Yes, you can take a boat to Emerald Bay, and doing so is one of the most enjoyable ways to experience this iconic part of Lake Tahoe. Emerald Bay is fully accessible by water and popular for sightseeing, photography, and visiting Vikingsholm. The bay is a designated no-wake zone, which requires slow travel inside. Navigating the area can be challenging for new boaters due to kayakers, paddleboarders, shallow shelves, and summer boat traffic. Captained charters offer a safer and more relaxed way to visit, with captains who know the safest approach routes, anchoring rules, and the best photography angles. Many charters include local history about Fannette Island and Vikingsholm, making the trip both scenic and informative.