Prepare for mandatory decontaminations and download the Tahoe Boating App
Lake Tahoe, CA/NV – As the Lake Tahoe Region approaches one of the area’s most popular boating holidays, the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) is reminding boaters, paddlers, and beachgoers about special precautions that help visitors and residents protect the lake and safely enjoy its iconic, blue waters.
Stop Aquatic Invasive Species: Arrive Prepared for Inspection and Decontamination
To protect the Lake Tahoe Region from invasive golden mussels, all motorized watercraft without a valid Tahoe seal will be decontaminated following mandatory inspection. Details for boaters:
A Lake Tahoe watercraft inspector performs a mandatory decontamination. TRPA strengthened the watercraft inspection program this year in response to the discovery of invasive golden mussels just a few hours from Lake Tahoe. Credit: Cory Rich/Novus Select
- Clean, Drain, and Dry to save time, minimize decontamination fees, and protect the lake. Click here for a fee schedule.
- Bring boating equipment, including keys, life jackets, water toys, and ballast bags, to the inspection station, but kindly leave kids and pets at home. Ensure boat batteries are charged.
- 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.
- Hand-launched electric watercraft, including eFoils, eSUPs, and kayaks with trolling motors, must display a 2025 Tahoe Electric sticker. Click here for requirements.
- Walk-ins and appointments are accepted until 4:30 p.m. daily to allow adequate time for inspection and decontamination. Watercraft destined to boat in Lake Tahoe will be prioritized and decontamination services may not be available for vessels destined for other waterbodies.
Become a Tahoe Keeper: Paddlers Can Protect the Waters of the Tahoe Region
Paddleboarders floating on crystal-clear Lake Tahoe. Hand-launched vessels can carry aquatic invasive species and must be Clean, Drained, and Dry before moving to other lakes or other parts of Lake Tahoe. Credit: Generikal
- Clean, Drain, and Dry all gear to minimize risk of aquatic invasive species introduction from kayaks, paddleboards, inflatables, and other non-motorized gear.
- Fallen Leaf, Angora, and Echo lakes are pristine. To help protect all alpine lakes, Clean, Drain, and Dry between every launch, even within the Tahoe Basin.
- Registered Tahoe Keepers can opt in to the 2025 Eyes on the Lake x Tahoe Keepers Chance to Win to win paddle gear and unique Tahoe water experiences.
- Free, solar-powered cleaning machines are located at Sand Harbor, Meeks Bay, and Kiva Beach help paddlers Clean, Drain, and Dry.
- Paddlers can stop by any of the three regional inspection stations for a fast, free decontamination to eliminate invasive species on hand-launched watercraft.
Take Safety Seriously and Download the Tahoe Boating App
Download the app at TahoeBoating.org
- 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.
- Lake Tahoe’s no-wake zone keeps boaters and swimmers safe. 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
- All of Emerald Bay
For access to boat inspection information, including the appointment system, fee structure, and Clean, Drain, Dry protocols, visit TahoeBoatInspections.com and follow the program on social media @TahoeBoating.
For questions about watercraft inspections, contact the inspection team at 888-824-6267, or AIS@TRPA.gov.
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The Lake Tahoe Aquatic Invasive Species Program is implemented by 40 public and private partner organizations, including federal, state, and local jurisdictions, research partners, public utility districts, and private marinas. The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency and the Tahoe Resource Conservation District lead the program in collaboration with the public and private partners. The program’s mission is to prevent, detect, and control aquatic invasive species in the Region so that future generations can enjoy Lake Tahoe.