The Best Boat Rentals in Lake Livingston

Most Lake Livingston powerboats rent for about $100 to $150 per hour, with captained options often running closer to $150 to $250 per hour. Half‑day outings generally land around $400 to $700, and full‑day trips commonly range from about $700 to $1,200 depending on the boat size, season, captain service, and fuel. Rentals typically include required safety gear and life jackets; tow‑toys like tubes or wakeboards and fuel may be included or added as extras, so check the listing details before you book.

You’ll find easygoing pontoons for groups, sporty deck boats and bowriders for cruising and towing tubes, fishing boats set up for casting the creeks and channels, and a handful of small cruisers. Jet skis are also available in season. Sailboats and large yachts are less common here because the lake is optimized for powerboating and fishing.

Both are available. Many listings are self‑operated for confident boaters, while captained charters are ideal if you want a hands‑off day or plan to celebrate. In Texas, anyone born on or after September 1, 1993 must complete an approved boater education course to operate a motorboat over 15 hp; captained trips do not require you to be certified. Minimum operator age and experience requirements vary by owner, so review your listing’s rules.

Common meet‑ups include the Lake Livingston State Park boat ramps in Livingston, the Point Blank Public Ramp by the US‑190 bridge, Kickapoo Marina near Onalaska, and Wolf Creek Park Marina on the lake’s south shore when it’s open for the season. Other pickup spots you may see in listings are Indian Creek Marina, Pier 1514 Marina, and Cape Royale’s marina area. Your exact departure will be coordinated with the owner after booking.

Expect wide‑open views of the piney woods shoreline, the long US‑190 bridge between Onalaska and Point Blank, and quiet coves off creeks like Kickapoo and Bethy. Farther south you can cruise past the Livingston Dam area from a safe distance. Wildlife sightings are common—herons, egrets, ospreys, and occasionally alligators in marshy backwaters—so keep your camera ready and give any wildlife plenty of space.

Texas requires anyone born on or after September 1, 1993 to complete a state‑approved boater education course to operate a motorboat over 15 horsepower. Operators must be at least 13 to operate alone with the proper certification; otherwise an eligible adult must be aboard and supervising. If you book a captained rental, the captain handles the operation and no license is needed for your group.

Absolutely. Families are a big part of the lake scene, and rentals include Coast Guard‑approved life jackets. Texas law requires children under 13 to wear a life jacket while a boat under 26 feet is underway. If you’re bringing infants or toddlers, request the right sizes in advance so your host can have them ready. Most boats also carry a throwable device and basic safety equipment.

Yes—most owners welcome coolers, snacks, and picnic supplies, and many boats have a Bimini top for shade and Bluetooth speakers for your playlist. Choose cans and reusable containers instead of glass to keep decks safe. If adults plan to drink, designate a sober operator or book a captained trip, since boating‑while‑intoxicated laws apply to operators in Texas.

Many listings allow well‑behaved dogs with prior approval. Bring a towel, a non‑spill water bowl, and consider non‑slip booties to protect seats. If you’re meeting at Lake Livingston State Park or another public park, keep pets leashed at the dock areas and note that pets aren’t allowed inside park buildings or designated swim areas. As with any East Texas lake, keep dogs out of marshy wildlife zones and never approach wildlife from the boat.

Summer on the lake can bring pop‑up showers and afternoon wind, so owners watch the forecast closely. If conditions are unsafe, most hosts will reschedule or refund according to the cancellation policy on the listing. Getmyboat listings use Flexible, Moderate, or Strict policies, so review yours at checkout. To reduce weather risk and boat traffic, many planners choose morning or weekday starts.

Yes—pontoons and deck boats are perfect for groups, with easy boarding, shaded seating, and options for towable tubes or water mats. Share your headcount, pickup spot, and any décor or catering ideas with the owner in advance. For the smoothest day, consider a captain, plan parking or park entry passes where required, and build in a little buffer time for weekend ramp traffic.

The main boating season runs from late spring through early fall, with June through August being hottest and busiest. Memorial Day, the Fourth of July, and Labor Day weekends see the most traffic on the water and at ramps—book early if your dates fall on those holidays. Spring and fall offer milder temperatures and great fishing; weekdays and morning departures usually mean calmer water and easier parking. Winter boating is possible on fair‑weather days, though some facilities operate on limited seasonal schedules.

Pine Island on the lake’s southern half is a classic weekend hangout, especially on warm holiday weekends. Boaters often idle off its sandy edges to swim and relax. There are no services on the island, so pack out all trash, keep well clear of bluffs in windy conditions, and give any wildlife a wide berth. Arrive earlier on busy days to find calm water and space to anchor responsibly.