The Best Boat Rentals in Lake Texoma

Expect simple, round-number pricing. Pontoons and tritoons typically run about $70–$130 per hour, while small bowriders or jet boats are often $70–$110 per hour. Watersports-focused wake and surf boats with a captain are commonly $200–$250 per hour. Compact yacht or cabin-cruiser charters for celebrations generally start around $150–$300 per hour. Full-day rates for standard pontoons often fall near $600–$800. Pricing usually includes required safety gear and a basic orientation; captained trips include the skipper. Fuel may be included or billed after the ride, and taxes, platform fees, and an optional gratuity are extra. To lock in the best rate, send your dates, group size, and captain preference when you inquire.

The most popular choices are roomy pontoons and high-performance tritoons for cruising, swimming, and sandbar stops. You’ll also find bowriders and jet boats for zippy sightseeing, wake and surf boats set up for tubing and boards, dedicated fishing boats and guided fishing charters, plus a handful of small yachts or cabin cruisers for birthdays and sunset cruises. Filter by boat type and group size to match your plan.

Both options are available. Choose a captained charter if you want a stress-free day, local route recommendations, and built-in navigation expertise—great for celebrations or mixed-age groups. If you prefer to drive, you’ll get a safety briefing at pickup and a suggested route to sheltered coves or The Islands. Self-operated bookings are best for confident boaters who meet state requirements and are comfortable with Texoma’s open-water wind and chop.

Common pickup points include Highport Marina in Pottsboro (near popular coves and The Islands), Grandpappy Point Resort & Marina in Denison, Cedar Mills Marina in Gordonville, and Eisenhower Yacht Club inside Eisenhower State Park. On the Oklahoma side, frequent departures use Catfish Bay Marina and Alberta Creek Resort & Marina near Kingston, plus Buncombe Creek Marina. Your captain or owner will confirm a meet-up spot with parking details and gate codes if needed.

Highlights include the high bluffs and rocky shoreline by Eisenhower State Park, the wide expanse near Denison Dam, sandy “island” sandbars on the west end for swim stops, and the quieter arms of Big Mineral and Little Mineral for wildlife and sunsets. In migration seasons, keep an eye out for pelicans and, in winter, the occasional bald eagle along refuge shorelines.

Rules depend on where you operate. In Texas waters, operators born on or after September 1, 1993 must complete a state-approved boater education course to drive a motorboat over 15 hp. In Oklahoma waters, boater education is required for operators ages 12–15 of boats over 10 hp or PWCs; adults aren’t generally required to hold a card. NASBLA-approved cards are widely accepted. If you book a captained charter, you won’t need a license. When in doubt, ask your owner which side of the lake your route will cover and what proof is needed.

Yes—family trips are common. Every boat must carry a U.S. Coast Guard–approved life jacket for each passenger, and children must wear them while underway based on state rules (in Texas and Oklahoma, generally under age 13 on vessels under 26 feet). Tell the owner your child ages and weights in advance so the right sizes are on board; bring your own Coast Guard–approved infant PFD if you have one. Captains provide a safety briefing before departure, and many boats can add shade, swim steps, and foam mats on request.

Most rentals welcome coolers with snacks and beverages. Many marinas sell ice and drinks at the fuel dock or ship store, and some captained trips include a cooler and water. To keep the boat clean and safe, avoid glass containers where possible, skip messy red dyes, and plan easy, handheld foods. Alcohol is typically allowed for passengers, but the operator must stay sober—your captain will set the policy for your trip.

Pet-friendly options exist, and some listings explicitly welcome dogs. Always confirm during booking, include your dog’s size and breed, and ask about any cleaning fee or upholstery rules. Keep pets leashed on docks, bring a water bowl and towel, and consider dog booties for hot decks during peak summer.

Summer on Texoma can bring quick pop-up thunderstorms and windy afternoons. If conditions are unsafe, most captains will reschedule or cancel per their policy. Mornings are usually calmer and cooler, which helps families and larger groups. Check the forecast the day before, keep your phone handy for updates, and plan to meet 20–30 minutes early so you can adjust if the pickup moves to a more sheltered marina.

Absolutely. Tritoon party boats and small yachts are popular for groups of 8–13, with options to add a lily pad, tubes, or a sunset cruise. Captained charters make hosting easy—just share your headcount, celebration type, music preferences, and any décor plans when you inquire. For weekend parties, book a few weeks ahead, especially around holiday dates.

Peak boating season runs roughly May through September. Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day weekends are the busiest and book up early, often with fireworks over the lake around Independence Day. April–early May and late September–October bring milder temps and smoother water, with more weekday availability and often better rates. For calmer conditions in midsummer, aim for morning departures or golden-hour sunset cruises; if you need weekends, reserve as early as you can.

Locally called The Islands, a string of sandy, boat-only sandbars sits on the lake’s west end near the Preston Peninsula and Willis Bridge. They’re a classic spot for anchoring and swimming in shallow, clear water. Your captain can take you there when conditions allow, or suggest quieter coves on busy holiday weekends. Bring water shoes, secure your trash, and follow your skipper’s safety cues if the wind picks up.