Explore Lake Tahoe by Double-Decker Pontoon: 8-Hour Private Boat Tour to Emerald Bay
Difficulty
easy
Duration
8 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels—some light balance for paddleboarding and climbing the deck ladder is helpful
Overview
Spend a full day aboard a double-decker pontoon exploring Lake Tahoe’s clear water, Emerald Bay viewpoints, and swim-ready coves. This private 8-hour charter includes paddleboards, a lily pad, and a captain (captain fee paid separately).
Explore Lake Tahoe by Double-Decker Pontoon: 8-Hour Private Boat Tour to Emerald Bay
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The pontoon eases away from the marina and Tahoe opens like a page of glass — cold, lucid, and honest. Above, the double-decker “Funship” bobs, a bright rectangle against an alpine horizon. On a calm morning the surface holds the sky, and the captain nudges toward a cut in the shoreline where cliffs drop straight into water so clear you can almost read the rocks beneath. For eight hours this is the world: sun on fiberglass, a slide to the lake, paddleboards teasing quiet coves, and Emerald Bay revealing a private face few visitors see from land.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Bring cash for the captain
Local captains typically charge around $50/hour and expect cash payment plus a tip — confirm the total before departure.
Start early to avoid wind
Launch in the morning when the lake is calmest; afternoon thermal winds can make crossings rougher.
Pack layered sun protection
High-elevation sun is strong even when cool — use broad-spectrum sunscreen, sunglasses, and a light wind jacket.
Use provided PFDs for swimming
Life vests and PFDs are included; wear or have them nearby when jumping from the deck or paddleboarding.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Osprey hunting along the shoreline
- Marmots and black-tailed deer on rocky ledges near the shore
History
Lake Tahoe sits on ancestral Washoe lands and later drew logging and mining industries that shaped the South Shore; Emerald Bay’s Vikingsholm was built in 1929 and reflects Scandinavian-style architecture.
Conservation
Lake Tahoe’s clarity depends on careful fuel use, respectful anchoring, and minimizing runoff; many operators follow best practices to reduce noise and pollution.
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Adventure Hotspots in South Lake Tahoe
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Sunscreen (SPF 30+)
Protects against strong alpine sun reflected off the water.
summer specific
Dry bag or waterproof phone case
Keeps electronics and clothing dry during swims and from spray.
Reusable water bottle
Staying hydrated at 6,225 ft is easier with plenty of water on board.
Light wind jacket
Blocks the cool afternoon breeze that builds over the lake.
spring specific