The Best Boat Rentals in 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.

Lake Tahoe offers stunning boating conditions during the summer months, thanks to its warm, dry weather and calm, clear waters. Here's what to expect across the seasons:

Peak Boating Season: Late June to Late August

• This is the best time to rent a boat on Lake Tahoe.
• Air temperatures are most comfortable, and water temps are at their yearly highs.

Average Air Temperatures in Lake Tahoe

• Summer Highs: Around 80°F in July (warmest month)
• Winter Lows: Around 26°F in December through February

Lake Tahoe Water Temperatures by Season

• Spring: Approximately 53°F
• Summer: Approximately 57°F
• Fall: Approximately 55°F
• Winter: Approximately 54°F

Tip: Even in summer, Lake Tahoe's water stays relatively cool. Consider bringing wetsuits for water sports like wakeboarding or tubing.

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.

You must be at least 18 years old to rent a boat on 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.

There are many amazing spots on Lake Tahoe to see by boat. Don’t miss these destinations on Lake Tahoe when exploring by boat.

• Zephyr Cove – ideal for watersports and sandy beaches
• Sand Harbor / Incline Village – scenic anchor spots with snorkeling and clear waters
• Emerald Bay – featuring Fannette Island, Vikingsholm Castle, and dive trails
• Pope Beach – family-friendly with picnic spots & fishing

There are many spots around Lake Tahoe where you can access the water with your boat rental. Some of the main cities on Lake Tahoe are South Lake Tahoe, Tahoe City, Stateline, and Incline Village. These are the primary destinations for booking accommodation if you’re planning a multi-day stay on Lake Tahoe. Choose from chain hotels, lake resorts, and vacation rental homes. If you want to really connect with nature during your stay on Lake Tahoe, there are lots of campgrounds to choose from all around the lake. Do not forget your camera - the crystal clear, turquoise waters of Lake Tahoe surrounded by the gorgeous, snow-capped mountains makes it a place you have to get the perfect shot for Instagram. A boat is the best way to get some amazing photos out on Lake Tahoe.

While exploring Lake Tahoe on your boat rental, there are dozens of spots scattered around the lake worthy of a visit. Stop at King’s Beach on the north side of Lake Tahoe or El Dorado Beach and Pope Beach on the south end. There are resorts and restaurants along the coastline of the lake, perfect for stopping at for a meal or to enjoy the nightlife of Lake Tahoe. Lake Tahoe boat and yacht life bring lots of visitors to its shores every summer, you’re guaranteed to have a good time if you book a boat rental for at least a weekend on the lake.

Lake Tahoe is the ultimate destination to rent a boat. The stunning basin of freshwater that laps the shores of Sierra Nevada has captured the hearts of millions of visitors over the years. Lake Tahoe is a magnetic force that brings people to Northern California and Nevada during the summer months to play in its water. A trip to the area is not complete without a day spent on the lake. From boating to watersports, the massive size and depth of Lake Tahoe make it the perfect place to try it all. Lake Tahoe is a favorite spot for people coming from Reno or Sacramento for a weekend getaway.

Due to the popularity in the summer months, it’s advisable to book your boat rental in advance so you won’t miss out once you arrive. Browse a wide selection of boats on Lake Tahoe, from ski boats for wakeboarding to pontoons, there is every type of boat rental available to visitors, no matter where on the lake you’re staying. Because Lake Tahoe is so huge, it's a good idea to book at least one full-day boat rental. Try a pontoon rental or a Chapparel motor yacht for cruising around the lake and seeing the sights, and ask the captain or owner if floating toys like lily pads or inflatable rafts are included, especially if you want to stop for a swim. Try waterskiing or wakeboarding on Lake Tahoe for a fun-filled day everyone in your group will enjoy - especially if you're visiting with kids on a family vacation. You can also rent sailboats with or without a skipper for a relaxing sailing day on Lake Tahoe.

Jet ski rentals are another popular option on Lake Tahoe. Book a Sea-Doo and spend a few hours zipping through the waves, flying around at high speeds while enjoying stunning views of the mountains.

For visitors who do not have boating experience, there is the option to rent a boat with a captain on Lake Tahoe to handle all the navigation. Boat charters are also great for boat parties when you need one responsible driver, and it's great to have a local captain who can serve as a guide to the best coves and picturesque spots on the lake. When planning your boat rental, you can arrange with the owner to have a captain or not, depending on your preferences and boating experience. Boat captains can also help you arrange boat tours of Lake Tahoe, as well as sunset cruises and special events onboard. Plan your celebration on Lake Tahoe with a boat charter for a bachelor or bachelorette party, a family reunion, or even a wedding. It’s a lake with some spectacular scenery for a gathering.

When arranging for your boat rental on Lake Tahoe, make sure to include details in the inquiry to have clear communication with the owner or captain. Good things to ask include questions about pricing, if gratuity is included or a separate charge, the boat capacity, and if any special extras are included, like an iced-down cooler. Don’t be afraid to ask questions - clarity is key for the perfect boat rental day.

In addition to boat rentals of bowrider boats, motor yachts, pontoons, and other motorized watercraft on Lake Tahoe, there are plenty of man-powered boats available to rent. For active, outdoorsy visitors to Lake Tahoe, kayak rentals, stand-up paddleboard rentals, and canoe rentals are available and are some of the best things to try on the lake. It’s also a very affordable rental option for people visiting Lake Tahoe on a budget.

• Observe the no-wake zone extending 600 feet from shore, with a 5 MPH speed limit
• Life jackets are required for children aged 13 and under, except in cabins or emergencies
• Fishing requires a valid CA or NV fishing license for anyone over 16