The Best Boat Rentals in Loveland

For most trips on Boyd Lake or Carter Lake, plan on about $80–$150 per hour for a pontoon or tritoon, around $180–$250 per hour for wake and ski boats, and roughly $90–$120 per hour for jet skis. Full-day rates often bring the hourly price down, with many pontoons landing between $400 and $600 for the day. Prices usually include standard safety gear and a walkthrough of the boat. Fuel is commonly charged based on use, and park entrance fees are separate, so budget an additional $10–$20 per vehicle or vehicle-and-trailer to access the reservoir areas. Captains, if you choose one, are an added cost and are typically priced by the hour.

The most popular options are comfortable pontoons and tritoons for cruising and swim stops, performance wake and ski boats for towing and water sports, and personal watercraft for quick, agile rides. Sailboats do operate on area lakes, but the most readily available rentals for visitors are pontoons, tritoons, wake boats, ski boats, and jet skis.

Both options are available. A captained charter is the most hands-off choice—your captain handles navigation, launch protocols, and changing weather so you can focus on the group. Self-operated rentals work well for confident boaters who want flexibility; expect to meet at the ramp during inspection hours and follow local rules. Most owners require the primary renter to be at least 21, and some set the minimum at 25. If you’re coordinating a celebration or mixed-ages group, a captained trip often keeps the day simpler.

Most outings meet at Boyd Lake State Park’s Main Boat Ramp or Boyd Lake Marina on the west side of the park, or at Carter Lake’s access points southwest of town, commonly the Carter Lake Marina, North Pines Boat Ramp, or South Shore Boat Ramp. These sites have seasonal Aquatic Nuisance Species inspection hours for motorized boats, so plan your arrival within posted times and allow extra minutes for gate entry and parking, especially on weekends.

You’ll cruise with classic Front Range scenery all around—foothills, red rock ridges, and on clear days views toward Longs Peak. Expect mountain sunsets that light up the shoreline and, in summer, frequent wildlife sightings like pelicans, cormorants, ospreys, and the occasional bald eagle. Carter Lake sits in a pretty Ponderosa pine setting, while Boyd Lake offers big-sky views and easygoing coves for relaxing on the hook.

Colorado does not require a boating license for adults, but there are age rules. Operators 18 and older may drive motorboats without a course. Teens ages 14–17 may operate only if they complete an approved Colorado Parks and Wildlife boating safety course and carry the certificate. Children under 14 may not operate a motorboat. Individual owners may have stricter policies, so check your listing for any additional requirements.

Yes. Family groups are common on both lakes, and rentals include properly sized life jackets. Colorado law requires children under 13 to wear a life jacket while on the water, and most hosts will ask for each child’s approximate weight to load the right sizes. If you’re bringing infants or toddlers, confirm age and weight limits with the owner or captain in advance, and arrive a few minutes early for fittings and the safety briefing.

Most rentals allow you to bring snacks, picnic-style foods, and non-glass beverages; coolers are welcome on many boats. Alcohol is permitted on boats at area reservoirs, but the operator must remain sober and local rules prohibit glass containers on the water and at many shoreline areas. When in doubt, choose cans or reusable bottles, pack out all trash, and follow your captain’s or owner’s specific policies.

Pet policies are set by each owner, so you’ll see a mix: some boats welcome well-behaved dogs with advance approval, while others do not allow pets. Around the lakes, dogs must remain leashed on shore and are not permitted on designated swim beaches. If your listing does allow pets, bring a towel and water bowl, avoid claws on upholstery, and confirm any cleaning or deposit requirements before you book.

Summer afternoons on the Front Range can bring gusty winds and fast-building thunderstorms, while mornings are typically calmer. If severe weather develops, captains and owners will steer you to safe coves or head in early, and many offer weather-related rescheduling or refunds when conditions are unsafe. Review the listing’s policy before you book and, for the smoothest day, consider a morning or late-afternoon start to dodge peak winds and heat.

Absolutely. Pontoons and tritoons are perfect for casual celebrations, and many boats have Bluetooth audio, shade, and room to spread out. For active groups, wake and ski boats add tubing or surfing time. If you’re hosting a milestone event, share your group size, must-haves, and timing with the owner or captain so they can suggest the best meeting spot and route, and budget for park entry, fuel, and any captain’s fee.

The prime boating window runs from late spring through early fall, with May through September as the peak season. Expect the busiest days around Memorial Day, July 4th week, and Labor Day. August also brings major Loveland events like Sculpture in the Park and the Corn Roast Festival that can increase traffic in town, even if you’re boating at the reservoirs. For lighter crowds and easier parking, choose weekdays over weekends and aim for morning departures or golden-hour cruises. If you’re planning a self-operated rental, remember that all motorized boats must launch during posted inspection hours at Boyd Lake and Carter Lake, so set your start time to match those windows.

Lake Loveland sits right in town but is a private lake for shoreline homeowners and club members, and public boat launching isn’t allowed. Visitors who want to rent a boat typically head a few minutes east to Boyd Lake State Park or southwest to Carter Lake, where rentals, marinas, and public ramps make meeting your captain or picking up a boat straightforward.