Everything you need to know about renting a boat on Lake Havasu

Just outside Las Vegas on the Arizona-Nevada border, Lake Havasu City is a boating paradise for locals and tourists alike to escape the hot, dry summers. This popular boating lake offers more than 60 miles of waterfront and warm temperatures for year-round boating. Lake Havasu is perfect for cruising, watersports, boat parties, and more. Lake Havasu is a reservoir lake made by the Parker Dam on the Colorado River. It straddles the border of California and Arizona and was created to store water to pump into two aqueducts. Lake Havasu City in Arizona is the principal city on the lake, but there are smaller towns on both the California and Arizona sides, including Black Meadow Landing and Havasu Palms.

Find Boat Rentals on Lake Havasu

If you're traveling by Lake Havasu as a part of a road trip, stop for a few nights and enjoy a houseboat rental on Lake Havasu. Houseboat rentals are great for family trips or groups of friends looking to relax on the lake and party for a few days. Other boats available to rent on Lake Havasu include ski boats (for activities like wakeboarding and waterskiing) pontoon rentals, and motor yachts. Jet ski rentals on Lake Havasu are also fun for a day of thrilling adventure. Rent a Sea-Doo and zip around on Lake Havasu, check out different beaches, or race your friends.

Traveling around in the Arizona heat in the summer is no joke. You need a way to cool down from the intense heat and sunshine of the American southwest, and a boat rental is the best way to do it. Rent a motor yacht or a pontoon boat for cruising around Lake Havasu, stopping off to swim at the various beaches, or anchoring for a while in the middle of the lake. You can drift for hours in these calm waters, with not a worry in the world!

There are also growing numbers of kayaks, canoes, SUP, and paddle boats that you can rent for an outdoor adventure on Lake Havasu. You can pick up your boat rental in Lake Havasu City, and you can rent it right from your phone hassle-free with the GetMyBoat mobile app.

Fishing boat rentals and fishing trips on Lake Havasu

Fishing charters and fishing boat rentals on Lake Havasu are favorite activities since this lake is famous for incredible sportfishing opportunities. It's considered some of the best fishing in Arizona. Catch fish like smallmouth bass, bluegill, striped bass, crappie, and catfish on Lake Havasu. A full-service fishing charter will provide you with all the equipment, bait, and tackle that you need - no need to buy or rent on your own. Have a local captain show you the best fishing spots or venture out on a private boat rental for a fun day of casting off and reeling in different fish! Make sure you get an Arizona fishing license before you head out for the day.

IMPORTANT things to know before you go boating on Lake Havasu

• It’s recommended that you take a boating safety class with Arizona Game & Fish Department if you’re new to boating.
• Travel on Lake Havasu is counter-clockwise, so you should stay to the right of the lake.
• The Lake Havasu Marine Association offers a “Designated Captain” program – sort of like a designated driver, but for boating – to minimize the likelihood of a boating OUI or accident. You can also book captained Lake Havasu boat charters through GetMyBoat.

Lake Havasu Attractions and Beaches

Want to take a break from cruising around the lake? The good news is that there are dozens of great beaches on Lake Havasu and the Colorado River to explore. The Sandbar is one of the most popular gathering spots, with shallow water and soft sand to tie up and relax. It’s also a great place to go if you’re looking for a boat party.

When cruising on Lake Havasu, you can head south from Lake Havasu City, weaving down the Colorado River, and eventually make your way to the Parker Dam. Or, venture northbound on the lake and explore the Topock Gorge, which is sometimes referred to as the “Mini Grand Canyon.”

Boating Safety on Lake Havasu

Arizona, particularly Lake Havasu, has a hot, arid climate and there are 300 days of sunshine on average each year. Sunscreen, hats, and loose, comfortable clothing are essentials to stay cool and safe while boating.

Despite the fact that the waters are calm, Lake Havasu is 90 feet at its deepest point and about 33 feet deep on average. Ensuring that everyone in your group can swim, float, and treading water is important in conditions like these. Every person (and animal) onboard needs a fitted personal flotation device (lifejacket) in case of an emergency.

Other things to do on Lake Havasu

While on land around Lake Havasu, there are many places of interest, landmarks, and things to do while you're exploring. Some fun activities for families with kids in Lake Havasu City include the Grand Island Disc Golf Course, Rotary Park, and Cattail State Park. There are lots of fun things to do outside to keep kids entertained.

  

Fun for Adults around Lake Havasu

Mudshark Brewery is a great stop for a craft beer if you're craving a cold one during your time on Lake Havasu. This popular brewery also has great food and various events going on throughout the week. Another stop for drinks is the Desert Diamond Distillery Factory, where you can enjoy rum cocktails and take a tour of the distillery, learning about the rum-making process.

Lake Havasu Beaches

If you can't go boating every day, consider a relaxing day soaking up the sun at one of Lake Havasu's Beaches. Bring your towel, sunscreen, and snacks for the perfect beach picnic and some relaxation.

London Bridge Beach is the most popular beach and park on Lake Havasu. With BBQ and picnic areas, walking trails, fields, and all the facilities and amenities you'll need for a great beach day, it's a good pick. There's soft sand to lay your towel on, and nearby patches of grass.

Lake Havasu State Park encompasses the London Beach Area and provides more small beaches, campgrounds, hiking trails, and more features for fun during a stay at Lake Havasu.

Body Beach is a small beach you can check out during your tour around Lake Havasu. It's the spot for water sports, in fact, many professionals practice around here for various competitions, so if you're relaxing on the beach, you might get to see a water sports show for free!

Accommodation on Lake Havasu

Camping

There are lots of great camping opportunities around Lake Havasu. Pitch a tent and sleep under the stars after a long day of splashing in the water. Lake Havasu State Park, Crazy Horse Campgrounds, Cattail Cove State Park, and Three Dunes Campground are all beautiful options around this lake.

Hotels & Lodges around Lake Havasu

Depending on your preferences, you have a lot of options when selecting accommodation around Lake Havasu. There are many budget hotels to choose from, as well as more luxury options like the London Bridge Resort. Check out the Nautical Beachfront Resort, Knights Inn Lake Havasu City, Island Suites, and the Havasu Sands Resort for all the comforts of home if you don't feel like roughing it at a campsite.

Lake Havasu Boat Rental FAQs

How much does it cost to rent a boat in Lake Havasu?

Boat rentals on Lake Havasu are reasonably priced. A fishing boat starts at $85/hour and powerboats can cost up to $435/day.

How much does it cost to rent a boat for a day in Lake Havasu?

A boat rental for a full day on Lake Havasu costs $435 with GetMyBoat.

How old do you need to be to rent a boat in Lake Havasu?

You must be at least 18 years old to rent a boat on Lake Havasu.

Do you need a boating license to rent a boat on Lake Havasu?

You do not need a boating license to rent a boat on Lake Havasu, but it is advisable to take a boater safety course and boater education before you rent a boat on Lake Havasu. If you do not have boating experience, consider booking a captained boat charter on Lake Havasu.