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Browse Boat Rentals on Lake Tahoe
Get set to boat with the GetMyBoat Guide to Lake Tahoe
All Lake Tahoe Listings
Page 1 of 5 (110 listings)
How much does it cost to rent a boat on Lake Tahoe?
Prices for boat rentals on Lake Tahoe range from $100/hour for a pontoon rental, to over $1000 for a full day rental of a motor yacht. The cost will depend on the size and type of boat, how long you wish to rent, and whether or not a captain is included in the rental.
When is the best time to visit Lake Tahoe?
The best time of year to visit Lake Tahoe for boating is summer. June, July, and August have sunny weather and warm temperatures. There’s a lot to do and enjoy on the lake in the summer.
What is the water temperature in Lake Tahoe?
The water temperature of Lake Tahoe varies throughout the year. In the summer, the water can be as warm as 75℉ and in the winter months the temperature is cold, in the high 40’s to low 50s.
How old do you have to be to rent a boat in Lake Tahoe?
You must be at least 18 years old to rent a boat on Lake Tahoe.
Do I need a license to drive a boat in Lake Tahoe?
If you own your boat on Lake Tahoe, you must pass a boat safety education course and have a California Boater Card. Renters do not need to take a boat safety course to rent a boat on Lake Tahoe.
What are some of the best places to visit on Lake Tahoe?
There are many amazing spots on Lake Tahoe to see by boat. Don’t miss these destinations on Lake Tahoe when exploring by boat.
- Emerald Bay
- Sand Harbor
- Sugar Pine Point
- El Dorado Beach
- Baldwin Beach
Lake Tahoe Reviews
- KS
Kelsey
22ft Manitou Pontoon | South Lake Tahoe's Newest Addition in Pontoon Rentals
Phil was such a pleasure to coordinate with! He was quick to respond to any questions we had and was so accommodating. The boat is exactly as described and in some ways even better! We will definitely be booking with Phil again next time we are looking for a boat rental.
Ryan
22ft Manitou Pontoon | South Lake Tahoe's Newest Addition in Pontoon Rentals
We rented the boat for a bachelor party, and it was the PERFECT day on the lake. The sound system rocked, the boat was clean, and very comfortable. Phil made it easy. If you’re looking for a relaxing time on the lake, you won’t be disappointed renting this boat.
- KB
Kevin
22ft Manitou Pontoon | South Lake Tahoe's Newest Addition in Pontoon Rentals
The BEST experience ever!! Family friendly boat that’s super easy to let loose and have fun!! The listing was exactly as promised. The boat was super clean (like it rolled off the showroom floor), fully loaded with all the bells and whistles (ie. Awesome sound system, very comfortable seats, fuel efficient and powerful engine, all the water toys for the kids, drink/lunch table, etc., etc.), lots of room for the whole family and friends (10 people), easy to pilot, easy to anchor anywhere we wanted, easy to maneuver, easy to get around!! Pricing was exactly as advertised. No up charges and very fair fuel pricing with no additional fees or surcharges. We’ll definitely be returning to Phil for another rental!! Phil, thank you for helping make our special celebrations (B-day and Anniversary) a day we’ll always cherish and remember!!
- DB
Darren
Lake Tahoe watersports w/Captain and coach on Mastercraft X30 - North Lake Tahoe
My family had an incredible time on the water with Captain Jeff on 8/8/22. Not only is he a great guy to hang out with, he is also an excellent wake surf coach. He accommodated our group of six comfortably and provided excellent tips and advice for riding his wave and different style surfboards. Highly recommend for anyone who is looking for an enjoyable experience wakesurfing Tahoe! Thanks for everything Jeff!
- BT
Ben
Lake Tahoe watersports w/Captain and coach on Mastercraft X30 - North Lake Tahoe
Amazing boat (for 7 guests), top quality equipment, excellent and fast communication with Jeffery! Marcus was the best captain we could ask for - gave us a lot of advices for wakesurfing and wakeboarding, put some nice music, and we had a great session with him! I highly recommend it to anyone looking to book and learn wakesurfing/wakeboarding :) I’ll book again!
- CC
Christopher
Lake Tahoe watersports w/Captain and coach on Mastercraft X30 - North Lake Tahoe
There was a little trouble with the boat at the beginning of the trip, but they communicated and let us know. Stuff happens so it is totally understandable. They took us out for some sight seeing and then we tried some wake surfing. They were so patient with beginners and kept providing actionable and helpful feedback. Overall it was an amazing experience and I would totally use the boat and captain again.
The Lake Tahoe Boating Guide 2023
- First Published Sep 08, 2022
- Last Updated Mar 06, 2023
In This Guide
The GetMyBoat Guide to Lake Tahoe
Lake Tahoe is one of the best boating lakes in the United States and possibly the world. During the summer months, this gem of the Sierra Nevada’s comes alive with visitors looking to soak up the sunshine and cruise through the crystal clear waters.
Lake Tahoe at a Glance
A massive freshwater lake, Lake Tahoe sits across the border between California and Nevada. It spans over 20 miles north to south, and has a maximum depth of 1,637 ft in Crystal Bay at its deepest point.
There are several towns scattered around the perimeter of Lake Tahoe, the most popular for tourists being South Lake Tahoe, Incline Village, Crystal Bay, Tahoe City, and Kings Beach. Its location offers amazing boating experiences for casual cruising, watersports, kayaking and paddleboarding, and even scuba diving, and the high visibility in the clear waters and the gorgeous scenery surrounding the lake make it a must-visit for lake life lovers.
4 Hours
The average rental duration for GetMyBoat bookings in Lake Tahoe — perfect for a long and leisurely cruise. All-day rentals of 8 hours are a close second.
May to October
May to October rentals account for almost all GetMyBoat trips in Lake Tahoe, with July being the most popular.
GetMyBoat Lake Tahoe Statistics
As of
- Active boat listings
- 123
- People sent boating
- 7,000+
- Average cost per booking
- $870
- Measuring 16' to 33', these are the most popular boat rental in Lake Tahoe, followed by sail boats
- Medium Power Boats
Boating Season in Lake Tahoe
Lake Tahoe is truly special in its weather patterns. Due to a combination of its sunny California geography and its very high elevation of 6,200 feet above sea level, it gets both a beautiful, balmy summer season that’s perfect for long days out on the water, and hundreds of inches of snow to support Tahoe’s destination-worthy ski results throughout the winter.
That makes it a terrific destination for both summer boating and winter skiing — a rarity in boating locales.
When are the best times to visit?
If you’re looking to boat, the best time frame will be the summer months. From June to September, you’ll get sunny days, low chances of rain, and perfect temperatures in the mid-to-high 70s.
What’s the water temperature like?
Lake Tahoe is the second-deepest lake in the US, and because of both the sheer volume of water and the runoff of snow and ice from the prior seasons, it tends to not get as warm in the summer as many other boating locales.
In the peak of summer, expect the water to be in a comfortable range of the high 60ºs — brisk, but refreshing. But, it’ll be somewhat colder towards the beginning and end of the season.
Current Conditions
Temperature
27 °FWater temp.
40 °FHumidity
80 %Pressure
1020 hPaWind
SW 28.51 f/secVisibility
6 miCloudiness
65 %Local Events
Concours D'Elegance
August 12 - 13, 2022In its 48th year, the Concours D'Elegance boat show is an outstanding showcase of some of the world’s most beautiful restored and well-preserved wooden boats. Located on the docks of the historic Obexer’s Boat Company, it’s a scenic and historic nod to maritime traditions.
Lights on the Lake Fireworks
July 4th, annuallyThe lake’s stunning annual fireworks shows — from the village of Lake Tahoe to the shores of Nevada Beach, Lakeside Beach, Lakeview Commons, and more — are a spectacular sight over scenic waters.
Tahoe Brewfest
August 27, 2022Celebrating South Lake Tahoe’s mountain culture of craft beer and community, this annual beer festival is packed with local offerings and located just a short walk down the street from the southern shores of the lake.
Lake Tahoe Summer Concert Series
June to September, annuallyThe Lake Tahoe Outdoor Arena packs its 4,000 amphitheater, nestled into South Lake Tahoe with a view onto the pine trees, calm lake waters, and Sierra mountains, for a series of concerts from A-list acts, all throughout the summer.
What Types of Boats Can I Rent in Lake Tahoe?
Lake Tahoe has plenty of different types of boats to rent: everything from pontoons to luxury motor yachts, sailing catamarans, fishing boats, and jet skis are available. Here’s a bit of information on the average prices, and more, for each different option.
Yachts
$250-500A yacht is a larger sailing or power vessel that can be used for racing or pleasure cruising. They’re very popular in other destinations, like Miami, but not as much on Lake Tahoe.
Common Features:
- Up to 8 People
- Interior Cabin
- Exterior Seating
- Captain & Crew
- Bluetooth Speakers
Pontoons
$75-150A flattish boat that relies on two floats for buoyancy. Pontoons are great for casual cruising, sandbar stops, swimming off the sides and for groups partying in Lake Tahoe. It can be a really budget-friendly boating option.
Common Features:
- Up to 10 People
- Ample Seating
- Bluetooth Speakers
- Bimini Tops
- Outboard Motor
Houseboats
$150-300A houseboat is a boat that has been designed to have all the comforts of home - including bedrooms, bathrooms, a kitchen and living area.
Common Features:
- Up to 12 People
- Galley Kitchen
- Interior Cabin
- Sleeping Quarters
- Outdoor Deck Seating
Wake Boats / Ski Boats
$200-400A wake boat (sometimes called a ski boat) is a style of powerboat that is most often used for enjoying water sports like wakeboarding, waterskiing, wakesurfing, kneeboarding, and more.
Common Features:
- Up to 6 People
- Watersports Equipment
- Bluetooth Speakers
- Wakeboard Tower
- Inboard Motor
Sailboats
$150-300A sailboat is a vessel with sails that relies on wind power and/or sometimes also has a backup motor. Sailboats come in a huge variety of styles and sizes.
Common Features:
- Up to 6 People
- Mainsail
- Jib
- Skipper & Crew
- Interior Storage Cabin
Catamarans
$150-400A catamaran can be power or sail-powered and is a vessel with two parallel hulls. Catamarans get their stability from the wide beam across the hulls. Catamarans are great party boats and for staying overnight on the water in Lake Tahoe.
Common Features:
- Up to 10 People
- Captain & Crew
- Interior Cabins
- Head
- Double Hull
Fishing Boats & Charters
$100-200A fishing boat is any vessel that is designed for fishing. They can have flat bottoms for inshore angling or be large charter boats used for deep-sea fishing.
Common Features:
- Up to 6 People
- Bait, Tackle & Fishing Gear
- Cooler with Ice
- FishFinder Technology
- Rod Holders
- Fish Storage Boxes
Jet Skis
$75-140A fast and fun way to explore the local waters, jet skis (or PwC, personal watercraft) come in single-, two-, and even three-seat styles and can be used for all kinds of water sports and tours.
Common Features:
- 1 to 3 People
- Internal Engine
- Electric Ignition
- Handlebar Steering
- Water Jet
Where to Eat, Drink, Stay, and More
Lake Tahoe has so much to offer — where to even begin planning your itinerary when you’re in town? Here’s a start. We’ve pulled some of our favorite local spots for every aspect of a Lake Tahoe getaway, like boat-up restaurants to experience the “dock & dine” lifestyle and plenty of beautiful natural coves, bays, beaches, and other scenic boating spots.
Lake Tahoe Boating Experiences
Reasons To Rent a Boat in Lake Tahoe
Are you visiting Lake Tahoe for a special occasion? Make the party planning easy and book a party boat for an unforgettable celebration. A captained boat charter makes a Lake Tahoe Booze Cruise much safer — so hire a professional to keep your group safe while having a ton of fun on the water.
Bachelor Parties
Heading to Lake Tahoe to celebrate with the guys? A boat charter for a bachelor party in Lake Tahoe is one of the best activities to enjoy. Fill up your cooler with drinks, connect with a local captain, and enjoy hours of cruising in the sun. A captained boat charter is the best way to have the time of your life and provide an unforgettable trip to Lake Tahoe for the groom. Every best man can appreciate the ease of booking an activity everyone will love. - use GetMyBoat to keep your trip planning as stress-free as possible.
Bachelorette Parties
Planning a final “sail before the veil” with your favorite group of women? Any maid of honor can appreciate having a personal yacht captain available to help finalize all the details of the perfect boat party day. Put on your matching swimsuits, pack your towels, sunscreen, and sunglasses, and celebrate cruising and stopping at islands and sandbars around Lake Tahoe for photoshoots and bachelorette party fun. A bachelorette party is one of the best reasons to rent a boat in Lake Tahoe.
Weddings
Planning to say “I Do” in Lake Tahoe? Why not enjoy your special day on a boat? Lake Tahoe is a great destination for a wedding onboard a boat or yacht. A boat wedding in Lake Tahoe provides stunning views and a unique venue for celebrating your special day. Lake Tahoe has so many different yachts and boats to choose from for a wedding, you’re guaranteed to find a style of boat that will suit you and your guest’s needs. Check out our guide to planning a boat wedding for more ideas and information.
Birthday Parties
Lake Tahoe is the ultimate destination for a milestone birthday celebration. If you’re coming up on your 30th or 40th birthday and want to party with your favorite people, a boat rental in Lake Tahoe for a day is a must. Bring your cake and balloons onboard (check with the captain first for any restrictions on decorations) and ring in a new year of your life on the water.
Safety, Preparation, and Navigation
What to Bring on Your Boat Rental
Bringing the right stuff can make or break your boat day, so get together a checklist of what you’ll want well ahead of time so that you don’t forget on the day of.
What to bring will depend on your itinerary and weather conditions, but that being said — it’s always a good idea to bring water, snacks, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, towels, a warm extra layer of clothing (in case it gets chilly), as well as boat shoes. Your boat captain or owner that you rent from can give you more ideas on necessary essentials to bring.
And while most boat captains, owners, and boat rental services should include lifejackets and safety gear, if you have a personal lifejacket that you prefer to wear while enjoying watersports or other activities, it’s a good idea to bring it along.
It might feel like overkill for a casual day on the water, but it’s always better to be over-prepared than under-prepared.
Boating at Night
Visibility is reduced at night, so it’s essential to slow down and be aware of your surroundings. Chartplotters and marine radars are beneficial tools to use in the dark and help you feel more confident when navigating the waters at night. Between the hours of sunset and sunrise or during times of reduced visibility (fog, rain, haze), recreational vessels are required to display navigation lights.
Wake Zones
“Wake” are the waves that form as your watercraft moves through the water. It’s important to be on the lookout for a “no-wake zone” - an area where a vessel must operate at a slow speed that doesn’t create a wake. You can usually identify a no-wake zone by white and orange floating markers or a row of markers.
Emergency Services
Lake Tahoe Police: Dial 911 from any land or cellular phone for emergencies, or (530) 542-6100 for non-emergencies.
U.S. Coast Guard, Lake Tahoe Station: Dial (530) 583-4433 for emergencies. If you’re on the water and have a marine VHF radio, you can contact the Coast Guard via Channel 13 (156.65MHz) or 16 (156.8MHz).
Frequently Asked Questions
Boat Rental Basics
What makes GetMyBoat different from other boat rental apps?
GetMyBoat is the world’s largest boat rental and water experience marketplace. We connect more people to boat rental services than any other company. Our mobile app available for iOS and Android makes it possible to find and book boating experiences right on your phone.
You can access thousands of professional boat captains and companies to help plan your perfect day on the water. GetMyBoat’s 24/7 customer service team is always available to help with any step in the booking process. We also enable you to read real user reviews and see photos added from past users, so you can book with confidence that you’re choosing a 5-star boat rental or water experience.
GetMyBoat is committed to taking the lowest booking fees in the industry to save the customer money in pursuit of their perfect day on the water.
What is a boat charter?
A boat charter (vs. a boat rental) includes a professional captain to drive the boat. Frequently, it also includes crew members to provide services to the passengers, like food and beverage, as well as being there to assist the captain. The number of crew members working a boat charter will depend on the size of the vessel and the number of guests onboard.
A boat charter with a licensed, professional captain is the best option for inexperienced boaters or people unfamiliar with the waterways they wish to explore. A captain can provide an amazing experience on a private boat rental and help make the experience safer and more relaxing for boaters.
Can I rent a boat for a week?
While half-day and full-day boat rentals are the most commonly booked trip durations on GetMyBoat, some boat owners and operators allow for multi-day or week-long rentals. Some owners and boat rental services offer discounted rates when you book for more than one day. Ask about weekly deals on rentals if you’re hoping to go boating for more than one day.
Where do I pick up the boat rental?
While it’s common to meet at a marina or public dock, boat captains and owners can often coordinate a drop off at a boat launch or ramp, or another spot if it’s more convenient. Get the exact directions to where you need to meet your boat owner/captain to determine where to pick up the vessel. Send your captain a message to clarify if you’re unsure where to go!
Where do I refuel the boat?
If you need to refuel your boat rental before you return to the dock, ask the boat rental service or owner where they recommend that you refuel. Most waterways will have several fuel stations to choose from, and often the docks that you meet at for your boat rental will also have them. Many captains and owners will take care of this for you, but it’s a good idea to ask what their specific policy is for fueling. Check out local marinas to see if they have a fuel dock.
Can I bring my dog on my boat rental?
Dogs are often welcome on boat rentals and charters — but be sure to ask first! Some boat captains do and some don’t allow pets to come along.
It’s also a good idea to do some research to make sure your pet will be okay with boating if they’ve never been before. Check out our guide for boating with your dog, and if you do decide to bring your dog along, make sure you have the appropriate lifejacket and other safety gear for them!
Services, Costs, & Fees
How much does it cost to rent a boat near me?
GetMyBoat’s mission is to make boating more accessible and affordable. To do this, we’re constantly growing our team of boat owners, captains, and operators around the world to offer a wider range of boat rentals and services at different price points. We want to provide the joys of boating to everyone - regardless of their budget.
Boat rental costs will vary depending on the size and type of boat you wish to rent. Other factors that impact the price of a boat rental include: trip duration, desired route, and itinerary. A boat rental usually costs between $50 and $150/hour but can range up to over $400/hour. Renting a boat for a few hours is usually less expensive than renting a boat for a whole day, but you can sometimes save money on the hourly rate by renting for longer - some owners and rental services offer discounted rates.
There’s no booking obligation at the inquiry stage with GetMyBoat - so you can send an inquiry message to a captain to get a price quote before you commit.
How much is a boat rental near me for a day?
The cost of a boat rental will depend on the duration of your rental, the size of the boat, and the size of your group. Sometimes, specific itineraries (i.e., traveling far distances to get to a famous swimming spot) can add extra costs if they require additional fuel. Typically, a half-day boat rental is 4-hours, and a full-day is 8 hours. Depending on your specific needs, you can expect to pay anywhere from $250 to over $1000 for your boat rental.
How much does it cost to charter a yacht?
Yacht charters are typically more expensive than boat rentals, but you can find many yachting services that are still affordable on GetMyBoat. A yacht charter usually costs between $300/hour to over $1,000/hour, and this generally includes the captain’s fees and other costs of having a crew onboard to work the charter.
How much is a pontoon boat rental?
A pontoon rental is typically the most affordable boat rental. A pontoon will usually start at $50 and cost no more than $150-200/hour, depending if you rent with a captain or not. Pontoon boat rentals are a cheaper option for boating if you’re looking to save money.
How much should I tip the boat captain?
When a captain and crew provide excellent service on the water, leaving a gratuity as a show of appreciation is a common custom. In many places, 10-20% of the rental cost is standard, but this can vary depending on where you are using boat rental services. GetMyBoat does not handle tips or gratuity payments, so please bring cash with you to tip, or many boat captains also have the option of CashApp or Venmo for leaving a tip after your boat charter.
How much does fuel cost for a boat rental?
Sometimes the boat owner/captain you are renting from will include fuel costs in the total fee charged, while others will charge on a usage basis - so depending on how much you use on your boat day. Inquire with the boat owner/captain about the typical fuel costs for your boat rental duration.
Are there additional costs for renting a boat near me?
Costs for your boat rental will vary from owner to owner, so be sure to inquire about any extra costs that might not be covered in the listed price - like fuel, captain’s fees, or additional charges for unique itineraries. Your captain will let you know what to expect if there is any deviation from the price on the boat listing.
Safety, Laws, and Regulations
How old do you have to be to rent a boat?
You must be at least 18 years old to rent with GetMyBoat. To operate a boat without a captain, you will need to ensure you meet the correct boating safety requirements. Boat owners and operators on GetMyBoat sometimes have their own individual age requirements for renting, so inquire with them on their minimum age when you send a booking inquiry.
How old do you have to be to rent a jet ski?
To rent a jet ski independently, you have to be at least 18 years old. Often 16 & 17 year olds can operate a jet ski rental if they have a guardian present to sign a waiver for them. No one under the age of 16 should operate a jet ski without being in direct supervision of a parent or guardian.
How many people can I bring on my boat rental?
The boat's capacity will vary depending on the captain’s licensing rules, size of the boat, style of the boat, and the location you’re renting in. Every boat listing on GetMyBoat indicates the maximum number of people allowed on the boat, so you’ll know before inquiring if it will suit your group’s size.
Do I have to rent a boat with a captain?
Whether or not you rent a boat with a captain will depend on many factors. If you do not have boating experience - it is recommended that you book a boat rental with a captain service for safety. Some locations require that renters have a licensed captain onboard operating the boat at all times. If you do have boating experience and want to rent a boat without a captain, in most locations you are able to rent it bareboat to go on your own. Ask the boat rental service provider for information on renting a boat without a captain and let them know information about your boating experience.
Where should I go with my boat rental?
When you rent a boat, it’s a great idea to do some research on your own or ask the boat owner/company for recommendations if you’re not from the area. With a boat rental, popular places to venture to include sandbars, islands, beaches, coves, and waterfront restaurants. It’s a good idea to inquire with the boat owner for recommendations on what to do and advice on navigating there safely.
Do I need my own insurance to rent a boat?
You do not need your own insurance to rent a boat.
Do I need a boating license to rent a boat?
Boating license requirements vary from state to state, country to country, and can even be different in various cities and local jurisdictions of the same state. As a renter, you are responsible for understanding local requirements and regulations.
For more information please check out our Boating Laws and Regulations by State Guide and download our Boating Safety Checklist.
Where can I take a boating safety course?
Many boat safety courses are offered online and you can earn a certificate that will qualify you to rent a boat on your own. You can also often take in-person boating lessons which will teach you the necessary hands-on skills to operate a boat independently. Check out BoatEd for more information on local boating safety requirements and courses. You can also check out our Top Boating Safety Tips resources.
Are lifejackets Included in the price of a boat rental?
Most boat owners and boat rental services will include all lifejackets and safety equipment within the price of your listing. It’s always a good idea to ask where the equipment is located onboard before you leave the dock. Your captain or the owner should give you a briefing at the beginning of your rental experience, so you’re aware of all safety features and equipment on the boat.
GetMyBoat has 110 listings for boating experiences in Lake Tahoe with 1,975 reviews.
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