Lake Tahoe Sunset Cruises to Emerald Bay

Side by side comparison

Both trips last two hours and leave from South Lake Tahoe. The Bleu Wave yacht has a bar, private lounge, restrooms and climate controlled indoor space, which matters on cool evenings at 6,225 feet elevation. The Spirit of Tahoe runs daily year round from Ski Run Marina and its sunset route goes to Emerald Bay.

Prices below come from the operator listings.

What the Emerald Bay route looks like

Emerald Bay sits on the lake's west shore, about 1.7 miles long and two thirds of a mile wide at its widest point. Boats must go slow inside the bay, and the lake wide limit is 5 mph within 600 feet of shore, so the cruise glides rather than races. Fannette Island, the only island in Lake Tahoe, rises from the middle of the bay. Glaciers carved the bay and the island is believed to be a granite rib the ice flowed over.

The bay was designated a National Natural Landmark in 1969 and became an underwater state park in 1994. On the water you also get the wider lake in view. Lake Tahoe is 22 miles long and 12 miles wide, with 72 miles of shoreline and a deepest recorded depth of 1,645 feet.

Price ranges by cruise type

Both cruises listed here include drinks, so you rarely need to budget extra on board. For a full dinner instead, see the Lake Tahoe dinner cruise.

If you drive yourself to Emerald Bay instead, parking at Emerald Bay State Park and the Vikingsholm lot costs $10.00 per vehicle for the day or $3.00 per hour, by cash with exact change or card, according to California State Parks. Federal passes are not accepted there.

How the ratings and boats differ

The Scenic Sunset Cruise with Drinks and Snacks holds a 4.7 rating from 381 reviews and runs on the Tahoe Bleu Wave, a 1966 classic yacht over 70 feet long that carries up to 47 people. It has a bar, private lounge, restrooms and climate controlled indoor space.

The Emerald Bay Sunset Champagne Cruise holds a 4.3 rating from 13 reviews and is the newer listing of the two. Its draw is the route, because the Spirit of Tahoe cruises into Emerald Bay past Fannette Island while the sun drops. One other operator in town, Cruise Tahoe, runs an Emerald Bay Sunset Cruise on classic wooden boats and has done so since 1950, if you want a third option to compare.

Inside the bay versus open water

Tahoe Cruises runs a Sunset Champagne Cruise to Emerald Bay on the Spirit of Tahoe, so the bay itself is the destination. Other sunset boats treat Emerald Bay as a sight. The visitlaketahoe booze cruise guide describes beer tasting sunset cruises that view Emerald Bay and then return to open water for the sunset show.

Inside the bay the water is calm and the speed limit is 5 mph within 600 feet of shore, so it feels quiet and close up. From open water you get a wide view of the whole shoreline glowing in the last light. Book Emerald Bay Sunset Champagne Cruise if the bay route matters to you.

What to expect instead

Both cruises here feed you light. The Scenic Sunset Cruise with Drinks and Snacks includes sodas, juices, coffee, water, personal snacks and one complimentary beer, wine or champagne on the Bleu Wave, according to the operator. The Emerald Bay Sunset Champagne Cruise includes champagne.

If you want a full meal, eat in South Lake Tahoe before or after the cruise. Most travellers do exactly that, since a two hour boat leaves the evening open.

How the schedule shifts

Tahoe Cruises runs its Sunset Champagne Cruise to Emerald Bay from 4:30pm to 6:30pm until mid October, then shifts to 4:00pm to 6:00pm, according to the operator. The change follows the earlier autumn sunset.

The water helps the timing too. Lake Tahoe sits at about 6,225 feet at lake level and the afternoon winds usually die down around 6 to 7 PM, which calms the water before the sun goes down. Booking 2 to 3 weeks ahead is advised for peak summer dates.

A short packing list

Wear layers you can add as the light fades. A windproof jacket earns its place on deck. The Tahoe Bleu Wave has climate controlled indoor space, a bar and restrooms, so you can step inside when the breeze picks up, according to the operator. Drinks and snacks are covered on both cruises, so you only need personal items and a camera.

The calm window also works in your favour. Afternoon winds usually settle around 6 to 7 PM, so the ride is smoother than a midday trip on the same boat.

When it is worth it, and when to skip it

By boat you see Fannette Island, the Vikingsholm shoreline and the west shore light with no effort. Emerald Bay State Park covers 1,533 acres, and seeing it from the water at sunset is the calmest way to take it in. The 4.7 rating from 381 reviews on the Scenic Sunset Cruise with Drinks and Snacks suggests most guests agree.

Skip it if you get cold easily and dislike boats, or if you want to land at Vikingsholm and walk through the castle. Cruise Tahoe runs a signature Emerald Bay tour with access to Vikingsholm Castle on foot for travellers who want the ground level version.

On the water you also get the scale of the lake. Lake Tahoe is 22 miles long and 12 miles wide, and its average depth is 1,000 feet.

Decision guide

Book the Scenic Sunset Cruise with Drinks and Snacks if you travel with children or a group, since the 47 person yacht has indoor space and a broad drinks selection. Book the Emerald Bay Sunset Champagne Cruise if the words Emerald Bay are why you searched, because that route cruises into the bay at the best light of the day.

Both leave from South Lake Tahoe. The Bleu Wave departs year round from Tahoe Keys Marina and Yacht Club at 2435 Venice Dr, and the Spirit of Tahoe departs from Ski Run Marina at 900 Ski Run Blvd, according to the operators. Check-in for the Spirit of Tahoe scenic cruises is 30 minutes before departure, on-site parking there is limited and a complimentary shuttle runs from select Lake Tahoe areas when you opt in at booking. Browse the rest of emerald bay cruise to pair your sunset trip with a daytime sail.