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Georgia 2025


With over 329,000 registered boats and 140 public access boat ramps, Georgia is a beloved state for boating. Thanks to the reservoirs and waterways and the Atlantic coast, there are many fantastic locations to enjoy getting on the water in the Peach State, and it’s quite an affordable destination for cruising with your family and friends.

Several cities in Georgia stand out for their vibrant boating scenes and proximity to notable water bodies. This article delves into the top 10 boating cities in Georgia, ranked based on their connection to prominent water bodies.

About This Report

This report analyzes booking data from Getmyboat, the world’s largest boat rental marketplace, examining the top boating locations in Georgia.

It contains proprietary boating data for each location, including the most desired vessel style for renters and average pricing. It discusses the distinct features that make each of these destinations boating hotspots and explores the maritime culture, amenities, attractions, and overall boating experience they offer.

Our Methodology

To develop this report, Getmyboat analyzed boat rental data on Getmyboat. Cities are determined by the city that the boat owner registers the boat in within their profile on the platform. Data was cleaned to exclude outlier hourly and total trip rates while rental types were categorized into the significant categories to be evaluated in this report.

1. Allatoona Lake

Most Popular Style of Vessel: Pontoons

Number of Boats Available: 20

Pushing ahead of Lake Lanier to take spot #1 in 2025, Allatoona Lake's strategic location, over 270 miles of shoreline, and multiple access points make it the number one boating destination in Georgia. Just a 30-minute drive from Atlanta, this waterway comes alive in the summer on the weekends with people taking advantage of the the vast expanse of water and endless opportunities for outdoor fun. The lake's consistent water levels also help to support recreational activities, and the quality is actively monitored and managed by Cobb County.

Geographical Characteristics

  • Located in northwest Georgia
  • Total surface area: 12,000 acres
  • Maximum depth: 145 feet
  • Constructed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in 1950

Boating Metrics and Significance

  • Annual visitor count: Approximately 3.5 million
  • Primary recreational activities: Cruising, water sports, fishing
  • Boat launches: 7 major public boat ramps

2. Lake Lanier

Most Popular Style of Vessel: Deck Boats

Number of Boats Available: 39

Formerly the #1 spot in Georgia for boating, Lake Lanier has slipped to #2 in 2025. This lake is a renowned reservoir in northern Georgia, spanning over 38,000 acres, offering ample space for various boating activities such as fishing, waterskiing, and leisure cruising. Buford Dam Park is a beloved spot for anglers, where you can expect to catch Largemouth Bass, Striped Bass, Crappie, and Bluegill to name a few. Deck boats and pontoons are the most popular styles of boats here, and you can even find double-decker pontoons with waterslides to rent, perfect for a family outing on the lake.

Geographical Characteristics

  • Located northeast of Atlanta
  • Surface area: 38,000 acres
  • Maximum depth: 170 feet
  • Constructed in 1956 for water supply and flood control

Boating Metrics and Significance

  • Annual visitor count: Over 8 million
  • Boat slip capacity: Approximately 2,500 marina slips
  • Hosting multiple national and regional boating competitions

3. Savannah

Most Popular Style of Vessel: Powerboats

Number of Boats Available: 24

Slipping down the list from #2 in 2024 to #3 in 2025, Savannah still remains high on the list of the busiest boating locations in Georgia. Its historic charm, characterized by cobblestone streets, elegant mansions, and centuries-old oak trees draped in Spanish moss, creates a picturesque backdrop for boaters exploring its waterways. Sitting on the Atlantic coast offers boaters access to a diverse range of maritime experiences, from leisurely cruises along the Savannah River to adventurous excursions into the vast expanse of the Atlantic Ocean. Boaters can also explore nearby barrier islands like Tybee Island, known for its pristine beaches and vibrant marine life, making Savannah a haven for both relaxation and adventure on the water.

Geographical Characteristics

  • Coastal maritime environment
  • Length: Approximately 301 miles
  • Depth varies: 25-50 feet in navigable sections of the Savannah River

Boating Metrics and Significance

  • Commercial and recreational maritime traffic
  • Annual maritime economic impact: $378 million
  • Supports multiple boat types: Recreational, commercial, and maritime tourism vessels
  • Primary boating activities: Coastal cruising, deep-water sailing
  • The Savannah River offers a unique maritime boating experience, combining coastal navigation with rich historical and ecological environments.

4. Lake Oconee

Most Popular Style of Vessel: Wake Boat

Number of Boats Available: 6

Moving towards central Georgia, we encounter Lake Oconee, a reservoir known for great fishing and other water activities and ranking at #4 on the list. There are luxury golf courses along the shoreline and plenty of coves and areas on the lake that are great for boating.

There are four full-service marinas around the lake with all the amenities you’ll need, just don’t forget to get a Georgia state fishing license before you cruise out to make an epic catch.

Geographical Characteristics

  • Located in central Georgia
  • Surface area: 19,000 acres
  • Maximum depth: 135 feet
  • Constructed for hydroelectric power generation

Boating Metrics and Significance

  • Annual visitor count: Approximately 2.5 million
  • Boat rentals: Over 500 watercraft available
  • Resort and marina infrastructure

In Summary

Georgia's top boating locations are ideal destinations for people looking to get out on the water, especially during the hot, sticky summers. From massive reservoirs like Lake Lanier and Lake Allatoona offering fun opportunities to tube, water ski, and float around, to the coastal gems near Savannah that are ideal for fishing, there are many waterways worth exploring while in Georgia.


About Getmyboat

Getmyboat offers charters and rentals, worldwide.

Launched in 2013 with the vision of making the joy of boating accessible to everyone, the company has since grown into the largest boat rental and charter marketplace globally, with over 150,000 listings in 184 countries covering 9,300 destinations.

By giving a platform to both individual boat owners and professional charter businesses, Getmyboat makes the experience of getting out on the water more accessible to everyone — from a weekend jet ski rental in the local lake to a vacation yacht charter to a bachelor party pontoon, and everything in between.

Citing This Report

Media professionals are welcome to utilize this data for journalistic reporting purposes, with a citation and link to Getmyboat. For any questions, or for any other data not found in the below report, reach out to pr@getmyboat.com. Our data and press team can provide further analysis, press quotes, and any other information needed for press stories.

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