Lake Tahoe Cruises on the MS Dixie II to Emerald Bay

Comparison table

Prices shown are the fares for the Daytime Scenic Cruise. Figures come from the operator and from guides covering the boat.

Figures were last verified for accuracy at the time this page was produced.

The route to Emerald Bay

The 2.25-hour Daytime Scenic Cruise glides to Emerald Bay past Vikingsholm Castle with narrated history along the way. Emerald Bay itself is about 1.7 miles long and about two-thirds of a mile wide at its widest point, and Fannette Island, the only island in all of Lake Tahoe, sits inside it. 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. California's first maritime heritage underwater trail opened here too. You view all of this from the deck, since the cruise does not land.

Shuttle and parking

A complimentary shuttle runs from select Lake Tahoe areas. You opt in during booking and must reserve at least two hours before the tour. On-site parking is limited, so arriving early or using the shuttle is wise.

If you plan to drive to Emerald Bay itself after your cruise, parking at Emerald Bay State Park and the Vikingsholm lot is $10.00 for vehicle day use or $3.00 per hour, by cash with exact change or card, and federal passes are not accepted, according to California State Parks.

What ticket types exist

The main ticket is the Daytime Scenic Cruise at $105 per person.

There are seasonal specials too. A Halloween costume cruise departs at 12 pm with kids cruising free with each paid adult. Veterans and active military sail free on the daytime scenic cruise on Veterans Day, per Visit Lake Tahoe.

Cancel at least 48 hours before departure to avoid a fee of full payment, per the operator.

Two Dixies

The original MS Dixie served from 1972 to 1993. Its replacement was built in Wisconsin, brought to the lake in pieces, assembled on the beach and launched at Zephyr Cove Beach in 1994.

The M.S. Dixie II carries 500 passengers, making it the largest cruising vessel in South Lake Tahoe. The deck spaces are climate controlled, which matters at a lake sitting around 6,225 feet at lake level, where mornings can be cold even in summer.

Access and comfort

Wheelchairs are permitted, but with no elevators to the second deck, travellers who cannot manage stairs should plan to stay on the entry level. The climate controlled cabin helps on cool days, and outdoor viewing areas give open sightlines to Emerald Bay and Fannette Island.

Rules to know: service animals only, and no smoking indoors, on the 3rd deck or in outside viewing areas.

M.S. Dixie dinner cruise menu

The evening sailing is the Lake Tahoe dinner cruise: 2.5 hours, dinner at community tables of 6 and live entertainment, with dining capped at 300 guests.

For a shorter alternative on the south shore, the Spirit of Tahoe runs daily year-round Emerald Bay cruises of about 2 hours from Ski Run Marina, 900 Ski Run Blvd, South Lake Tahoe, per its operator, and a Sunset Champagne Cruise to Emerald Bay runs in the late afternoon, shifting with sunset.

Good fit and poor fit

Choose the Daytime Scenic Cruise if you want daylight views of Emerald Bay, Vikingsholm Castle and Fannette Island with commentary, and the convenience of shuttle pickup from select areas. Kids benefit from the free child ticket offers, and the handicap-accessible restroom helps travellers with limited mobility who can stay on the main level.

Skip it if you need step-free access to upper decks, since there are no elevators to the second deck. Skip it too if you want to land at the bay, hike to Lower Eagle Falls or swim. The cruise views the shore only, and boats must go slow in Emerald Bay with a lake-wide limit of 5 mph within 600 feet of shore. If you prefer a smaller boat, Tahoe Bleu Wave departs seven days a week, year round, from Tahoe Keys Marina and Yacht Club, 2435 Venice Dr, South Lake Tahoe.

Booking checklist

1. Choose your sailing and note the $105 per person fare for the Daytime Scenic Cruise.

2. Opt into the complimentary shuttle during booking if you need it, and reserve at least two hours before the tour.

3. Arrive at 760 U.S. Hwy 50, Zephyr Cove, NV 89448 with 30 minutes to spare for check-in.

4. Remember that on-site parking is limited.

5. Cancel at least 48 hours before departure to avoid a fee of full payment.

6. Pack layers, since the lake sits around 6,225 feet and evenings are cool, and note that service animals only are allowed aboard.

What stands out

"The scenery was stunning, worth the trip," wrote Helena from the United Kingdom. MaryAnne from the United States loved "the narratives along the way, especially Emerald Bay history" and the hotel pickup. The size of the boat helps too: with 500 seats you can usually move decks to find a seat with a view of Vikingsholm and Fannette Island.

One practical tip from the same reviews: sit away from the speakers' dead spots or near the front if you want to catch every word of the narration.