Lake Tahoe is a gorgeous mountain lake located in the High Sierras. Straddling the California-Nevada border, the lake features clear, sparkling waters surrounded by lofty peaks. Because of the lake's size, 22 miles long and 11 miles wide, the best way to take full advantage of all it has to offer is by boat. With 72 miles of shoreline, boaters are sure to find a secluded cove, a sandy beach, or a wooded area perfect for a leisurely visit.
Visitors to the lake will find all kinds of boat rentals along the shore, offering motor boats, kayaks, canoes, paddleboats, pontoon boats, and sailboats. You can even get a sailing lesson or two to brush up on your skills!
Once you have your boat, you'll have no problem finding some great places to go. A must-see is the Vikingsholm, a Scandinavian mansion built in 1929. Located at the southwest end of Emerald Bay, Vikingsholm can be toured for just $5. Beach your boat or run a stern line to shore to tour the home, then take the short walk to Eagle Falls to see the rushing cascade.
Another interesting historic site to see is the Hellman-Ehrman Mansion located at Sugar Pine Point State Park. Built in 1903, the 11,700 square foot mansion and its outbuildings will give visitors a real feel of what life was like for yesteryear's rich and famous. Boats can tie up to shore in the generally calm waters at the beach just north of the pier.
For an amazing geological site, visit Cave Rock on the southeastern shore. The caves, carved by eons of waves, were once the sacred site of the Washoe Indians' religious ceremonies. If you visit Cave Rock in the morning or early afternoon, you'll be able to view "The Lady of the Lake," the likeness of a woman's profile formed by the rock formations.
If you want to stop for a picnic or a refreshing swim, Sand Harbor has lots of little coves with sandy beaches and wooded areas. Just beach your boat right on the sand. Be sure to watch for submerged rocks, easy to spot in the clear water.
If you need fuel or supplies, not to worry. You'll find numerous marinas dotted around the lake, selling soft drinks, snacks, ice, and gas. There are also several restaurants you can reach by boat. Just tie up at their dock and enjoy a great meal.
If you'd rather have someone else do the driving, charter a sailboat or a yacht for a luxury cruise around the lake, or book a dinner cruise at one of the marinas.
For some more exciting activities, include some water skiing behind your boat rental, or tow a ride-on water toy. This is great entertainment for the whole family, offering thrills, spills, and laughs - no experience required.
Because of heavy Summer traffic on the lake, Tahoe enforces a 600-ft no-wake zone along the shore to protect swimmers. Also, boaters should pay attention to the "danger" buoys warning of dangerous rocks. Children 12 and under must wear a life jacket while aboard a boat, too.
The lake isn't difficult to navigate, but charts and maps are very helpful to visitors unfamiliar with the area. They can be obtained at any of the numerous marinas. And if you do need help, the Coast Guard is always on duty and is just a radio call away.
Boating on Lake Tahoe is an awesome adventure. In the mornings, the lake is generally calm, but by afternoon, the waves can get pretty rough. Lake Tahoe is one of the cleanest and clearest lakes in the entire world, just made for boating!
This sea-friendly guide was brought to you by our water-logged writer, Holle Abee.
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