Boat Tahoe Frequently Asked Question FAQ2022-02-27T03:47:46+00:00

Boat Tahoe – FAQ

Where do we meet at the beginning of our charter?2023-04-26T17:59:29+00:00

Boat Tahoe is located in the Tahoe Keys Marina.  To arrive at the marina search “Boat Tahoe” or input the address below.  Upon arrival you will be meeting your boat captain right at the boat which is located on the Rubicon Docks just to the right of the boat launch ramp!  Please follow the map and directions below and look for a blue Boat Tahoe flutter flag on the dock.

Meeting Location Directions

  • The boat is located in the Tahoe Keys Marina.  You will be meeting DIRECTLY AT THE BOAT.  Please read instructions below on where to meet or view the map to find the exact location of the boat.
  • Tahoe Keys Marina Address: 2435 Venice Dr E, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
  • Where to meet the boat within the marina:  Look for the large flag pole with a US flag (#1 on map) go to right corner of the parking lot near the flag pole and to the right of the boat ramp then proceed past the white shack (#2 on map) down the Rubicon Dock to the meeting point.  Look for a blue Boat Tahoe flutter flag along the docks on the left.

Meeting Time

  • Please note, previous charters return 30 minutes prior to scheduled times. If you arrive prior to 30 minute before your charter please wait by the Boat Tahoe flag and your boat & captain will be returning soon.
Tahoe Key Marina Map - Boat Tahoe - 2022
Click image to view larger map
Why should I choose Boat Tahoe for my boat rental?2022-03-09T01:08:44+00:00

Boat Tahoe is a locally owned business that loves to help people get out on Lake Tahoe!  Not only are all our boats maintained and cleaned to the highest standards but our US Coast Guard certified captains will give you the ultimate Lake Tahoe experience!  Plus they know all the best spots on the lake! 

How early should we arrive before our charter?2023-04-26T18:00:38+00:00

We recommend arriving at the marina 30-45 minutes before your charter.   Please meet at the boat 20 minutes prior to your scheduled time.  Weekends and holidays can be rather busy at the marina so give yourself plenty of time to find parking and get to your boat.  Late arrivals can cut into your time on the lake.

Please note, previous charters return 30 minutes prior to scheduled times. If you arrive prior to 30 minute before your charter please wait by the Boat Tahoe flag and your boat & captain will be returning soon.

Visit here for directions to the marina and a map of where to meet your boat.

Can I bring my own food and drinks?2022-03-09T01:04:44+00:00

For sure!  But please stay away from red wine, messy food and glass.  Only people 21 and older can consume alcoholic beverages on board.

Who will be driving the boat?2022-03-09T01:06:36+00:00

All tours are captained by a United States Coast Guard certified captain!  

What should I bring with me?2022-04-18T01:52:19+00:00

While Boat Tahoe will provide water, feel free to bring any other food or drinks you’d like.  Alcoholic beverages are allowed we just ask that you don’t bring any red wine.

In additional a few suggested items are: sunscreen, sunglasses, a camera, a jacket or sweatshirt (it can get chilly) and a towel / swimsuit if you’d like to go for swim in the lake!

How many people can fit on the boat?2023-01-14T23:35:47+00:00

Our boats vary in capacity from 6-10 passengers + the captain.  So while all boats can accommodate up to 6 people we can take up to 10 on one of the boats – based on availability.

What is included with the rental?2022-04-19T22:05:10+00:00

All rentals include a US Coast Guard certified captain, gas, and water.  Gratuity for captain is NOT included and is greatly appreciated.

How old do you have to be to rent a boat?2022-04-19T22:07:07+00:00

The primary charter guest (person that books the charter) must be 21 years of age or older.  Anyone under 21 can join the tour as long as they are accompanied by an adult.

Is gas included with the rental?2022-03-09T01:07:23+00:00

Yes!  All tours include gas.

Are there bathrooms on the boat?2022-04-17T01:21:34+00:00

While our boats do not include onboard restrooms, there are a few options around the lake that we can dock if needed.  Please try to use the restroom at the marina prior to launch.

What kind of boat will I be getting with my charter?2022-03-09T01:06:07+00:00

Our boats range from 24-27 feet.  Our boats are in great shape and you’ll have a blast no matter what boat you’re on.  Actual boat of tour is determined by Boat Tahoe.

Is there a cooler on the boat?2022-03-09T01:02:27+00:00

Each of our boats either have a medium sized cooler or a refrigerator.  You’re also welcome to bring your own cooler as well!

Can I swim from the boat?2022-03-10T03:56:06+00:00

Yes you can!

Do the boat have sun shades on them?2022-06-03T00:02:47+00:00

Yes!  All boats have sun shades available.  If you prefer for it to be up or down just let us know when booking and we’ll have it all set for you upon arrival!

Can I bring my pet?2022-03-09T01:04:19+00:00

Sorry but no pets are allowed on tours.

Do you have life vest for children?2022-03-09T01:05:24+00:00

We have multiple size life vest for kids and adults onboard all rentals.  Infant life jackets are limited but available, please let us know ahead of time if you need an infant life vest.

What is your cancellation policy?2022-03-24T22:48:05+00:00

Cancellations must be made 24 hours prior to your scheduled tour.  If you choose to cancel before that 24 hour period we can help you reschedule your tour (based on availability) or give you a full refund.  Any cancellations within 24 hours (not weather based) will not receive a refund.  Boat Tahoe has the right to cancel any tour based on weather.  If a tour is cancelled based on weather you will receive your choice of a full refund or we will reschedule your tour based on availability. 

Can we smoke on the boat?2022-03-09T01:02:50+00:00

Sorry but there is no smoking on any tours.

What is the water temperature of Lake Tahoe?2022-03-09T01:59:11+00:00

Lake Tahoe water temperature varies greatly throughout the year and even the summer with average temperatures ranging from as high as 73 degrees in July and as low as 44 degrees in May.   See below for average temperatures.  Temperatures can vary from year to year based on winter snowfall.

Boat Tahoe - Lake Tahoe Boat Rentals - Average Water Temperature
Can we listen to music during our charter?2022-03-10T03:57:44+00:00

Absolutely!  All Boat Tahoe boats have either bluetooth, aux or lightning connections so you can either play your own music or the captain is happy to play some tunes as well!  Boats also have FM radio.

Do I need boating experience to go on a tour?2022-03-09T02:12:09+00:00

Not at all!  All Boat Tahoe charters include a US Coast Guard Certified Captain who will be driving the boat and showing you the best spots on the lake so just kick back, relax and enjoy the day on the lake!

Can we wakesurf from the boat?2022-03-09T02:14:59+00:00

While we do offer lots of watersports (including tubing, wakeboarding and waterskiing) we unfortunately don’t offer wakesurfing from our boats.

Do you provide wetsuits?2022-04-17T01:17:48+00:00

Sorry, but we do not provide wetsuits.  There are quite a few sports shops around town that sell them if needed.

What is a Bareboat Charter?2023-04-26T18:05:03+00:00

A Bareboat Charter is required by the US Coast Guard for having more than 6 passengers on an uninspected passenger vessel for hire.  Any charter from Boat Tahoe of 7-10 (max 10) passengers is classified as a Bareboat Charter.  Below is more information on Bareboat Charters:

  • You will be renting and responsible for the boat yourself and hiring/paying for the captain & fuel separately.  Charters MUST be driven by a qualified captain (requirements listed below).  Boat Tahoe can provide a qualified captain for an additional charge of $100 per hour.  This charge includes both captain fee and fuel and is to be paid directly to the captain at the start of the charter.  If you have a captain that meets all requirements you are welcome to use them but you must notify Boat Tahoe in advance and provide documentation meeting all requirements in advance.  In cases where you provide you own captain you will be required to pay for fuel in addition to the charter fee.
    • Captains available by Boat Tahoe for Bareboat Charters can be viewed here.
  • An additional Bareboat Charter agreement will be provided at the start of your charter that the charterer must sign
  • If providing your own captain they must meet the following requirements:
    • Minimum of USCG Masters License
    • Minimum of 2 million dollars of boat / liability insurance that covers the boat, Boat Tahoe and the Tahoe Keys Marina.
    • Minimum 100 days experience on Lake Tahoe.

Questions

Can I drive the boat myself?

  • For bareboat charters of 7-10 people, if you meet all the requirements above you are allowed to drive the boat yourself.  You must notify Boat Tahoe in advance and provide documentation of all requirements.

I don’t meet all the requirements / can’t find a captain.  Can I still charter a boat?

  • Absolutely!  Boat Tahoe can provide a captain for you for an additional charge of $100 per hour paid directly to the captain at the start of the charter.

We have 6 or less people.  What does this mean for me?

  • Charters of 6 or less people do not follow the same U.S. Coast Guard regulations.  All charters of 6 or less people through Boat Tahoe automatically include a captain within the charter cost.

I don’t see an option for 7-10 passengers during the booking.  What should I do?

  • If you don’t see an option for 7-10 passengers during the booking that means that time is not available for Bareboat Charters.  Only a select number of Boat Tahoe’s boats are available for Bareboat Charters.  Feel free to search for another time or give us a call at 530-208-0211 and we can help find a time that works for you.

Can we take more then 10 people on a Bareboat Charter?

  • Sorry but Boat Tahoe has a max capacity of 10 people (plus the captain) for bareboat charters.
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