The Best Boat Rentals in Louisiana

Boat rentals in Louisiana generally range from $100 to $250 per hour. Full-day rates typically fall between $400 and $1,200 depending on the type of boat, location, and whether a captain is included.

Popular rental options include pontoon boats, bay boats, center consoles, airboats, fishing boats, and swamp tour vessels. In cities like New Orleans, you’ll also find private charters and party boats.

Yes, captained rentals are widely available, especially for swamp tours, fishing charters, and sightseeing cruises in New Orleans, Lake Pontchartrain, and the bayou regions.

If you were born after January 1, 1984, Louisiana law requires you to complete a boater education course to operate a motorized vessel. If you book a captained rental, no license is needed.

Top spots include Lake Pontchartrain, the Atchafalaya Basin, Toledo Bend Reservoir, Calcasieu Lake, and the Mississippi River near Baton Rouge and New Orleans. The Louisiana bayous also offer unique boat tours.

Well-known launch areas include Orleans Marina (New Orleans), Bonnet Carré Boat Launch, Cypress Cove Marina (Venice), and North Toledo Bend State Park Marina. Many charters depart from private docks as well.

Boating activities include fishing, cruising, wildlife watching, exploring cypress swamps, sightseeing, and partying on the water. Swamp tours and coastal trips are especially popular with visitors.

Yes, Louisiana is famous for its world-class fishing. You can rent boats for freshwater fishing in lakes and rivers or head offshore for redfish, speckled trout, and snapper with guided charters along the Gulf Coast.

Absolutely. Captained swamp tours are one of Louisiana’s top attractions. You can explore the bayous near New Orleans, Lafayette, and Houma, often spotting alligators, egrets, turtles, and Spanish moss-covered cypress trees.

Yes, alcohol is allowed on most boats in Louisiana, but the operator must remain sober. Booking a captained rental is a smart option for groups who plan to drink during their trip.

Yes, New Orleans offers riverboat cruises, private yacht charters, and guided boat tours along the Mississippi River and Lake Pontchartrain. Some even offer onboard dining or live jazz music.

Spring and fall offer the best weather for boating—mild temperatures and fewer storms. Summer is popular but hot and humid, while winter boating is possible but less active in northern parts of the state.

Half-day and full-day rentals are common. For fishing trips or swamp tours, 3 to 4 hours is usually ideal. Full-day charters are better for exploring large lakes or venturing offshore.

Yes, Louisiana offers many family-friendly boating options, including calm lakes, slow-moving bayous, and educational eco-tours. Pontoons and guided tours are especially great for groups with kids.

Yes. Life jackets are required for children under 17 and must be on board for every passenger. Always check for local speed limits, no-wake zones, and weather conditions before heading out.