The Best Boat Rentals in Lake Murray

Most visitors budget about $125–$200 per hour for a standard powerboat or pontoon, with popular half-day outings landing around $300–$360 and full days commonly $400–$600 depending on the boat size, season, and weekend demand. Captained sightseeing or sunset trips often run about $260–$300 for two hours, with fuel included on set tours, while self-operated rentals usually pay for fuel separately at the end of the day. Your booking generally includes Coast Guard–approved life jackets, required safety gear, lines and anchors, and a quick dockside orientation; coolers, tubes, and premium sound or shade upgrades may be optional add-ons. Getmyboat holds your payment when you confirm, and many listings show a refundable security allowance for incidentals that is only used if a post-trip claim is filed.

Pontoons and tritoons are the go-to for relaxed cruising, swimming coves, and sandbar time. You’ll also see deck boats and bowriders for watersports, jet boats and jet skis for speed, fishing-friendly rigs with livewells and fish finders, and a handful of small cruisers and captained tour boats for stress-free hosting. Choose based on group size, how much shade you want, and whether you plan to tow tubes or just kick back.

For captained charters, you don’t need any license or prior experience. If you plan to operate the boat yourself, South Carolina requires anyone born after July 1, 2007 to complete an approved boater education course or carry a valid rental safety certificate when operating a motorized vessel of 10 hp or more. Most owners also set minimum renter ages (often 18–25+) and will verify a valid photo ID before departure. When in doubt, a captained booking keeps things simple.

Common meeting spots include Lighthouse Marina in Chapin, Lake Murray Marina at Marina Bay in Irmo, Jake’s Landing in Lexington, and SouthShore Marina in Leesville. For park access and public ramps, many groups also use Dreher Island State Park in Prosperity or the Dominion Energy public launch on the Irmo side of the dam. Your captain or owner will confirm the exact pickup dock and parking details after you book.

Expect wide-open main-lake views, tree-lined coves perfect for swimming, and a front-row look at the Dreher Shoals Dam near the eastern end. In summer, evenings on and around Bomb Island are famous for the Purple Martin roost, where hundreds of thousands of birds swirl overhead at dusk. You can also cruise past small islands like Spence or Bundrick, spot ospreys and great blue herons, and catch brilliant sunset angles looking back toward Irmo and Lexington.

If you want a zero-stress day—with help docking, anchoring, and navigating—book a captained charter and just handle the playlist. Self-operated rentals are ideal if someone in your group is confident at the helm and wants maximum flexibility to explore. Many trip planners choose captained for celebrations or sunset tours and go self-operated for casual day cruising and swim stops.

Yes—families are welcome. Every rental supplies Coast Guard–approved life jackets in a range of sizes, and kids’ vests are typically available by request. South Carolina requires a properly fitted life jacket for each person on board, and children under 12 must wear one while underway on vessels under 16 feet; many owners and captains ask young kids to keep vests on at all times regardless of boat length. If you have an infant or a favorite brand of PFD, feel free to bring it along for the best fit.

Absolutely. Most trips are BYO for snacks, lunch, and beverages, and coolers are welcome. For everyone’s safety, the designated operator or hired captain must remain sober, and glass is discouraged on deck. If you’d rather dock-and-dine, there are lakeside restaurants at marinas such as the ones in Chapin, Irmo, and Leesville where you can tie up for a meal mid-cruise.

Pet policies vary by listing. Many pontoons allow well-behaved dogs with prior approval, while some marinas and specific boats restrict pets due to upholstery or cleaning concerns. If bringing a dog, mention the breed and size when you inquire, pack a non-slip mat and water bowl, and plan for shade and swim breaks.

Each Getmyboat listing has its own cancellation policy; the default often allows a full refund if you cancel five or more days before departure, but always check the policy shown in your offer. For weather, owners typically reschedule or refund if conditions are unsafe to operate. Summer on Lake Murray can bring pop-up afternoon storms, so morning departures or flexible start times are a smart play.

Yes—Lake Murray is made for celebrations. Pontoons and tritoons comfortably host groups for swimming coves, island picnics, and sunset toasts, and captained boats keep logistics effortless so the organizer can relax. Share your headcount, must-have music or décor, and any surprises (like a cake) in your inquiry so your captain or owner can plan pickup, float routes, and timing.

Peak season runs May through September, with the busiest weekends around Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day. The region’s signature fireworks show typically happens the weekend before July 4 and draws lots of boats after sunset. Late June through early August is also prime time for the Purple Martin phenomenon at Bomb Island. For the smoothest water and easier parking, choose weekdays or morning departures; afternoons and holiday weekends see the heaviest traffic. Shoulder months in April and October can be gorgeous with lighter crowds and mild temps.

From late June into early August, hundreds of thousands of Purple Martins gather at Bomb Island at dusk, creating a swirling cloud of birds before they settle for the night—the largest known roost of its kind in North America. The best view is by boat: plan a sunset cruise, arrive a bit early to idle at a respectful distance, and enjoy a truly one-of-a-kind wildlife show before an easy ride back under twilight skies.