A wonderful ride to Vikingsholm in Emerald Bay. Stacy and Aaron were both great on the boat. And You owner Ed was easy to work with over the phone. We had 13 guests and we all enjoyed getting to know each other and visiting. On the way back we were provided with a beautiful charcuterie board and free wine, beer or soft drink. I highly recommend this this boat ride on beautiful Lake Tahoe.... Plus, otherwise to get to Vikingsholm, you have to hike down a mile and then hike back up read more

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This was a very special tour for my very special mom's 80th birthday. She hasn't been to Lake Tahoe in 60 years, and I knew she would love being on the lake *and* a tour of Vikingsholm - she couldn't hike to/from the castle, so this cruise was the perfect tourist combination for us. Captain Stacy and Mate Katerina were gracious hosts and provided us with lots of cool Tahoe history, in-between serving us cocktails and pointing out mutliple "must-see" points of interest in Emerald Bay. We thoroughly enjoyed the tour Vikingsholm (our docent was wonderful as well), with an added bonus of seeing Eagle Falls because we had a little extra time. When we returned to the boat, Captain Stacy provided us with delicious snacks and made sure we were "fed and watered" before returning to the marina. We had considered a few other boat tours of Lake Tahoe, and I'm SO happy we chose Cruise Tahoe. It was intimate but we weren't crammed in like sardines, very professional yet laid back, and the perfect amount of time on the lake for us. Highly recommend! Side note - directions to the Tahoe Keys Marina were excellent and appreciated for us 3 directionally-challenged girls. read more

Cruise Tahoe - Nothing but smiles on the Tahoe! - Boating Near Me - Zephyr Cove, Nevada

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We had a fantastic tour of Vikingsholm Castle with Cruise Tahoe! Parking was difficult to find, so they wisely recommended that we arrive early. It was a 1-hour ride out to Emerald Bay in our gorgeous, stylish boat. We were welcomed by our 2 friendly crew members & served 2 drinks as part of the tour (wine, champagne, mimosas or beer, or one cocktail). Other cocktails were available for $9 with high-quality liquor, and non-alcoholic drinks were all free. It was so fun to visit the beautiful, luxurious castle, fully furnished and exquisitely decorated. We got to see tons of rooms, including an impressive kitchen, lovely servant's quarters, dining room, guest rooms and more. Our guide was engaging and really made us fall in love with the property and the wonderful woman that had it built. On the ride back, we were served very tasty appetizer plates and enjoyed fabulous scenery. Everyone was in high spirits because this was an amazing tour with an excellent company! read more

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Showed up at the dock at 8 for a scheduled 815 departure to the Thunderbird Lodge and no one was at the boat. Called the contact number and Ed made an excuse that it was an old reservation system and he missed it. Asked if he would honor the tour he said there was no tour that day. Told us that if he would have seen our reservation he would have canceled because we were the only people signed up. Would have been nice to get a call before! He offered another tour to Emerald Cove for the same price...not the same tour and a closer location for the same price? I don't think so. He tried to make it right by offering us another tour to tour Vikingsholm in Emerald Bay for half price which we agreed to for the following Friday. On Thursday afternoon I received a text canceling that tour as well. I would not recommend ever doing business with this company! read more

We had the BEST TIME with Captain Stacy and Mate Katerina!!!! They were fun and very interesting to listen too. They took us to Vikingholm where we had a Great Tour!!!! Katerina even took us to the waterfall cause we had the time. When we got back from our tour, Captain Stacy had painstakingly prepared a wonderful snack for everyone. We just had the best time and the next time we come to Tahoe we want to take the Thunderbird Lodge Tour but only with them. Thank You Captain Stacy and Katerina see you next time. read more

Thanks for helping make memories on the lake today!! Celebrated our 35 Anniversary with Family and friends!! They were helpful to share exactly where to go and also explain parking ! Really good communication before the boat tour! Once there we were able to bring our food and drink on the boat and head out towards Emerald Bay!! All the kids really enjoyed it! Once at the Bay Stacey and Ed gave insight to history which we thoroughly enjoyed! We were able to stay awhile and take photos together! Thanks for a very nice day!! read more

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Incredible cruise to Vikings Holm on Lake Tahoe!!! Chris, the owner, always sets the tone for a fun adventure. This is a new tour in the last 2 years!! The other amazing tour is to The Thunderbird Lodge on the east shore of Lake Tahoe!!! I have been on that one at least 8 times taking friends and family!! These are the best tours on the lake. The driver team to Vikingsholm was also amazing....they served drinks and appetizers and shared the history..."The Tahoe" woodie boat holds 17 which provides a great experience on the lake!!! This tour also includes a great tour of the Vikingsholm Castle!! If you haven't tried these tours, do so!! You will love them!!! Carole Kramer read more

Today on a boat with Cruise Tahoe. A most perfect day with Stacy as our captain and Kaylee as our first mate. We motored to Emerald Bay and had a private tour at Vikingsholm. Our fees help to restore the historic home. Please patronize this small and excellent operation. I highly recommend it! www.cruisetahoe.com read more

Wow another amazing tour. The water was amazing, crew are fun and educational and then there is the the Thunderbird Lodge... so spectacular. Hands down my favorite tour on Lake Tahoe. read more

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I had the distinct pleasure of going out on a lovely wooden boat called "The Tahoe" out of Zephyr Cove, NV, on its regular cruise to the Thunderbird Lodge near Incline Village. On the way up we were served pastries and hot coffee, as well as offered stronger drinks. I asked Ed (the 1st mate) for a brutally spicy bloody mary, and was not disappointed. We strolled the shoreline as the knowledgeable and well spoken Captain Dave told us about some history and many of the houses along the shoreline. That man really knows a lot about Tahoe history, I've lived here for years and I learned a lot from him. Once we got to the Thunderbird Lodge, we pulled up into the estate's private cove for docking and unloading. This really was starting to feel like quite the special experience. As we were given a full guided tour of the grounds by our very own Captain Dave, he told us facts and tales about the estate and its eccentric owner. I brought my camera and everyone was patient and courteous about giving me time to get some decent shots, especially our tour guides. We never felt rushed. After checking out the main house, tunnels, boat house (featuring the incredible Thunderbird Yacht) and card house, we were led back to the cove where Ed had prepared a nice picnic lunch, with deserts and cold drink included. We were told that we could make ourselves comfortable at any of the nearby tables, of which there were many around the grounds, and all featured amazing views. However my lady and I decided to take our lunch and chilled white wine, and sit on the beach, right in the sand. The weather was perfect out and made this such an enjoyable time to relax and enjoy the place we were lucky enough to be. I even had time to take a quick dip in the swimming area before we had to board for our voyage back to Zephyr. On the return journey, I ordered a gin and tonic, in true George Wittel fashion. There were books set out for us all to read, about George and his pets, automobiles, and that gorgeous boat he had. The guest and I enjoy a lightened mood from the experience and engaged in friendly banter about what a character that old hermit was. The ride home was much shorter and there was hardly a word spoken by the captain. It was very relaxing, as we had all learned so much already, it was the perfect time to unwind and enjoy the sights, with nothing but the steady drone of the Ford 427 V8 powering us assuredly back to port. I would recommend this to any friends or family who had the means. The trip was well worth the expense! We practically felt, and were treated like, royalty the whole time. Great trip, crew, boat, place, experience, and memories that will last a lifetime. An unforgettable day, and a truly romantic experience for myself and my lovely lady. read more

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All I can say is "WOW!"-- we booked Cruise Tahoe on a whim for our wedding and it ended up being the highlight of the entire day. They picked us up at Ski Run Marina after our church ceremony and took us to our reception area at Valhalla across the lake. We were graced with Captain Stacie and a helper (can't remember his name!) and they were just incredible. The boat was clean, the ride was smooth, and the customer service was perfect. They understood our needs, allowed for tons of great photos and overall made it a fun and memorable experience. Chris was a pleasure to work with as well during the research and booking process. I would highly recommend this company--pictures coming soon! read more

What an amazing experience. We have been to Lake Tahoe dozens of times and still found so much to learn about the area. The Tahoe is a beautiful boat, the service was incredible and the tour of Thunderbird Lodge was fascinating. It was a great history of the East side of Tahoe. I highly recommend the experience. It's a full day commitment and well worth it. read more

My favorite way to see Lake Tahoe! I have been on every other commercial boat on the the lake and this is by far the best! The boat is beautiful and the staff is knowledgable and friendly. A great experience for locals or people visiting town. read more

Lived in Tahoe my whole life. This is a beautiful boat and wonderful way to see Lake Tahoe. We took the tour to the Thunderbird Lodge. The captain and crew are very friendly and knowledgeable. Take this tour. Worth every penny even at twice the price ! read more

We had a great day! Started at Zephyr Cove marina and go to see the east shore from the lake in a beautiful old yacht. Pastries and bloody Mary's on the way and great stories from captain Dave. Thunderbird Lodge is amazing - loved touring it and hearing so much about history of the Tahoe and Reno regions. Lunch at the Lodge was delicious. Great way to spend a beautiful day! read more

We had a WONDERFUL five hours today - boat ride on the Nevada side of Lake Tahoe in an antique wooden boat, a tour of historic Thunder its Lodge, breakfast and a great lunch! Our captain Stacie was extremely knowledgeable about the history of the area. And she was very fun! Her first mate Bart was helpful, friendly, fun and mixes a great cocktail. We felt safe on the water in both their hands. I have been coming to Tahoe for 65 years and this was a totally unique experience. Treat yourself! read more

This was an excellent trip. Much information and many stories from Captain Dave on the lake and a great tour of the estate. And the lunch was really good, too, in a beautiful setting. read more

What a treat. The Tahoe is a beautiful boat and the tour to the Thunderbird Lodge was packed with information and very enjoyable. I recommend this tour to every visitor and local. Captain Dave and crew were amazing and if you have never been to the Thunderbird Lodge for a tour this is a must see. read more

Amazing afternoon trip to Emerald Bay. Justin and Chris were fantastic, friendly, and answered everyone's Tahoe Trivia questions. Great hors d'oeuvres and cocktails on the way. But getting to tour the inside of Vikingsholm is a real treat and not easily available. Highly recommended excursion even if you only have a few days in Tahoe. read more

Had an absolute blast!! We did the cruise and tour of the Thunderbird Lodge. This beautiful wooden yacht has so much charm...such an awesome experience. We were greeted at the dock by the Captain, Dave, and his crew and treated to complimentary pastries and coffee as we set out for the Thunderbird. Another pleasant surprise was the tour of the shoreline that Captain Dave gave on the way to the lodge (he really knows his stuff!) We were shown hidden beaches, and got an up-close look at Cave Rock, the "Lady of The Lake," Glenbrook, numerous beautiful mansions that line the eastern shoreline, and learned so many interesting facts about Tahoe's history (which even my 10 year old son really enjoyed). After the tour of the Thunderbird (which is SO beautiful, words can't even describe: see pics), we were treated to a tasty lunch by the water before heading back to the South Shore. The cruise lasted about 5 1/2 hours, and definitely exceeded our expectations; from the beautiful yacht and friendly staff, to the breathtaking views and historical information....in my opinion, it's the best cruise in Tahoe (especially for the price)! We will definitely be back with some friends and family!! Highly recommended. read more

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We went on the Thunderbird Lodge Tour . All I can say it's probably rates as one of the best boat tours or any tour for that matter I've been on. We can't quit talking about it! It isn't just about the Thunderbird lodge and the Famous Yacht and history of the lake but the Classic all wood boat the " Tahoe " that you get to take this 5 hour tour on was unforgettable. The crew Capt Stacy and first mate Ed were superb hosts from the continental breakfast, drinks and a fantastic deli lunch served at the Lodge itself overlooking the lake. FYI no other tours serve lunch there. Bonus ! It was a afternoon we all will remember. Chris the owner was informative and and a real nice guy and always returns your call. Money well spent !!! Thank you Tahoe Cruises, see you soon for another ride !!! read more

Best cruise on Tahoe! The staff was friendly and professional and the tour was one of a kind. I highly recommend this excursion to both visitors and locals. What a great way to spend the day! read more

The cruise was nice and relaxing in the morning run to the lodge. The boat is beautiful and and a classic antique. However if you're into speed or being around a younger group of people then this is not the cruise for you. The captain was sweet and friendly and had quite a bit of information to share about the history of homes along the way, and certainly about the Thunderbird Lodge and boat. The cruise took 5 hours... two over to the lodge, two hours while there and one hour to return. I felt the cruise was about two hours too long. But that's because I wanted a speedier trip and the boat is limited by its size and age for its speed. We had lunch once we finished the tour at the lodge and it was good. Just make sure you don't wander off to the potty by yourself. The trip back was a bit speedier than going over but still could only travel at about 15 knots. And it was unusually hot for the day so were more than ready to be done. I give this a four because of the length of time. Otherwise it was a good, information filled cruise. read more