After years of planning, the North Lake Tahoe Water Shuttle has officially launched, linking together four lakeside locations with a unique waterborne transit service. Tahoe TV went along for one of the inaugural voyages to capture the experience.

Operating in a pilot program for the remainder of this summer season, service is provided to and from the West Shore Café in Homewood, Tahoe City Marina, Gar Woods Grill & Pier in Carnelian Bay and Captain Jon’s in Tahoe Vista, getting passengers out of their cars and on the lake for access to restaurants, shopping, bike trails, museums, parks, farmers markets and other recreational activities. 

The custom built 30’ vessel is a state of the art design, manufactured and operated by Fine Line Industries. It is configured to carry 12 passengers, the crew and up to 8 bicycles, allowing people to ride their bike one direction and the shuttle the other.

Other regional transit services, including buses and shuttles, are available to combine with the water shuttle and avoid parking and traffic hassles.

Service will operate August 3 through the end of September.  Hours of operation are 8:00 AM to 8:19 PM through August 26th and then from 8:00 AM to 6:46 PM to coincide with daylight changes.

Rates start at $10 for Adults/$7 for children up to 12 years old. For reservations, schedules and more information visit www.northlaketahoewatershuttle.com or call 530-581-8707 between 10:00 AM and 6:00 PM. 

Ticketing kiosks are available at some of the participating docks; seats are limited, so those interested are advised to book ahead.

The pilot program is funded through Placer County TOT/North Lake Tahoe Resort Association and sponsored by the Tahoe Transportation District with TNT-TMA contract management. 

For more information you can reach the TMA directly at 530-546-2912, Monday through Friday.