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Travel tips

What is the best boat tour on Big Bear Lake?

The Miss Liberty paddlewheel tour is a 90-minute narrated cruise offering views of the San Bernardino Mountains. It departs from Pine Knot Marina near The Village.

Photo: tour listing on Viator

In short

  • 90-minute narrated cruise on a 64-foot vintage paddlewheel boat.
  • Departs from Pine Knot Marina in central Big Bear.
  • Captain shares local history, folklore, and celebrity sightings.
In this article
  1. What is the Miss Liberty paddlewheel tour?
  2. Where does the Miss Liberty tour depart?
  3. How long is the Miss Liberty cruise?
  4. What is the best time for the boat tour?
  5. Are there other boat options at Big Bear Lake?
  6. How much does the Miss Liberty tour cost?

The Miss Liberty offers a guided way to see Big Bear Lake without renting a boat. You get an overview of the area while riding on a 64-foot vintage paddlewheel vessel.

What is the Miss Liberty paddlewheel tour?

It is a 90-minute narrated cruise on a 64-foot vintage paddlewheel boat.

The captain provides commentary throughout the 1.5-hour trip. You will hear stories about local history, regional folklore, and famous celebrity sightings around the lake.

Where does the Miss Liberty tour depart?

The boat leaves from Pine Knot Marina.

Pine Knot Marina is centrally located near The Village. You can also rent pontoon boats, jet skis, and paddleboards at this central hub.

A woman carrying a small child in a backpack carrier on a trail
Photo: tour listing on Viator

How long is the Miss Liberty cruise?

The cruise lasts for 1.5 hours.

This 90-minute duration gives you plenty of time to see the shoreline. The lake is approximately 7 miles long and 2.5 miles at its widest.

Woman looking at Big Bear Lake and a building on the shore
A Local's Favorite Hike in Big Bear with Lake Swimming Experience3 h 5.0 (26)from $82

What is the best time for the boat tour?

Weekend evenings are optimal for taking the sunset cruise.

A sunset cruise provides excellent lighting for photography. Big Bear Lake enjoys over 300 days of sunshine a year, making clear evening skies common.

A toddler sitting in a backpack carrier worn by an adult in woods
Photo: tour listing on Viator

Are there other boat options at Big Bear Lake?

Yes, you can rent private boats or take the Big Bear Queen.

Pine Knot Marina is also the departure point for the Big Bear Queen. Alternatively, you can rent a pontoon boat for a self-guided family trip. All private boats must pass a Quagga Mussel inspection before launching.

How much does the Miss Liberty tour cost?

Marinas charge separate fees for tours, and ticket prices change by season.

Check directly with Pine Knot Marina for the most current rates. Access to the lake and town is free, but tours require purchased tickets.

Scenic view of green rolling hills leading up to snow-capped mountains
Photo: tour listing on Viator

Questions travellers ask

Can you swim in Big Bear Lake?

Yes, swimming is allowed in the lake during the summer months. However, if you rent a private boat, you cannot swim off the rental boats.

Do I need an Adventure Pass for the marina?

No. The $5 daily Adventure Pass is required for parking at National Forest trailheads, not at the commercial marinas.

How deep is Big Bear Lake?

The lake reaches a maximum depth of 72 feet near the dam. It features 22 miles of mostly accessible shoreline.

hike and swim tourfrom $82 on Viator
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