When people visit Lake Tahoe, there are a lot of fun activities and events from which to choose. But whether it’s someone’s first visit or their 101st, there is one thing that is an absolute must-do, and that’s a cruise out on the waters of Big Blue.
When enjoying a world-class lake like this one, there’s no better way to do it than on a world-class craft. Tahoe Cruises’ Safari Rose is the undisputed champion in this category, the largest and most luxurious yacht on Lake Tahoe. Sailing from Ski Run Marina in the heart of the South Shore, Safari Rose is a wonderful complement to the Lake of the Sky. It's an 80-foot vessel with amenities that include a full bar, dining room, salon and sundeck. For something you never imagined you’d experience on a lake cruise, this yacht even boasts a fireplace!
The history of Safari Rose is as fascinating as the craft is elegant. It was built more than 50 years ago for the 3M Corporation and has cruised the waters of North America from the Great Lakes to the Caribbean, from Panama to Alaska, and now graces the largest alpine lake on the continent. It serves as the flagship for Tahoe Cruises, a local business that has been sharing the beauty of Tahoe with visitors for more than four decades.
All in all, this is the perfect way to experience the unmatched scenery of the lake. Scenic tours offered by Tahoe Cruises include an Emerald Bay Day Cruise on which guests enjoy the comforts of Safari Rose on a two-hour voyage to view the bay, one of the most beautiful and most photographed sites in the area and in the country, right behind the Grand Canyon. There’s simply no better way to get a look at Vikingsholm and Fannette Island, all while the captain provides historical background on everything that you see.
Another choice is the Emerald Bay Sunset Cruise, in which you take in the sights with the added bonus of watching the sun drop below the peaks of the Sierra Nevada and the Desolation Wilderness that serve as the backdrop to the bay. There's also a seasonal South Shore Cruise that treats guests to an hour-and-a-half tour up the east side of Tahoe and includes highlights such as the rock formation called the Lady of the Lake as well as narration on the burial site of the Washoe Tribe.
For that extra-special experience on the lake, consider a private charter of Safari Rose. All that luxury, all to yourself. From corporate outings to family reunions, this is a great way to get the group together in a setting that everyone will enjoy. With the yacht’s five bathrooms, the bar and galley and room for 67 passengers, Safari Rose can handle just about any sort of lake outing you have in mind. They also can help arrange for catering services for your own personalized Lake Tahoe event.
One of their specialties is wedding charters, and having your service or reception on a luxury yacht out on the waters of one of the world’s most famous lakes is the kind of destination wedding that most people only dream about. The staff at Tahoe Cruises relies on decades of experience in helping people plan and execute the perfect wedding, from the cake and the catering to the flowers, music, photography and more. They can assist you in navigating the paperwork of the marriage license and help you arrange for the wedding officiant. You can even have the ceremony performed by the captain of the Safari Rose for that full Tahoe wedding experience.
Once you’ve decided on one of the general cruises or a private charter, the next step is to get in touch and reserve your spot on board. The Sightseeing Cruise and the Sunset Champagne Cruise can each be booked at tahoecruises.com through a ticketing system that shows exactly what bookings are available. Or you can call the ticket booth at the Ski Run Marina at (775) 588-1881.
One insider tip is to book in advance, as soon as you can make your plans, because it’s not unusual for certain high-demand days and cruises to sell out early. For private charters, you’ll want to contact Tahoe Cruises directly to discuss their availability, and for wedding charters, you’ll definitely want to take advantage of their experience and knowledge to help plan for the big day. Shuttle service to and from the South Shore hotels and resorts is provided for daily Emerald Bay cruises as well as for private charters.
Go ahead and enjoy the ski slopes and the gondola rides, the casinos and restaurants and entertainment, everything that Lake Tahoe has to offer. Just as long as you make sure not to miss out on the area’s real attraction, the beauty, scenery and majesty of the lake itself, experienced from on board the luxury of Safari Rose.
Call (775) 588-1881
reserve online at tahoecruises.com
900 Ski Run Boulevard, South Lake Tahoe
