Frequently Asked Questions
How does it work?
You can book online or in person (walk ins welcome on a 1st come-1st served basis). Our address is 2435 Venice Dr, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150. All bookings are captain unless pre-approved from staff. You may choose any captain with a USCG 6-pack or master of any tonnage credential. We have a list you may choose from for your convenience. If your booking has no captain, then we will go over a safety brief and set you free to enjoy the lake as you please. All rentals are considered bareboat charters, which means you will take full ownership rights and responsibility over the boat during the rental period. You have the right to hire and fire your captain as you please, but will need to return to the marina for reassignment. Any fees incurred during the rental period are the responsibility of the renter including fuel used. If you have any questions about how this works, please give us a call.
Where do i park?
The Tahoe Keys Marina has plenty of parking on the parking lot. On busy days, sometimes parking is limited, so parking on Venice Dr will do.
Do you deliver boats to other areas on the Lake?
Yes, please call (530) 659-3452 or email Contact@discovertahoerentals.com. We can drop off rentals on public docks or private docks that you have made arrangements with.
How much advance notice is needed to book?
Bookings can be made on the spot if there is a boat available. However, most of the time we sell out online well before.
How do I book?
Click on the "Book Adventure" page on the top of this webpage. You will find the booking process there. Choose the option you you like to charter. You can toggle thru the start times to find available durations you want. Follow the system prompts. You need to input the number of people on your trip, whether you want a captain, etc. Payment will be required to secure a booking. If you have any concerns over the booking or questions in general, please call us at (530) 659-3452.
How does verification work?
Verification is simple. and easy! We are now using an automated waiver system. If you complete the waivers online, you will just need to get on the boat when you arrive. If you don't use the automated system, please arrive 15 minutes prior to your booking to sing waivers on our IPad. The person paying for the booking will need to be at least 18 years old.
What is your cancelation policy?
100% refund 5 days before the booking starts. Dangerous weather or boat malfunctions receive 100% refund or the option to reschedule.
Renters more than a 1/2 hour late without making contact with staff will be considered a renter cancelation. Failure to provide adequate verification, sign rental agreements, etc. will also be considered a renter cancelation. The best way to reduce the chance of this happening is communicating with staff as soon as a problem is noticed.
What is considered dangerous weather?
Lake Tahoe can be a little fussy sometimes. Dangerous weather for purposes of cancelations are named storms, excessive wind causing larges waves or the watercraft to yaw or roll dangerously and active lightning storms. Other weather cancelations are at the discretion of staff. Usually, rain or cold/overcast weather does not qualify for a refund. Your safety is our #1 priority.
What age requirements are there?
The responsible party (renter) must be at least 18 years old. The driver (operator) of the watercraft must be at least 25 years old. It is highly recommended (but not required) to get your boaters education card. The operator rule only applies to long-term rentals. Charters come with professional captains.
In Nevada, if you were born after 1983, you can obtain a Boaters Education Card. More information can be found here: http://www.ndow.org/Boat/Boating_Safety/
In California, if you are 45 years old or younger, then you can obtain a California Boater Card. More information can be found here: https://californiaboatercard.com/
If your boat is captained, then don't worry about it.
Life jackets must be worn by anyone who is 12 or younger. This is USCG law and strictly enforced.
Things to avoid taking aboard
Pets (well behaved small dogs and service animals are welcome)
Fireworks
Cooking stoves (on Bayliner only)
Red Wine (on Bayliner only)
Anything that could damage the watercraft beyond a simple wash/detail.
Is alcohol and smoking allowed?
Alcohol is allowed on the boat. The operator must remain sober by all means. If no one wants to be the DD, ask about the Captains service!
Smoking vapes and e-cigarettes', pens, etc. are allowed. Smoking anything that causes ash to be produced and/or causes an increase risk of fire is prohibited onboard.
