Lake Tahoe Private Boat Charter: Emerald Bay & Vikingsholm

Steer your own route around Lake Tahoe's most photographed coves

A 3-hour private boat charter on Lake Tahoe with a USCG-licensed captain who tailors the route to your choice: scenic cruising past Emerald Bay, Vikingsholm Castle and Fannette Island, or action-focused watersports like tubing, wakeboarding and water skiing. Bottled water, all watersports equipment and gas are included. The captain adjusts the itinerary on the water if weather and time allow.

Step-by-step itinerary

Private boat tour on Lake Tahoe

• Meet your captain at South Lake Tahoe
• Cruise to Emerald Bay and view Vikingsholm Castle
• See Fannette Island and the Tea House
• Visit D.L. Bliss State Park for swimming or relaxing
• Enjoy optional watersports like tubing or wakeboarding
• Customize tour stops based on your requests

The experience

The boat leaves from South Lake Tahoe's shores with your captain at the helm, ready to take you to whichever spots match your mood. Emerald Bay is one of the most photographed locations in the United States, and from the water you'll see Vikingsholm Castle (a 1929 Scandinavian-style mansion built right into the shoreline), and Fannette Island, the only island in Lake Tahoe, which sits in the middle of the bay with a Tea House perched at its peak. D.L. Bliss State Park, Rubicon Bay, Meeks Bay and Sugar Pine Point State Park are all within reach, each with their own stretch of the clearest water on the lake.

If you'd rather move than sightsee, the same captain can set you up for tubing, wakeboarding or water skiing instead. All the equipment comes with the charter, and your captain handles the setup. Tell them what you want before you arrive, or decide once you're on the water: the itinerary flexes to fit your group's energy and the day's conditions. Every passenger counts toward the boat's capacity, including children and infants.

Groups of six or fewer pay one flat rate at booking. Groups of seven or more owe an additional $100 per hour to the captain in cash, Venmo or Zelle, payable when you arrive: a US Coast Guard regulation that applies to all captained charters of that size.

What’s included

• A USCG-licensed captain who steers the boat and tailors the route to your choice.
• bottled water throughout the charter.
• all watersports equipment if you choose tubing, wakeboarding or water skiing.
• and gas for the full three hours.

Options for this experience

4 options

Group of 1 to 6 passengersUp to 6 per booking · Guide in English · Available from 17 Oct 2027

Group of 7 to 8 passengersUp to 8 per booking · Guide in English · Available from 17 Oct 2027

Group of 9 to 10 passengersUp to 10 per booking · Guide in English · Available from 17 Oct 2027

Group of 11 to 13 passengersUp to 13 per booking · Guide in English · Available from 17 Oct 2027

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 17 Oct 2027

Book up to12h 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 3 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyPublic transport nearbyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Boat Tahoe

Is this one for you?Book the smaller group size if your party is six or fewer and you want one transparent price at checkout. For groups of seven or more, budget an extra $100 per hour to pay the captain directly upon arrival, a US Coast Guard requirement that applies to all captained charters of that size.

Traveler reviews

5.00★★★★★★★★★★

3 verified traveler reviews

Read all the reviews ›

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.

Can the captain change the route if I decide what I want to see once we're on the water?

Yes. Your captain will adjust the itinerary to fit your request if time and weather allow, so you can decide between scenic stops like Emerald Bay and Vikingsholm or switch to watersports once you see the conditions.

What is Vikingsholm Castle and why is it visible from the boat?

Vikingsholm Castle is a Scandinavian-style mansion built in 1929 directly on the shore of Emerald Bay, so it's one of the main sights you'll see when cruising that part of the lake.

What watersports equipment is included, and do I need experience to try them?

Tubing, wakeboarding and water skiing equipment all come with the charter. Your captain sets everything up and can work with any skill level, from first-timers to experienced riders.

How many people can fit on the boat, and does the price change for larger groups?

The boat accommodates groups from 1 to 13 passengers, with every person counting toward capacity. Groups of six or fewer pay the full rate at booking. Groups of seven or more pay an additional $100 per hour to the captain upon arrival.

What's included in the charter price?

Bottled water, all watersports equipment, gas and the services of a USCG-certified captain are included. You're welcome to bring your own food and non-alcoholic beverages, or alcohol if you're 21 or older.