Double Decker Pontoon Tahoe: Is the Waterslide Really the Best Part?

Ask anyone who has been on one and they'll tell you: the waterslide gets the attention, but the upper deck changes the whole dynamic of the day. A double decker pontoon in Tahoe gives your group two usable levels, which means you're not all competing for the same six square feet of boat deck when you anchor in a cove. The waterslide is genuinely fun, but the layout is what makes a large group actually enjoy sharing a single boat for 6 or 8 hours.

North Tahoe Watersports runs the Avalon Funship 25, a purpose-built double decker pontoon that accommodates up to 13 passengers, as one of its most requested vessels. After 25 years on the north shore and a People's Choice win for Best Boat Rental in Lake Tahoe, the team knows which boats groups keep coming back to. The Funship is reliably at the top of that list.

What Does the Upper Deck Actually Add?

The upper deck on the Avalon Funship 25 functions as both observation platform and slide launch point. From the top level, you have an elevated view of the surrounding Sierra Nevada, the blue of the lake, and the shoreline features that are harder to read from the lower deck. For groups that include photographers, older teens, or anyone who just wants a better angle, the upper deck earns its place independently of the slide.

The slide itself deposits riders directly into Lake Tahoe from the upper level, which hits differently when you're entering water with 60-plus feet of visibility. You can watch yourself dropping through water so clear the bottom is visible in shallow coves. That's a Lake Tahoe-specific detail that doesn't translate to a stock photo or a trip review.

Who Books the Funship Most Often?

Groups that span a wide age range tend to benefit most from the double decker layout. Here is a practical breakdown of how different group types use the boat:

• •  Families with kids aged 8 to 16: the slide handles the high-energy demand while adults occupy the lower deck
• •  Birthday parties and group celebrations: the two-level layout creates natural zones for different energy levels
• •  Bachelorette and bachelor groups: the visual and social setup makes for better photos and a more dynamic day
• •  Corporate outings: the size (up to 13) fits a standard small team, and the format keeps the day structured around fun rather than logistics
• •  Multi-family groups: different families can claim sections of the boat and still share the same activity

What Does a Pontoon Boat Rental Tahoe Booking Include?

A pontoon boat rental Tahoe booking through North Tahoe Watersports covers life jackets for all passengers, a clean cooler, and the first tank of fuel. Tubing is permitted on the Funship, and the Bluetooth stereo system is included. Rental periods run 4, 6, or 8 hours depending on the group's plan.

Captain services are available for groups that want a professional driver. For the Funship specifically, a captained rental frees every passenger to use both decks fully without anyone feeling responsible for navigation or fuel management during the trip.

What Are the Practical Packing Details?

Bring ice for the cooler, since it's included clean but not stocked. Pack sunscreen rated SPF 50 or higher. At Lake Tahoe's elevation of 6,225 feet, UV exposure is roughly 25 percent higher than at sea level (EPA Ultraviolet Radiation Report, 2022). Wind layers for the return trip are a good idea in the afternoon. Water shoes for the slide and swim stops make the day easier on your feet on the boarding platform.

Book ahead. The Funship is a high-demand vessel, particularly on summer weekends and holidays. Booking two to four weeks ahead is realistic for peak-season dates.

Experience the Funship With North Tahoe Watersports

North Tahoe Watersports operates from Kings Beach (530-546-9253), Tahoe City (530-583-9253), and Tahoe City Marina (530-583-7245) between May 7 and September 22. See the full boat rental lineup to compare the Funship against the other vessels in the fleet, and contact the team to confirm availability. 

For a broader look at the pontoon rental decision, check the blog Rent Pontoon Boat in Lake Tahoe: Is a Tritoon Actually Worth Paying More For? for context before you book.