The Best Boat Rentals Near Lake Arrowhead

Expect captained private charters on Lake Arrowhead to start around $250–$300 per hour for standard cruising or watersports boats, with larger or luxury options running $350–$500+ per hour depending on duration, group size, and the season. Scenic shared tours are typically the most budget-friendly, with adult tickets around $35 and discounted pricing for kids. Most experiences include a licensed captain, required safety gear, fuel for normal lake cruising, and basic ice or water; add‑ons like tubes or wake gear (where permitted), special catering, or extended routes can increase the total. Gratuity for your captain or crew is customary for excellent service.

On this alpine lake, you’ll mainly find comfortable pontoons for relaxed cruising, classic runabouts and cuddy cabins for sightseeing, and watersports boats designed for skiing and wakeboarding. Enclosed sightseeing boats also operate narrated lake tours. Personal watercraft (jet skis) aren’t permitted on Lake Arrowhead, and wake‑enhancing ballast devices are restricted here, so plan your activities accordingly.

Lake Arrowhead is a private lake managed by the Arrowhead Lake Association (ALA). To operate any motorized vessel yourself on this lake, you must have ALA authorization and an ALA Boat Operator License, and as of January 1, 2025, California requires a California Boater Card for all motorized vessel operators statewide. Because of these local requirements, most visitors choose captained trips or narrated tours, which do not require you to hold a license.

The most common pickup is the dock area at Lake Arrowhead Village in the heart of town. Captained charters may also stage from the lakeside resort dock along Highway 189 or near Peninsula Park by the marina. Member‑hosted outings sometimes depart from Tavern Bay Beach Club or Burnt Mill Beach Club when access rules allow. Your confirmation will specify the exact meeting point and parking guidance.

You’ll cruise past pine‑lined shores, classic A‑frame chalets, and the shops and restaurants of Lake Arrowhead Village. Many routes glide through calm coves and bays such as Meadow Bay and the Peninsula area, with views of sandy swim beaches, sailboats, and mountain ridgelines of the San Bernardino National Forest. Wildlife sightings can include grebes, ducks, herons, and in cooler months the occasional bald eagle.

Captained is the norm here. Because Lake Arrowhead is private with strict ALA rules and local licensing, most visitors book a captained cruise or watersports session. A captain handles docking, navigation in the narrow channels, and all lake‑specific rules so your group can relax and enjoy the scenery.

Yes. Family groups are welcome, and Coast Guard–approved life jackets are included. California requires children under 13 to wear a life jacket while a boat is underway, and your captain will fit the right sizes for everyone. If you have infants or toddlers, mention their ages and weights at booking so the crew can have the proper vests ready, and bring any comfort items they might need for a one‑ to two‑hour cruise.

Most private charters allow you to bring snacks, birthday cakes, and canned or boxed beverages; glass is discouraged around docks and beaches. Some boats have coolers on board or can add ice for you—ask in advance if you want to keep it simple. For narrated tours, outside food and drink rules vary; plan to eat before or after at the Village if your tour doesn’t permit it.

Pet policies are set by each operator. Many captains welcome a small, well‑behaved dog on private charters with prior approval and a leash; larger breeds or multiple pets may be restricted due to deck space and safety. Pets are generally not allowed on shared sightseeing tours. If you do bring a dog, pack water, a towel, and waste bags, and be prepared to keep them off swim beaches.

At 5,000+ feet, mornings are typically calm and clear, while summer afternoons can bring gusty winds or a quick mountain thunderstorm, especially from mid‑June through September. In winter, storms and occasional snow can pause operations. If the captain determines conditions are unsafe—high winds, lightning, heavy smoke, or poor visibility—trips are usually rescheduled or refunded per the operator’s weather policy. To avoid surprises, choose a morning start and keep your group’s plans flexible by an hour or two.

Absolutely. Captained pontoons and classic cruisers are ideal for celebrations, and many boats can accommodate 8–10 guests comfortably. Let the operator know your occasion so they can suggest the best route, music setup, and timing for photos near the Village or in a quiet cove. Lightweight decorations are fine; just avoid confetti and anything that could blow into the lake.

Peak boating season runs from Memorial Day through Labor Day, with the busiest weekends on Memorial Day, the July 4th holiday (including an evening fireworks show over the lake), and Labor Day. Summer concert weekends at Lake Arrowhead Village also increase demand. For smoother water and easier parking, choose weekdays or a morning departure (before 11 a.m.). Spring and fall offer crisp air, fewer crowds, and golden light for photos; winter tours operate selectively around weather.

Lake Arrowhead is a private lake with ALA rules that limit self‑drive rentals to authorized members and restrict certain activities. Jet skis aren’t allowed, and inflatable tow‑tubes and wake‑enhancing ballast devices are not permitted. The simplest path for visitors is to book a captained cruise or a narrated tour from the Village—your operator manages the lake permissions so your planning stays easy.