The Golden State is full of great places to boat, but there’s something extra special about California’s Lake Tahoe.
Spanning into Nevada, too, Lake Tahoe is actually one of the world’s oldest lakes — a couple of million years old. Visitors from all over the world come to this lake for the sparkling water, beautiful views, and awesome boating opportunities.
If you’re heading out to boat on Lake Tahoe, there are a few things you’ll want to know. From knowing where to launch your boat to checking out the nearby attractions, we have you covered.
Where to Launch and Dock Your Boat on Lake Tahoe
Lake Tahoe is a huge lake — in fact, it’s the second deepest lake in the U.S. — meaning that there are tons of places to launch your boat and head out on the water. It all comes down to where you’re located since you may be on the North, South, East, or West side of the lake.
There are also tons of local lakes and marinas on and around Lake Tahoe to launch your boat — no matter where on the lake you might be.
If you need a little more guidance, here are some ideas:
- Lakeside Marina: Launch your boat, store your boat, or rent a slip here.
4041 Lakeshore Blvd., South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
(530) 541-6626
- Tahoe Keys Marina & Yacht Club: Launch, land, and lift your boat here. There is also a service area, yacht club, restaurant, and slips, which offer tons of activities.
2435 Venice Drive East, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
(530) 541-2155
- North Tahoe Marina: Fuel up, dock, rent a slip, launch, and store your boat here.
7360 North Lake Blvd., Tahoe Vista, CA
(530) 546-8248
- Homewood Marina: You can fuel up your boat, store, dock, and launch your boat at this Lake Tahoe marina.
5190 West Lake Blvd., Homewood, CA 96145
(530) 525-5966
Boating Activities on Lake Tahoe
Boating on Lake Tahoe is one of those things that we quite simply think should be on everyone’s bucket list. As an absolutely stunning, massive lake, the shores and waves of Lake Tahoe offer tons of opportunities for boaters.
Here are some of our favorite spots to boat on Lake Tahoe:
- Emerald Bay at Lake Tahoe: Boating up to Emerald Bay at Lake Tahoe is an absolute must. Put on a snorkel and explore the underwater magic that awaits you. As California’s first maritime underwater trail, the Emerald Bay is an excellent place for scuba diving and snorkeling. Divers also have access to the Historic Barge Dive Site.
- Sand Harbor at Lake Tahoe: On the Nevada side of Lake Tahoe, the Sand Harbor is a magnificent, long beach perfect for swimming, boating, and sunbathing. The Main Beach itself is 2,500 feet long, giving you plenty of room — and the Boat Beach is specifically built for boaters on Lake Tahoe.
- Donner Memorial State Park: You can launch your boat on the northwest corner of Donner Lake and head out to sightsee and fish at the Donner Memorial State Park, which is a beautiful, pine tree-rich park on Lake Tahoe. It’s a must-see!
- Sugar Pine Point State Park: You can access the Sugar Pine Point beaches at Lake Tahoe by boat, swim, enjoy leisure time on the beaches, or visit the more historic zone. Be careful of waves and storms over here if you’re on a boat, and enjoy the view.
- Round Hill Pines: On South Lake Tahoe, Round Hill Pines is an excellent spot for boating, canoeing, kayaking, and watersports galore. It’s absolutely beautiful, to boot! If you’re ready for someone else to drive the boat, you can hop on the water taxi.
Attractions and Festivities on Lake Tahoe
As one of the most famous lakes in the United States, there are tons to do on Lake Tahoe. While watersports and boating are great fun, the lake also offers attractions and festivities for the youngest and oldest boaters.
Every visitor to Lake Tahoe needs to dock their boat and head up to the Gondola at Heavenly while they’re in town, showing magnificent lake views. There are also many beautiful hikes (we’re partial to the Rubicon Trail, Lower Eagle Falls, and Mt. Tallac Trail) to check out while you’re in Tahoe.
Lake Tahoe is always packed with year-round events, from the Art, Wine & Music Festival to the Tahoe Oktoberfest. Visitors to Lake Tahoe will also want to check out the incredible food scene. The Lake Tahoe area is also full of award-winning restaurants and culinary experiences — like Evan’s American Gourmet Cafe and Scusa Italian Ristorante.
Other Things to Know About Lake Tahoe
When boating on Lake Tahoe, you must completely dry, drain, and clean your boat before launching it.
Paying attention to invasive aquatic species is a huge deal on the lake. You’ll often be asked to check your boat at a dock or marina. If you refuse, you can be denied access to boat on Lake Tahoe.
There are strict no-wake zones on Lake Tahoe that are constantly patrolled by patrol boats. There are also engine restrictions. Carbureted two-stroke engines are banned on the lake, so keep that in mind when bringing older boats and watercraft onto the water.
If found using a non-compliant engine, you might be fined up to $5,000 — so follow the rules!
Lake Tahoe Safety Considerations
Lake Tahoe is a deep lake that can get dangerous in spots — so paying attention is key to a safe, fun day boating.
The water can get very cold, and storms that reach the Lake can quickly create ocean-like conditions that require caution. While you’re boating on Lake Tahoe, keep an eye out for submerged wood, waves, and other boaters.
Lake Tahoe reaches a maximum depth of over 1,600 feet — so make sure everyone on the boat is well-versed in boating safety and has a lifejacket.
Get Your Boater Safety Card Before Boating on Lake Tahoe
Currently, most California boaters need a Boating Safety Card to boat legally in California. By 2025, every boater will need to have one.
To make sure that you’re as safe as possible boating on Lake Tahoe, take a boating safety course with BOATsmart! Our fully narrated, animated, and engaging curriculum is the best of the best for California boaters — and is your key to the best Lake Tahoe visit possible.
Originally published November 25, 2021. Content most recently reviewed and updated for accuracy and relevancy August 20, 2024.
