We were so excited Saturday to take the tour around the lake. Everything was great until the people with the two barking dogs got on board. The two dogs were barking at a golden retriever that was just laying there not causing any problems. The skipper said to split the dogs up so people could hear on the tour. Unfortunately, the two dogs ended up right by us at the front of the boat. We could not wait for the tour to end! One of the dogs barked nonstop every time it saw another boat. Every time I moved in the slightest it barked. It was hard to hear the skipper talk. Maybe you should start a policy no dogs on board the boat. It was a waste of $60 for my wife and I. Really wanted to ask for a refund but the skipper actually is a really nice guy. I'm sorry but this was a miserable trip. I'm sure we're not the only one feeling this way. Unfortunately the dogs were right next to us. read more

We had a wonderful time. Very enjoyable and detailed lessons in the history of the Big Bear Valley. Everyone from the crew to the passengers were so courteous and polite. This was money well spent. read more

Captain Chris offered a beautiful narration as we toured the lake. His communications were clearly broadcasted, and the content was exceptionally interesting! He was in full command of the boat while engaging the guests with the history behind Big Bear Valley and Big Bear Lake. There is no better tour of the lake to be had. We look forward to future trips here and this tour, this boat, and this captain are the best! This will become a tradition for us!!! read more

Dear Captain Saturday 2 pm tour left late. I know you are a small business but you took a large party in late said that you would make up the 15 minutes late departure on the tour which you didn't do as the tour ended in 75 minutes not 90 and spent the tour basically constantly telling them to keep their kids safe while we sat upstairs listening to the screams from you to them every 5 minutes It was anything but pleasurable in the lake I didn't want to stress you and hurt your business asking for a refund but I feel I am owed one read more

Great time! It's a must if you are visiting big bear. The narration is awesome and views breathtaking !

Fantastic boat tour and operation run by brother and sister. Kim was awesome. I usually take house guests on the pirate cruise but opted for Big Bear Queen. It was fantastic and all my guests loved it. We we're allowed to bring our own food and drinks making it that more special. Im thinking now of doing 4th of July cruise and fireworks read more

See all

We had a blast today with Captain Chris! Highly informative, scenic, and fun tour!! Best boat tour in Big Bear, hands down.

We had such a great time in big bear and this was as the icing on the cake. My family had such a great time on the lake. We arrived for the 2oclock tour so it was still sunny out . It was very relaxing the captain knew everything about big bear. Knowledgeable!!! I think this was the best way to see the lake in it's entirety. We were able to see good places to fish and swim, rv camping areas with lake access , famous peoples vacation homes. So much more. The boat ride was an affordable price. And we enjoyed it. read more

See all

We had an amazing time on the Big Bear Queen today!! I unfortunately don't remember the Skipper's name, but he was wonderful. He was so knowledgeable and shared so much great information about this history of the lake and Big Bear in general as well as really helpful information about places to camp, public boat launches, fun things to do in the area, etc., etc. it was truly one of the best things I've ever done in Big Bear and I've been many times. I highly recommend taking a lake tour on the Big Bear Queen!! read more

The captain always talking and you couldn't enjoy the tour. But the view and nature is very nice and needs to seem.

An hour and a half of pure relaxation packed with what is a fascinating history lesson of Big Bear and Big Bear lake along with surrounding areas. Captain Chris' melodic voice takes you back in time with his commentary throughout the tour that is enjoyable from start to finish. He also answers your questions with delight. We sat in the front and enjoyed the breeze. There is also covered seating inside and the popular seating on the upper deck. The price is very reasonable. Thank you, Captain Chris. You do Big Bear a service with your representation. We will be back to visit The Queen again. read more

Very interesting boat tour. I learned a lot and captain chris was wonderful. The vessel was clean and on time, we actually enjoyed so much that we took tour twice! read more

We took this 90 minute tour our first day here and it was nice to learn so much about Big Bear Lake. The history lesson was entertaining and informative. Call to reserve. Accepts credit cards. Ok to bring your own food and drinks. Chips and water available for purchase on boat. We toured during Covid. Masks required when moving about the boat. Operated at half capacity - we had the seats in the bow all to ourselves. read more

Had a great time on the tour. As a local it was great to hear the history of the lake.. the captain was very friendly and knowledgeable... and you cannot beat the price read more

My friends and I had the best time on the Big Bear Queen Lake tour. It was the highlight of our weekend! The tour is extremely affordable, and the views from the top deck of the boat are unbeatable. Kim and Chris were amazing hosts and tour guides- they even gave us their speaker to play music when ours ran out of battery, and Kim gave us all blankets when the sun started to set. I would 100% recommend checking them out when you come to Big Bear Lake whether you are in a group or not. The cost to join is per person and there's no minimum. They are amazing. Thanks, Kim and Chris! read more

Captain Chris and his sister runs the tour and they are absolutely amazing!!!! Great history of the lake and those who live in this quaint little mountain town. We took the sunset tour and got amazing views. It was a bit chilly so bring a jacket!! They provide clean warm blankets as well. You can also bring your own adult beverages and food. Captain Chris provides cheese, crackers, fruit, etc as well. Wonderful - 120% recommend to all who visits Big Bear. read more

Had such a good time on the sunset cruise! Lots of free snacks and BYO wine or beer. Great people, great time!

such an awesome day and tour of the healthy Big Bear Lake yesterday. 104 in Joshua Tree when we left about noon and 86 or so in Big Bear Lake city when we got on the boat about 2:30...Chris had so much info to share during the ride, we learned about the history of the area and also the cabins and famous residents over the years. family and dog friendly! and reasonable cost for the full 90 minute ride!! check it out the next time you visit the mountain community! read more

I like to take friends who visit me on this boat trip. It's a great way to see a different perspective. Chris was the captain who was also the narrator. He was awesome along with his sister who works with him. He explained all the covid precautions they took, i.e. sanitizer, distancing and so on. He was knowledgeable and very friendly and we throughally enjoyed our sunset boat cruise. read more

Such an awesome experience. Chris and his sister are both so nice. The boat ride was so relaxing. Chris really knows the history of the area and did just an amazing job of sharing Big Bear's story with us. Would most definitely do again. read more

Great way to see the entire lake with the family including our dog. This tour was perfect. The Captain is very friendly and knows the lake very well since he's a lifelong resident. The 90 minute tour shows you the entire lake and is narrated the whole way. Lots of interesting information and a beautiful setting. Also very dog friendly. Our little guy had a great time looking at the shore going by. read more

My husband and I had a great time on this tour. They guarantee the tour even if only 1 person is signed up, unlike others that require 15 or more. The captain is a native to Big Bear and he knows the history of the area. I learned so much about Big Bear. He's able to get us into areas that the larger vessels can't go. You can take on food and beverages even alcohol if you want. The tour was 1 1/2 hours and we had so much fun. I would take it again just to absorb all the unique facts that the captain share with us. What a bargain for $22. read more

Went on the sunset cruise this summer, and it was a wonderful experience! The boat captain/tour guide was very knowledgeable and entertaining. Loved the BYOB policy and that the hosts provided an array of snacks for us all. Would definitely recommend if you're interested in learning more about Big Bear Lake, or even if you just want to go for a pleasant boat ride. read more

Good tour but be careful for parents with baby at walking stage. Captain Christ yelled to my daughter though his speaker when she walked to a stair slowly close to controller room while I'm watching her and holding her hand. He said "No! No! You are not allow at this area...I'm sorry". He uses his finger pointing to these two stairs to the controller room." I've seen people go in and out though this room all time. I think he should be really concerned if parents are not next to a baby but it's not us. I guess if you have a baby at walking stage and your baby wants to go somewhere in the boat, you will need to hold your baby going through the controller room. Other than this incident, my other family members enjoyed the boat ride and learned the history about Big Bear. read more

This is the smaller of two tour companies. Big Bear Queen is a surprisingly wonderful experience! The captain is knowledgeable and fun in a non touristy way. If you want to experience Big Bear Lake, DO THIS tour! 80. Min. Note: Best to get ticket reservations online. read more

I have been taking friends on tours of the lake for 37 years and Chris Bellows is the best. It's very leisurely touring the lake in an hour and a half. We set up in the Sun but you can ride down below as well. read more

See all

Got to take the last tour of the 2019 season this afternoon and it was great. Captain Chris's narrated tour is awesome. I've been coming the Big Bear for years and learned more about the Lake and city on the tour then I in all those years. Looking forward to taking a summer tour. BS - Costa Mesa, Ca read more

Pet friendly that's why I went, awesome tour! I liked that Chris told us about different facts of the lake! read more

Big Bear Queen - Freckles enjoying the ride - Boat Charters Near Me - Big Bear Lake, California

See all

Wonderful cruise today to enjoy fall colors. Skipper Chris narrated the history of Big Bear. Thanks! read more

Big Bear Queen - Reflections on the lake. - Boat Charters Near Me - Big Bear Lake, California

Captain Chris was absolutely AMAZING!!!! He was extremely knowledgeable and nice! You can really tell he loves his job and that positive energy radiated off of him and onto all of us. I also got a little snippy with him and he was so patient with me and courteous. read more

If it's your first time here at Big Bear, you have to do a boat tour. Captain Chris was very friendly and knows his stuff. I like to know the history of where I'm at so this was a great addition to our activities. It was a good 1.5 hour boat ride. read more

Super excellent tour of Big Bear Lake! Enjoyed listening and learning about the history of what went in here and why. Also, learned about current things, too. Chris was an awesome capitan, tour guide and host. He also has a great speaking voice. We will definitely come back again!!! read more

My mom and I just had the loveliest tour of the lake. Captain Chris is fantastic, with extensive knowledge of the lake and its amazing history. The boat itself is a beauty, and we were able to take great pictures. We also brought a picnic basket and enjoyed some snacks while listening to the Captain's narration and taking in the sights. We HIGHLY recommend this experience as part of your Big Bear trip. We'll bring our pup on next time since it's pet-friendly too!!! read more

Best boat tour! Captain Chris is an awesome tour guide. He is super knowledgable about the history of Big Bear and delivers the information in a way that is engaging and interesting. It's so cool that pets are welcome aboard the ship and my labradoodle enjoyed the boat ride. 90 minutes flies by and it's such a lovely way to start off a trip and soak up some local history. read more

We took the Sunset Cruise on Saturday night and thoroughly enjoyed it The skipper was super friendly and very knowledgeable of the area. read more

Loved the narrated lake tour. Chris (the paddle boat's owner & captain) does a great job pointing out the points of interest while explaining their history as well as the general interesting history of the lake and its surroundings. A wonderful way to spend the afternoon. Comfortable and clean ship. Call in advance to ensure sail times. read more

On the day we took the tour it was bad weather out. Another tour service would not pick up their phones so I went with this place. Captain Chris told me that they were waiting out the weather but would call me back when a decision was made. He did and we went. The kids loved it. It was a very informative tour. Captain Chris has lived in the area for years and gave us a great history lesson. I would recommend this tour for anyone that wants to tour the lake. read more

If you want something to do in Big Bear and want to know a bit more about the lake, those houses on the hill and how many of the coves got their name along with a relaxing boat ride this if for you. I would recommend it for everyone.. Stop and get your snacks and beverages before getting on the boat you can have lunch on the deck and enjoy the tour.. read more

I took a cruise over July 2nd 2017 weekend on "Big Bear Queen" boat owned and captained by Chris Bellows located at Big Bear Marina @ 500 Paine Court, Big Bear Lake. I, as a white man in his 60s, could not believe how he treated some of his passengers, particularly non-white/minority ones. He abruptly chastised in a rude and browbeating manner several well-mannered East Indian adults in their 40s/60s talking amongst themselves in their native language, telling them twice in a threatening manner as though they were children to be quiet. Those passengers surprisingly responded graciously. They were apparently talking too loud for Bellows' liking even though he was at the helm 10 feet away with his microphone, but had no problem with white passengers sitting farther away and talking amongst themselves at the same volume level given the ambient noise. In embarrassment, several of the above noted persons gradually moved farther away from Bellows; the apparent family patriarch moved to the bow of the boat. Likewise, Bellows later chastised another minority woman in her 50s, quietly standing for 30 seconds on the bridge taking photos, 5 or 6 feet from where Bellows was originally standing, before he approached and ordered her to stop taking photos, and then abruptly grabbed her cellphone from her hands. He gave it back after the protests of several other passengers who did not know each other. The Big Bear Lake Marina owner (Steve) indicated they are not affiliated with the Queen tour other than ticketing, but apologized for Bellows' behavior and offered discounts to those involved for any of the Marina-owned watercrafts. Caveat to anyone who takes a ride on his boat, particularly if you are non-white. I would certainly recommend choosing another boat tour as there are several others at different marinas on the lake. read more

Big Bear Queen - Boat Charters Near Me - Big Bear Lake, California

See all

Great tour very relaxing...very nice... Boat was very nice and the captain of the ship gave a great narration of the history the lake the history and the stories were great... Very nice 90 min trip well worth the price Enjoy the lake the sun the wind and the water... I recommend this tour boat read more