Summary
You may have driven around Lake Tahoe and enjoyed the unsurpassed scenery, but you get a whole different perspective from out on the water. Lake Tahoe paddle wheeler boat tours provide you with the opportunity to see the Lake Tahoe Basin in a new way and enjoy a fun ride at the same time.
Three Paddlewheelers on Lake Tahoe
Lake Tahoe boasts two iconic paddle wheelers. Both are sternwheelers, styled in Mississippi fashion with twin smokestacks at the front and three decks, featuring an outdoor seating area on the top deck. Each vessel has a prominent forward wheelhouse. The M.S. Dixie II, which can accommodate up to 450 passengers and measures 151 feet in length, is based in Zephyr Cove, Nevada, after previously operating on the Mississippi River. The Tahoe Queen, 144 feet long and designed for 350 passengers, sets sail from Ski Run Marina on the California side of South Lake Tahoe.
The Tahoe Gal is a sidewheeler situated in Tahoe City, CA, along the northwest shore of Lake Tahoe. This vessel, measuring 64 feet, is the smallest of the three excursion boats. For further details, you can call (800) 218-2464.
Types of Cruises on Lake Tahoe’s Paddlewheelers
Both the Tahoe Queen and M.S. Dixie II offer year-round sightseeing cruises across Lake Tahoe and through Emerald Bay. Additionally, each boat provides trips with unique amenities such as sunset dinner cruises featuring live entertainment and captain’s dinner dance cruises.
The Tahoe Gal runs cruises from spring through fall, presenting a variety of options including Emerald Bay lunch cruises, scenic brunch cruises, happy hour cruises, and dinner cruises with live entertainment.
More Lake Tahoe Paddlewheeler Cruises
Tahoe Queen Ski Shuttle: This cruise transports skiers to the north shore of Lake Tahoe at the Hyatt Regency in Incline Village. The fare includes a lift ticket to Northstar California. Even non-skiers can enjoy the ride alongside shopping or other activities available at the Village at Northstar. The return journey hosts an onboard après ski party. Visit the Tahoe Queen Ski Shuttle page for sailing times and more details.
Tahoe Queen North Shore Scenic Cruise: On Tuesdays and Thursdays, the Tahoe Queen transports passengers on a scenic cruise around the northern end of Lake Tahoe. This journey lasts one and a half hours, departing from and returning to the Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe in Incline Village.
Reserve a Lake Tahoe Paddlewheeler Cruise on the M.S. Dixie II
M.S. Dixie II Sunset Dinner Cruise: This delightful combination of dining, dancing, and sightseeing ensures an unforgettable evening on the stunning Lake Tahoe. Witness the sun setting over Lake Tahoe during the M.S. Dixie II Sunset Dinner Cruise. Expect an engaging evening filled with live music, dancing, and a delicious sit-down dinner.
Emerald Bay Cruise on M.S. Dixie II: Experience a 2-hour sightseeing cruise on the M.S. Dixie II around magnificent Lake Tahoe, where you can appreciate breathtaking views of the Sierra Nevada mountains, Emerald Bay, charming Fannette Island, and Vikingsholm Castle.
Private Charter Cruises
Both the Tahoe Queen and M.S. Dixie II are accessible for private charters. A third option is the 82-foot-long luxury yacht Tahoe Paradise, suitable for accommodating various group sizes. These charters are perfect for special events like weddings, receptions, and corporate outings. If you desire a unique event theme or particular entertainment, arrangements can be made accordingly. For inquiries, contact (800) 23-TAHOE (238-2463).
The Tahoe Gal also offers private charter cruises catering for up to 135 guests. They host weddings and receptions, rehearsal dinners, birthdays, anniversaries, corporate gatherings, and family reunions. Various structuring options are available to fit your needs. For more information, call (800) 218-2464 or (530) 583-0141.
Check the Weather Before You Go
Boating activities, including paddlewheel cruises, are influenced by weather conditions. Large lakes like Tahoe can become quite turbulent when winds sweep down from the mountains, posing hazards even for sizable vessels like the Tahoe Queen and M.S. Dixie II. Always check the weather forecast before heading to Lake Tahoe for a paddle wheeler trip. If uncertain, it is wise to call ahead. The number for Zephyr Cove Resort is (775) 589-4906 (for the M.S. Dixie II), while Ski Run Marina can be reached at (530) 543-6191 (for the Tahoe Queen).
Paddlewheeler Cruises on the Mississippi River
If you enjoy this mode of transportation and want to experience the real thing, consider visiting New Orleans for a paddle wheeler ride on the Big Muddy, the Mississippi River.
