade Lake before returning along Emerald Bay. The flight includes noise-reducing headsets and live commentary on board. Weight limits apply: maximum 250 pounds per passenger, 500 pounds combined.
20m
Step-by-step itinerary
Helicopter tour over Lake Tahoe
- Depart from Lake Tahoe Airport
- Fly south along Lake Tahoe shore
- View Fallen Leaf Lake and Cascade Lake
- Explore Emerald Bay from the air
- Fly to Zephyr Cove in Nevada
- Return to Lake Tahoe Airport
The Experience
The flight departs Lake Tahoe Airport and heads straight to the south shore, where you'll see the indigo water and teal shorelines that make this alpine lake distinctive. From there the route follows the east shore into Nevada, circling Zephyr Cove—a popular summer beach destination—before turning west along the south shoreline. As you pass over Fallen Leaf Lake and Cascade Lake, the perspective from the air shows how these smaller lakes sit in the shadow of Tahoe itself.
Emerald Bay is the final landmark before the flight heads back along the south shore to return to the airport. Noise-reducing headsets let you hear the live commentary without shouting over the helicopter, and the 20-minute duration keeps the flight tight enough that you're not fighting fatigue in the air. The operator provides headsets; you bring accurate weight information at booking, since the aircraft has strict limits—a maximum of 250 pounds per person and 500 pounds for all passengers combined.
What’s included
- Helicopter flight over Lake Tahoe's south shore, Emerald Bay, Fallen Leaf Lake and Cascade Lake.
- noise-reducing headsets.
- live English-language commentary from the pilot on board.
Operated by Tahoe Helicopters
Is this one for you?Book this tour if you want to see the full south shore and Emerald Bay in a single flight without spending hours in the air—20 minutes is enough to cover the route and return to the airport, so you can fit it into a day of other activities around the lake.
Traveler reviews
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Top questions
What lakes do I see on this helicopter tour of Lake Tahoe?
The tour covers Lake Tahoe itself across the entire south shore, plus Fallen Leaf Lake and Cascade Lake as you fly west along the shoreline. Emerald Bay is the westernmost point before the flight returns to the airport.
How long is the helicopter tour?
The flight is 20 minutes total, departing and returning to Lake Tahoe Airport. The route covers the south shore, Zephyr Cove in Nevada, and back along the shoreline to Emerald Bay.
What's included in the helicopter tour?
The tour includes the helicopter flight with noise-reducing headsets and live commentary delivered in English from the pilot on board.
Are there weight restrictions for this helicopter tour?
Yes. The maximum weight per passenger is 250 pounds, and the combined weight of all passengers cannot exceed 500 pounds. You'll need to provide accurate weights at booking, and groups reaching 500 pounds combined may be subject to a weight check upon arrival.
Can I bring my infant on the helicopter tour?
Infants are permitted but must sit on an adult's lap during the flight. Children of any age must be accompanied by an adult.
Lake Tahoe Helicopter Tour: South Shore & Emerald Bay
20m · EN
from US$ 208 per person
★★★★★★★★★★4.8469 reviews
