Lake Tahoe Emerald Bay Scenic Cruise
Overview
Available languages
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 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.
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.
What‘s Included
Audio Guide
All Fees and Taxes
Restroom on board
Self Parking ($12)
Pickup points
3 Peaks Resort & Beach Club
931 Park Avenue, South Lake Tahoe United States
Hotel Azure Tahoe
3300 Lake Tahoe Boulevard, South Lake Tahoe United States
Beach Retreat & Lodge At Tahoe
3411 Lake Tahoe Blvd, South Lake Tahoe United States
Lakeland Village Resort at Heavenly
3535 Lake Tahoe Blvd South Lake Tahoe United States
Harrah's Lake Tahoe
15 Highway 50 Stateline United States
The Landing Lake Tahoe Resort & Spa
4104 Lakeshore Boulevard South Lake Tahoe United States
Station House Inn South Lake Tahoe
901 Park Ave, South Lake Tahoe United States
Golden Nugget Lake Tahoe
50 Hwy 50 Stateline United States
Options
New Year's Eve Cruise
New Year's Eve Cruise: Our New Year's Eve Cruise includes a three-course meal, live music w/dancing, and a special champagne toast!
Pickup included
Lake Tahoe Emerald Bay Scenic Cruise
Pickup included
Santa Cruise
Santa Cruise: Bring the whole family for pictures, a special meet and greet with Santa, holiday music, and delicious treats with hot cocoa.
Pickup included
Reviews
576 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great views
Pamela H,,Dec 30, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Views were great! Fun to be on the lake. We had seen emerald bay from the road. The tour gave a completely different perspective and we got very close to the mansion and the island. Enjoyed very much!
The boat ride is very...
Mohammed R,,Dec 26, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00The boat ride is very nice, staff is very kind and pleasant. When i went it was snowing and the views of the lake were a bit limited, but what we did see was stunning, especially in the emerald cove.
Lake Tahoe sites
Bryrony D,,Dec 26, 2025
- Review from Viator
4.00Beautiful scenery. We went on an extremely rough day, so didn’t get to enjoy the outside decks as much. No fault of the company. They had an interesting audio narrative with history of the area. I wish it had been a bit louder to hear better.
Avoid this tour! They treat tourists like sh…!
Into C,,Dec 23, 2025
- Review from Viator
1.00The web site said that the local tour operator reserved the right to cancel if minimum number of customers were not met. There was a storm alert in Lake Tahoe on that day. I tried to confirm the tour with the local tour operator but my message was ignored. I decided to leave an hour early (30 minutes on top of the normal 30 estimated time) without snow chain in the snow from my hotel. I arrived 3 minutes after the original 12 pm that the Viator web site said that I must confirm with the local tour operator which ignored my message. The local tour operator was walking back as the ship was leaving the dock literally.
Dixie South Lake Tahoe
GLENN C,,Dec 15, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00All views of the lake are spectacular. Full bar and great Food. Staff was nice and boat left right on time and was nice and amooth.
Scenery only
JUDITH K,,Dec 14, 2025
- Review from Viator
3.00We've been on many cruises like this one for the scenery. We also wanted to learn about Lake Tahoe. No one could hear the history of the Lake. Speakers low. Many kids. Noisy.
Lake Tahoe Emerald Bay Scenic Cruise
Laura M,,Dec 13, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Loved it! Smooth sailing! Beautiful & very scenic! Staff on board friendly & informative. Food delicious!
Super MS Dixie Tahoe Cruise
U4650SJjosepht,,Dec 4, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00MS Dixie is an excellent entertainment experience. Very comfy aboard ship, and cruise Views are Spectacular! It's like walking in a beautiful Picture postcard! And great refreshments too.
Spectacular in one word!
Sweta M,,Nov 30, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00The ride was very joyful and smooth itself. And the view was phenomenal! The 2 hours tour was total worth it. Must recommend!
Awesome time on the water
chrissU2790TS,,Nov 25, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00From purchasing the tickets, to the free shuttle pick up, to being on the boat, to enjoying the scenic sites; everything went smoothly with the great staff.
From US$104.94
Want a private experience? Upgrade to a private tour
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Operated by Aramark - S&E - Dixie II