Getting around South Lake Tahoe by water taxi

We've all most likely had an experience hailing or calling for a cab, but how many have tried that doing that on Lake Tahoe? There are no stop signs or stop lights, it's worry free, no traffic, no parking madness, just you and the crystal blue water underneath your water taxi as it glides from marina to marina at a steady 10 knots.

On Monday I boarded the South Shore Water Shuttle at Lakeside Marina for a round trip to all four of its regular stops, Timber Cove Marina, Camp Richardson Resort & Marina and Round Hill Pines Beach Resort & Marina, and then back to Lakeside.

After boarding the double-deck boat (I was the only passenger on board for the first 50 minutes), we moved from marina to marina, picking up some vacationers, including honeymooners, at Camp Richardson. The shuttle can hold 51 people, 49 passengers, the captain and a crew member, with plenty of room to sit inside and outside.

Not only is being on the lake at any time a great experience, using the water to get around the South Shore effortlessly is an added benefit.

Passengers can bring their bikes on board at no extra charge, utilizing the trails near Camp Richardson and Round Hill Pines, or heading home after a day spent riding the vast number of bike trails throughout the area.

Wedding and family groups are also finding the taxi a great addition to their Lake Tahoe vacation. A round trip is $25, and people can get off at any marina and catch the next shuttle two hours later. Imagine getting on the 10:00 a.m. boat at Lakeside Marina and getting off at Camp Richardson at 10:50 for a lunch and Rum Runner at the Beacon and a walking tour of Tallac Historic Site. Get back on the next shuttle at 12:50 p.m. and head to Round Hill Pines to relax on the beach. Grab a snack and their new signature drink, the Pain Killer, then catch the next shuttle at 3:40 p.m. or 5:30 p.m. (the last of the day). Back to Lakeside Marina and you never had to get behind the wheel for seven hours, yet you were able see South Lake Tahoe from the water and experience a great way to get around.

The South Shore Water Shuttle also offers one-way trips for $15 (kids 12 and under are $10 one-way and $15 found trip).

For more information, call 530.542.6570. It doesn't run during the colder seasons so call for availability other than Memorial Day to Labor Day. The first shuttle of the day leaves Lakeside Marina at 10:00 a.m. and the last one leaves there at 4:00 p.m. for one last round to the other three marinas.