south lake tahoe lunch cruise

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Treat Yourself to Sunshine & Fresh Air

Considered one of South Lake Tahoe’s most entertaining water activities, the Daytime Scenic Cruise on Lake Tahoe has been voted “Best Cruise in Nevada” by Nevada Magazine. 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. As you cruise to Emerald Bay on the famous M.S. Dixie II , you'll learn how it was formed, get views of Vikingsholm Castle and learn fascinating history with the narrated tour. 

Pricing Information

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The M.S. Dixie II departs from historic Zephyr Cove, Nevada at 760 U.S. Hwy 50, Zephyr Cove, NV 89448 . Please check-in 30 minutes prior to departure time to receive boarding passes. Prepaid reservations may wait for boarding call at the end of the pier, unpaid reservations must go to the ticket booth prior to  embark.

Shuttle Service & Parking

Complimentary shuttle transportation is offered from select local Lake Tahoe areas. You will have the opportunity to opt-in for this shuttle service during the online booking process. The service is first-come, first-served. There is a nominal transportation fee for groups of 20 or more. If space is not available, parking is available for a fee.

Please Note: If booking within two hours of boat departure, contact 1.800.238.2463 to confirm you are on the pick-up list.

When you book you reservation, you will see the option to select your shuttle pick up and location. Locations include:

• 3 Peaks (9321 Park Ave)
• Beach Retreat (3411 Lake Tahoe Blvd)
• Hard Rock Casino (50 Hwy 50)
• Harrah's Casino - Lake Tahoe, CA (15 US 50)
• Hotel Azure (3300 Lake Tahoe Blvd)
• Lakeland Village (3535 Lake Tahoe Blvd)
• Ski Run Marina (901 Ski Run Blvd)
• Station House (901 Park Ave)
• The Landing (4104 Lakeshore Blvd)
• WorldMark by Wyndham (180 Elks Point Rd)

Food and beverages are available for purchase onboard the cruise. 

daytime Menu

A professional photographer is available onboard to take photos for purchase.

Service animals are permitted on the cruise. No other animals are allowed. 

Smoking Policy

No smoking is allowed inside the M.S. Dixie II; Smoking is prohibited on the 3rd deck and outside viewing areas.

Cancellation Policy

Please cancel at least 48 hours prior to departure time in order to avoid a no show or cancellation fee of full payment.

Security Procedures

Due to increased National Security Levels, we reserve the right to search guests and their personal belongings prior to boarding the boat.

Accessibility

The M.S. Dixie II comes equipped with a handicap-accessible restroom. Wheelchairs are permitted on the boat, but there are no elevators on board to take the guest to the second deck.

Tahoe Cruises

Review Highlights

“ The concierge at our resort recommended the Safari Rose as a sunset cruise, and we are so glad we went on it. ” in 86 reviews

“ They were all so friendly and willing to answer any questions you had about Lake Tahoe, Emerald Bay , and the boat. ” in 117 reviews

“ The crew were so friendly and went out of their way to answer questions and make their way around to chat. ” in 208 reviews

Show more review highlights

Location & Hours

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900 Ski Run Blvd

South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150

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About the Business

Relax and enjoy your cruise aboard the beautifully appointed yacht "Safari Rose." Comfort and style best describe this luxury yacht built originally for the 3M Corporation with 3 full decks, 5 bathroom, 3 staterooms, a lido deck with upholstered seating, the main salon with leathers couches, and beautiful hand built teak furniture. Travel closely along the scenic West Shore while you hear the history of old and new Lake Tahoe narrated by the Captain. Join us for "Wonderful West Shore Lunch Cruise" departing at 11 am or The Sunset Celebration Emerald Bay Cruise" departing at 6 pm. Reservation recommended, call 775-588-1881. Free shuttle transportation available from most hotel accommodations in South Lake Tahoe. …

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Is Emerald Bay part of the Sunset Champagne cruise?

Yes, all of our cruises go to Emerald Bay (weather dependent)

Are basic drinks and snacks still included with the sunset cruise?

We went on the cruise early June and loved it. They gave us one drink ticket per person. We used it on wine and ordered a few more. There wasn't anything I'd call an appetizer, but we're in covid and space is limited. We didn't go there to dine… more

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Overall rating

532 reviews

wonderful trip across lake tahoe. enjoyable, outing. we all enjoyed. would recommend this to others

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Mar 18, 2024

Thank you so much! It was indeed our pleasure and we hope to see you again!

This cruise over to Emerald bay on The Spirit was fun, relaxing and beautiful! The captain and his crew were knowledgeable, friendly and fun! We highly recommend this. We had a wonderful time.

May 9, 2024

Thanks Judy! It was great to have you with us! We appreciate the recommendation and love your pics!

Great experience. Very good attentive service. Lots of interesting useful information about the lake.

See all photos from Serguei B. for Tahoe Cruises

Mar 23, 2024

Thank you! So glad you had a good time! Great pics!

I chose to celebrate part of my birthday doing a sunset cruise. So glad I did. We started at 6 PM and ended right at 8 PM. We were served champagne while having the option to order drinks at their bar. The cruise itself was amazing. Lake Tahoe is absolutely gorgeous and we started in South Lake Tahoe, made it all the way to the north section and back again. We also got to meet other nice tourists and locals on the boat. It gets chilly (we opted for the top deck) but they provide blankets which I took advantage of. All together, it truly was a nice two hours spent on the lake.

Celebrated my birthday with a Sunset Cruise

May 14, 2023

Thank you Martina! It was our pleasure to be a part of your birthday celebration and we are so glad that it was an awesome experience! We hope the rest of your birthday and trip were safe and filled with good memories! :)

It was enjoyable sunset cruise during on Feb 2024 right after winter Strom. I could not take advantage of unlimited champagne, as I was the designated driver, would have preferred hot chocolate or hot tea.

Feb 8, 2024

Thank you, John and your pictures are fabulous! Let us know next time you cruise with us and the hot chocolate is on us!

It was a beautiful 2 hour trip. The boat was too crowded with not enough comfortable seats. The music was too loud so indoor seating was too noisy.

Apr 23, 2024

Hi Jim, thank you for your review. We are actually licensed for 140 and average 90 in the summer. Your cruise had 86 guests so plenty of seating. How comfortable the seats are is likely a personal choice. We did just get a new sound system and are adjusting the dynamics as previously guests were concerned they couldn't hear well, so it's good to know this system is better and we just need to alter the volume. We appreciate the feedback!

Great cruise on the Lake. Got to see a lot of sights and learn about the history. I would definitely do this again if i come back and bring visitors with me who want to learn about Lake Tahoe and want to see the points of interest on the Lake.

Apr 20, 2024

Thank you Doreen, it was our pleasure! We love what we do!

Best sunset cruise on Lake Tahoe. Cap Mike and his crew were incredibly knowledgeable about the lake and super friendly. A must for everyone.

Emerald Bay

Sep 23, 2023

Thank you Christina! We loved having you with us! Great pics!

Captain Mike and his crew were fabulous on Wednesday night's champagne sunset cruise. The stories were great and the water was beautiful!

Captain Mike!

Views from boat

Oct 1, 2023

Thanks A.P.! We appreciate the shout out to the captain and crew! So glad you enjoyed our cruise and we hope to see you again!

This was a lovely, relaxing way to see beautiful Lake Tahoe. Reasonably priced. Bar and snacks available. We had a great time. Captain Mike and his crew are fun, friendly and accommodating. It is a two hour tour (almost to the minute), from the marina at Sky Run Blvd. to Emerald Bay and back. Captain Mike shares his knowledge and history of the area. You can see osprey and eagle nests in the tall trees. We were old, on occasion, you might see momma bears and cubs at the lakes edge coming to the water to drink and play. This cruise is a must when you visit the area.

Sep 10, 2023

Thank you Laura! We loved having you with us and appreciate the captain and crew shout out! Pictures are great!

204 other reviews that are not currently recommended

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Lake Tahoe Emerald Bay Lunch Cruise on the Tahoe Gal

On a chance encounter last winter, my wife and I ran into the owner of the Tahoe Gal at dinner. After striking up a friendly conversation, he generously gave us two tickets to our choice of cruises. The Tahoe Gal offers a variety of cruises from a brunch and sunset cruise, to lunch and dinner cruises. Larry, the owner, suggested we take the Sunday sunset cruise, which offers a live band on the 3 hour ride around Lake Tahoe. On any of the cruises, you can order food and drinks to create an amazing, unique lake dining experience. Here is all the information.

You can go to their website to check out their various daily and specialty cruises, view their dining menu and even take a virtual tour.

After reviewing the website, we decided to take the three hour lunch cruise to Emerald Bay.  The boat itself is two stories tall with outdoor and indoor dining on the upper floor and an indoor bar, kitchen, and dining room on the lower floor.

The lunch cruise starts in Tahoe City and takes passengers around Fannette Island in Emerald Bay, the only island on the lake.

In the early 1900s, ferries were the only mode of transportation around the lake. Visitors would take a train from San Francisco to Truckee and then board a second train from Truckee to Tahoe City. The line ended on a dock where the train unloaded the vacationers directly onto the ferry, where they were able to travel around the lake. It wasn’t until the 1930s when the first roads were built.

Some of the notable points of interest on the cruise:

• Sugar Pine Poin t. A state park which includes the 100-year-old Ehrman Mansion.
• Rubicon Point and DL Bliss State Park . Here the rock face drops over 1,500 feet into the lake.
• Fannette Island in Emerald Bay which contains a ‘Tea House’ on its top. One local legend says a ghost haunts it.
• Vikingholm Castle . Also, in Emerald Bay, It is considered to be one of the finest examples of Scandinavian architecture in America.

Overall the cruise was a great way to experience Lake Tahoe. If you are visiting, the Tahoe Gal is a relatively inexpensive way to get on the lake, have a meal, and learn about Tahoe’s history.

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Our Lunch Cruise on Lake Tahoe - Tahoe Gal Cruises

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• Tahoe City - Things to Do    
• Tahoe Gal Cruises

We went for the full blue moon. We didn't do dinner we sat up top and had the clams and the... read more

The crew was perfect. I had the prime rib dinner and it was top notch. As far as the views, you’re... read more

Our Lunch Cruise on Lake Tahoe

We enjoyed seeing from the boat several of the sites we had visited on our car ride around the lake the day before. It was fun to have another perspective. Captain Dave was entertaining and informative. Fantastic views of Sugar Pine State Park and the beautiful Emerald Bay. Well worth the price compared to similar offerings. We also had a light lunch during the return trip and the offerings were tasty and reasonable.

Everything about it was well done. We hired the entire ship for our grand daughter's graduation celebration. Our guests were met with a glass of wine as they entered the ship. We did not ask for this and were delighted when this happened. The food was really good and the live music was wonderful. We will definitely sail on this ship again. I again wanted to sail on this ship for my birthday celebration in August and made reservations. Due to the heavy smoke from various fires, the cruise had to be canceled. Our money was refunded almost immediately with no questions asked. I highly recommend the Tahoe Gal.

I strongly advise steering clear of this company. Our party of six recently cancelled our trip to the Lake Tahoe area and south due to the Caldor fire. As a result, we cancelled a luncheon cruise scheduled for 10/1 and requested a refund as the cancellation was medically necessary. I received the rudest, most disgusting email from “Larry” stating that the cancellation was “silly” and they do not honor any requests for refunds, regardless of the reason. My response to this email was met with an even more acrimonious reply. The concept of customer satisfaction and service does not exist in this company. Find another provider of Lake Tahoe cruises.

The boat ride was nice but I felt like the cost was expensive when you had to buy food and drinks on top of the original fee. They wasn’t much for the crew entertaining other than the basic “info” and the beginning and end.

Tahoe Gal is the most economic way to take in the lake. You get to see the amazing blue water up close and you will be impacted by the immensity of the lake. Plus, the Tahoe Gal's staff provides wonderful and friendly customer service. We highly recommend a trip on the Tahoe Gal! It is our tradition to take a cruise yearly when we go to Tahoe.

The food and there service was very good! Highly recommended the sunset dinner cruise. Monica our server was new but very efficient.

Emerald Bay Cruise

Visit Emerald Bay and the Vikingsholm

Our Private Emerald Bay Cruises are 2-hours, departing either in the morning or afternoon. Explore Lake Tahoe’s picturesque west shoreline and experience the pristine waters of Emerald Bay and Rubicon Bay. See Lake Tahoe’s most breathtaking views including Fannett Island, Eagle Falls, Rubicon Point and Sugar Pine Point.

We depart from the Tahoe Keys Marina and take guests along the beautiful west shore into Emerald Bay to view or unload and visit Lake Tahoe’s hidden castle the Vikingsholm and Fannette Island. Along the way we can drop anchor for a swim or enjoy a packed lunch, snacks and beverages. Then, we cruise through the Caribbean waters of Rubicon Bay and Meeks Bay. From there we continue back across the lake to the Marina.

We provide a cooler with ice, bottled water and sodas. Guests are welcome to bring snacks, packed lunches and beverages of their choice. Alcohol is allowed.

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The Tahoe Queen

South shore (ca).

• Type Cruises
• Region South Shore (CA)

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Classic Tahoe Queen Cruise Wows Sightseers

Features: The Tahoe Queen offers both Emerald Bay Sightseeing cruises and Sierra Sunset Dinner cruises that allow guests to enjoy the spectacular beauty of Lake Tahoe on an authentic Mississippi paddlewheeler. 

* Terms & Conditions: Offers, promotions and rates subject to change and may vary based upon date, length of stay and other factors. Some offers do not include taxes and fees. All offers based on availability and are subject to change without notice.

Why We Go: Although it is sometimes seen as a tourist trap, the Tahoe Queen cruise is still a worthwhile sightseeing experience to enjoy with the whole family.

• Gorgeous Views: The Tahoe Queen will take you to places that provide photo opportunities that are simply unmatchable from the shore.
• Romantic Dinners: The Tahoe dinner cruise offered by the Tahoe Queen is a great and unique chance to share a romantic meal with a loved one while watching the sun set over Lake Tahoe.
• Live Entertainment: A charming live band on board will help you dance the night away during the dinner cruise, or at least listening and people watching in amusement.

Inside Knowledge

Inside Knowledge: AAA discounts are available for Tahoe Queen Lake Tahoe cruises.

Do's and Don'ts

Do's and Don'ts:

• Do Bring Your Camera: The sights and memories of being aboard an authentic Mississippi paddlewheeler deserve to be documented for posterity. There are plenty of photo spots aboard the Tahoe Queen.
• Do Check out the Special Events: Tahoe's favorite paddlewheeler hosts special events for holidays and other anniversaries. Make sure to book your adventure on a specially themed Tahoe Queen cruise.
• Don't Go to the Wrong Marina: The M.S. Dixie II is run by the same company but departs from Zephyr Cove. Make sure to go to the Tahoe Queen docking at Ski Run Marina.
• Don't Bring Outside Food: Unfortunately, personal snacks are prohibited aboard your Tahoe Dinner cruise.

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The Tahoe Queen Information

Hours: Sun.- Fri. 11:30am- 5pm, Sat. 11:30am- 6pm

When to Go: Weekdays, Off-peak

Age Restriction: Ages 3 and up

Phone: 800.238.2463

Website: http://www.zephyrcove.com/play/cruises/tahoe-queen.aspx

Quick Facts

• The Tahoe Queen is the lake's only authentic Mississippi paddlewheeler.
• Tahoe Queen Cruise departs from the Ski Run Marina.
• The Tahoe Queen was voted the best Tahoe boat cruise by the readers of The Tahoe Tribune.

Address: 900 Ski Run Blvd South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150 View Map

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Year Round Daily Cruises on Lake Tahoe

We offer extraordinary tours to Emerald Bay with both historical and natural history provided live by our Coast Guard certified captains. There is no better way to experience Lake Tahoe than on one of our tours.

We look forward to cruising with you!

Breathtaking Views

Unforgettable memories, 1st class staff, our cruises – year round, emerald bay day cruise.

Sunset Champagne Cruise to Emerald Bay

Magical Lake Tahoe

An experience of a lifetime, voted best cruise, … on lake tahoe for the past 6 years including 2023..

If you’re looking for a terrific day on the lake, Tahoe Cruises is it. Tahoe Cruises offers daily cruises to Emerald Bay and South Shore (seasonal) as well as a fabulous sunset cruise. No matter what your plans include for your vacation or special event, we invite you to share those memorable times cruising the crystal clear waters of Lake Tahoe aboard our fine yachts.

Testimonials

This cruise around the lake was so beautiful and relaxing! They give you a little history and offer some refreshments. Me and my family had a great time!

Fantastic experience! Crew was amazing, views were awesome! Highly recommend!

One of the biggest highlights of our trip! The staff on the boat were so nice, helpful, and interactive. Made the experience above and beyond. We couldn’t be more happy with how it went!

This was my first time to Tahoe. It offers so many things to do, BUT by far, a must do on each of my returning trips will be this cruise. One of the best moments spent in lake tahoe were on this cruise. The staff really nice and the views the views the views 😍🤩 absolutely beautiful. Thank you for an unforgettable view of Lake Tahoe 🫶

The folks running the Safari Rose were very friendly, the boat was great, snacks and booze good. Highly recommend this tour. We did the sunset Cruise….perfect!

Had a great sunset cruise on the Safari Rose! The crew was great and provided great drinks, appetizers, commentary and blankets to enjoy the scenery. Kids enjoyed feeding Jonathan the seagull. Loved the unique boat – highly recommend this!

Tahoe Cruises reserves the right to determine which vessel will be in service on any particular day. The captain determines the right to choose an alternate destination due to weather if it makes for a safer and more comfortable cruise.

Moms ride free on Mother's Day (with each paying adult) Book Now!

Shoreline Brunch Cruise

See where The Godfather II was filmed!

Quick Details

About 1 hour 30 minutes *Brunch is available at an additional cost.

Availability & Departures:

Jun 15 – Sept 1 – DAILY 10:30 AM

See some of California’s most lavish properties!

Join us for a historic trip along Lake Tahoe’s lovely West Shore and view some of the most lavish real estate California has to offer! During our captain’s live narration, you learn fun facts about Tahoe’s early tourism. The most popular attraction on this cruise is the Kaiser Estate — the famous home of the Godfather II.

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Related cruises.

• Tags 1.5 Hours , Daily Cruises

Happy Hour Cruise

Enjoy a fun-packed boat cruise along the breathtaking north shore of Lake Tahoe.

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Lunch Cruise to Emerald Bay

See sites like the Ehrman Mansion at Sugar Pine Point and Vikingsholm Castle as you cruise over the crystal clear waters of Lake Tahoe to Emerald Bay.

• Tags 2.5 Hours , Daily Cruises

Sunset Dinner Cruise

Travel along the West Shore of Lake Tahoe cruising by the site of The Godfather II, as you enjoy California cuisine and a wine list of more than 30 wines!

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Lake Tahoe Boat Cruise

By: Cam Schilling

If you’re visiting, you need to make it count by getting up close and personal with the lake and getting out on a Tahoe boat .

There’s a reason that Lake Tahoe is known as the Jewel of the Sierras, and if you want to find out why for yourself, you’ve got to be in it, on it, and breathing in that fresh lake breeze. No matter what your vacation or trip entails, a Lake Tahoe boat cruise needs to make it into your agenda, and South Lake has many different options to choose from.

There is a Lake Tahoe Boat Cruise for Everyone

Cruise for dinner or for drinks, cruise for the views, cruise for some history. There’s something to enjoy for first-timers and locals alike, and if you’ve lived here all your life, what are you waiting for? Many locals I’ve talked to have never done a Lake Tahoe boat cruise and have never been on a boat on the lake. It’s not too late; don’t miss the boat.

Grab your camera and check out some of these options for a great way to see something new or even experience something familiar in an exciting new way.

Lake Tahoe Boat Cruise Options

Zephyr Cove Resort – Lake Tahoe Cruises Zephyr Cove Resort has something fun for all four seasons, but without a doubt, it is known for its Emerald Bay cruise on its signature 500+ passenger authentic Mississippi Paddlewheeler, the M.S. Dixie II . They depart from the resort daily for sightseeing tours, but you’ll find dinner cruises and more in their cruise schedule . The cruise is about two hours round trip of majestic mountain backdrop, and with an outstanding captain and crew, there’s no wondering why it was voted “Best Boat Cruise” in Tahoe for over ten years. 

Camp Richardson’s Rum Runner Cruise The Rum Runner is Camp Richardson’s 55-ft yacht equipped with open and closed deck options, food from the Beacon Bar & Grill and of course the revered Rum Runner cocktail served up to your heart’s content. A drink so good they bought a boat and made a cruise for it… The Camp Richardson marina is set to open May 15th, at which point the Rum Runner will be making its hour and a half long excursion to Emerald Bay and back daily. You can also book it for a private event or celebration, for a detailed look at what you can expect, check out this quick video .

Tahoe Bleu Wave If you’re looking to cruise like a pro, this yacht is where you want to be. The Bleu Wave is making daily 12 pm public lunch cruises launching from the Tahoe Keys out to Emerald Bay, but if there’s something special you want to do or a place you want to see anywhere on the lake, these guys can make it happen. The 70-ft yacht is perfect for your next special event or celebration, ideal for large groups of up to 50 people with a fully stocked bar, private lounge, stateroom, fly-bridge, spacious party bow, and climate controlled indoor facilities. Check out the full list of their public cruises , and be sure to join them for their happy hour cruise 3:30-5 pm all summer long – you can save yourself some cash when you book online!

Spirit of Tahoe All aboard for the life of luxury, or at least two hours of it. Be our guest for this unforgettable sightseeing cruise aboard one of our classic yachts. Our day cruises are family-friendly and are the best way to see the many colors of Lake Tahoe. Day cruises offer narration and history of the lake by the knowledgeable captain and crew as we head to Emerald Bay where you will experience the favorite landmarks such as Eagle Falls, Vikingsholm Castle, Fannett Island (the only island in Lake Tahoe), the granite tea house that sits on the top of the island as well as the striking scenery of the Sierra mountains. . Catch the Sunset Champagne tour for a spectacular viewing of Tahoe at sunset.

If you’re looking for a more intimate experience, book the Safari Rose for a private charter. They’ve become experts with all functions and events, you can even get hitched and have a reception right on board.

Also coming this summer, the best seat in the house for the 4th of July fireworks is on the water! Lake Tahoe’s 4th of July Fireworks event, recognized by NBC as the nation’s top fireworks event, is coming back for an even bigger show. Many of the Lake Tahoe boat cruise businesses will be offering special deals to see this amazing show from the lake.

More Boat Rental options here .

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LAKE TAHOE BLEU WAVE

South Lake Tahoe, California

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Public cruises ---------------  $125 4th of july fireworks cruise      $375  , more info , wedding cruises -------------  $999 private charters -------------- $5400, call us  for more info.

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