The Best Boat Rentals in Somerville

On Lake Somerville, most pontoons and runabouts rent for about $80–$130 per hour, with discounted full-day rates commonly landing between $400–$900 depending on boat size, season, and day of the week. Performance wake boats are typically higher, often around $180–$250 per hour, while jet skis tend to be about $90–$120 per hour. Your booking generally includes required safety gear such as life jackets, basic orientation, and standard cleaning; fuel, taxes, platform fees, optional tow toys, and gratuities are usually extra. Prices rise on holiday weekends and peak summer Saturdays, so booking early can save money and secure the time slot you want.

The most common rentals are spacious pontoon boats for cruising and swimming, sportier deck and runabout boats for tubing, dedicated fishing boats set up with livewells and rod holders, jet skis for quick spins, and, in some cases, wake boats with captains for board sports. Choose the boat that fits your group size, activity, and comfort level; pontoons are the easiest and most flexible for mixed-age groups.

You can book either captained trips or self-operated rentals. If you plan to drive, Texas requires anyone born on or after September 1, 1993 to complete an approved boater education course to operate a powerboat over 15 hp; bring your photo ID and boater card if that applies to you. Captained charters are a great stress-free option for celebrations or for groups who prefer to relax while a local pro handles the route and docking.

Popular meeting spots include Lake Somerville Marina & Campground in Overlook Park on the southeast side of the lake and Big Creek Resort Marina on the northeast shore. Many renters also launch from park ramps at the Birch Creek Unit or Nails Creek Unit of Lake Somerville State Park, and some use nearby public parks like Welch Park, Rocky Creek Park, or Yegua Creek Park. Your host will confirm the exact pickup point and any gate or launch fees for that location.

Expect tree-lined coves, long open reaches perfect for cruising, and shoreline views of the Birch Creek and Nails Creek units of Lake Somerville State Park. You’ll pass the Somerville dam area, spot anglers working points for white bass and catfish, and likely see herons, egrets, and other birdlife. In spring, the hillsides around the lake often pop with Texas wildflowers, and sunsets over the open eastern basin make for easy golden-hour cruises.

For self-operated powerboats, Texas law requires a boater education certificate if you were born on or after September 1, 1993, plus a valid photo ID. If you were born before that date, no course is required, though operators of any age are responsible for safe boating rules. If you book a captained trip, you won’t need a license—the captain handles operation and navigation.

Yes, families are welcome. Operators provide U.S. Coast Guard–approved life jackets sized for your crew; let your host know if you need infant or toddler sizes to ensure availability. Texas law requires children under 13 to wear a life jacket while the boat is underway. For the most comfortable family experience in summer, consider a morning start for cooler temps and calmer water.

Most hosts allow small coolers with snacks, water, and your preferred beverages. Avoid glass containers, pack easy, non-messy foods, and bring plenty of ice and hydration in hot months. The boat’s captain or owner will outline any rules about alcohol, grills, or red dye drinks; as always, the person operating the boat must remain sober.

Many boats are pet-friendly with prior approval, typically for well-behaved dogs and sometimes with a small cleaning fee. Bring a pet life jacket, a towel, fresh water, and booties for hot decks. Keep pets off upholstered seats and plan a shaded spot so they stay comfortable during midday heat.

Central Texas can see sudden summer thunderstorms and breezy afternoons. If conditions are unsafe, most hosts offer weather-based rescheduling or refunds per their policy. Keep your phone handy for updates on the morning of your trip, expect choppier water on windy afternoons, and consider early departures for smoother rides. State park gates and popular ramps can back up in bad weather turnarounds, so add a little cushion to your schedule.

Absolutely. Pontoons are ideal for groups thanks to their open layouts, shade, and easy boarding. Share your headcount, music needs, and whether you want to swim, cruise, or tube, and your host can suggest the best itinerary. Simple decorations and a cake are typically fine; just confirm any rules about tape, confetti, or glitter and keep items secure so nothing blows overboard.

The prime boating window runs spring through midsummer. Lake Somerville State Park notes its busy season as the first weekend in March through the Fourth of July, with Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day bringing the highest demand. September and October can be beautiful with warm water, though those months are often the wettest, so watch the forecast. For smoother water and easier parking, pick weekdays or mornings; book weekends and holidays several weeks in advance, and even earlier if you want a specific boat or captain.

If you’re arriving from College Station, the Birch Creek Unit and Welch Park are convenient on the lake’s north and west sides. From Houston or Brenham, Lake Somerville Marina & Campground in Overlook Park and the Nails Creek Unit are easy access points on the south and east shores. Confirm any day-use or launch fees at the gate, and plan extra time on peak weekends when lines form at park entrances.

Yes—Independence Day is a signature weekend on Lake Somerville, with a well-attended fireworks show hosted at Welch Park in recent years, typically around 9 p.m. If you want to watch from the water, reserve early, arrive before sunset to secure a safe anchoring spot, keep navigation lights on, and expect no-wake zones and heavier patrols after the show. For a calmer, more open-water experience, consider booking the evening before or the night after the holiday.