inclusive-excursions

The Ultimate Guide to Unique Outdoor Adventures in South Lake Tahoe

Tue, 25 Aug 2026 20:41:50 GMT

Millions of people visit Lake Tahoe every year, drawn by the famously crystal-clear waters, towering pine trees, and jagged mountain peaks. While the classic activities—lounging on a crowded beach or taking a standard boat ride—are always great, you aren’t here for the standard vacation. You are looking for something different. You are looking for truly unique things to do in South Lake Tahoe that will make your trip unforgettable.

Whether you want to explore the hidden depths of an alpine lake, carve through untouched backcountry trails on an electric mountain bike, or find a secret fishing hole guided by a local legend, South Lake Tahoe is an absolute playground for those willing to step off the beaten path. This guide will walk you through the most incredible, under-the-radar, and adrenaline-pumping experiences this spectacular region has to offer.

Ready to skip the planning and get straight to the adventure? Spots for our most popular summer and winter excursions fill up fast. Book your Lake Tahoe adventure with Tahoe Tours and Rentals today and guarantee your place on the ultimate outdoor excursion!

1. Take the Plunge: High-Altitude Scuba Diving

When most people think of scuba diving, they picture tropical reefs and warm ocean currents. But did you know that Lake Tahoe offers one of the most stunning freshwater diving experiences in the world? Because of the lake's incredible clarity and high elevation, diving here is an otherworldly experience that easily ranks at the top of the list for unique things to do in South Lake Tahoe .

Scuba Diving Tours in Lake Tahoe offer an entirely new perspective on the Sierra Nevadas. Imagine descending into pristine, sapphire waters where visibility can reach up to 70 feet. You'll navigate through massive, sunken boulders, explore dramatic underwater cliffs, and glide over submerged forests that look like they have been frozen in time.

If you have never dived before, don't worry. You can sign up for a Discover Scuba Diving experience, where a professional dive guide will teach you the basics, get you outfitted in a warm wetsuit (or drysuit), and take you on a safe, guided exploration of Tahoe's shallow, beautiful dive sites. For those looking to level up, you can even earn your PADI Open Water Diver certification over a two-day course right here in the lake.

2. Master the Mountain on an Electric Mountain Bike (E-MTB)

Lake Tahoe is world-renowned for its mountain biking trails, but the high elevation and steep climbs can be incredibly punishing. Enter the Electric Mountain Bike (E-MTB). E-MTBs give you the superhuman leg power to conquer grueling ascents with ease, saving your energy for the thrilling, fast-paced descents.

If you are a thrill-seeker, joining an E-MTB tour is a must. For an adrenaline-pumping afternoon, the Downhill Thrill Mountain Bike Tour takes you down fast and flowy trails packed with rock gardens, drops, and obstacles—all while offering stunning, panoramic views of the lake.

Looking for the magnum opus of Tahoe riding? Book The Whole Shebang , an iconic mountain bike experience where you ride along a 7,000-foot ridgeline with jaw-dropping views throughout the entire journey. When you take a tour with our expert guides (like Casey, Robyn, or Jo), ego is put aside. It’s not just a "follow-the-leader" tour; it’s like riding with your buddies who happen to know every secret turn, rock jump, and scenic overlook on the mountain.

3. Experience Sand Harbor Stress-Free (The VIP Way)

Sand Harbor is undeniably one of the most beautiful spots in all of Lake Tahoe. Famous for its massive granite boulders juxtaposed against shallow, Caribbean-blue water, it’s a paddler’s paradise. However, there is a catch: parking. During the summer, the Sand Harbor parking lot is notoriously full by 7:00 AM. Visitors spend hours sitting in traffic, only to be turned away at the gate.

If you want to experience this iconic location without the nightmare of logistics, our Sand Harbor Kayak / SUP Tour is the ultimate travel hack. We offer the only Sand Harbor tour that includes direct shuttle transportation from South Lake Tahoe.

We load you into our comfortable shuttle bus, drive you right past the "Lot Full" signs, and get you straight onto the water. You will spend your day gliding over crystal-clear depths on a kayak or stand-up paddleboard, weaving through the famous boulders, and paddling out to the photogenic Bonsai Rock. It is the most luxurious, stress-free way to cross this world-famous beach off your bucket list.

4. Cast a Line in Secret Alpine Waters

Fly fishing in the Sierra Nevadas is a tranquil, meditative experience, but finding the right spot—and knowing what the local fish are biting on—requires years of local knowledge. For a deeply authentic and grounding experience, taking a guided fly fishing trip is one of the most rewarding and unique things to do in South Lake Tahoe .

When you book a Fly Fishing Tour , you aren't just getting handed a rod; you are getting a masterclass. You'll hit the water with Adventure Guide Brian, a local legend who knows exactly where the trout are hiding. You'll get access to the best private fishing spots in Lake Tahoe, escaping the crowded public piers. Whether you are an experienced angler looking to hook a massive Mackinaw or a complete beginner wanting to learn the delicate art of casting, a day on the river with an expert is a day well spent.

5. Hike and Bike: The Best of Both Worlds

Can’t decide between hitting the hiking trails and cruising the bike paths? You don't have to choose. South Lake Tahoe’s geography makes it perfect for multi-sport days, and combining two of the best outdoor activities into one seamless adventure is a fantastic way to maximize your itinerary.

The Hike 'N Bike Tour is specifically designed for this. You will start by renting a comfortable cruiser or standard bike and riding along Lake Tahoe’s incredibly scenic, paved bike paths. Feel the cool alpine breeze as you pedal through towering pine forests, eventually arriving at a hidden trailhead. From there, you’ll lock up the bikes and transition into a moderate, 2-hour guided hike that leads to a breathtaking vista point. It's the perfect half-day excursion for families, couples, and groups looking to get their heart rate up while taking in the majestic sights.

6. Play the Most Beautiful Disc Golf Course in America

If you want to enjoy the fresh mountain air at a slightly slower pace, you have to try disc golf. South Lake Tahoe is home to what is widely considered "the most beautiful course in America." Imagine hiking through a pristine alpine forest, tossing discs through corridors of giant sequoias and pines, with glimpses of the sparkling lake peaking through the trees.

Even if you have never thrown a disc in your life, Disc Golf Lessons and Tours make it incredibly accessible. You can learn the mechanics of driving and putting with a professional coach who will guide you through the course. It’s an incredibly fun, low-impact way to spend an afternoon in the woods with friends or family, and it offers a distinctly local, laid-back Tahoe vibe.

7. Sit Back on a Guided Sightseeing Tour

Sometimes, the most unique adventures are the ones where you let someone else do the driving. Navigating mountain roads while trying to sightsee can be stressful for the driver in your group. Instead, gather your friends, pop open a beverage, and take a Sightseeing Driving Tour in a spacious 14-passenger shuttle bus.

You can choose the Lake Loop Tour , which takes you entirely around Lake Tahoe in a single day, stopping at the most unforgettable beaches, lookouts, and lunch spots. If you love history, the Emerald Bay Sightseeing Tour dives deep into the fascinating past of Vikingsholm and Fannette Island while hitting the best photo-ops. Or, step back in time with a drive out to Historic Virginia City , a preserved wild-west gold mining town filled with classic saloons, charming shops, and rugged Nevada history.

8. Winter Bonus: Ditch the Skis for MoonBikes and Ski Bikes

We can’t talk about unique things to do in South Lake Tahoe without mentioning the winter months! While Tahoe is famous for its world-class ski resorts, not everyone wants to deal with lift lines, expensive passes, or the steep learning curve of skiing and snowboarding.

If you are visiting in the winter, Tahoe offers incredibly innovative ways to play in the snow. Ski Bikes are exactly what they sound like—a BMX-style bike frame mounted on skis instead of wheels. They are incredibly easy to learn and provide an exhilarating alternative to traditional downhill skiing.

Alternatively, if you want to explore the backcountry, try out a MoonBike . These 100% electric snow bikes are completely silent, allowing you to zip through snowy meadows and quiet winter forests without the loud engine noise of a traditional snowmobile. It is an eco-friendly, futuristic way to experience Tahoe’s winter wonderland.

Make Your Lake Tahoe Trip Unforgettable

South Lake Tahoe is more than just a beautiful backdrop; it is an invitation to explore. Whether you are catching air on an electric mountain bike, breathing underwater in a high-alpine lake, or bypassing the crowds to paddle the pristine waters of Sand Harbor, your trip should be as unique as the landscape itself. Don't settle for the ordinary when the extraordinary is waiting right outside your door.

Your next great story starts here. Don't miss out on the best guided tours and premium rentals in the Sierra Nevadas. Click here to book your unique South Lake Tahoe adventure with Tahoe Tours and Rentals today , and let our expert local guides show you the side of Tahoe that most tourists never get to see!

Ski Biking in Lake Tahoe

Thu, 20 Apr 2023 19:31:55 GMT

Ski Biking in lake Tahoe

Lake Tahoe is a beautiful destination known for its picturesque views, stunning mountains, and adventurous activities. One such activity that has been gaining popularity in recent years is ski biking. Ski biking is a thrilling winter sport that involves riding down snow-covered slopes on a specially designed bike that has skis instead of wheels. This unique activity combines the elements of skiing and mountain biking, making it an exciting adventure for both experienced riders and beginners.

Ski biking in Lake Tahoe offers an incredible experience for all ages and skill levels. With over 12 resorts in the area, there are plenty of opportunities to hit the slopes on a ski bike. Ski bikes are designed with a footrest, a seat, and handlebars that resemble those of a traditional bike. The skis on the bike allow for smooth and stable rides down the mountain, while the handlebars provide control and steering.

One of the best things about ski biking in Lake Tahoe is that it is easy to learn. Unlike skiing or snowboarding, ski biking does not require any special skills or experience. It is a perfect activity for anyone who wants to enjoy the thrill of snow sports without having to worry about the steep learning curve. Many resorts in Lake Tahoe offer ski bike lessons, making it easy for beginners to get started.

For experienced skiers and snowboarders, ski biking offers a new and exciting challenge. It provides a unique way to experience the mountain and try something new. Ski biking is also a great option for those who may have physical limitations that prevent them from skiing or snowboarding.

Aside from the excitement of ski biking, Lake Tahoe also offers breathtaking views and scenery. The snow-covered mountains and sparkling lake make for a picturesque backdrop to your ski biking adventure. Many resorts in the area offer guided tours, which allow you to take in the stunning scenery while enjoying the thrill of ski biking.

Overall, ski biking in Lake Tahoe is a must-try for anyone looking for a unique and thrilling winter experience. With a variety of resorts and trails to choose from, there is something for everyone. Whether you are a seasoned skier, a snowboarder, or a beginner looking for an adventure, ski biking is an excellent option to add to your winter bucket list. So, grab your skibike, hit the slopes, and enjoy the incredible scenery that Lake Tahoe has to offer.

Does the Corona Virus Affect Travel?

stephanie.gomez@peek.com (Ben Harrison) — Fri, 14 Jan 2022 01:03:00 GMT

Is Covid-19 affecting travel?

The answer is yes. Covid-19 is affecting just about everyone and everything in some way, shape, or form.

At this point, I’m sure you noticed this already. Up to date, (04/02/2020) there are a total of 1,014,673 cases worldwide and counting. The good news though, about 4x the people recovered compared to the number who had unfortunately passed. Over 210,000 people recovered from the Covid-19 virus, and just under 53,000 people have passed away. Corona is spread through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes, or through objects that the infected person has touched.

If you’re like me and can’t sit still, especially inside, try to get back to the basics and go for a hike. (if you can) When I get stressed out from being cooped up I go for a hike or mountain bike ride with my dog “Adventure Buddy”. After our ride or hike, no matter how bad or good things really may be, it always seems to lean more towards the good side of things. Most of us have a mandated “stay at home” order, and others may be volunteering to stay at home. While a lot of businesses are forced to close their doors and temporarily lay off employees, this makes for a good time to get back to your roots.

Spend time to build yourself and self-reflect. What are you doing in your life that makes you happy? What are you doing that could use more practice? Are you eating well and exercising enough? Although this isn’t the best time for everyone, maybe it can be. With every negative comes a positive, and the positives can easily outweigh the negatives. It all depends on the view you choose to look at what is presented to you.

Have you had time to step back from work or life in general and audit yourself? Maybe you have been working too much and this virus is giving you the opportunity to spend more time getting closer to your loved ones or even yourself. Sometimes life gives you opportunities that at first glance look like a negative. You have to look closely and put the pieces of the puzzle together to understand the positives that life is presenting to you. This is simply the way of the universe.

Precautions:

Obviously, washing your hands is always a good idea to prevent bad germs. During this time it’s an even better idea. If you can find hand sanitizer in a whole in the wall shop that hasn’t been scavenged, grab a bottle. Just please remember to be courteous and only take what you need. Don’t be that guy or gal to empty the shelf.
Wipe down any surfaces that are being touched often in your workplace or home with disinfectant.
Social distancing and self-isolation are important. This doesn’t mean lock yourself in a closet and hide, it just means to be mindful of keeping a safe distance. The new target is to stay at least 6′ away from another person to prevent the spread.
Some people may consider this an extreme measure, but better safe than sorry. Wear a face mask and gloves. I’m sure you have seen this popping up more and more. It almost feels like we are in an apocalypse movie, but the more precautions
we take, the faster we can get back to living our normal lives.
You should be doing this anyway, but cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze. Some germs can travel up to 10′ on a single cough or sneeze.

Will airlines refund tickets due to the Corona virus?

What many airlines are doing is allowing travelers to cancel their flights and basically set aside that money to be used on a flight at a later date—and thankfully, you don’t have to book that flight now (which is good because it’s hard to know exactly how this pandemic is going to play out at this point). The main U.S. carriers (United, American, and Delta) are currently offering that flexibility for flights that were scheduled to depart through the end of May.

When it comes to actual refunds, the policies vary by airline.

American Airlines: Flights booked on American prior to March 1, 2020, for travel through May 31, 2020, can be rebooked without change fees; flights booked during the month of March for travel through January 30, 2021, can also be canceled and changed without a change fee.

The airline is encouraging those who don’t plan to travel anytime soon to simply cancel their flight online, and then rebook at a later date as it is currently swamped with requests. When you’re ready to rebook, call the reservations department and be prepared to give them your 13-digit ticket number and 6-character confirmation number.

If a flight was canceled by American Airlines (either due to new travel restrictions or capacity reductions), American said it will send affected passengers an email and they can either rebook the trip or request a refund for the remaining ticket value and any optional fees.

United Airlines: If you booked a flight with United between March 3 and March 31, 2020, you can change it for free—one time—for travel that takes place within the next year. Any flights booked prior to March 3 (regardless of whether they are domestic or international) with original travel dates through May 31, 2020, can be canceled and rebooked later with no change fees.

With regards to flight cancellations that have resulted from the numerous travel bans and restrictions that have been put in place due to Corona-virus, United said that any customers (including residents from other countries), whose international travel has been disrupted by more than six hours, or if the flight was canceled due to government restrictions, will get a travel credit equal to the value of their ticket that is good for up to 12 months from the time of purchase (not from the time the flight was canceled). If the customer chooses not to use the credit, they will receive a cash refund at the end of that 12-month period.

Delta Air Lines: Any Delta ticket for domestic or international travel in March,

April or May can be canceled and rebooked without a fee for travel that takes place up until December 31, 2020. For flights canceled by Delta, the airline has said it will contact passengers with additional information. We haven’t been able to find out much beyond that.

JetBlue: Customers who were due to travel with JetBlue through April 30, 2020, can cancel and bank the funds for a future flight up to one year from the date the future flight credit was issued.

Southwest Airlines: Southwest hasn’t changed its policy and that’s because its policy was already pretty lenient. The carrier has tier fares that include refunds (Business Select and Anytime) and a tiered fare (Wanna Get Away) that doesn’t include refunds. Those remain the same. But regardless of the type of ticket purchased, it can be canceled as a fee for a future travel credit for up to a year from the original date of purchase.

Alaska Airlines: Similar to other U.S. carriers, Alaska flights purchased on or before February 26, 2020, for travel that was originally scheduled to take place through the end of May can be canceled, the money set aside in an Alaska account, and the flight rescheduled for any time until February 28, 2021. Any tickets purchased between February 27 and March 30, 2020, for travel anytime through February 28, 2020, can also be changed with no fee.

British Airways: The U.K. carrier is allowing customers who have booked or who book new flights between March 3 and May 31, 2020, to change those flights for free—and any existing bookings for departures through May 31, 2020, can be changed without a fee as well.

Air France: The French airline is offering a travel voucher for flights that were scheduled to depart through May 31, 2020, which will be valid for one year on any Air France, KLM, Delta Air Lines, and Virgin Atlantic flights.

How are Inclusive Excursions, Expedia, Priceline, and other online agencies handling Corona-virus refunds?

Online travel agencies such as Inclusive Excursions, Expedia, Travelocity, Orbitz, and Priceline serve as “middlemen” between travelers and travel suppliers. They have different working relationships with all the suppliers on their sites, which can complicate things a bit.

For instance, Inclusive Excursions, Expedia, Orbitz, and Travelocity can help change or cancel reservations for some of the air carriers they sell tickets for, but not all of them. For the ones with which they lack that ability, customers will have to work directly with the airline. But the bottom line is: The airline’s policy will be the policy that customers of Expedia, Orbitz and Travelocity will have to work with.

Priceline advises its customers that “if your airline does not allow you to cancel or change your flight, we are not able to help you at this time.” The travel booking site offers a very comprehensive contact list, including websites and phone numbers, for all its partner airlines.

On the hotels front, Expedia, Travelocity, and Orbitz have stated that for hotels booked in the following destinations by people who are not a resident of these countries, they are eligible for a full refund: China, Hong Kong, Macau; South Korea; Israel; Marshall Islands; El Salvador; Denmark and Slovakia; Czech Republic, Oman and India; Poland; Cyprus; Ukraine; and Italy. They advise customers to “check back often as destinations are continually [being] added based on changing restrictions.”

Corona-virus refunds for hotels and vacation rentals

Hotels have always been pretty flexible when it comes to changing and canceling reservations, but in the wake of the Corona virus pandemic, they are being even more so.

Marriott International: Marriott is allowing all guests at all of its more than 7,300 properties around the world with existing reservations, for any upcoming stay regardless of the date and regardless of whether the original rate had some restrictions, to change or cancel without a charge up to 24 hours prior to arrival—here’s the important thing to note—as long as the change or cancellation is made by April 30, 2020. For those who make new reservations now through April 30, 2020, they will be allowed to change or cancel at no charge up to 24 hours before arrival, regardless of the date of stay.

Hilton: For guests who have booked stays that were scheduled to begin prior to April 30 at any of Hilton’s more than 6,100 global properties, the change fee is being waived and the company is offering full refunds for all existing reservations (including those described as “non-cancellable”) for stays scheduled to begin prior to April 30, 2020, up to 24 hours before arrival. New reservations booked between now and April 30, 2020, for any future arrival date, can be changed or canceled at no charge up to 24 hours before arrival.

Accor: The 5,000-hotel Accor hasn’t offered too much detail on its Corona-virus-related change and cancellation policies other than to say that it has advised all of its hotels to adopt flexible change and cancellation conditions for travelers with new or existing bookings through April 30, 2020.

Intercontinental Hotel Group: IHG has waived cancellation fees for existing and new bookings at all of its hotels the world over for stays between March 9 and April 30, 2020. It is handling groups and meeting bookings on a case-by-case basis. For stays beyond April 30, the company reminds customers that there is flexibility already built into some of its rates—in other words, if ever there was a time to book the slightly higher rate with more options, now would be the time to do so.

Airbnb: Vacation rental powerhouse Airbnb recently issued an updated global change and cancellation policy. Reservations for stays and experiences made on or before March 14, 2020, with a check-in date between March 14, 2020, and April 14, 2020, can be canceled for a full refund by guests, and hosts can cancel without a charge or impact to their Superhost status (and Airbnb will refund all service fees). Reservations made on or before March 14 with a check-in date after April 14 as well as any reservations made after March 14, 2020, will not be covered unless the guest or host has contracted COVID-19. Otherwise, the host’s standard cancellation policy will apply.

Similar to the airlines, hotels are being gracious about bookings through the end of April. Beyond that, it’s not clear how generous they will be.

What are tour operators’ policies for Corona-virus changes and refunds?

Given the global health crisis that the Coronavirus pandemic presents, most reputable tour operators have gone ahead and proactively canceled a good portion of their upcoming itineraries (similar to what the cruise lines did—see below). Here are some examples.

Tauck: Long-time tour provider Tauck has canceled its scheduled tours and cruises from March 17, 2020, through April 14, 2020—and for those tours, it will refund the affected guests. For tours that were scheduled to take place between April 14, 2020, and June 30, 2020, guests can cancel and received a future travel credit for any tour in 2020 or 2021 (but airline change fees will not be covered).

Abercrombie & Kent: Luxury tour operator Abercrombie & Kent has temporarily suspended ground operations globally from March 17 to April 30, 2020 (with the exception of May trips to China, which remain canceled). A&K is offering guests on those journeys a future tour credit (that will include a 10 percent discount) for any trip to be used within 12 months of the original departure date.

Intrepid Travel: Global tour company Intrepid Travel has also suspended its tours from March 16 to April 30, 2020. For those tours, travelers will receive a 110 percent future tour credit that they can put towards any itinerary up until April 30, 2022. For tours departing May 1, 2020, and beyond, Intrepid said they are continuing as planned at this point, but that if customers choose to cancel they can do so and receive a credit for whatever they had paid to be used by April 30, 2022.

What about cruises?

On March 14, the majority of the world’s cruise lines agreed to suspend cruise ship operations from U.S. ports for 30 days in response to the global coronavirus pandemic.

Affected customers are being offered anywhere between a 100 percent and 200 percent future cruise credit.

How travel advisors can help

During a complicated and overwhelming global crisis such as the Corona-virus pandemic, a travel advisor can serve as a great ally. While travel advisors can’t force travel suppliers to refund their clients, they typically have stronger relationships with suppliers and thus more sway. They will be better able to help you navigate through the options for changing your trip plans. And as a travel professional (who likely has dealt with numerous crises in the past), they can offer their advice and insights from their myriad of contacts in the industry and from their own personal experience.

Can travel insurance help you get a refund?

With regards to the current Corona virus crisis, travel insurance providers consider it to be a known event as of January 21, 2020 (or thereabouts, the date can change slightly depending on the provider, but usually falls sometime between January 21 and January 27, 2020). Travel insurance purchased before that date will cover disruptions resulting from the outbreak, but any travel insurance purchased after that date will not.

An exception to that is Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) coverage, an optional upgrade to a travel insurance policy that covers cancellations for reasons not otherwise covered by standard travel insurance “such as fear of traveling due to Corona-virus or simply not wanting to travel to a country that may be affected,” said Megan Moncrief, chief marketing officer for travel insurance search and review site Squaremouth .

There are some limitations, however. The CFAR upgrade has to be purchased within 14 to 21 days of making the initial trip deposit and it will reimburse travelers for up to 75 percent of their trip cost—for a price. Cancel For Any Reason coverage typically costs between 5 and 10 percent of the total trip cost.

-Info courtesy of AFAR . By Michelle Baran