Nestled in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, Lake Tahoe is a large freshwater lake between the borders of California and Nevada. Lake Tahoe is in the worlds top 20 oldest lakes and one of the purest water lakes in the world, with the water coming in at 99.994% pure. Take a look at some of what you can do while in Lake Tahoe and also the nearby city of Reno.
Disclaimer
Part of the job of a travel agent is to save clients time and money. I looked through hundreds of tours and picked out the best tours to book in various categories that are both the best in quality and price.
Prices listed below are subject to change. Rates are typically discounted for larger groups and children, so use the links provided to see the exact cost for your specific scenario and book what is of interest to you.
Full-Day Lake Tahoe Circle Tour
Travel all the way around scenic Lake Tahoe in a comfortable shuttle on this 7-hour tour. Led by a local guide, you’ll cover close to 70 miles (110km), making stops at the beautiful vistas of Sand Harbor and Emerald Bay. You’ll also visit a charming village at Squaw Valley Ski Resort, and explore Tahoe City on the lake’s north shore, stopping to purchase lunch. As you go, your guide will provide rich historical context for the beautiful landscape surrounding you. Roundtrip transportation included from select hotels.
Duration
7 hours
Availability
Tuesdays at 8am
Price
$80 per person
Alternative
Full Day Self-Guided Bike Tour of Lake Tahoe - $69 per person
Half-Day Self-Guided Electric Bike Tour of Lake Tahoe's East Shore - $110 per person
Wild West Day Trip from Lake Tahoe with Train Ride
Go back in time to the old Wild West on this tour from South Lake Tahoe to Virginia City, Nevada, including a train ride on the Virginia & Truckee Railroad. With a guide, you’ll start your day trip by minibus, driving along part of the Pony Express. When you reach Virginia City, a National Historic Landmark District, take a 6.5-mile round-trip train ride before enjoying free time in town to explore at your leisure, perhaps visiting museums or a historical saloon. Roundtrip transportation included from select hotels.
Duration
7 hours
Availability
Thursdays at 8:30am
Price
$90 per person
Alternative
Guided Tour of Historic Virginia City and Carson City - $70 per person
El Dorado Wine Country Tour
Visit the wineries near Lake Tahoe on this day trip to the El Dorado AVA (American Viticultural Area), a wine appellation outside the town of Placerville in the Sierra foothills. Accompanied by a wine guide, you’ll enjoy visits to multiple wineries, where tastings are included at the first three. Also included are a stop at Boa Vista fruit orchard, an outdoor picnic-style lunch, and transport from South Lake Tahoe. If you’re interested in wine or agriculture, this is a great way to see more of this region of Northern California.
Duration
3 hours
Availability
Wednesdays at 8am
Price
$77 per person
Alternative
Reno Distillery Tour and Tasting Flight - $25 per person
Downtown Reno Tour
The best way to see all that Downtown Reno has to offer! On this 30-45 minute tour, you will see the Reno Strip, Murals, the famous Truckee River and Riverwalk, Wingfield Park, and BOTH of the Reno Arches! Your experienced tour guide will give you fun information about the history of Reno and the Truckee River. Roundtrip transportation included from reno hotels.
Duration
1 hour
Availability
Thursday - Sunday, every half-hour from 11am - 6pm
Price
$45 per person
Alternative
Max Action Arena - $50 per person
Reno Midtown Mural Tour - $55 per person
Lake Tahoe's Emerald Bay Cruise
Embark on a sightseeing cruise of South Lake Tahoe and the breathtaking Emerald Bay either at sunset or during the daytime. Enjoy snacks and beverages as you take views of Lake Tahoe, and more.
Duration
2 hours
Availability
Everyday 10am, 1pm and 7pm
Price
$120 per person
Alternative
South Lake Tahoe: Happy Hour Cruise - $120 per person
Sailing Cruise on Lake Tahoe - $140 per person
Emerald Bay Sunset Wine Tasting Yacht Cruise - $150 per person
Private Boat Charter Emerald Bay - $575 per group of 6
Kayak & Stand Up Paddle Board Tour
Discover the fun and excitement of kayaking or stand up paddleboarding with this tour geared towards first-timers. Explore Lake Tahoe's beautiful coastline as you learn paddling skills.
Duration
2 hours
Availability
Everyday from 10am
Price
$70 per person
Alternative
Truckee River White Water Rafting - $90 per person
Sand Harbor Kayak or Paddleboard Tour - $109 per person
Clear Kayak Tour of Lake Tahoe - $165 per person
Backcountry Ski Touring Experience
Escape the crowds and long lines at the ski resorts and head out into the pristine Tahoe backcountry on this half-day ski touring adventure with a professional guide. Choose from a downhill skiing using telemark or alpine touring equipment or cross-country skiing using wide and waxless cross-country skis.
Duration
3 hours
Availability
Everyday, time TBD
Price
$99 per person
Alternative
Snowshoe Hike to Pauly's Point - $90 per person
Day Trip to Yosemite from Lake Tahoe
Explore the scenic highlights of Yosemite National Park on a full-day, small-group guided trip from Lake Tahoe with a lunchtime picnic beside Cascade Falls. Capture unforgettable images of the park’s soaring rock walls and craggy peaks then enjoy an invigorating hike to Yosemite Falls or Bridalveil Falls, where high-mountain rivers tumble from sheer granite cliffs. Spot rock climbers scaling the face of El Capitan, watch for deer in alpine meadows, and take in the timeless beauty of California’s High Sierra mountains. Lunch and roundtrip transportation included.
Duration
14 hours
Availability
Thursdays at 5:30am
Price
$250 per person
Winter Horseback Riding Adventure from Reno
Animal lovers shouldn't miss the chance to ride horseback through a scenic winter landscape, on this horse riding adventure from Reno. After convenient hotel pickup from Reno hotels, follow your guide on a group ride along a scenic trail, with fantastic views of the Sierra Range. Enjoy provided snacks and drinks while you're on the trail, and get direct transportation back to your hotel at the end of your ride.
Duration
1 hour
Availability
Everyday at 10am
Price
$206 per person
Alternative
Experience Raptors and Falconry in Reno - $250 per person
ATV & Snow Mobile Winter Adventures from Reno
Zoom through the Sierra backcountry on an all-terrain vehicle during this winter adventure from Reno. With a guide in the lead providing commentary, you won't have to worry about navigation and you'll learn about the local flora and fauna. All equipment and instruction is included so even beginners can participate. Snacks and roundtrip transportation included from select Reno hotels.
Duration
2 hours
Availability
Everyday at 9am
Price
$499 per person
Emerald Bay Helicopter Tour of Lake Tahoe
Showcasing beautiful Fallen Leaf lake, Cascade Lake, Taylor Creek, and Pope Beach, this tour heads to breathtaking Emerald Bay. Surrounded by granite cathedrals and fed by Eagle falls, the lake's only true bay is named for its emerald green waters. Weight limits apply. Maximum per-passenger weight is 250lbs. Maximum weight of all passengers combined must not exceed 500lbs.
Duration
10 - 12 minutes
Availability
Everyday, every 20 mins from 9am - 6pm
Price
$110 per person
Alternative
Zephyr Cove Helicopter Tour - $180 per person
Tahoe Helicopter Tour: Lakes and Waterfalls - $265 per person
Lake Tahoe Small-Group Photography Scenic
Experience a unique way to enjoy Lake Tahoe’s natural wonders and receive photography tips as you are led by an experienced photo guide who provides tips and shares information about the area. Whether you’re looking to snap a poster-worthy shot of snow-covered mountains, towering trees, wild flowers or the glassy lake itself, you’ll learn how to shoot in the great outdoors and see some of Lake Tahoe’s most beautiful natural sights, including Emerald Bay.
Duration
5 - 6 hours
Availability
Everyday at 9am
Price
$189 per person
Alternative
Sunset Hike and Photography Tour - $110 per person
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