On the water

Experience North Lake Tahoe from its purest element – the Lake itself! This immaculate body of water is a signature American symbol that has no parallel anywhere else in the world. How you enjoy it can be a deeply personal experience. But if you’re open to suggestion, we’ve outline a few of our own favorite water-based pastimes.


Take a classic lake cruise on one of our three paddlewheelers. Rent a motorboat, sailboat, jet ski or kayak and witness up close the true clarity of our world-renowned blue water.

To get a totally different perspective of our beautiful mountains, kayak or canoe around Tahoe. The LakeTahoe Water Trail Map will guide you on this one-to-four day journey. Camp on the beach, stay in a bed and breakfast or a cozy cabin. It could be the experience of a lifetime.

Get the birds-eye view with one of our parasailing outfits...Take your watercraft to one of several dock & dine options, tie up and grab a bite to eat or sip a beverage during your outing. Take a diving lesson and witness history buried at the bottom of the Lake. Experience the ultimate sunset cruise on one of our many charters and enjoy the quiet serenity of the water under moonlight…The options go on! Explore this page and discover all the ways you can fall in love with Lake Tahoe while you’re here.

Or, see the lake from the water's point of view on a Stand Up Paddleboard. It's a great way to get out and find out why Lake Tahoe is the most beautiful flat water paddle venue in the country.

 

River Rafting
Take a self-guided tour down the Truckee River in a 6-person white-water raft. The complete trip lasts 2-3 hours, with scenic bends through the North Lake Tahoe forest and alongside Hwy. 89 from Tahoe City to the River Ranch at the base of the Alpine Meadows access road. Lots of spots to stop and snack, swim or sunbathe. At the end, pop into the River Ranch for a bite to eat or a drink on the patio.  

Truckee River Raft Co. (530) 581-0123

Truckee River Rafting (530) 583-RAFT (7238)

Tahoe Adventure Company (530) 913-9212

Tributary Whitewater Tours (800) 672-3846


 

Or, experience the lake on a kayak, canoe, or glide over the water in a Stand Up Paddleboard.

 

Kayaking, Canoeing, and Stand Up Paddleboarding

Rentals /Sales/Lessons and Adventure Tours
Tahoe Paddle & Oar (530) 581-3029
Adrift Tahoe (888) 676-7702 (Stand Up Paddleboard Rentals/lessons)
Tahoe Adventure Company (530) 913-9212
Tahoe Eco Sports (530) 546-2780
Tahoe City Kayak (530) 581-4336

West Shore Sports  (530) 525-9920

Lake Tahoe Water Trail: an organization dedicated to paddling with group events, outreach and education. Click on their website for a map and information.

 

 

Want to pace yourself? Take a long leisurely paddle on our pristine waters in a state-of-the-art kayak or canoe. Self-guided or guided by our professional activity specialists, you are sure to be enchanted with the perspective of being on the lake instead of looking at her. Check in with one of our many rental companies.


Lake Cruises

Another great way to see the lake while dining, going out for drinks, or just taking a leisurley cruise with your feet up, under the sun or stars.

lake cruises

 

Watercraft Rentals

Powerboats, sailboats, jetskis, waterskis, stand up paddle boards…there are lots of ways to get around the Lake, on the Lake. Click here for a list of Watercraft Rentals and Dealers.


Lake Tahoe Marinas

Not sure where to launch your boat or gas up? Click here for a list of North Lake Tahoe marinas and boat launch ramps.

 

Lakeside Dining & Bars

Want to dock & dine? Click here for a list of dockside dining options.


Nightlife

The Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Spa & Casino in Incline Village allows for public docking of watercraft near their private beach. Tie up your boat and then walk up and across the street for a few hours of entertainment before returning home under the moonlight. Commons Beach in Tahoe City has free weekly evening movies and concerts throughout the summer. Anchor your craft offshore and enjoy the entertainment while dining on a picnic dinner. Cruise down the West Shore, with leisurely stops at Sunnyside, West Shore Cafe and Chambers Landing.

 
S.C.U.B.A. Diving
Emerald Bay, one of the few underwater state parks in California, is also home to several sunken crafts dating back to 1884. These include boats, barges and a Model A Ford. Just two miles to the north of Emerald Bay is Rubicon Point, which features a sheer granite wall with a vertical drop of over a thousand feet to the bottom of the Lake. Due to the Lake's elevation of 6228' (1900 m) above sea level, diving at Tahoe should be undertaken with caution. Click here for more details about advanced diving spots in Lake Tahoe or call the dive shop below to schedule lessons and guided dives.
Strictly Scuba Dive and Snorkel Center
2384 S. Curry, Carson City, NV
(775) 884-3483

 

ANNUAL EVENTS:

Concours d' Elegance Wooden Boat Show

July 4th Celebrations:

Tahoe City

Kings Beach

West Shore

Incline Village



OTHER RESOURCES FOR BOATING IN TAHOE:

 

Quagga & Zebra Mussel Update 2010: In order to preserve the pristine waters of Lake Tahoe, all vessels entering Lake Tahoe must pass an inspection for Quagga & Zebra Mussels. Boat wash and inspection stations are at all launch facilities around the Lake. Please check with your launch operator for inspection hours. Please help preserve and protect the clarity and natural beauty of the Lake. For detailed information, please visit the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency website.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Thunderbird, a 1939 Hacker Craft wooden vessel, on Tahoe's North Shore.

 

 

 


 

 

 

A bird's eye view of kayaking Tahoe's famous East Shore.