Boating & Floating

Speedboats & Jet Skis

Rental speedboats, jet skis, kayaks and paddleboards are available at marinas surrounding Lake Tahoe, including in Tahoe City, Sunnyside, Homewood, Tahoe Keys, Ski Run and Tahoe Vista. Water sports rentals are also found near many hotels and lakefront restaurants, including the Beacon in South Lake Tahoe and Kings Beach State Recreation Area. Parasailing is available on both North and South Shores.

Pay attention to weather forecasts and wind direction when planning any boating trip on Tahoe.

Cruises

Large cruise boats with both indoor and outdoor seating, beverages and food, are an enjoyable way to experience Lake Tahoe in any weather. The M.S. Dixie in Zephyr Cove and Tahoe Gal in Tahoe City depart on multiple daily cruises. Sailing charters are available in Tahoe City, Tahoe Keys and Carnelian Bay.

Riding Rivers

The lower Truckee River from Tahoe City to River Ranch features family-friendly, moderate whitewater and is popular with all ages. Two commercial rafting operations serve this stretch—book ahead. If you launch in your own inner-tube or raft, you’ll want to leave a car near River Ranch, but not in their parking lot unless you are dining or staying there. More parking is available in Tahoe City. From Truckee, inner-tubers launch near the junction of Highway 89 and West River Street and float to Legacy Trail Bridge or Glenshire Bridge. Portions of the upper Truckee River near Myers can also offer gentle enjoyment for inner-tubers but beware of obstacles on the float to Tahoe Keys. If you’re seeking greater whitewater thrills, stretches of the Truckee River Canyon between Truckee and Verdi feature Class 3 and 4 rapids. Tahoe Whitewater Tours (see page 25) run commercial day trips on the Truckee River as well as Carson River and forks of the American River.

Fishing Charters

Charter fishing boats leave before dawn from marinas around Lake Tahoe most every summer morning, often seeking large, deep-water Mackinaw Trout. Book well in advance. Fly fishing spots dot both the upper and lower Truckee River, as well as the Little Truckee River to the north and Carson River, south of Tahoe.