Private vs Public Lake Tahoe Cruises: Compare MS Dixie, Tahoe Bleu Wave & Spirit of Tahoe to a Private Charter

When people search for Lake Tahoe cruises, the big public sightseeing boats often come up first. They’re great for large crowds—but many travelers don’t realize that for families, couples, and groups of friends, a private boat charter is not only a far better experience, it can actually cost less per person than public cruises like the MS Dixie, Tahoe Bleu Wave, or Spirit of Tahoe.

With Boat Tahoe, you enjoy a private captain, customizable route, smoother ride, more time in Emerald Bay, and the ability to swim or enjoy quick watersports if time allows. Instead of being shoulder-to-shoulder with 100+ people, your group gets the entire boat—just you, your friends, and one of the most beautiful lakes on Earth.

Below, compare your options and see how a private charter stacks up on price, comfort, and overall experience.

When comparing private vs public Lake Tahoe cruises, most people assume private charters are more expensive—but that’s not always true. With groups of 4–13 people, Boat Tahoe is often the same price or even cheaper per person than popular public cruises like the MS Dixie, Tahoe Bleu Wave, or Spirit of Tahoe. And even in those cases where a public cruise costs less, the difference is usually small—especially once you factor in add-on expenses like drinks, snacks, and premium seating on the big tour boats.

With a private charter, you’re not paying for bar drinks or packaged food. You can bring your own alcohol, snacks, and drinks, which can save you a surprising amount—often offsetting most (or all) of the price difference. And unlike the public boats, a private charter offers a truly elevated experience: custom routes, quiet comfort, swimming stops, photo opportunities, watersports if time allows, and a USCG-licensed captain dedicated to your group alone.

Use the chart below to see how Boat Tahoe compares on price, comfort, and overall experience.

1. Is a private Lake Tahoe boat charter cheaper than a public cruise?

Private charters are often cheaper per person, especially for groups of 4–13 people. Since you pay per boat—not per seat—the cost splits across your group. In many cases, Boat Tahoe ends up being the same price or less than public cruises like the MS Dixie, Tahoe Bleu Wave, or Spirit of Tahoe.

2. What makes a private Lake Tahoe charter better than a public sightseeing cruise?

Private charters offer complete flexibility: customizable routes, longer time inside Emerald Bay, the ability to swim, bring your own food and drinks, take photos without crowds, and enjoy a quieter, more comfortable ride. Public cruises follow one fixed route and carry 100–300 passengers.

3. Can we bring our own drinks and alcohol on a private charter?

Yes. With Boat Tahoe you can bring beer, wine, champagne, snacks, and non-messy food on board at no extra charge. This can save groups a significant amount compared to purchasing drinks and snacks on public cruise boats.

4. Which Lake Tahoe public cruise is best to compare to Boat Tahoe?

The most common comparisons are the MS Dixie, Tahoe Bleu Wave, and Spirit of Tahoe. Each offers a large-capacity sightseeing cruise, but none provide swimming, watersports, custom routes, private space, or the per-group pricing that private charters offer.

5. Do private charters go to Emerald Bay like the public cruises do?

Yes. All Boat Tahoe charters include the option to visit Emerald Bay, and most groups choose to go there. Unlike large tour boats, private charters allow you to spend more time in the bay, slow down for photos, explore additional coves, or combine it with other scenic spots.

6. Will we have time for swimming or watersports on a private cruise?

Yes. If time and lake conditions allow, your group can swim in select coves or add tubing, wakeboarding, or water skiing at no extra cost. Public sightseeing boats do not offer swimming or watersports of any kind.

7. Are private boat tours better for families with kids?

Absolutely. Families prefer private charters because there’s more space, calmer conditions, freedom to adjust the route, and the ability to move around without crowds. Kids also love the option to swim or try watersports—something public cruise boats can’t offer.

8. What is the biggest difference between the MS Dixie and a private charter?

The MS Dixie is a large paddle-wheeler carrying hundreds of passengers on a fixed Emerald Bay route. Boat Tahoe offers a smaller, smoother, more personalized experience where your group controls the pace, stops, music, and activities.

9. Can you swim on public Lake Tahoe cruises like the MS Dixie, Tahoe Bleu Wave, or Spirit of Tahoe?

No. Public Lake Tahoe sightseeing cruises—including the MS Dixie, Tahoe Bleu Wave, and Spirit of Tahoe—do not allow swimming or getting in the water at any point. These boats follow strict, fixed routes and require passengers to remain onboard. Private charters, however, can stop in coves for swimming or relaxing if time and conditions allow.

10. Are private Lake Tahoe charters worth the price compared to public tours?

Yes. Even when a private charter is slightly more expensive, the upgrade in experience is huge. You get a private boat, customizable itinerary, no crowds, free BYO drinks/snacks, swimming options, and a captain focused solely on your group. Most guests say the experience is worth far more than the small price difference.