The Best Boat Rentals Near Lake Champlain

Most self-operated pontoons and runabouts on Lake Champlain range from about $100–$150 per hour, with easy full-day rates commonly around $500–$850 depending on the boat, day of the week, and season. Premium or larger boats, specialty fishing rigs, and captained private cruises often run higher, typically $200–$350 per hour. Prices usually include U.S. Coast Guard–approved life jackets and basic safety gear; fuel, tax, and a captain’s fee (if applicable) are usually extra. Some local operators include watersports towables or water skis at no additional charge, while holiday weekends can carry surcharges. Always review your listing for what’s included and any security deposit, cleaning, or fuel policies.

You’ll find comfortable pontoons for cruising and sandbar hangouts, nimble bowriders and center consoles for watersports and exploring, classic sailboats for an afternoon on the breeze, and cabin cruisers or small yachts for sunset and special-occasion charters. Fishing-friendly setups and trawler-style day boats also operate here, so you can match the boat to your group size and plans.

If you want a stress-free day—especially for celebrations or with a big group—a captained trip is the easiest option. Your licensed captain handles routing, docking, and weather calls while you focus on hosting. Confident boaters can book a self-operated rental, provided the primary operator meets the state safety-certificate rules and is comfortable with local navigation and docking. Lake Champlain is a large, open lake where winds and waves can build quickly; if you’re on the fence, a captained option keeps the day simple.

Common meeting points include Burlington’s Community Boathouse Marina on the downtown waterfront and nearby Burlington Harbor Marina. Many trips also launch from Malletts Bay in Colchester (Champlain Marina), Shelburne Bay (Safe Harbor Shelburne Shipyard), and Point Bay Marina in Charlotte. On the New York side, boats frequently depart from the Plattsburgh Boat Basin and adjacent city marina on Cumberland Bay. Your exact pickup dock will be confirmed in your Getmyboat booking message thread.

Expect sweeping views of the Adirondacks to the west and Vermont’s Green Mountains to the east, plus Burlington’s skyline and its historic breakwater lighthouses. Many routes pass Juniper Island and the tiny landmark Rock Dunder, and trips north or south can reveal additional lights such as Bluff Point Lighthouse off Valcour Island and Split Rock Lighthouse near Essex. Farther south, you may glimpse the elegant Lake Champlain Bridge at Crown Point. Wildlife sightings can include loons, ospreys, and bald eagles—and locals will tell you to keep an eye out for “Champ,” the lake’s legendary resident.

It depends where you operate. In Vermont waters, anyone born after January 1, 1974 must carry a boating safety education certificate to operate a motorboat. In New York waters, Brianna’s Law makes a boating safety certificate required for all motorboat operators as of January 1, 2025, though some rental liveries may provide limited instruction for adult renters; many still require a certificate, so check your listing. Valid NASBLA‑approved cards from other states are generally honored. If you book a captained charter, the captain operates the vessel and you won’t need a card.

Yes—families are welcome. Boats carry U.S. Coast Guard–approved life jackets, and captains or owners can provide child sizes if you share ages and weights in advance. Children must wear a life jacket while underway; under federal rules that’s under age 13, and New York requires it for children under 12 on most recreational boats. Bring sun protection, snacks, and layers for cooler lake breezes, and let your captain know if you need space for a stroller or diaper bag.

Most private rentals allow you to bring your own snacks, picnic platters, birthday cakes, and nonalcoholic beverages, and many permit alcohol for adult passengers. Use cans instead of glass, secure coolers so they don’t slide, and plan for plenty of water. The boat operator must stay sober—choose a captained trip if you want everyone in your group to relax. If you’d like to pick up food near the dock, Burlington’s waterfront has several quick options within a short walk of the marinas.

Many boats allow well-behaved dogs with advance notice, and some charge a modest cleaning fee. Let the owner know your pet’s size and bring a non‑slip mat, water bowl, and a dog life jacket if you have one. Keep pets off seats when wet and plan for a quick shoreside stop if needed; marina rules may restrict pets on certain docks.

Lake Champlain can change quickly, with choppy conditions building when strong north or south winds funnel down the lake. Morning departures are often calmer than afternoons. Captains watch the National Weather Service lake forecast and will postpone or cancel if conditions are unsafe. For self-operated rentals, your booking’s cancellation terms apply; most owners will reschedule or refund if severe weather makes it unsafe to go, while light rain alone may not qualify. Check your listing’s policy before you book and keep your phone handy for day‑of updates.

Absolutely. Pick a captained pontoon, cruiser, or sail for 2–4 hours, add a simple décor kit or playlist, and plan easy finger foods and canned beverages. For summer weekends and holiday dates, book early—prime afternoon and sunset slots go first. If you’re in town July 3, Burlington’s waterfront fireworks are a spectacular backdrop from the harbor, and popular boats sell out well in advance.

Peak season runs late May through mid‑October, with the warmest water and longest days in July and August. Major boating holidays—Memorial Day weekend, July 4th week, and Labor Day—are the busiest. Notable events that affect availability include Burlington’s July 3 Independence Day celebration on the waterfront, the Mayor’s Cup Regatta in Plattsburgh in mid‑July, and the Lake Champlain Dragon Boat Festival on the Burlington waterfront in early August. For smoother water and easier parking, choose weekdays and morning departures; for golden‑hour photos, target sunset cruises and plan extra time around festivals.

Yes—this is one of the lake’s highlights. North of Burlington you can cruise to Burton Island State Park, which has a seasonal marina and trails, or pass the remote shores of Knight Island. To the west near Plattsburgh, Valcour Island offers scenic coves and the historic Bluff Point Lighthouse visible from the water. Around Burlington Bay, many routes pass Juniper Island’s historic light and the breakwater lighthouses at the harbor entrance. Always confirm where landings are permitted, respect private property, and follow your captain’s guidance on safe anchorages and weather windows.