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Emerald Bay
✨ Hidden gem
Emerald Bay is strikingly beautiful — a National Natural Landmark and the only inlet on Lake Tahoe, sheltering the lake's sole island right in the middle of it. You anchor off here and take in massive granite peaks rising around you, with hiking trails leading up to sweeping vistas above the bay. It's about 12 miles north of South Lake Tahoe via Highway 89 if you need to orient yourself.
Marinas and anchorages near Emerald Bay · times are dock to dock
Based on AIS data
quiet → busy
Popular Times
How full it gets, by local hour — tallest when the most boats are here.
00:0006:0012:0018:0023:00
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Sun
- Busiest Friday through Sunday
- Fullest around 18:00, emptiest around 09:00
- Half the boats arrive by 12:00
- 77% of visits are overnight
- Typical day stop: ~3h · max recorded 9 boats
Plan a Passage
Popular
15 legs boats have actually been recorded sailing.
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