Paddleboarders floating on Lake Tahoe. Hand-launched vessels can carry aquatic invasive species and must be Clean, Drain, and Dry before moving to other lakes or other parts of Lake Tahoe.
Generikal
As the Lake Tahoe Region experiences one of the area’s most popular boating holidays, the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency is reminding boaters, paddlers, and beachgoers about special precautions that help visitors and residents protect the lake and safely enjoy its iconic, blue waters.
To protect the Lake Tahoe region from invasive golden mussels, all motorized watercraft without a valid Tahoe inspection seal will be decontaminated following a mandatory inspection.
Details for powered boaters
Clean, Drain, and Dry to save time, minimize decontamination fees, and protect the lake.
Boaters needing inspection and decontamination around busy holidays and weekends may experience long walk-in wait times and are encouraged to adjust plans or schedule an appointment at tahoe
boatinspections.com/appt.
Hand-launched electric watercraft, including eFoils, eSUPs, and kayaks with trolling motors, must display a 2025 Tahoe Electric sticker. Visit tahoeboat
inspections.com/efoil for requirements.
Bring boating equipment, including keys, life jackets, water toys, and ballast bags, to the inspection station, but leave kids and pets at home. Ensure boat batteries are charged.
Walk-ins and appointments are accepted until 4:30 p.m. daily to allow adequate time for inspection and decontamination.
For motorless craft
Clean, Drain, and Dry all gear to minimize the risk of aquatic invasive species introduction from kayaks, paddleboards, and other motorless gear.
To help protect all alpine lakes, Clean, Drain, and Dry between every launch, even within the Tahoe Basin.
Free, solar-powered cleaning machines are located at Sand Harbor, Meeks Bay, and Kiva Beach help paddlers Clean, Drain, and Dry.
The Tahoe Boating App features live weather warnings, area attractions, no-wake zone boundaries, and more to enjoy the lake safely and responsibly. Download for iOS and Android at tahoeboating.org.
Wear a personal flotation device and be aware of the risk of cold-water shock.
Motorized boats must stay under 5 mph when boating within 600 feet of shore, 100 feet of paddlers and swimmers, 200 feet of shoreline structures and all of Emerald Bay
For access to boat inspection information visit TahoeBoatInspections.com or follow @TahoeBoating on social media.