Tahoe Things to Do: Boating & Sailing

Bleu Wave Cruises is a luxurious way to see Lake Tahoe from the water. From its home base in Tahoe Keys Marina, the boat fits 47 people and is fully decked out to host a grand wedding or extravagant get-together. Complete with a stocked bar, fireplace, large lower lounge, stateroom, fly-bridge, gigantic party bow, restrooms and climate-controlled indoor facilities, Bleu Wave Cruises has everything needed to create a welcoming ambiance. Cruises are available daily and include regularly scheduled morning, afternoon and sunset cruises, which are open to the public. They also offer private charters for sightseeing or weddings.

History buffs, campers, cyclists, hikers and those who love their water sports will find Donner Memorial State Park the perfect place for either a visit or an extended stay. The Donner name is a nod to the story of the snow-stranded emigrants and their ill-fated wagon train in the winter of 1846–47. One part of the forlorn pioneer group made camp near Donner Lake, now site of the state park, during record-breaking snowfall. Now visitors can go to Donner Memorial State Park and check out the new $6.6 million visitor center/museum that chronicles the Donner Party and the human and natural history of the region. During summer season the park has 142 spaces for car, RV and tent camping. There is also a concessionaire renting water-sport toys from kayaks and SUPs to two-seater personal watercraft. Being a state park in the Sierra, everything is surrounded by beautiful pines and plenty of hiking and biking in adjacent Cold Stream Canyon and swimming in the kid-friendly canal and China Cove. Depending on snowfall, a cross-country ski trail is groomed through the park, which is also a great place for snowshoeing. An entrance fee is charged.

With its easy location in the center of town, Kings Beach State Recreation Area makes enjoying the sandy shoreline of Lake Tahoe simple. The park itself is free, and offers day use of a few miles of sandy beach, public bathrooms, a children's play area and barbecue grills. There are boat, Jet Ski and paddleboard rentals, and parking costs $10 for both cars and trucks. Dogs are not allowed on the beach; however, they are allowed in the picnic areas. Dogs must be on a leash 6-foot or shorter at all times. In the winter most of the bathrooms and other facilities are closed.

Nor-Cal Charters specializes in once-in-a-lifetime Tahoe fishing excursions. On their boats, Upside and The Professor, the professional guides can get you to whatever type of lake fishing you want, such as Mackinaw, rainbow trout or Kokanee salmon, or even mix it up mid-cruise. The Professor is a 35-foot custom fishing vessel with twin Mercury Verados providing 700 hp, making it one of the fastest boats around. It offers a heated cabin, a large head, cushioned seating and spacious accommodations for up to 12 passengers plus two crew (but fishing charters are limited to six anglers). The boat is licensed to fish on both the Nevada and California sides of the lake. Upside accommodates six anglers and offers a walk-in head, coolers, shade, a sound system and more. Both boats are equipped with the latest and greatest in marine electronics and fish finders. The captains and mates are experienced and passionate about Tahoe fishing, and they welcome anglers of any experience level, from grizzled veterans to complete novices. Nor-Cal offers year-round charters for one to six people, and the vessels can be chartered for special events.

Sunnyside Watersports offers several different rental options such as power boats, surf boats and pontoon boats in addition to jet skis, kayaks and standup paddleboards on the stunning West Shore of Lake Tahoe. Make your day on the lake a thrilling one by renting one of their premium Cobalt boats, which are perfect for enjoying a powerful ride on Lake Tahoe. If you're looking for some action-packed watersport activities, consider their surf boat for wakesurfing, wakeboarding or tubing. They also offer boat rentals with a driver and wake surf lessons with a watersport instructor. Their friendly staff will ensure that you safely get on the water and are more than happy to suggest spots to explore!