Top Lake Tahoe Nature and Wildlife Tours

Take a boat tour on Lake Tahoe to soak up the alpine beauty of Emerald Bay, one of the lake’s most scenic spots. As you glide across the water on the M.S. Dixie II, admire the surrounding Sierra Nevadas, and cruise past Emerald Bay’s Fannete Island, the lake’s only island, as well as Vikingsholm Castle, a unique home on the shore. Plus, watch a video on board about the interesting underwater features of the lake.

“Keep Tahoe blue” on a sailing cruise that uses the power of the wind for an eco-friendly voyage without the smell and noise of gas-powered motors. With a passenger limit of 18 and included local California beer and wine on board, it’s an intimate and relaxing way to experience the beauty of Lake Tahoe from the water.

Explore the scenic highlights of Yosemite National Park on a full-day, small-group guided trip from Lake Tahoe with a lunchtime picnic beside Cascade Falls. Capture unforgettable images of the park’s soaring rock walls and craggy peaks then enjoy an invigorating hike to Yosemite Falls or Bridalveil Falls, where high-mountain rivers tumble from sheer granite cliffs. Spot rock climbers scaling the face of El Capitan, watch for deer in alpine meadows, and take in the timeless beauty of California’s High Sierra mountains.

Travel all the way around scenic Lake Tahoe in a comfortable shuttle on this 7-hour tour. Led by a local guide, you’ll cover close to 70 miles (110km), making stops at the beautiful vistas of Sand Harbor and Emerald Bay. You’ll also visit a charming village at Squaw Valley Ski Resort, and explore Tahoe City on the lake’s north shore, stopping to purchase lunch. As you go, your guide will provide rich historical context for the beautiful landscape surrounding you.

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.

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.

Go back in time to the old Wild West on this tour from South Lake Tahoe to Virginia City, Nevada, including a train ride on the Virginia & Truckee Railroad. With a guide, you’ll start your day trip by minibus, driving along part of the Pony Express. When you reach Virginia City, a National Historic Landmark District, take a 6.5-mile round-trip train ride before enjoying free time in town to explore at your leisure, perhaps visiting museums or a historical saloon.

Group tours of any kind can either go too fast or too slow, making for a less than ideal experience. Explore Lake Tahoe at your own pace with this self-guided electric bike tour on East Shore Trail and make stops when you choose to. Your journey along the trail ends at Sand Harbor, a popular area for swimming and boating.

Visit the wineries near Lake Tahoe on this day trip to the El Dorado AVA (American Viticultural Area), a wine appellation outside the town of Placerville in the Sierra foothills. Accompanied by a wine guide, you’ll enjoy visits to multiple wineries, where tastings are included at the first three. Also included are a stop at Boa Vista fruit orchard, an outdoor picnic-style lunch, and transport from South Lake Tahoe. If you’re interested in wine or agriculture, this is a great way to see more of this region of Northern California. 

Explore Lake Tahoe’s dazzlingly blue waters and stunning mountainous backdrop with this self-guided audio tour! Drive around the entirety of the lake as you learn about its origins, admire its breathtaking vistas, and dive into its Gilded Age history. Explore hikes, historic homes, and waterfall views along the way. This self-guided driving tour allows you to experience all of Lake Tahoe with maximum flexibility and value. Purchase one tour per car, not per person. Everyone listens together! Within 30 min, we'll send you two things: a unique password and an app. Download the app onto your phone, enter password, and download the tour. When you arrive, go to the South Tahoe Visitor Center, launch the app, and follow the instructions! Stick to our recommended route for the best experience. No expiration — the tour is available from the minute you book until forever! This is not an entrance ticket to attractions along the route. Check pandemic rules & opening hours before your visit.

Tahoe photographic tours offer a unique way to enjoy Lake Tahoe’s natural wonders and receive photography tips as you are led by an experienced photo guide who provides tips and shares information about the area. Whether you’re looking to snap a poster-worthy shot of snow-covered mountains, towering trees, wild flowers or the glassy lake itself, you’ll learn how to shoot in the great outdoors and see some of Lake Tahoe’s most beautiful natural sights, including Emerald Bay. Select either a half-day or full-day tour.

Considered one of South Lake Tahoe’s most entertaining and affordable water activities, the Daytime Scenic Cruise on Lake Tahoe has been voted “Best Cruise in Nevada” by Nevada Magazine. This 2.5-hour scenic daytime cruise offers fabulous photo opportunities, sunshine, and fresh Lake Tahoe air, which has a way of invigorating everyone around. As you cruise to Emerald Bay on the famous Tahoe Paradise, you'll learn how it was formed, get views of Vikingsholm Castle, and learn fascinating history with the narrated tour. The Tahoe Paradise is a luxurious yacht featuring a window-lines dining room, galley, full bar, and open sundeck.