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Miami, Florida
905 boats to rent
Cancún, Quintana Roo
615 boats to rent
Isla Mujeres, Quintana Roo
463 boats to rent
Tampa, Florida
422 boats to rent
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389 boats to rent
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368 boats to rent
Lake Michigan, United States
364 boats to rent
Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Sur
312 boats to rent
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285 boats to rent
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281 boats to rent
Marina, Cabo San Lucas
277 boats to rent
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263 boats to rent
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261 boats to rent
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260 boats to rent
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252 boats to rent
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239 boats to rent
Punta Cana, La Altagracia
236 boats to rent
Tampa Bay, Florida
234 boats to rent
Miami, Florida
907 boats to rent
Tampa, Florida
421 boats to rent
Miami Beach, Florida
391 boats to rent
Los Angeles, California
368 boats to rent
Chicago, Illinois
281 boats to rent
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
262 boats to rent
Hollywood, Florida
252 boats to rent
Saint Petersburg, Florida
260 boats to rent
Dania Beach, Florida
240 boats to rent
Clearwater, Florida
234 boats to rent
North Miami, Florida
181 boats to rent
Austin, Texas
174 boats to rent
Seattle, Washington
153 boats to rent
Madeira Beach, Florida
144 boats to rent
Treasure Island, Florida
136 boats to rent
Newport Beach, California
133 boats to rent
Marina del Rey, California
134 boats to rent
Destin, Florida
130 boats to rent
Expect standard pontoons to run about $450–$800 for a weekday full day and closer to $600–$900 on peak summer weekends. Premium tritoons, wake or surf boats often range from $1,000–$1,800 per day in high season. Captained cruises typically start around $150–$250 per hour, with two- to four-hour minimums. Most rentals include required safety gear, lines, fenders, an anchor, a Bimini top for shade, and a Bluetooth stereo. Fuel is usually charged separately, and taxes, delivery, or platform fees can apply. A refundable security deposit is common.
You’ll find lots of comfortable pontoons and tritoons for sandbar days and sightseeing, plus bowriders and deck boats for cruising and swimming stops. Many listings also offer wake and surf boats set up for tubing and watersports, and some hosts provide captained party cruisers for groups that want a hands-off day on the water.
Both options are popular. Captained trips keep planning simple—your skipper handles navigation, anchoring at the sandbar, and timing the best route if you want to explore the Chain of Lakes. If you prefer to self-operate, it’s straightforward on calm days, but plan to follow no‑wake zones in the connecting rivers and keep an eye on the wind. Michigan requires anyone born on or after July 1, 1996 to carry a boating safety certificate to operate a motorboat; booking with a captain removes that requirement for your group.
Common launch points include the Torch River Bridge Boating Access Site at the south end near Rapid City, William K. Good Day Park (Torch Lake Township Day Park) on the north end in Kewadin, and the Alden Harbor & Boat Launch on the west shore in Alden. These sites get busy on summer weekends, so arrive early and expect limited parking near the south-end sandbar access.
From the boat you’ll enjoy Torch Lake’s famously clear, turquoise water and long sandy shallows at the south-end sandbar. Many routes include a slow no‑wake ride on the Torch River toward Lake Skegemog or, on the opposite side, the short Clam River channel toward Clam Lake and Lake Bellaire. Along the shoreline you’ll pass classic cottages, wooded bluffs, and broad open reaches perfect for swimming stops.
If you plan to drive, Michigan requires operators born on or after July 1, 1996 to have a boating safety certificate and carry it while operating. Those born before that date may operate without one. Out-of-state safety cards are generally accepted. If you book a captained rental, the captain handles all legal operating requirements.
Yes. Boats include U.S. Coast Guard–approved life jackets for all passengers, and Michigan law requires children under 6 to wear a life jacket on the open deck while underway. If you have infants or toddlers, bringing a properly sized personal life jacket is a good idea to ensure the best fit. Your captain or owner will review capacity limits and where children can safely sit while cruising.
Most hosts welcome coolers with snacks, water, and your favorite beverages. Glass is discouraged on boats and at the sandbar; choose cans or reusable bottles and pack out all trash. Grills or cooking are allowed only if the boat is equipped and the owner approves. If anyone plans to drink, designate a sober operator for self‑drive rentals.
Many boats are pet‑friendly with advance approval, often with a small cleaning fee or deposit. Bring a non‑slip mat or towel for deck seating, keep claws trimmed to protect upholstery, and consider a canine life jacket if your dog will be swimming at the sandbar.
Summer brings mostly sunny days, but pop‑up showers and afternoon winds are common. Mornings are typically calmer for cruising and watersports. If the captain or owner deems conditions unsafe, trips are usually rescheduled or refunded per the listing policy. For plan‑ahead trips, choose a policy with a reasonable cancellation window and keep an eye on the forecast the day before your booking.
Absolutely. Pontoons and larger cruisers make easy gathering spaces, and captained trips are ideal when you’d rather socialize than steer. Let your host know your headcount and vibe so they can suggest a route—many groups split time between a scenic cruise and anchoring at the sandbar. Bring playlists, snacks, and a simple decoration plan that won’t blow away on the water.
Peak season runs late June through August, with warm water and the most boat availability. The biggest weekends are Memorial Day, July 4, and Labor Day. Locally, the Torch Lake fireworks are traditionally on July 3 at the south end, the National Cherry Festival in nearby Traverse City runs June 28–July 5, 2025, and Elk Rapids Harbor Days is July 30–August 2, 2025—all of which can increase traffic on the lake. For fewer crowds and easier parking, pick weekday mornings, early or late season dates in June or late August, or a September color cruise if boats are still operating.
The sandbar sits at the lake’s south end near the Torch River Bridge, and the simplest plan is to book a captained pontoon that will time your arrival, handle anchoring in the shallow water, and monitor conditions. If you’re self‑driving, approach through posted no‑wake zones, bring a sand anchor or stake-out pole, skip glass, and secure loose items before you hop in. Arriving before late morning helps you find space on busy summer weekends, especially around July 3–4.