New water adventures are always waiting to be discovered at Lake Tahoe.
With translucent colors that reflect a changing personality, Lake Tahoe is passive and gray at dawn, has light green and blue tones during the day, kicks up some white water waves in the afternoon, and mellows into the evening with the red and amber sunset sky. The black of night offers a respite before the next day’s visual cycle.
The lake is third in size in North America, 22 miles long and 12 miles wide, with a surface area of 122,628 acres. The average depth is 989 feet, and temperatures range from 40 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
Beaches line Lake Tahoe, each with its own attraction. Floating or tubing are inexpensive diversions. Strap on a mask and fins and explore the rocks for marine life. For serious scuba divers, there is an underwater shipwreck at Emerald State Park.
If you prefer parasailing, hook in and hold on as you ascend high over the lake’s shores. Float over the shoreline, check out Tahoe’s lakefront estates and glide in for a landing. Companies to schedule your rides include H2O Sports 775-588-4155, North Shore Parasail 530-546-7698, Ski Run Boat Co. 530-544-0200, or Zephyr Cove Marina & Boat Rentals 775-589-4908.
Fishing the lake or surrounding streams is often a passion among visitors. Grab a big Mackinaw or the prized Kokanee salmon. Fishing is year-round at Lake Tahoe and the surrounding backcountry lakes. Tahoe Sport Fishing at 800-696-7797 or Camp Richardson Marina at 530-542-6570 will get you all set up for a great day.
For water sport activities and rentals on the lake, check out Action Watersports 530-541-9800, Camp Richardson Marina 530-542-6570, H2O Sports 775-588-4155, North Shore Parasail & Jet Ski 530-546-2419 or 530-546-4998, Ski Run Boat Co. 530-544-0200 or Zephyr Cove Marina and Boat Rentals 775-589-4908.
Boat excursions abound around the Tahoe Basin. Powerboat rentals are available all around the lake from places such as Action Watersports, Camp Richardson Marina, H2O Sports, Ski Run Boat Co., Tahoe Keys Boat Rentals, and Zephyr Cove Marina. Speedboat tours (Tahoe Thunder 530-544-2942) are also available to Emerald Bay.
Rise early for some prime waterskiing on the glassy bays of the lake. For those with their own boats, there are many boat ramp locations available.
For those who crave the water, yet are uncomfortable at the wheel, there are plenty of charter boats or cruises available. Paddle-wheelers offer scenic excursions, champagne brunch trips and elegant sunset cruises; contact Lake Tahoe Cruises at 888-439-5007. Other charters include Bleu Wave Cruises at 775-588-9283, The Party Boat at 530-542-5222 and Tahoe Boat Cruises at 888-867-6394.
New water adventures are always waiting to be discovered at Lake Tahoe. Put on your swimsuit and get ready to dive in. |
