The Best Boat Rentals in Okanagan Lake

Expect small bowriders to start around $70–$120 per hour, pontoons from about $90–$160 per hour, and wake or surf boats roughly $150–$250 per hour. Private captained cruises typically run $200–$300 per hour depending on group size and amenities. Full-day pricing often ranges from $600–$900 for smaller boats and $900–$1,500 or more for larger pontoons and wake boats. Life jackets and required safety gear are included, along with a pre-departure safety briefing; fuel and taxes are usually extra, and most rentals require a refundable damage deposit in the $1,000–$2,500 range. Booking earlier in summer and on holiday weekends helps you secure better rates and departure times.

You’ll find an easy mix for any group: comfortable pontoon and tritoon boats for relaxed cruising, sporty bowriders and runabouts for sightseeing and swimming stops, and dedicated wake and surf boats set up for tow sports. Captained pontoon cruises are popular for celebrations, and a handful of small cabin cruisers and sailboat tours operate seasonally. Choose based on your group size, whether you want a captain, and how active you plan to be on the water.

In Canada you must carry proof of competency to operate a motorized pleasure craft. If you don’t have a Pleasure Craft Operator Card, most Okanagan Lake rental companies will complete Transport Canada’s Rental Boat Safety Checklist with you at the dock; that checklist acts as your temporary proof of competency for the rental period. Visitors with an equivalent boater card from their home country can bring that instead. Your rental host will handle the briefing so you can get underway confidently.

Pick a captained charter if you want a hands-off day—great for birthdays, bachelorettes, or mixed-age groups—since the captain manages the route, docking, and safety while you focus on the fun. Go self-operated if you’re comfortable at the helm and want maximum flexibility on timing and stops. Captained options often include extras like coolers with ice, bottled water, Bluetooth sound, and float toys, while self-drive rentals prioritize a quick safety orientation and clear operating area guidance.

Common launch points include the downtown Kelowna waterfront at Water Street and Queensway near the Kelowna Downtown Marina, the Cook Road Boat Launch in the Lower Mission, and Sutherland Bay on the north end of downtown. On the west side of the bridge, West Kelowna departures often use the Gellatly Bay area, and further south many trips start at Penticton Marina at the south end of Okanagan Lake. Your exact pickup will be confirmed in your booking details.

Expect sweeping views of vineyard-covered hills in West Kelowna, the floating William R. Bennett Bridge connecting Kelowna and West Kelowna, the city’s beaches and waterfront parks, and the bluffs of Knox Mountain. Southbound routes reveal the rugged shoreline of Okanagan Mountain Provincial Park and the small, storied Rattlesnake Island—long linked to the local nx̌ax̌aitkʷ (Ogopogo) legend. On a calm day you can anchor for a swim in glassy coves with mountain backdrops.

Yes—families are welcome. Every passenger, including infants, counts toward the boat’s capacity, and Canadian law requires a properly sized lifejacket or PFD on board for each person. Rental operators include lifejackets in adult and child sizes and give a safety briefing before departure. Many hosts ask that children wear their lifejackets the entire time on board; if you need infant or toddler sizes, request them at booking so they’re ready at check-in.

Bringing snacks, non-alcoholic drinks, and a small cooler is generally fine, and some captained charters can provide ice, water, or even a simple grill by request. For alcohol, plan to keep it simple and safe: the operator must always remain sober, and open alcohol is only permitted in limited circumstances on larger vessels with permanent kitchen, toilet, and sleeping facilities, typically when anchored or docked. Many standard pontoons and bowriders do not meet those criteria, and most rental policies prohibit open alcohol underway. Avoid glass containers and pack out everything you bring.

Pet policies vary by host. Some rentals happily welcome well-behaved dogs—often for a small cleaning fee and with a request to bring a blanket to protect seats—while others do not allow pets at all. If bringing a pup, pack a properly fitted canine lifejacket, water, and a plan for shade. Be sure to confirm the pet policy in your listing before you book so there are no surprises at the dock.

Summer afternoons can bring breezier conditions and occasional thunderstorms in the valley, so mornings often offer the smoothest rides. If unsafe weather develops, captains and owners will delay, reroute, or reschedule as needed. Cancellation terms on Getmyboat are set by each listing—commonly Flexible, Moderate, or Strict—with specifics shown before you pay; if weather forces a cancellation for safety, your host will follow the policy on your reservation. To stay flexible, consider morning departures and weekday bookings during peak season.

Absolutely. Private pontoons and captained cruises are tailor-made for celebrations, with comfortable seating for 8–12 guests, easy swim stops, photo-friendly views of the bridge and vineyards, and your own playlist on the boat’s sound system. Many captains can help you plan simple decorations, charcuterie boards, or a swim-and-sunset route. For smooth logistics, share your headcount, preferred pickup spot, and any add-ons (ice, float mats, grill use) when you request your trip.

Peak boating season runs June through early September, with July and August the busiest and warmest. Canadian long weekends are especially popular: Victoria Day in late May, Canada Day on July 1, B.C. Day on the first Monday in August, and Labour Day on the first Monday in September. U.S. holiday weekends like Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day also bring extra visitors, so book early if your dates overlap. For calmer water and easier parking, choose weekday mornings; for golden-hour photos, consider a late-day or sunset cruise with a captain.

From downtown Kelowna, many guests cruise beneath the William R. Bennett Bridge, tour the shoreline past Waterfront Park and City Park beaches, and continue toward the vineyard slopes of West Kelowna before stopping to swim in a sheltered bay. Longer outings often head south toward Okanagan Mountain Provincial Park’s rocky coves and, time and conditions permitting, continue to the area near Rattlesnake Island for a scenic loop. Your route will be tailored to lake conditions and your group’s pace.

Yes—on calm days and with enough time, skippers frequently include a pass by Rattlesnake Island, a small isle off the park’s rugged shoreline long tied to the nx̌ax̌aitkʷ (Ogopogo) legend. It’s a fun conversation starter and a beautiful stretch of water, with dramatic cliffs and deep-blue views. Build in extra time if you want a swim stop, and always let your captain or host adjust the plan for wind, boat traffic, and safety.