Emerald Bay is the crown jewel of Lake Tahoe—and the #1 destination for any boat day. This stunning alpine bay features Fannette Island (the lake's only island), the historic Vikingsholm castle, and some of the clearest, most photogenic water you'll ever see.
If you're renting a boat from Zephyr Cove for your bachelor or bachelorette party, Emerald Bay should absolutely be on your route. Here's everything you need to know to plan the perfect trip.
Getting to Emerald Bay from Zephyr Cove
Distance & Time
- Distance: Approximately 8-9 miles one way
- Travel time: 45-60 minutes each direction (depending on boat speed and conditions)
- Total for round trip + time in bay: 3-4 hours minimum
This is why we recommend at least a half-day (4-hour) rental if Emerald Bay is your goal. A 2-3 hour rental doesn't give you enough time to really enjoy it.
Perfect Boat for the Trip
The 36' Pontoon Weekender from Zephyr Cove fits up to 16 guests and has plenty of range for the Emerald Bay route.
Check Availability →The Route: Zephyr Cove to Emerald Bay
Heading Out
From Zephyr Cove Marina, you'll head north along the lake's east shore. The route takes you past:
- Cave Rock: Dramatic volcanic rock formation on your right. Good early photo op.
- Skunk Harbor: Secluded cove about 15 minutes into your trip. Nice for a quick swim stop.
- Glenbrook: Historic area with beautiful estates along the shore.
- Sand Harbor: Clear water and large boulders—very scenic but usually crowded.
As you round the south end of the lake and head up the west shore, the views get increasingly dramatic until you reach Emerald Bay.
What to See in Emerald Bay
Fannette Island
The only island in Lake Tahoe sits right in the middle of Emerald Bay. On top you'll see the stone Tea House, built in the 1920s by heiress Lora Knight. You can't dock at the island, but circle it slowly for photos.
Vikingsholm
At the far end of the bay, you can see Vikingsholm—a 38-room Scandinavian castle built in 1929. It's one of the finest examples of Scandinavian architecture in North America. You can only access it by hiking down from the road, but it's cool to see from the water.
Eagle Falls
During spring and early summer, you can see Eagle Falls cascading down the cliffs at the back of the bay. Best viewed May-July when snowmelt is flowing.
The Water Itself
Emerald Bay gets its name from the stunning green-blue color of the water. On a sunny day, the clarity is incredible—you can see 50+ feet down in places.
Best Photo Spots
- Entering the bay: Frame your group with Fannette Island behind you
- Circling Fannette Island: Get the Tea House in the shot
- Looking back toward the main lake: Dramatic mountain backdrop
- Anchored with clear water: Show off that famous Tahoe clarity
Pro tip: Take your best photos in the first hour of the trip. Sunscreen, wind, and drinks take their toll on everyone's appearance as the day goes on.
Where to Stop & Swim
Inside Emerald Bay
You can anchor in Emerald Bay, but it gets crowded on summer weekends. The best swimming is along the sandy areas near Vikingsholm or in the protected coves along the bay's edges. Water is cold (65-70°F even in summer) but refreshing.
On the Way
If Emerald Bay is too crowded, several spots along the route make great alternatives:
- DL Bliss State Park shoreline: Just north of Emerald Bay, beautiful and often less crowded
- Rubicon Point: Crystal clear water, dramatic cliffs
- Skunk Harbor: Secluded beach, less traffic than main attractions
Timing Your Trip
Best Time of Day
- Morning (8-11am): Calmest water, fewest boats, best photos
- Midday (11am-2pm): Best swimming conditions, but most crowded
- Afternoon (2-5pm): Winds often pick up, choppier conditions
For bachelor/bachelorette parties, late morning departure (10-11am) is ideal. You avoid the earliest crowds but beat the afternoon winds.
Best Days
Weekdays are significantly less crowded than weekends. If your schedule is flexible, a Tuesday-Thursday boat day means more space in Emerald Bay and calmer vibes all around.
Sample Emerald Bay Itinerary
For a 4-hour rental starting at 11am:
- 11:00: Depart Zephyr Cove, head north
- 11:20: Pass Cave Rock, first round of photos
- 11:45: Optional quick stop at Skunk Harbor
- 12:15: Arrive Emerald Bay, circle Fannette Island
- 12:30: Anchor, swim, lunch, hang out
- 1:45: Start heading back
- 2:45: Return to Zephyr Cove
Important Tips
Fuel & Range
Rental boats from Zephyr Cove come with fuel included, but the 36' Weekender and similar pontoons have plenty of range for the Emerald Bay round trip. Just don't try to circumnavigate the entire lake (72 miles) in one rental.
Weather & Conditions
- Check the forecast before heading out
- Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer—be back before 3pm if storms are predicted
- If winds are 15+ mph, the ride will be choppy and Emerald Bay less enjoyable
What to Bring
- Cooler with drinks and snacks (BYOB is allowed)
- Sunscreen SPF 50+ (reapply every 2 hours)
- Towels and swimsuits
- Waterproof phone case or dry bag
- Light layers—it can get cool on the water
- Bluetooth speaker (boats have systems but bring backup)
Alternatives if You're Short on Time
If you only have 2-3 hours, Emerald Bay is a stretch. Consider these closer options from Zephyr Cove:
- Cave Rock area: 10-15 minutes from marina, great swimming
- Nevada Beach to Round Hill: Cruise the south shore
- Anchor near Zephyr Cove: Sometimes the best spot is close to home