Adventure Collective
null - South Lake Tahoe

Emerald Bay on Grateful Red - 2 hours

South Lake Tahoeeasy

Difficulty

easy

Duration

2 hours

Fitness Level

Suitable for most fitness levels; minimal physical effort required

Overview

Discover the stunning beauty of Emerald Bay on a private 2-hour boat tour with Tahoe By Design. Perfect for nature lovers seeking scenic views, photography opportunities, and a peaceful escape on Lake Tahoe. Read on to learn more about this memorable adventure.

South Lake Tahoe, California

Emerald Bay on Grateful Red - 2 hours

Daily • All ages • 2 hour charters • Up to 6 people

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About This Adventure

Experience the breathtaking beauty of Lake Tahoe on a private 2-hour boat charter. Explore stunning spots like Emerald Bay and Rubicon Bay, complete with swimming opportunities and oversized noodles. Enjoy personalized service from a US Coast Guard Captain while soaking in the lake's crystal-clear waters and fascinating history.

An exciting day on the water!

Duration

2 hour charters

About

This is a private boat charter on Lake Tahoe. The itinerary includes the beautiful Emerald Bay, Fannett Island, DL Bliss, and the crystal waters of Rubicon Bay. (One of our favorite stops to anchor and swim!) On board we have oversized swimming noodles for a dip in the Lake. The pricing is all inclusive up to 5 guests and includes: US Coast Guard Captain, All Safety Gear, Swim Noodles, Fuel and of course, Life jackets. Bring up to 5 guests for your boating adventure.

What to Bring:

  • Sunscreen
  • Bathing Suit and Towel (if you want to swim)
  • Hat
  • Light Jacket

Optional: You are welcome to bring your choice of beverages & snacks. (You are welcome to bring adult beverages, however no red wine, because of the light interior of the boat.)

On board provisions:

We have all the life jackets and safety gear, snorkeling equipment and an extended swim deck with ladder for enjoying the lake. We also have a built-in cooler on board for provisions.

What to Expect:

Lake Tahoe is 22 miles by 11 miles and the distance around the lake is 75 miles. It is one of the largest Alpine Lakes and at the deepest point, is 1600 feet (imagine the Empire State Building – plus another 200 feet.) The water is clear and ranges in shades of cobalt blue, to sapphire and Bahama green. Conditions on the lake can change quickly, so we recommend bringing a jacket in case it gets windy.

During the tour, you will learn about some of the facts about the lake as well as interesting history on some of the famous landmarks. We appreciate the opportunity to share our love of beautiful Lake Tahoe and the beauty of the lake and nature never gets old!

Will I get seasick?

If you tend to get seasick, we recommend you take your choice of over the counter options to prevent seasickness. We like the Dramamine daytime, less drowsy formula. We rarely have a guest get seasick because we are moving on the water at a smooth pace and the shoreline is always visible.

Conditions:

The ideal boating excursion means little to no wind. If the forecast is for winds over 12-14 knots, we will advise the guests and alter the schedule to avoid the windy conditions. If winds are over 14 knots, we will offer the chance to reschedule or we provide a full refund. Weather is unpredictable but our experience in boating will ensure we select the best possible conditions. The Grateful Red charter is best suited for adventurous guests!

Can I customize where I want to go on Lake Tahoe? Yes, if you have a preference on where you would like to visit, we will do our best to accommodate this if the time/distance is within the allocated time for your charter.

While On-Board:

If you have a favorite music genre, please let us know. We cruise the lake and stop at designated stops for exploring, swimming and restroom breaks. We do have a small portable restroom on board as well. The lake is cold, approximately 57 degrees and warming as the summer progresses. We also have a Bimini, a sunshade which we put up if needed.

Safety is our Top Priority:

Captain Bryan Steele, (Bones) is a US Coast Guard OUPV/Six-pack Captain's License Merchant Mariner Credential and we are a part of the Maritime Consortium and a certified drug-free vessel. In addition to holding his Captains License, he is certified in First Aid & CPR and we keep first aid supplies on board as well as a maritime radio.

About the Grateful Red

She is our beautiful Mariah Z250 Limited Shabah. She is one of only two boats with this design and styling by Mariah. She has every upgrade, bell and whistle for a smooth ride. The engine is powerful with a 7.4 liter, 454 Merc cruiser and 336hp and max speed of 40 mph. She is a beautiful, elegant boat and a head turner!

Itinerary:

Below is a general itinerary for your tour and the various landmarks we visit. We may alter this based on weather conditions and guest accessibility.

2 Hour Charter

  • Emerald Bay – we typically dock at Emerald Bay so guests can visit the iconic Scandinavian mansion, Vikings Holm. Restrooms available at this stop.
  • DL Bliss
  • Rubicon – Our favorite place to swim in Emerald waters. We anchor here for swimming off the boat.

Adventure Tips

Dress for the weather

Bring layers and sun protection, as conditions on the water can vary throughout the day.

Photograph during golden hour

Capture stunning reflections and colors in the late afternoon for the best photos of Emerald Bay.

Stay hydrated

Pack plenty of water, especially during warmer months, to stay refreshed during your boat tour.

Respect wildlife and environment

Observe wildlife from a distance and avoid disturbing natural habitats during your tour.

Local Insights

Wildlife

  • Bald eagles
  • Common loons

History

Emerald Bay was designated a California State Landmark in 1959 due to its stunning scenery and historical significance.

Conservation

Tahoe By Design emphasizes eco-friendly practices, including waste reduction and respectful wildlife encounters, to preserve Lake Tahoe's pristine environment.

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Adventure Hotspots in South Lake Tahoe

Frequently Asked Questions

Recommended Gear

Sunscreen

Essential

Protect your skin from UV rays during the sunny boat trip.

summer specific

Light jacket or layers

Essential

Stay comfortable in changing temperatures with layered clothing.

spring|fall|winter specific

Polarized sunglasses

Essential

Reduce glare on the water for clearer vision and better photos.

Camera or smartphone

Essential

Capture the stunning views and unforgettable moments.