The Best Boat Rentals Near Castaic Lake

Most motorboat rentals on Getmyboat for Castaic Lake start around $125 per hour and commonly range between $150 and $300 per hour depending on the size, style, and whether a captain is included. Full-day outings often fall between about $600 and $1,500. Prices typically include required safety gear and a safety briefing; fuel, LA County launch/parking fees, taxes, and optional add-ons like tubes or wakeboards are usually extra.

You’ll see a mix of pontoons for relaxed cruising, bowriders and deck boats for all-around fun, wake and surf boats set up for watersports, and fishing-style center consoles or aluminum boats. Personal watercraft (jet skis) operate only in the designated PWC zone on the upper lake, and towing from PWCs is not allowed here. Sail and electric craft use the separate lagoon, but most rentals for this page focus on motorboats on the main reservoir.

Both are available. A captained charter is the easiest, especially for celebrations or watersports coaching. If you prefer to operate the boat yourself, most owners allow it for experienced operators. California requires operators to be at least 16 years old on Castaic Lake, and as of January 1, 2025 the California Boater Card is required statewide; however, state law exempts people operating a short‑term rental vessel. Individual owners may still ask for boating experience or a boater card, so review your listing’s requirements before booking.

Most trips meet at the Upper Lake West Launch Ramp or the Upper Lake Main Launch Ramp inside Castaic Lake State Recreation Area (park entrance at 32132 Castaic Lake Dr.). Your host will confirm the exact ramp and meeting point. Note that all launching is from designated ramps only and the park conducts mandatory invasive‑species inspections; boats must arrive clean and completely dry. Ramp availability can shift with weather or maintenance, so confirm your meetup the day before.

Expect wide views of oak‑studded hills and the Angeles National Forest backdrops, the face of Castaic Dam, and long, scenic channels in the V‑shaped reservoir. The west “Ski Arm” buzzes with tow‑sports while the east “Fish Arm” is quieter with coves and cliffs—great for a slower cruise. Keep an eye out for herons, hawks, and other SoCal birdlife, especially near coves and the shoreline.

California’s Boater Card requirement applies to motorized vessel operators as of January 1, 2025, but the law includes an exemption for people operating a rental vessel. That said, local rules still require operators to be at least 16, and owners can set stricter standards (such as prior experience, deposits, or a boater card). If you’re unsure, choose a captained charter and let a licensed pro handle the helm.

Yes—families are welcome. All boats must carry U.S. Coast Guard–approved life jackets, and children under 13 must wear a life jacket while the boat is underway. Tell your host the ages and approximate weights of any children so the right sizes are ready. Strollers and coolers are fine on stable boats like pontoons; just keep walkways clear and plan sun protection for summer days.

Bringing snacks, picnic lunches, and non‑alcoholic beverages is common and encouraged. Alcoholic beverages are prohibited throughout the park and on the water here, and grilling is not permitted on boats. Many groups enjoy a pre‑ or post‑cruise picnic at the park’s day‑use areas—ask your host for the best timing around your rental.

Many owners allow well‑behaved dogs on board; confirm details and any cleaning fees in your listing. Around the park, pets must stay leashed, and animals are not allowed in the water or on swim beaches. Bring a non‑slip mat, a water bowl, and shade for hot summer days, and keep paws off seat vinyl to avoid scratches.

Afternoon winds are common on Southern California lakes, and high‑wind advisories or wildfire‑related closures can occasionally pause boating. The lake also monitors harmful algal blooms seasonally. If conditions are unsafe or ramps close, most hosts offer a reschedule or weather cancellation per the listing’s policy. To maximize smooth water and minimize wind risk, aim for morning start times, especially on weekends and holidays.

Absolutely. Pontoons and wake boats are popular for birthday cruises, family reunions, and bachelor/bachelorette days. Most boats carry 6 to 12 guests; larger headcounts may require booking multiple boats. Share your plan in the inquiry—date, group size, vibe (chill cruise vs. tow‑sports), and any decorations—so your host can tailor the setup. Confetti and anything that could blow into the lake should be avoided to protect the reservoir.

Peak season runs late spring through early fall, with the busiest days on Memorial Day weekend, July 4th, and Labor Day weekend. Weekdays are noticeably less crowded than Saturdays and Sundays, and mornings usually offer the calmest water for tubing, wakeboarding, or cruising before afternoon breezes build. April–June and September–October bring warm weather with fewer crowds; midsummer is hottest and most popular, so book early and choose an early departure for easier parking and smoother water.