Lake Tahoe Helicopter Tour: Sand Harbor & East Shore

Fly the east shore's hidden beaches and alpine lake in 30 minutes

A 30-minute helicopter tour from Lake Tahoe Airport covers the east shoreline, Sand Harbor and four hidden beaches — Glenbrook Bay, Secret Harbor, Skunk Harbor and Chimney Beach — then climbs to Marlette Lake at 7,841 feet. You get live commentary through noise-reducing headsets and a fixed route that holds the whole flight in a single morning departure.

Step-by-step itinerary

Helicopter tour over Lake Tahoe

• Depart from Lake Tahoe Airport
• Fly south along Lake Tahoe shore
• Fly north along east shoreline
• View hidden beaches and bays
• Visit Sand Harbor beach
• Ascend to Marlette Lake viewpoint
• Return south along east shoreline
• Land at Lake Tahoe Airport

The Experience

The helicopter departs Lake Tahoe Airport and heads south to the lake's south shore, then turns north along the east side where most of the hidden spots sit. Sand Harbor, one of the most visited beaches on the lake, comes into view with its distinctive sand and multi-hued water. The tour passes Glenbrook Bay, Secret Harbor, Skunk Harbor and Chimney Beach — the local favorites tucked into the shoreline — before climbing inland to Marlette Lake, which sits at 7,841 feet above sea level. The return follows the same route back to the airport.

Noise-reducing headsets let you hear the live commentary over the rotor noise, so the guide can point out what's below without shouting. The headsets stay on for the full 30 minutes, and the fixed route means you're not waiting for weather or other groups — the flight runs as scheduled. Weight limits are strict: no individual over 300 pounds can fly, and the combined weight of all passengers must not exceed 500 pounds, which the operator checks at arrival.

Infants sit on an adult's lap and the flight is wheelchair accessible; just call the operator before your booking to arrange assistance. Children need to be with an adult. The tour runs year-round from the airport, so the views change with the season — summer shows the full shoreline and beaches crowded, while winter reveals the snow line climbing down the peaks.

What’s included

• Helicopter tour of Lake Tahoe's east shoreline, Sand Harbor and hidden beaches (Glenbrook Bay, Secret Harbor, Skunk Harbor, Chimney Beach).
• flight to Marlette Lake at 7,841 feet.
• noise-reducing headsets.
• live guide commentary in English.

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Tahoe Helicopters

Is this one for you?The live guide speaks English, so you'll hear the commentary clearly through the headsets — book this if you want to understand what you're seeing as you fly. Weight limits are strictly enforced (250 pounds per person, 500 pounds combined), so confirm your group's weight at booking; anyone over 300 pounds cannot fly.

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Top questions

What exactly is Sand Harbor and why is it worth seeing from the air?

Sand Harbor is one of Lake Tahoe's most visited beaches, known for its sandy shore and the way the water shifts between different colors. From the helicopter, you see the full crescent of the beach and how it sits against the darker water and the mountains beyond.

Does the tour go over the whole lake or just one side?

The helicopter covers the east shoreline and the south shore on departure, so you see Sand Harbor and the four hidden beaches along the east side, then Marlette Lake inland. The route does not circle the entire lake — it focuses on the east shore and returns to the airport on the same path.

Can I hear the guide talking during the flight?

Yes. Noise-reducing headsets are included, and the guide provides live commentary through them so you can hear what you're looking at without the rotor noise drowning them out.

What's the weight limit and how strict is it?

Maximum weight per person is 250 pounds, and no individual weighing 300 pounds or more can fly. The combined weight of all passengers together must not exceed 500 pounds, and the operator checks weights at arrival. If the combined weight exceeds the limit, the flight will be cancelled and charged at full price.

How long is the whole experience from arrival to takeoff?

The flight itself is 30 minutes. You'll want to arrive early for check-in and safety briefing, but the time in the air is half an hour.

Can children or infants fly on this tour?

Infants can fly and sit on an adult's lap. Children must be accompanied by an adult. There is no minimum age stated, so check with the operator if you're flying with very young children.