Lake Tahoe's most photographed location, accessible by every major cruise. Granite cliffs, Fannette Island, Vikingsholm Castle, and Eagle Falls from the water.
Lake Tahoe's iconic booze cruise to Emerald Bay.
Luxury 70-foot classic yacht on Lake Tahoe.
Lake Tahoe's largest paddlewheeler — voted Best Cruise in Nevada.
Emerald Bay is Lake Tahoe's most photographed location and the destination of most Tahoe cruise routes. Granite cliffs, Fannette Island (Lake Tahoe's only island), Vikingsholm Castle (a 1929 Scandinavian-style mansion), and Eagle Falls cascading from above.
Highway 89 has overlooks above Emerald Bay with wide aerial views. The cruise gives you water-level views — Fannette Island at eye level instead of below, Vikingsholm visible from angles inaccessible by road, the granite cliffs in scale. For most visitors, the answer is "do both" — drive overlooks one day, cruise another.
Every major Tahoe cruise operator routes through Emerald Bay. Rum Runner (1.5 hours, $49) is the casual choice. Tahoe Bleu Wave (2 hours, $125) is the premium choice. M.S. Dixie II (2.25 hours, $65) is the family choice.