Marathon · 10.6 miles / 17.1 km
Marathon Swim Course Description
The Vikingsholm course crosses the southern portion of Lake Tahoe, starting in darkness and continuing into the morning. 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.
The Vikingsholm is the shortest distance marathon swim of the “Lake Tahoe Triple Crown” as recognized by the Lake Tahoe Open Water Swimming Association.
Distance
10.6 Miles / 17.1 Km
Swim Types
Solo, Tandem*, Relays (2 to 4 people, 1 hour shifts)
Start Time
Approximately 4:00 am. Start time varies with conditions and is confirmed with your pilot.
Average Recorded Duration
5h 59m across 61 listed individual completions. See finish time distribution and range.
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 boat in South Lake Tahoe, CA and motor 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.
Please contact us to discuss tandem and two way swims before booking.
Marathon Swimming. Independently Observed.
We exclusively pilot marathon and ultramarathon swim attempts conducted under Lake Tahoe Open Water Swimming Association (LTOWSA) rules. Every attempt requires an independent observer assigned by LTOWSA.
No assistance, including wetsuits or neoprene, is permitted. LTOWSA observer and ratification fees are additional to our piloting fees.