Lake Tahoe Emerald Bay Scenic Cruise
Overview
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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
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
Lake Tahoe Emerald Bay Scenic Cruise
Pickup included
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
Reviews
617 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Spectacular scenery
John C,Apr 15, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00I have never seen Lake Tahoe from this vantage point. The scenery from the boat, the interesting facts and history of the lake and even the outstanding lunch from the kitchen staff make this an absolute must do while your in Lake Tahoe. I loved it!
Enjoyed
Jennifer C,Apr 11, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00A fun tour of the lake. The staff was helpful and friendly. We set on the 3rd floor until it became too chilly. We had snacks and margaritas that were reasonably priced.
Great cruise in a beautiful lake!
Ashley H,Apr 10, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Bring sunscreen. The cruise is great. There are food and drinks available. You can get great views from inside or outside.
Stunning and beautiful
blinkybillWhistler,Apr 8, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We were picked up on time by Zephyr Cove Resort tours. Staff are friendly and helpful. There are 3 decks on the paddle steamer and there was adequate seating for all of us. There is a resonably priced restaurant and bar on the bottom 2 decks. Food was promptly served. This was a good 2.5 hour cruise with great commentary. For those who have mobility issues, the boat has a ramp to board and disembark and there is a small step to enter the main restaurant/ indoor area. However the middle and upper desks are accessed by stairs only. There are restrooms onboard on the bottom 2 decks. There is a small gift shop onboard as well. Lake Tahoe is very beautiful and I was pleased we visited Emerald Bay as well as see Vikingsholm. It can be a bit cool on the water so bring a jacket.
Great way to relax
Jeff S,Apr 8, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00I arrived 30 minutes early thinking that I may be too early, but this is when boarding started. The lady at the kiosk was friendly and helped me to verify. As soon as you get onboard, they will take your picture and attempt to sell you the picture later on for $45, which is a bit pricey but also nice. If you go during the noon cruise time, I'd recommend you get food first on the second level. There are only so many tables near the windows and the food takes a good 25 minutes. The cruise is absolutely beautiful and a straight shot over to Emerald Cove. The narration is pre-recorded and sounds good, and also not dated. Staff were incredibly friendly. Would definitely recommend this trip again.
Great views, drinks and...
Nicole L,Apr 6, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00Great views, drinks and food. Bartender, Joe, was the best! French fries and brownie were a hit with my kids!
MS Dixie II, Emerald Bay
Maileen L,Apr 6, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Peaceful, stunning views, friendly staff and bus driver. Crystal clear water surrounded by majestic mountains and trees. Worth the visit.
Tahoe paddle boat!!
JJ S,Apr 4, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00It’s relaxing easy and fun! Food is available to purchase. Lasts about 2.5 hours. Very nice information and the scenery was great!!
The ol paddlewheeler
Garry H,Apr 3, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Nice view of the lake. Great views that you can’t see unless you take the trip. Good food and drinks. Nice and comfortable.
Not to be missed. Very...
Rod S,Apr 2, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Not to be missed. Very friendly staff and crew. A fantastic way to see the lake and the stunning Emerald Bay!
From US$104.94
Want a private experience? Upgrade to a private tour
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