Big Bear Queen Lake Tour

439 Pine Knot Ave, Big Bear Lake, CA 92315

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Hours

Departs daily 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m. & 5 p.m. (mid-afternoon sailing through Labor Day).  11 a.m. & 5 p.m. sailings only with 10+ paid reservations

Cost

Here are the current ticket prices for the lake tour:

  • Adults (13-64) $36
  • Seniors (65+) and military: $32
  • Children (3-12): $23
  • Children under 3: free

Check their website for pricing on other tour packages.

Prices are subject to change. Please check their website for updates.

Phone909-744-4948
WebsiteVisit Website

About

Modeled after Mississippi paddlewheel boats, the Big Bear Queen Lake Tour offers leisurely boat rides.

Launched in 1973, the Big Bear Queen replaced the Old Sierra, the original boat tour dating back to the 1930s. This makes it the longest-running tour on Big Bear Lake. With its unique hull design, this iconic vessel has been captivating passengers for decades.

At the helm of this historic tour is Captain Chris Bellows, a native of Big Bear Valley and a true embodiment of the spirit of adventure. Raised in the valley, Bellows is an avid outdoorsman passionate about skiing, mountain biking, and, most importantly, sailing.

His experiences in the 1980s crewing for Hobie's catamaran in California competitions laid the foundation for his lifelong love of the water.

All tours leave from the Pine Knot Marina which is close to other attractions like Action Zipline Tours and Big Bear Off-Road Experience.

In 1989, Bellows took over the Big Bear Queen, continuing a family legacy, as his father had been the owner and captain for decades prior. This transition was a continuation of a tradition, a passion for sailing and sharing Big Bear's beauty with others​​​.

Big Bear Queen Lake Tour: Fun Facts & Cool Features

The 90-minute narrated cruise aboard a classic paddlewheel boat is an immersive journey of Big Bear Lake. Running daily from May to October, the tour provides an intimate glimpse into the lake's history and natural beauty, showcasing sights like Garstin Island, celebrity homes, the iconic dam, and the solar observatory.

With a capacity of 55 passengers, the Big Bear Queen is ideal for various events, from intimate family gatherings to grand wedding parties. This versatility, combined with the option for food catering, transforms each tour into a personalized, memorable experience.

The tour's diverse offerings include a sunset supper cruise, a romantic sunset cruise, and private parties. Each is tailored to create unique memories under the guidance of Captain Chris Bellows, who has been navigating these waters since childhood.

One of the best aspects of the tour is visiting key features around Big Bear Lake. The Big Bear Solar Observatory is one of the largest in the world, while Holcomb Valley is the site of Southern California's largest gold rush. Big Bear Dam and Treasure Island/Garstin Island showcases the lake's diverse architecture and engineering accomplishments.

Hop aboard the Big Bear Queen Lake Tour for an immersive journey into the area's history and nature.

Getting There

Here's how you can get to Big Bear Queen Lake Tour from Big Bear Lake:

  • Head north on Pine Knot Ave.
  • You will arrive at your destination that is at Pine Knot Marina.
  • Address: 439 Pine Knot Ave, Big Bear Lake, CA 92315.

Local Tips

  • If you have mobility issues or can't walk to the boat, the staff will pick you up from the parking lot and bring you close to the dock.​
  • The Big Bear Queen is pet-friendly, so bring your furry friends.​
  • There are no restrooms on board; plan accordingly.
  • The standard tour, as well as the Sunset and Moonlight Cruises, are all 90-minute experiences.


Location

439 Pine Knot Ave, Big Bear Lake, CA 92315

Frequently Asked Questions

As a popular drive-to destination, there are three main routes leading to Big Bear: Highways 330, 38, and 18. Driving distance to Big Bear, CA from major hubs: Los Angeles (105 miles), San Diego (155 miles), Palm Springs (90 miles), and Las Vegas, NV (210 miles). Big Bear is also about an 8-hour drive from San Francisco.

Flying? The most common California airports to get to Big Bear are LAX (Los Angeles), Ontario International (ONT), Palm Springs, or the John Wayne Airport in Orange County. A small airport in Big Bear is also available for private planes.

As a four-season destination, there is always something to enjoy in Big Bear. With that said, the busiest times are definitely ski season (from about late November or mid-December through mid-March) and summer months between Memorial Day to Labor Day. Skiing and snowboarding are the main attractions for winter, while outdoor adventures in and around Big Bear Lake are high points throughout the summer.

Spring and fall are equally as welcoming in Big Bear, particularly for those looking to avoid bigger crowds. Additionally, spring and fall are peak fishing seasons for rainbow trout.

Big Bear is home to a variety of annual events and festivals, not to mention the best Oktoberfest in the Western U.S. Some of the traditional highlights include:

  • Oktoberfest: A popular fall tradition for over 50 years that combines German traditions and Big Bear’s mountain landscape into a frenzy of music, food, and drinks. Prost!
  • Big Bear Maifest: Yet another celebration of beer, food, and music set in the fabulous spring, generally late May.
  • Big Bear Run: A two-day dual sport motorcycle tour of the mountains surrounding beautiful Big Bear Lake, running motors for over 30 years.
  • Tour de Big Bear: This late summer two-day cycling event is one of Southern California’s favorite rides
  • Annual Bald Eagle Count: An annual event for bird watchers and nature enthusiasts to observe bald eagles during their wintering period.
More questions

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Big Bear Queen Lake Tour