Lake Tahoe: Emerald Bay Paddle Wheeler Cruise & Lunch

4.60

(566 reviews)

What’s the experience like?

“You know, some folks say the water here is bluer than the sky,” our captain said as we pulled away from Zephyr Cove Marina. I’d barely settled into my seat on the M.S. Dixie II before that line stuck with me — maybe because he sounded like he actually believed it. The boat’s old wooden railings felt smooth under my hands, and there was this smell of pine needles mixed with engine oil that reminded me I was nowhere near home. There were families snapping photos already, but I just leaned back and tried to take in that first rush of lake air — cold enough to make you squint a little.

The cruise out toward Emerald Bay takes its time, which I liked. Our guide chimed in over the speakers now and then — not too much, thankfully — pointing out things I’d never have noticed: osprey nests tucked high up in the pines, or how Fannette Island has had about five different names (I only remembered two by the end). Someone at our table tried to pronounce “Vikingsholm” like a local; Li laughed when I tried to say it in Swedish — probably butchered it. The castle itself looked almost unreal against all that green and blue. Sunlight bounced off the water so bright you had to shade your eyes.

I grabbed a sandwich from the bar (not fancy, but hit the spot), and just watched as we drifted close to shore. There was this moment where everything went quiet except for the low hum of the paddle wheel — even the kids nearby hushed up for a second when we got closest to Vikingsholm Castle. It’s funny what sticks with you: that hush, or maybe just how small Fannette Island looks until you’re right beside it. We looped back slowly, people started talking again, and someone spilled their drink but nobody seemed bothered.

I still think about that blue — it really did seem deeper than anywhere else I’ve been. If you’re ever in Lake Tahoe and want something easy but memorable (and don’t mind a bit of wind messing up your hair), this Emerald Bay scenic cruise is worth every minute.