Depends on what you want. For a casual booze cruise, the Rum Runner ($49, 1.5 hours). For a premium experience, Tahoe Bleu Wave ($125, 2 hours, classic yacht). For a large group or family, M.S. Dixie II ($65, 2.25 hours, 500-passenger paddlewheeler). For North Shore, Tahoe Gal. For intimate sailing, Sail Tahoe Blue. Take our decision guide →
$49-$145 per adult depending on operator. Most casual cruises are $49-$85; premium experiences (Bleu Wave, Thunderbird Lodge) are $125-$145. Drinks onboard are extra unless explicitly included.
Boat size (sailing vessel ↔ 500-passenger paddlewheeler), duration (1.5-3 hours), what's included (drinks included vs cash bar), and marina location. See our full comparison →.
Most operators run May-October. The M.S. Dixie II operates year-round (Zephyr Cove Marina). Sunset cruises are most popular in September when sunset times align best with cruise schedules.
Click any cruise's "Book Now" button on this site. The booking opens in a popup hosted by FareHarbor (the operator's booking system). Pick your date, time, and group size, then pay by card. You get an instant email confirmation.
Most operators allow free cancellation 24-48 hours before the cruise. Same-day cancellations typically forfeit the ticket. Weather cancellations by the operator refund 100%.
2-3 weeks for peak summer weekend cruises (July-August). 1-2 weeks for shoulder season. Sunset cruises in September are popular and sell out further ahead.
Generally no on public cruises — all operators have onboard bars. Private charters may permit BYO; confirm at booking.
Most boats serve light snacks. Dinner cruises (M.S. Dixie II, Tahoe Gal) include a meal. Bleu Wave includes one drink + snacks. Otherwise plan to eat before or after.
Yes on most cruises — Rum Runner, M.S. Dixie II, and Tahoe Gal all welcome kids at reduced rates. Sail Tahoe Blue, Tahoe Bleu Wave, and Thunderbird Lodge skew adult.
Yes. For groups of 8-15, book public tickets in one transaction. For groups of 15-50, look at private charter — often only marginally more expensive and gives you the whole boat. See bachelor party cruise → and bachelorette cruise →.
Contact the operator directly for charter pricing — most aren't published. Rum Runner: $1,500-2,800. Bleu Wave: $2,000-4,000+. Bigger boats (M.S. Dixie II) much more. See private charter details →.
Other questions: Decision guide → · Full comparison →