Boating in Lake Tahoe

Lake Tahoe Boats

Lake Tahoe’s crystal clear waters — which are some of the purest in the world — have beckoned travelers for generations. Lake Tahoe offers almost 200 square miles of water to explore, and while there’s plenty of fun to be had on the shore, adventuring across the lake onboard a watercraft is a must-do for anyone looking for the full Lake Tahoe experience. Read on for all the information you need when planning your boating adventure on Lake Tahoe.

Types of Boating | Boating Shops | Boating Regulations | Sustainability | Safety Tips

Charters

Sit back and relax. With a chartered boat, you can enjoy the breathtaking beauty of the lake within the privacy of your own group, all while a trained captain steers. Many private charters offer the opportunity to add light bites and drinks to your experience, and most accommodate larger groups, making this the perfect choice for special occasions.

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Cruises

From classic wooden ships that invoke fantasies of the high seas to sleek, modern yachts and everything in between, Lake Tahoe’s cruises are the perfect way to explore the lake. For a truly special experience, book a sunset or moonlight cruise, and discover all the different ways Lake Tahoe can wow you.

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Marinas

Bringing your own boat? If you prefer to be the captain of your own ship, Lake Tahoe has several marinas and boat ramps that make launching your own watercraft a breeze. From there, it’s just you, your crew and the open water ahead of you. Just don’t forget to prepare your vessel for boat inspection to protect the lake from invasive species.

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Shops for Boating Supplies

We’ve got you covered for all your boating supply needs. You’ll find plenty of stores around Lake Tahoe where you can purchase rigging supplies, life jackets, towels and sunscreen and much more. A few popular shops include:

Boating Regulations

There are a few rules and regulations to keep in mind when embarking on your boating adventures around Lake Tahoe.

    • No-Wake Zone: A no-wake zone extends 600 feet from the shore in every direction. When you are navigating the no-wake zone, the posted speed limit is 5 MPH.

    • Pay Attention to Buoys: White buoys indicate underwater obstructions.

    • Keep It Quiet: When you are navigating shared waterways, be sure to keep any speakers or radios at a minimal volume. Once you are away from other boaters, feel free to turn up your music, but of course, always be respectful of anyone nearby trying to enjoy the lake as well.

    • Engine Regulations: Carbureted two-stroke engines are strictly prohibited in Lake Tahoe, though fuel-injected two-stroke and four-stroke engines are allowed. Using a non-compliant engine may subject you to a fine of of up to $5,000.

    • No BUIs: Consuming alcohol while operating a boat is strictly prohibited. Boating under the influence is against the law in both California and Nevada and could result in a misdemeanor charge.

    • Follow All Fishing Regulations: If you are planning to fish while out on the water, be sure you are aware of all the regulations for fishing in this region. Find more information on fishing regulations.

Boating Sustainably

Visitors and locals alike need to do their part to Make a Clear Difference in Lake Tahoe. When it comes to boating, there are a few easy steps to take to ensure that you leave the lake better than you found it.

Stow Your Trash: Keep all trash onboard until you return to shore. Then, dispose of it in designated trash receptacles.

Get Your Vessel Inspected: To avoid introducing invasive species into Lake Tahoe, get your watercraft inspected with Tahoe Boat Inspections. Before launching, ensure your boat is cleaned, drained and dry.

Maintain Your Engine: Maintaining your engine properly reduces the likelihood of fuel leaks.

For more information and inspiration ahead of your Lake Tahoe trip, check out our On the Water page, where you can find activities, itineraries and more.

Boating Safety Tips

When everyone stays safe, everyone has fun. Keep these safety tips in mind when boating on Lake Tahoe.

    • Get Your Boater Card: In California, all drivers of a motorized boat will be required to carry a California Boater Card by 2025. Get yours ahead of your trip to ensure you are carrying the proper licensing.

    • Stay Prepared: Utilize our Know Before You Go page to ensure you are up to date on all current weather conditions, regional alerts and any other relevant information for your trip.

    • Conduct a Vessel Check: Before you get out on the water, check that all parts of your watercraft are working correctly.

    • Keep Safety Equipment Handy: Ensure that you have easy access to flotation devices and first aid kits at all times while on board.

    • Wear a Life Jacket: You never know when an accident might happen. No matter how strong of a swimmer you might be, wearing a Coast Guard-approved life jacket could make all the difference. Anyone over the age of 13 is required to have a Coast Guard-approved life jacket onboard, and children under the age of 13 must always wear a life jacket.

    • Avoid Alcohol: As we mentioned above, boating under the influence is illegal. Even if you aren’t the one driving the boat, though, we strongly caution you against drinking alcohol while you are on the water, as it can affect your abilities to react, balance and swim — all important skills to retain when you are far from the shore.

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