The Best Boat Rentals in Lake Minnetonka

Most pontoons on Lake Minnetonka run roughly $100–$175 per hour, wake and surf boats are commonly $150–$300 per hour, and small cruisers or yachts often start around $300–$400+ per hour. Prices vary by boat size, captain option, day of week, and duration; some listings include fuel and basic safety gear, while taxes or a captain fee can be additional. You’ll see lower rates and more availability on weekday mornings and for half‑day or full‑day bookings.

You’ll find comfortable pontoons for relaxed cruising, bowriders and deck boats for tubing and swimming stops, dedicated wake boats for surfing, plus a handful of small cruisers/yachts for upscale outings. Sailboats and sailing instruction operate on the lake as well, though motorboats are the most common rentals for casual groups. (getmyboat.com, lmss.us)

Choose a captained trip if you want a stress‑free day with an expert handling routes, docking, and busy channels. If you plan to operate the boat yourself, Minnesota’s new boater education law requires many operators (born after certain dates, starting with those born after June 30, 2004) to hold a valid watercraft operator’s permit as of July 1, 2025; renters without a permit may qualify by taking Minnesota’s short rental course, or you can simply book a captain and skip the permit requirement.

Common meeting points include the Wayzata Depot Docks on Wayzata Bay, the Port of Excelsior at The Commons in downtown Excelsior, the Gray’s Bay Public Access and Marina on the east side, and the Spring Park public ramp by the Hennepin County Water Patrol on Spring Park Bay. Lake Minnetonka Regional Park in Minnetrista is another well‑marked public launch on the west side. Your exact pickup spot will be confirmed in your booking messages. (wayzata.org, ci.excelsior.mn.us, minnetonkamn.gov, hennepinsheriff.org, threeriversparks.org)

Expect classic Minnesota scenery—tree‑lined shores, stately homes, and dozens of distinct bays—plus landmarks like Lighthouse Island by Carson’s Bay, lively Excelsior and Wayzata waterfronts, and Big Island, which today is a nature park with a storied past and a popular anchoring cove. Captains tailor routes to calm water and your vibe, from quiet coves to people‑watching near the towns. (lmss.us, communityforthecommons.org, wayzata.org, en.wikipedia.org)

Minnesota now requires many operators to hold a watercraft operator’s permit, phased in by birth year beginning July 1, 2025 (starting with those born after June 30, 2004). Visitors using Minnesota waters for fewer than 60 days can meet their home state’s certification rules, and Minnesota also offers a short rental course valid for 180 days. If you book a captained experience, no permit is needed for your group.

Families are welcome. Minnesota law requires a properly sized U.S. Coast Guard–approved life jacket for every person on board, and children under age 10 must wear one whenever the boat is underway. Most hosts provide adult and child life jackets; let them know your headcount and any infant/toddler sizes needed when you book.

Most listings allow you to bring snacks, picnic items, and beverages, and many boats have coolers or space for one. Passengers of legal age can drink, but the operator must remain under Minnesota’s 0.08 BWI limit—another reason many planners choose a captain for celebrations. Avoid messy foods and glass where possible, and confirm any restrictions with your host. (ottertailcounty.gov, dnr.state.mn.us)

Plenty of owners are pet‑friendly, especially for small to medium dogs, as long as you disclose your pet at booking. Plan to bring a towel, a leash for dockside, and a pet life jacket if you have one, since availability can be limited. Policies and any cleaning fees vary by boat, so always check your listing details.

Summer can bring pop‑up storms and gusty afternoons; captains monitor radar and will delay, reroute to protected bays, or reschedule if conditions are unsafe. Early and late season days can feel cool on the water even when air temps are mild, and the lake typically opens soon after “ice‑out” in late March or April, with many marina operations running into October—pack layers and confirm your listing’s weather and cancellation policy. (freshwater.org, minnetonkamn.gov)

Yes—pontoons and small cruisers are perfect for casual celebrations, and captained boats make it easy to focus on the fun while someone else handles the helm and docking. For larger groups, book early, choose a weekday or morning slot for smoother water, and coordinate a clear meetup point and playlist with your captain in advance.

Prime boating runs from late May through early September, with Memorial Day, July 4, and Labor Day weekends bringing the heaviest traffic. The Fourth of July fireworks over Excelsior Bay draw boaters, and early September’s James J. Hill Days festival in Wayzata, including a Saturday night fireworks show on Wayzata Bay, can make the lake especially busy. For calmer water and better prices, pick weekdays or morning departures; sunset cruises are beautiful but popular. (axios.com, wayzatachamber.com, jamesjhilldays.wayzatachamber.com)

Big Island’s northern cove—often called Cruiser’s Cove—is a classic place to anchor, float, and people‑watch on warm weekends. Your captain can also steer to quieter bays for a swim or sandbar stop when you prefer a low‑key vibe. Always follow local no‑wake zones and your captain’s safety guidance.