The Best Boat Rentals in Perris

On Lake Perris, most pontoons run about $100–$175 per hour, wake and surf boats are usually $175–$300 per hour, and jet skis often range $65–$125 per hour. Half‑day outings commonly total $400–$800, and full‑day trips can be $800–$1,500 depending on the boat, season, and whether you add a captain. Your booking generally includes required safety gear and a pre‑departure briefing. Fuel may be included on captained trips; for self‑operated rentals it’s often a flat fee or paid at return. Some hosts also add delivery or launch fees for Lake Perris, and a refundable security deposit is typical.

You’ll find comfortable pontoons for groups, performance wake and surf boats for towing, compact fishing boats, and jet skis for quick spins. Larger yachts are not common on this inland lake, so most renters choose pontoons for relaxed cruising or wake boats for watersports. If you’re planning a celebration, a spacious pontoon with shade and Bluetooth sound is the most popular pick.

Both options are available. Captained charters remove the stress of navigation, docking, and lake rules—great for birthdays or when your group wants to relax. If you prefer to drive, California requires safe operation, and many hosts ask for prior experience. State law requires a California Boater Card for operators of motorized vessels, but it exempts operators of rental vessels; even so, individual owners may still limit who can drive their boats. Choosing a captain is the easiest path if you’re new to Lake Perris or want a more hands‑off day.

The most common launch points on Lake Perris are the Lake Perris Marina launch area on the north shore off Moreno Beach Drive, the Power Cove Launch Ramp near Moreno Beach, and Ramp 7 by the Perris Beach day‑use area. Your host will confirm the exact meet‑up inside Lake Perris State Recreation Area and advise which park entrance to use so you can arrive at the correct gate on time.

Expect wide open views of the Bernasconi Hills and the surrounding mountains, the impressive Perris Dam, and the rocky shoreline near Big Rock. Alessandro Island sits near the middle of the lake and is a boat‑in day‑use spot with shaded picnic tables and restrooms, making it a popular mid‑cruise stop when conditions allow.

As of January 1, 2025, California requires operators of motorized vessels to carry a California Boater Card. However, the law specifically exempts operators of rental vessels, and captained trips don’t require you to operate at all. Even with the exemption, many owners still require demonstrated experience and a thorough safety briefing, and all operators must follow California boating laws and the park’s posted rules.

Yes. Families are welcome on most boats, and hosts provide U.S. Coast Guard‑approved life jackets sized for adults and children; request infant and youth sizes in advance so they’re waiting at check‑in. California law requires children under 13 to wear a life jacket while the boat is underway, and everyone should wear one whenever swimming off the boat.

Bringing your own snacks, coolers, and non‑glass beverages is common, and many pontoons have tables and ample shade. Lake Perris State Recreation Area restricts alcohol on shore in day‑use areas; alcohol is allowed from your vessel and in registered campsites, but the operator must stay sober and glass is discouraged. Grilling is not permitted on the boat; if you want to barbecue, plan to use designated picnic grills on shore or at Alessandro Island between cruises.

Many hosts allow well‑behaved dogs on board with approval. Park rules require pets to stay leashed on land, they are not permitted on the sand beaches or Alessandro Island, and they cannot have body contact with the water. Bring a pet life jacket, a towel, and waste bags, and confirm any cleaning fees with your host before booking.

Summer days are hot with calmer mornings and breezier afternoons, so early departures usually offer the smoothest water. On summer weekends and holidays, Lake Perris often reaches capacity early, which can create entry lines at the park gates; plan to arrive 30–45 minutes before your start time. If unsafe conditions like high winds or lightning are forecast, most hosts will reschedule or cancel per their policy, and weather‑related cancellations are typically accommodated without penalty.

Yes. Pontoons are the go‑to for celebrations because they’re stable, shaded, and comfortable for groups. Share your headcount, preferred date and time, and any add‑ons like tubing when you request a booking. For stress‑free hosting, choose a captained option so your group can focus on photos, cake, and music while the captain handles docking and lake rules. Be sure to respect the boat’s maximum capacity and plan an early start on busy weekends.

Peak boating season at Lake Perris runs roughly April through October, with Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day being the busiest holidays. Weekdays are less crowded than weekends, and morning departures provide cooler temperatures and smoother water for cruising or towing. If you’re visiting in late fall, you’ll find quieter shores and mild afternoons, and in December the lake hosts its festive Lights on the Lake boat parade, which can be a fun time to book an evening‑adjacent cruise.

Build a little buffer into your schedule for the park entrance, parking, and your safety briefing. All vessels entering Lake Perris are inspected for being clean, drained, and dry to protect the lake from invasive mussels, which your host will manage for their boat. Everyone must follow posted speed and no‑wake zones, passengers should remain inside the boat while underway, and the operator must remain sober. If you keep those basics in mind, the rest of your day is simple: arrive early, load your coolers, and enjoy the water.

Yes. Alessandro Island is a boat‑access‑only day‑use area with shaded picnic tables, grills, and restrooms, and it’s a favorite mid‑lake destination when the weather is calm. Plan your cruise so you arrive earlier in the day to secure a table, pack food in easy‑to‑carry coolers, and remember that pets and alcohol on shore are restricted by park rules. After lunch, it’s a short, scenic ride back to the main coves for another swim or a sunset cruise.