Emerald Bay Private Boat Tour from Tahoe Keys — 90-Minute Cruise to Vikingsholm & Fannette Island
Difficulty
easy
Duration
1.5 hours
Fitness Level
No special fitness required; suitable for most ages including infants with seats available
Overview
Set off from Tahoe Keys Marina for a private 90-minute cruise into Emerald Bay, where Fannette Island, Vikingsholm, and Eagle Falls read like a geological and cultural primer on Lake Tahoe. Calm mornings, crisp light, and a Coast Guard–licensed captain make this a compact, memorable way to experience the lake.
Emerald Bay Private Boat Tour from Tahoe Keys — 90-Minute Cruise to Vikingsholm & Fannette Island
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The boat slips quietly away from Tahoe Keys Marina and the morning light lays a hard, clear band across Lake Tahoe. The captain gestures toward the west as pine-lined headlands and granite knobs slide past — each sweep of the hull revealing a different blue. Within 30 minutes the shoreline tightens into the bowl of Emerald Bay: steep granite walls, a lone island, and the compact stone house known locally as Vikingsholm.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Dress in layers
Even on warm days a wind layer is essential once you leave the protected marina — bring a light jacket to stay comfortable.
Protect your camera
Use a polarizing filter and keep a microfiber cloth handy to manage spray and glare for sharper photos.
Bring motion-sickness prevention
If you get queasy, take anti-nausea medication ahead of time and sit mid-ship for the smoothest ride.
Pack snacks and beverages
A cooler with water and soda is provided but guests can bring preferred snacks and alcohol (consumption allowed on board).
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Bald eagles
- Mule deer
History
Vikingsholm was built in 1929 by Lora J. Knight in a Scandinavian style and is one of the finest examples of historic architecture on Lake Tahoe’s shore.
Conservation
Lake Tahoe’s clarity is protected by strict watershed and development rules; visitors are encouraged to pack out trash and avoid rotor-boat algae-prone areas to reduce impact.
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Adventure Hotspots in South Lake Tahoe
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Windbreaker or fleece
Blocks the lake wind that can make temperatures feel much cooler on the open water.
summer specific
Sunglasses with polarized lenses
Reduces glare and enhances water clarity for better views and photography.
Binoculars
Useful for identifying shoreline features like the Vikingsholm and distant eagle perches.
Reusable water bottle
Stay hydrated; bottled water is provided but refills save waste and money.