Lake Tahoe Emerald Bay Scenic Cruise

Overview

Available languages

English

Mobile ticket

Embark on a truly unique Lake Tahoe experience! The Emerald Bay Scenic Cruise takes place on the largest cruising vessel in South Lake Tahoe.

This one-of-a-kind paddle wheeler will take you on an unforgettable journey through world-famous Emerald Bay. Learn how the bay was formed, hear tales about Fanette Island, and see the amazing Vikingsholm Castle, the prominent stone mansion on its shores.

Enjoy the breathtaking views from outside or relax with our climate controlled indoor seating. Lunch and full bar service are available for purchase throughout your adventure.

This 2.25-hour scenic daytime cruise offers fabulous photo opportunities, sunshine, and fresh Lake Tahoe air, which has a way of invigorating everyone around.

Additional Info

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Specialized infant seats are available

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Please plan to arrive at the boat dock to check in 30 minutes prior to your departure

If using our complimentary shuttle service, please plan additional time for pickup and drop off. Please see Meeting & pickup section for specific times from each location.

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What‘s Included

Audio Guide

All Fees and Taxes

Restroom on board

Self Parking ($12)

Meeting and Pickup

Pickup points

Select a pickup point

What To Expect

To truly experience Lake Tahoe, take a trip aboard the M.S. Dixie II, a paddle-wheel boat that plies the lake’s stunning, cobalt-blue waters.

2 hours • Admission Included

Fannette Island

Fannette is the only island to be found in all of Lake Tahoe. It is located in beautiful Emerald Bay on the west shore of the lake. A sparsely timbered, brush covered upthrust of granite that rises 150 feet above the water, Fannette Island was not always known by that name. During the past 100 years it has been known as Coquette, Fannette, Baranoff, Dead Man's, Hermit's, and Emerald Isle. Fannette was the name that finally stuck.

Admission Not Applicable

Options

Lake Tahoe Emerald Bay Scenic Cruise

Pickup included

Reviews

4.59

558 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

429

Great cruise around Lake...
Danny P,
Nov 6, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Great cruise around Lake Tahoe! Would recommend this cruise. We took so many pictures of Lake Tahoe.
Simply a wonderfully trip...
Doug H,
Nov 4, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Simply a wonderfully trip to Emerald Lake. Food was delicious, the trip smooth, and the staff delightful.
Recommend to get out on the Lake
Gregory M,
Nov 4, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Nicely narrated , beautiful cruise . Bar with drinks and food available for purchase. 2 hours long , plenty of seating inside and outside .
Spectacular!
Kenneth B,
Nov 2, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Very scenic! Loved it. This trip is a very worthwhile thing to do. The weather was perfect and the tour was very informative
Magical sights!
George C,
Nov 1, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
The crew was very nice and the boat didn’t rock as the lake was super smooth. The scenery was magical
We had a fun experience....
Shanna T,
Nov 1, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
We had a fun experience. We learned a lot of fun historical facts and met people from different places. Also the food was surprisingly good!
Great Lake History
I1283NBannetter,
Oct 31, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00
The ride on the lake was a great trip. We were conveniently picked up and dropped at a place close to our hotel and the time on the water was both enjoyable and informative. The only negative was the televisions that were supposed to show us more details of the lake history on the ay in we’re not working in our area so that was a disappointment. Overall definitely worth it.
It was a smooth and...
Matta A,
Oct 25, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
It was a smooth and beautiful cruise, though cloudy and cold day. The history and stories by the narrator of the history of Lake Tahoe was beautiful.
Great Cruising Experience!
Jeffrey E,
Oct 25, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Wonderful cruise around Lake Tahoe! Great information about the lakes history throughout the cruise. Even though we did not eat on the cruise, the food that people were ordering looked delicious. Highly recommend
Leisurely trip
Julie E,
Oct 25, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Very beautiful scenery with a relaxing trip across the lake. Staff, bar tender were friendly. Freshly baked Chocolate chip cookies were tasty.