The Best Boat Rentals in Osage Beach

Most pontoon and deck boat rentals around Osage Beach run roughly $120 to $300 per hour in peak season. Guided boat tours typically range from about $150 to $275 per hour, while larger yacht-style charters can be $175 to $600 per hour depending on size and amenities. Jet skis often fall near $100 to $150 per hour. Prices usually include required safety gear and life jackets, and captained trips include the captain’s time. Fuel, float mats, ice, and coolers may be included or added as extras, so check the listing details when you inquire.

You’ll find a wide mix suited to groups and celebrations, including comfortable pontoons and tritoons, deck and wake boats for cruising and swimming stops, fishing boats for anglers, jet skis for quick spins, and mid‑size yachts for upscale outings. If you’re planning a birthday or bachelorette trip, look for “party” pontoons or captained yachts with shaded seating and swim ladders to keep things easy for your crew.

Both options are popular. A captained charter is the most effortless choice for groups because the skipper handles docking, routing, and lake traffic, letting you focus on hosting. If you want to self‑operate, Missouri requires anyone born after January 1, 1984 to carry valid boater education when operating on the state’s lakes, including Lake of the Ozarks. Visitors can use a NASBLA‑approved card from their home state, and many renters can obtain a one‑time, seven‑day temporary certification through participating providers. Choose the option that matches your comfort level and group plans.

Common meetup points include Grand Glaize Marina at Public Beach 2 (PB2) in Lake of the Ozarks State Park near the US‑54 Grand Glaize Bridge, the Pa He Tsi boat launch in the same state park (seasonal March through October), the Port of Indecision Marina at Margaritaville Lake Resort in Osage Beach, and Surdyke’s Port 20 Marina along the main channel. Your captain or owner will confirm the exact dock and pickup plan after you book.

Expect classic Ozark scenery with wooded bluffs, quiet state‑park coves, and impressive waterfront homes. Many outings cruise under the Grand Glaize Bridge on US‑54, pass by Anderson Hollow Cove—nicknamed Party Cove on the Grand Glaize Arm—and, time permitting, run toward Bagnell Dam near Mile Marker 0. Longer trips may venture to the Niangua Arm for views of the cliffs below Ha Ha Tonka State Park’s castle ruins. Your captain can tailor a route to match your vibe, from mellow coves to sightseeing highlights.

Yes, if you plan to drive and were born after January 1, 1984, you must have a Missouri boater education card or an equivalent NASBLA‑approved card from another state. Keep the card and a photo ID on board. Many rental providers can help visitors obtain a one‑time, seven‑day temporary certificate if you qualify. If you’d rather skip paperwork altogether, book a captained rental.

Families are welcome. Every boat must carry a U.S. Coast Guard‑approved life jacket for each person, and Missouri requires children under age seven to wear a life jacket any time they’re on deck and the boat is underway. Rental listings provide child and adult life jackets; if you have infants or toddlers, share ages and approximate weights with the owner so they bring the right sizes. Captains give a brief safety rundown before departure.

Yes—most charters allow you to bring snacks, picnic fixings, and beverages. For easy cleanup and safety, pack cans instead of glass and use coolers with ice. Many captains are happy to schedule a stop at a waterfront restaurant if your group prefers to dine out on the lake. Always designate a sober operator for any self‑drive rental.

Pet policies vary by owner. Small, well‑behaved dogs are often welcome with advance approval and may require a cleaning or pet fee. If you plan to bring a dog, mention breed and weight in your inquiry and pack a non‑spill water bowl, towels, and a leash for docking.

Lake weather can change quickly, especially on summer afternoons. Cancellations and rescheduling follow the boat owner’s policy listed on each Getmyboat listing, and many owners are flexible about unsafe conditions. The default policy on the platform generally allows a full refund up to five days before departure unless the owner sets something different. If conditions are safe but not sunny, normal cancellation rules still apply, so message the owner early if you’re concerned and watch the forecast together.

Absolutely. Captained pontoons and motor yachts are ideal for celebrations because seating, shade, Bluetooth sound, and swim features are built in, and the captain handles the logistics. Tell your host the occasion, group size, and preferred vibe—relaxed cove time, bar‑hopping, or sightseeing—and they’ll recommend a start time and route. If you want decorations or a specific playlist, share that in your inquiry so it’s set before you arrive.

Peak boating runs from late May through September, with the busiest days on Memorial Day Weekend, July 4th, and Labor Day Weekend. Popular lake events also shape traffic: the Spring Harbor Hop is the first Saturday in May, AquaPalooza typically lands in mid‑July, and the Lake of the Ozarks Shootout powerboat races happen in late August; the Fall Harbor Hop returns the second Saturday in October. For the calmest water and easiest docking, book weekday mornings or earlier start times on weekends. Shoulder‑season days in May and September often deliver warm temps with lighter crowds.

“Party Cove” is the local nickname for Anderson Hollow Cove on the Grand Glaize Arm, a short cruise from Osage Beach and famous for big weekend tie‑ups in summer. Weekdays and mornings are quieter and can work for groups who want to see the scene without heavy wakes. Your captain can advise whether it fits your outing; if you prefer a low‑key day, there are plenty of peaceful state‑park coves nearby that are perfect for swimming and relaxing.