Marathon Swim Course Description
A fun swim with the sun on your back, the Vikingsholm swim traverses the southern portion of Lake Tahoe. The swim starts at the boat launch under the light of Cave Rock in Nevada and ends in the brilliant waters of Emerald Bay on the California side. Along the way, enjoy the clear blue waters and alpine views.
If you are new to marathon swimming and looking for an attainable distance swim, the Lake Tahoe ‘Viking’ swim is a great choice. For the experienced marathon swimmer with longer swims on the horizon, many use this route as a challenging training swim.
The Vikingsholm is the shortest distance marathon swim of the “Tahoe Triple Crown” as recognized by the Lake Tahoe Open Water Swimming Association.
Distance
10.6-Miles / 17.1-Km
Swim Types
Solo, Tandem*, Two-Way**, Relays (2-5 people, 1-hour shifts)
Start Time
4:30 am
Estimated Duration
5-8 Hours
Start Location
Cave Rock Boat Launch, Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park – Glenbrook, Nevada
Finish Location
Vikingsholm Castle, Emerald Bay State Park – Tahoma, California
Course Notes
The first hour of the swim is in darkness requiring the swimmer to wear the necessary illumination on the cap and tail of the suit (lights provided by us). Swimmers must be comfortable swimming in the dark and sighting off of the escort vessel.
Swimmers will meet the the boat in Homewood, CA to the swim start. At the completion of the swim, the swimmer will return to the initial meeting location.
Please read the frequently asked questions section for additional information about swimming Lake Tahoe.
*Tandem swims of two solo swimmers swimming simultaneously off the same boat on the same course are allowed. Tandem swimmers must be equal in speed and have experience swimming together over long distances.
**Two-Way swims (round-trips) are allowed for additional fees.
Please contact us to discuss tandem and two-way swims before booking.