Private Emerald Bay boat cruise Lake Tahoe: Up to 12 guests

Rent the whole boat and set the pace at Emerald Bay

A private 2-hour boat charter on Lake Tahoe accommodates up to 12 guests with a captain, stereo system and floating lily pad. You anchor at Emerald Bay State Park to swim, eat, drink or watch the water. The itinerary is yours. A captain fee of $60 per hour applies at arrival (higher rates on holidays).

Step-by-step itinerary

Private Emerald Bay Boat Cruise

• Board the boat at Lake Tahoe
• Cruise along South Lake Tahoe shoreline
• Soak in views of Emerald Bay
• Anchor to enjoy food and drinks
• Take a quick dip in the water
• Return to starting point

The experience

You've got an afternoon free and no car, or you're staying somewhere without easy dock access. A private charter solves that: the boat picks up from the South Lake Tahoe shoreline, and a captain handles navigation while your group sets the tone. Bring whatever food and drinks you want. The boat has a stereo, a floating lily pad for the water, and a portable restroom onboard. The 2-hour window is the standard, though you can add hours if the captain has availability.

Emerald Bay is the main stop: the boat anchors there so you can swim in the clear water, float on the lily pad, or stay aboard with a drink and a view. The captain is there to answer questions and keep things running, not to narrate a tour. Groups stay under 12, which means no crowding and no waiting for anyone else's schedule.

What’s included

• Captain and navigation.
• stereo system.
• floating lily pad.
• portable restroom onboard.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayLast departure this season: 31 Oct

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 5 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearby

Operated by BayWatch Boat Charters

Is this one for you?The boat leaves from South Lake Tahoe, so if you're staying in the area without a car or arriving by transit, you can still get on the water. A private charter means your group controls the day (no fixed itinerary, no strangers, no rush), and the captain fee is the only extra cost beyond the boat rental.

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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.

Can we bring our own food and drinks on the boat?

Yes. You're welcome to bring any food or beverages to make the trip more enjoyable, and the boat has a stereo so you can set the mood.

What is there to do at Emerald Bay during the cruise?

Emerald Bay State Park is where the boat anchors. You can take a quick dip in the clear blue waters, float on the onboard lily pad, or stay aboard with food and drinks and enjoy the views.

How many people can fit on the boat?

The boat accommodates up to 12 guests plus the captain, so it works for a small group, a family gathering or a few friends.

Is the 2-hour cruise the only option?

Two hours is the standard cruise length. You can add additional hours once you contact the operator if availability allows.

What happens if I don't have a car to get to the dock?

Public transportation options are available nearby South Lake Tahoe, so you can reach the boat without your own vehicle.