The Best Boat Rentals in Lake Keowee

Most pontoon and tritoon rentals run about $300–$600 per day or roughly $50–$100 per hour, depending on size and season. Bowriders and jet boats are commonly $350–$700 per day or $75–$125 per hour. Wake and surf boats with ballast and towers are usually $500–$900 per day or $100–$175 per hour. Prices typically include life jackets and safety gear; some listings include a tube or even fuel, while others add fuel, taxes, and a refundable security deposit at checkout. Booking early for summer weekends and holidays usually secures better rates.

You’ll find plenty of comfortable pontoons and tritoons for cruising, bowriders and deck boats for tubing and swimming stops, performance wake and surf boats for watersports, and personal watercraft in some cases. Many rentals include water toys by request, and capacities typically range from 8 to 12 guests on pontoons and 8 to 10 guests on wake boats, making it easy to match the boat to your group.

Both are available. Captained charters are the most relaxed option for celebrations and first-time visitors, since your captain handles navigation, anchoring, and local spots. If you’re comfortable behind the wheel, self-operated rentals offer flexibility and value, and many owners provide a quick orientation at pickup. The choice comes down to your comfort level, group size, and whether you want to be fully hands-off or do the driving.

Common meeting points include Keowee Marina in Seneca, South Cove County Park in Seneca, and High Falls County Park on the mid-lake eastern shore. Many renters also use public launches such as Fall Creek Landing, Stamp Creek Access Area, Mile Creek Landing, and Keowee Town Landing, and lots of owners will deliver to vacation home docks when arranged in advance.

Expect glassy, blue-green water with long-range views of the Blue Ridge foothills, quiet coves for swimming, and picturesque shoreline communities like Keowee Key. Cruising near the World of Energy at Oconee Nuclear Station offers a unique lakeside landmark, and you can also pass county parks with sandy swim areas and spot herons and ospreys along the forested banks. Sunset rides showcase some of the best mountain silhouettes in the Upstate.

South Carolina requires anyone born after July 1, 2007 to complete an approved boater education course to operate a motorized vessel of 10 horsepower or more. If you’re renting and don’t have a course completed, a state-approved rental safety course that’s valid for 30 days is an option. If you book a captained trip, no license is required because the captain operates the boat.

Yes, families are welcome. Boats come with U.S. Coast Guard–approved life jackets for all aboard, and owners can typically provide child sizes if you share ages and approximate weights in advance. For infants and toddlers, confirm availability of properly sized vests ahead of time, bring hats and sunscreen, and plan a few shaded or swim breaks during peak summer heat.

Most listings allow you to bring a cooler with snacks, water, and beverages, and many boats have Bluetooth sound and plenty of cupholders. For everyone’s safety and to protect upholstery, glass bottles and staining liquids are often discouraged, and grills or open flames are not allowed. Pack out all trash or hand it to your captain or owner at drop-off.

Many boats are dog-friendly with advance notice, and some owners charge a modest cleaning fee. Bring a towel or blanket for seating areas, keep nails trimmed to avoid deck scratches, and consider a canine life jacket for pups that will be swimming or riding near the bow.

Summer afternoons can bring pop-up thunderstorms in the Upstate, and windy conditions create choppier water later in the day. If unsafe weather is forecast, owners typically allow rescheduling or a weather-related refund according to the listing’s policy. Morning departures often offer calmer water and the best chance to avoid storms and crowds.

Absolutely. Pontoons and tritoons are popular for chill celebrations, while captained wake boats are great for active groups who want to surf or tube without worrying about driving. Share your headcount, ideal pickup spot, and any special requests like a floating mat or cooler space so the owner or captain can tailor the setup to your plan.

Peak boating season runs from late May through early September, with Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day being the busiest days on the water. May, June, and mid-September usually deliver the best mix of warm temps and lighter crowds, while October can offer clear days and fall color with cooler mornings. For smoother water and easier parking at ramps, choose weekdays or morning starts, and reserve well ahead for summer weekends.