Why Chimney Beach for Lake Tahoe Boat Rentals?
Designing a boat-first day on Tahoe’s East Shore? Position yourself near Chimney Beach, a beautiful expanse of sand and slick granite boulders south of Sand Harbor, and you’re minutes by water from Tahoe’s most photogenic coves, landmarks and swim spots.
Where is Chimney Beach? East Shore of Lake Tahoe, ~2 miles south of Sand Harbor; so named for the single stone chimney on the sand. There is no dock — if you are coming from the water, by boat, anchor outside the swim zones.
No-wake = 600 ft from shore. Travel at Idle Speed and ≤ 5 MPH within 600 feet of the shore 1 everywhere on Tahoe; Travel further the three Incline Village ski areas and Up & Down Ski Course shall be 3000 feet in length separated by at least 1000 feet for at least 600 feet from shore.
Invasive Species Aquatic invasive species (AIS): Mandatory inspections (and seals) for motorized boats launching at Tahoe; check hours/stations. Nevada watercraft must also have an AIS decal. Keep gear Clean-Drain-Dry.
Good places to see by boat from Chimney Beach
1) Chimney Beach (drop anchor & swim)
Why it’s cool: Pocket cove; aquamarine shallows; granite boulder gardens; and the namesake stone chimney on shore.
What to do: Anchor outside swim areas, swim in and explore tide-pool-like rock pockets.
Boat tip: Get there early for calmer water; keep your hook off rock to prevent fouling.
2) Secret Cove (just south)
Why it’s special: Gorgeous, perfectly clear water and a sweeping crescent of granite — one of Tahoe’s prettiest boat-in beaches (NB: clothing-optional).
What to do: SUP through the boulder field, snorkel the shallows, float the cove.
3) Sand Harbor
What makes it special: The archetypical postcard representation of Tahoe — glass-clear water, sculpted granite, and easy paddling among boulders.
What to do: Snorkel off the rocks, beach the SUP or grab rentals on the sand (summer).
4) Bonsai Rock
What sets it apart: The lake’s most-photographed boulder, complete with windswept “bonsai” trees; a golden-hour magnet.
What to do: Moor the boat west of the rock for silhouettes at sunset; swim or paddle the tiny coves nearby.
5) Skunk Harbor
What makes it special: Sheltered inlet with historic stone buildings from a decade-long 1920s summer retreat; popular boater beach.
What you’ll need: An anchor, a tender or paddlecraft to get ashore at the sandy pocket beach and a camera, for the stone house ruins.
6) Cave Rock (State Park)
Special Notes: Commanding volcanic plug that dominates the skyline; Important public launch / haul-out on the East Shore.
What you’ll see: Photo-op-worthy scenic cruise-by; utilize ramp if trailering.
High Spots to Visit Near Chimney Beach
Stone Chimney, Chimney Beach: Only remaining structure of an old caretaker’s cabin — frame it with turquoise shallows and the Sierra ridgeline.
Granite Boulder Gardens (Sand Harbor → Bonsai Rock corridor) World-class clarity over house-sized boulders—snorkel on calm mornings for “floating rock” shots.
Historic Skunk Harbor Stone Cabins: Photogenic masonry right above the waterline—best at mid-day when the water is electric blue.
On-Water Activities Near Chimney Beach
Snorkeling & Free-diving: Made of crystal from Sand Harbor to Bonsai Rock, go as early as possible, while the lake still looks like glass.
SUP Coastal Cruise: Chimney Beach south toward Secret Cove for granite-to-granite paddling in sheltered water.
Swimming & Sunning: Chimney Beach, Secret Cove and Skunk Harbor are the best - be cautious of the 600-ft no-wake and swimmers.
Golden-Hour Scenic Cruise: Bonsai Rock is your stage for sunset and after, it’s a slow-cruise past Chimney Beach, with pink alpenglow striking the stone.
Top Photo Spots Near Chimney Beach
Chimney Beach Chimney + Turquoise Shelf: Long lens (85–200mm) from outside the no-wake line yields a clear angle with few swimmers in the frame.
Bonsai Rock at Sunset: If you stand on the west and southwest side of the rock, you will be able to take some silhouettes and pastel water — use a tripod or monopod for on deck.
Sand Harbor Boulder Gardens: Polarizer + nasty high mi day sun = surreal “floating rocks.” Please anchor your boat outside buoyed swim areas.
Skunk Harbor Stone House: Frame ruins + teal water from your tender for a quintessential East Shore shot.
At Tahoe Bliss Boat Charters, we know the Chimney Beach zone like the backs of our hands and we think it’s the perfect spot to start your perfect day on Lake Tahoe. From personalized charters to the spots of local interest you’ll find throughout the lake, we do everything we can to make sure your time on the water is as chill, exciting, or scenic as you want it to be.
Treat yourself to a Tahoe Bliss boat charter and it will be more than just a rental; it will be one of the most memorable experiences on Lake Tahoe.
Book Your Chimney Beach Lake Tahoe Boat Rental Today with Tahoe Bliss Boat Charters!
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