Things to do in Lake Tahoe (California), Lake Tahoe (California): The Best Sightseeing Tours

September 22, 2021 Vivienne Hutton

Basking in its 300 days of sunshine, Lake Tahoe is a haven for outdoor fun in every season. Swimming, kayaking and windsurfing are popular in the summer months, while epic snowfall makes for spectacular skiing in winter. For those who prefer indoor fun, there's plenty of that in Tahoe, too. With 24-hour casinos and a flashy nightlife scene, the area has a tangible Vegas vibe. A sprinkle of bling, if you will. Not surprising, since Lake Tahoe straddles the border between California and Nevada.
Restaurants in Lake Tahoe (California)

1. Tahoe's Sand Harbor Helicopter Tour

Tahoe Helicopters, 1901 Airport Rd, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150, USA Tahoe Helicopters
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Weight limits apply: Maximum per-passenger weight is 250lbs. Maximum weight of all passengers combined must not exceed 500lbs. Passenger weights must be accurately provided at time of booking. Groups reaching a combined weight of 500 lbs will be subject to a weight check upon arrival for their flight. Any individual weighing 300 lbs or more will not be permitted to fly per the limitations of the aircraft. Any cancellation of a planned flight due to weights exceeding the maximum allowable aircraft weight (individual or combined) will be charged at full price. One of Lake Tahoe's most visited beaches, Sand Harbor, is known for its gorgeous sand beaches and multi-hued waters. Fly over some of the locals' best kept secrets, the hidden beaches and bays along the east shoreline: Glenbrook Bay, Secret Harbor, Skunk Harbor, and Chimney Beach. After reaching Sand Harbor, we climb up for a look at Marlette Lake, at 7,841 feet above sea level!

Inclusions: Helicopter tour of Lake Tahoe's east shoreline and Sand Harbor, Noise reducing headsets, Live commentary on board

Exclusions: Gratuities

Reviewed By travisp995

Great service .worth every penny .must do epic .plus pilot talks about sites being shown. Very beautiful

2. Lake Tahoe Helicopter Tour: Circle the Lake

Tahoe Helicopters, 1901 Airport Rd, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150, USA Tahoe Helicopters
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5.0 based on 9 reviews

Weight limits apply: Maximum per-passenger weight is 250lbs. Maximum weight of all passengers combined must not exceed 500lbs. Passenger weights must be accurately provided at time of booking. Groups reaching a combined weight of 500 lbs will be subject to a weight check upon arrival for their flight. Any individual weighing 300 lbs or more will not be permitted to fly per the limitations of the aircraft. Any cancellation of a planned flight due to weights exceeding the maximum allowable aircraft weight (individual or combined) will be charged at full price. This 45 minute ride follows Lake Tahoe's pristine 72 mile shoreline, shimmering in shades of green and blue. While most of the shoreline is visible from the roads and highways circling the lake, nothing can compare to the view from a helicopter! Start by flying to Emerald Bay, then continue your journey around Lake Tahoe to witness the many stunning views Lake Tahoe has to offer.

Inclusions: Helicopter tour of the entire 72 mile shoreline of Lake Tahoe, Noise reducing headsets, Live commentary on board

Exclusions: Gratuities

Reviewed By travisp995

Great service .worth every penny .must do epic .plus pilot talks about sites being shown. Very beautiful

3. Sunset Wine & Cheese Emerald Bay Boat Charter

Tahoe Keys Marina & Yacht Club, 2435 Venice Dr E, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150, USA Tahoe By Design
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5.0 based on 2 reviews

Enjoy the best of Lake Tahoe on the elegant boat, "The Grateful Red." Sit back and leave the driving to Captain Bryan while you enjoy beautiful Lake Tahoe in comfort and style aboard the luxurious Mariah, Z250 Limited Shabah, one of only two boats crafted in this style. Each week, we'll be enjoying one of our favorite white wines and a selection of cheese, fruit and crackers. This private charter is for up to four guests and includes Captain, all gas, equipment, wine, cheese and of course, fun! This is the Ferrari of Lake Tahoe and has power and a smooth ride. This is the best way to see the lake up close and personal with friends before enjoying your evening in Lake Tahoe.

Inclusions: Life jackets and all safety gear., Alcoholic Beverages, Sumptuous selection of gourmet cheeses, dried fruit, nuts.

Exclusions: White wine included for tastings. Additional beverages can be brought on board (sorry, no red wine)

Reviewed By KPUsc

My husband and I were looking for a way to spend a relaxing but adventurous day on the lake and boy did we find an amazing experience with Captain Bryan. You won’t be disappointed! Super Chill - go with the flow and super knowledgeable about the history and current events on the lake. After being in lock down for 14 months - this mini-getaway- and the boat excursion was a great cure! Highly recommend this experience. Next time we will do it for longer.

4. Private Boat Charter on Lake Tahoe with Captain Half Day

Tahoe Keys Marina & Yacht Club, 2435 Venice Dr E, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150, USA Tahoe By Design
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5.0 based on 6 reviews

This is an all inclusive price! Bring up to 6 guests on your private charter. Includes all gas, equipment and your own licensed Captain to drive you around the lake! If you love cruising the lake and visiting the famous and beautiful beaches of Tahoe... this is for you! Cruise Lake Tahoe with your own private boat captain and relax and enjoy on the beautiful, elegant boat, the Grateful Red. This is one of only two Mariah z250 Limited Shabah boats ever built in this style. It is definitely a head turner! Sun, Sand, Swim. Option to bring a picnic lunch, or we'll stop at one of the Lakeside lunch venues.

Inclusions: Life Jackets, First Aid Kit, Restroom on board, Snacks, Soda/Pop, Use of Snorkelling equipment

Exclusions: Alcoholic Beverages, Lunch

Reviewed By KPUsc

My husband and I were looking for a way to spend a relaxing but adventurous day on the lake and boy did we find an amazing experience with Captain Bryan. You won’t be disappointed! Super Chill - go with the flow and super knowledgeable about the history and current events on the lake. After being in lock down for 14 months - this mini-getaway- and the boat excursion was a great cure! Highly recommend this experience. Next time we will do it for longer.

5. Tahoe Helicopter Tour: Lakes and Waterfalls

Tahoe Helicopters, 1901 Airport Rd, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150, USA Tahoe Helicopters
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5.0 based on 21 reviews

Weight limits apply: Maximum per-passenger weight is 250lbs. Maximum weight of all passengers combined must not exceed 500lbs. Passenger weights must be accurately provided at time of booking. Groups reaching a combined weight of 500 lbs will be subject to a weight check upon arrival for their flight. Any individual weighing 300 lbs or more will not be permitted to fly per the limitations of the aircraft. Any cancellation of a planned flight due to weights exceeding the maximum allowable aircraft weight (individual or combined) will be charged at full price. Starting at South Tahoe Airport, this 30 minute tour first embarks to Emerald Bay, then south past Mount Tallac, and over the shoreline of Fallen Leaf lake. Head west over Glen Alpine Falls below, climbing towards Pyramid Peak. The area is scattered with myriad lakes and waterfalls. Fly over Lake Aloha and past Horsetail Falls, dropping nearly 500 feet.

Inclusions: Helicopter tour of Emerald Bay, Fallen Leaf Lake, Horsetail Falls, and Echo Lakes, Noise reducing headsets, Live commentary on board

Exclusions: Gratuities

Reviewed By travisp995

Great service .worth every penny .must do epic .plus pilot talks about sites being shown. Very beautiful

6. Private Boat Charter Emerald Bay

Tahoe Keys Marina & Yacht Club, 2435 Venice Dr E, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150, USA Tahoe By Design
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4.8 based on 10 reviews

All inclusive price for gas, 6 guests and captain! Sit back and leave the driving to us while you enjoy beautiful Lake Tahoe in comfort and style aboard the luxurious Grateful Red. She is a 27- foot Mariah Z250 Limited Shabah, one of only two boats crafted in this style. Guests can bring aboard snacks, food, beverages, (except Red wine) and enjoy! Bring up to five passengers. Includes Captain, guide, all gas, equipment and fun! This is the Ferrari of Lake Tahoe and has power and a smooth ride. This is the best way to see Emerald Bay up close and personal.

Inclusions: Food and drinks, Life jackets and all safety gear., Snacks, Soda/Pop, Water toys, noodle, pool rafts

Exclusions: Food and drinks, Lunch is not included, but we recommend guests bring a picnic lunch.

Reviewed By Q7879CRalexa

Absolutely lovely! Our captain was very knowledgeable, accommodating, and kind. Even with the smoke, he was great at finding beautiful spots and giving a little history of the area without being overbearing. Our pictures of the sunset turned out pretty wild because of the smoke, and he was also willing to turn the boat around to help us get a better shot of something. His boat is well maintained and you can see how much care he puts into making it a good experience. Bottom line: book and enjoy the ride.

7. Zephyr Cove Helicopter Tour

Tahoe Helicopters, 1901 Airport Rd, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150, USA Tahoe Helicopters
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4.8 based on 14 reviews

Weight limits apply: Maximum per-passenger weight is 250lbs. Maximum weight of all passengers combined must not exceed 500lbs. Passenger weights must be accurately provided at time of booking. Groups reaching a combined weight of 500 lbs will be subject to a weight check upon arrival for their flight. Any individual weighing 300 lbs or more will not be permitted to fly per the limitations of the aircraft. Any cancellation of a planned flight due to weights exceeding the maximum allowable aircraft weight (individual or combined) will be charged at full price. This tour encompasses the entire south shore of Lake Tahoe, starting with a trip up the east shore into Nevada. Witness the beautiful indigo blue waters and teal shorelines as you fly to Zephyr Cove. After circling Zephyr Cove, the tour heads west along the south shoreline past Fallen Leaf Lake and Cascade Lake to Emerald Bay.

Inclusions: Helicopter tour of Emerald Bay, South Lake Tahoe, and Zephyr Cove, Noise reducing headsets, Live commentary on board

Exclusions: Gratuities

Reviewed By travisp995

Great service .worth every penny .must do epic .plus pilot talks about sites being shown. Very beautiful

8. Emerald Bay Helicopter Tour of Lake Tahoe

Tahoe Helicopters, 1901 Airport Rd, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150, USA Tahoe Helicopters
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4.6 based on 58 reviews

Weight limits apply: Maximum per-passenger weight is 250lbs. Maximum weight of all passengers combined must not exceed 500lbs. Passenger weights must be accurately provided at time of booking. Groups reaching a combined weight of 500 lbs will be subject to a weight check upon arrival for their flight. Any individual weighing 300 lbs or more will not be permitted to fly per the limitations of the aircraft. Any cancellation of a planned flight due to weights exceeding the maximum allowable aircraft weight (individual or combined) will be charged at full price. Showcasing beautiful Fallen Leaf lake, Cascade Lake, Taylor Creek, and Pope Beach, this tour heads to breathtaking Emerald Bay. Surrounded by granite cathedrals and fed by Eagle falls, the lake's only true bay is named for its emerald green waters.

Inclusions: Helicopter tour of Emerald Bay, Noise reducing headsets, Live commentary on board

Exclusions: Gratuities

Reviewed By Lynn B S

It was supposed to be an almost windless day. Oh No. We had wind before we left the airport. The pilot knew the weather patterns on Lake Tahoe and took me to sheltered coves and shoreline. I had a great experience flying the east/south shore. It was beautiful.

9. Emerald Bay Sunset Boat Charter - Romance on the Lake

Tahoe Keys Marina & Yacht Club, 2435 Venice Dr E, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150, USA Tahoe By Design
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4.5 based on 8 reviews

Sit back and leave the driving to us while you enjoy beautiful Lake Tahoe in comfort and style aboard the luxurious Grateful Red. She is a 27- foot Mariah Z250 Limited Shabah, one of only two boats crafted in this stye. Includes Captain, guide, all gas, equipment and fun! This is the Ferrari of Lake Tahoe and has power and a smooth ride. This is the best way to see Emerald Bay up close and personal.

Inclusions: Water toys, noodle, pool rafts, Life jackets and all safety gear., Snacks, Soda/Pop

Exclusions: Lunch is not included, but we recommend guests bring a picnic lunch.

Reviewed By KPUsc

My husband and I were looking for a way to spend a relaxing but adventurous day on the lake and boy did we find an amazing experience with Captain Bryan. You won’t be disappointed! Super Chill - go with the flow and super knowledgeable about the history and current events on the lake. After being in lock down for 14 months - this mini-getaway- and the boat excursion was a great cure! Highly recommend this experience. Next time we will do it for longer.

10. Lake Tahoe's Emerald Bay Cruise on M.S. Dixie II

Zephyr Cove Marina, 760 US-50, Zephyr Cove, NV 89448, USA Lake Tahoe Cruises
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4.2 based on 398 reviews

Take a 2-hour sightseeing cruise on the M.S. Dixie II around magnificent Lake Tahoe to savor the wonders of this picturesque area. Discover breathtaking views of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, Emerald Bay, charming Fannette Island and Vikingsholm Castle. Lunch and complete bar services are available for purchase once on-board the boat.

Inclusions: M.S. Dixie II cruise, Video presentation of "The Sunken Treasures of Lake Tahoe", Local taxes

Exclusions: Gratuities, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Lunch and complete bar services are available for purchase once on-board the boat.

Reviewed By Madrox6

Gorgeous views of Emerald Bay. Bundle up 'cause it's cold above deck when the boat is moving. The food is decent but the live band is unnecessarily loud.

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