The Best Boat Rentals Near Saugatuck

For self-operated pontoons on the Kalamazoo River and Lake Kalamazoo, expect about $140–$180 per hour or roughly $275–$500 for 2–4 hours, often with fuel and standard safety gear included. Public sightseeing cruises on the river and out the channel to Lake Michigan usually run about $35–$70 per person depending on time of day and seating. Private captained trips and fishing charters vary by boat size and season; plan on around $200–$350 per hour for small private captained outings, and about $700–$900 for half- or full‑day salmon and lake trout charters. Taxes, platform fees, gratuity, and optional add‑ons like tubing or coolers are usually extra.

You’ll find a wide mix: easygoing pontoons and tritoons for cruising the river with groups, nimble bowriders and deck boats for faster runs, classic paddlewheel and tall-ship style sightseeing boats for narrated cruises, sailing excursions that head out onto Lake Michigan when conditions allow, and fishing boats set up for Great Lakes salmon and trout. Most group-friendly rentals seat 8–16 guests, while shared public tours are per‑person.

If you want a hands‑off day—especially for celebrations or if you plan to venture onto Lake Michigan—a captained charter is the easiest option since your captain handles navigation, docking, and weather calls. Self-operated pontoons are popular for mellow cruising on the Kalamazoo River and Lake Kalamazoo. Michigan requires a boater safety certificate to operate a motorboat if you were born after June 30, 1996; passengers on captained trips don’t need a license.

Common meetup spots include the municipal docks at Coghlin Park near downtown and the shoppers’ docks by Wicks Park along Water Street. Many charters also depart from marinas on Lake Kalamazoo such as Tower Marine in Douglas, and some self‑drive rentals and fishing trips use the public boat launch at Schultz Park in Douglas. You may also see departures along Water Street in downtown Saugatuck or Union Street in Douglas depending on the operator. Your confirmation will list the exact dock and parking tips.

You’ll cruise along the tree‑lined Kalamazoo River and Lake Kalamazoo with views of downtown Saugatuck and Douglas, then out the channel past the dunes of the Saugatuck Harbor Natural Area toward Lake Michigan. From the water, you can spot Oval Beach, the Mount Baldhead dune with its white Cold War radar dome, the river pierheads, and migrating birds over the interdunal wetlands. Sunset runs often feature big-sky views over the lake when conditions are calm enough to go out.

For self‑operated powerboats, Michigan law requires a boating safety certificate if you were born after June 30, 1996. You’ll need a valid ID and to meet the operator age rules set by the state and the rental company. If you book a captained charter, no license or certificate is required for guests; the licensed captain operates the vessel.

Yes—family outings are common, and operators provide U.S. Coast Guard–approved life jackets for all ages. Michigan law requires one wearable life jacket per person, and children under 6 must wear a Type I or II life jacket while on an open deck when the boat is underway. If you have infants or toddlers, tell the owner your headcount and ages in advance so the right sizes are onboard. Some sailing or open‑water trips may set minimum ages for safety, so check your listing before you book.

Most private rentals and many sails are BYO for snacks and beverages, and some even encourage coolers; a few specifically allow adult beverages. Public sightseeing boats typically sell snacks and drinks on board and restrict outside food and alcohol. Glass and red wine are sometimes discouraged to keep decks clean and safe. Always review your listing’s food and beverage policy and ask about cooler size, ice, and trash arrangements.

Pet policies vary. Many private pontoon rentals are dog‑friendly if your pup is calm and you bring a leash and a pet life jacket. Public tour boats generally do not allow pets. Check the specific listing before you book, and let the owner know you’re bringing a dog so they can advise on boarding and cleanup expectations.

Summer days on Lake Michigan often see calmer mornings and a stronger onshore lake‑breeze by afternoon, which can increase chop on the big lake. Captains decide whether it’s safe to exit the channel; many trips run rain or shine but pause for lightning or hazardous conditions. If lake conditions look rough, you may cruise the calmer river instead. Always watch for day‑of messages from your owner or captain and build a little flexibility into your schedule.

Each Getmyboat listing sets its own cancellation terms. Many owners offer a full refund or a reschedule window if conditions are unsafe; otherwise, standard policies apply and platform service fees are typically non‑refundable. Read the policy on your offer before you confirm, and message the owner early if you see a forecast concern—most are flexible when severe weather is expected.

Absolutely. Pontoons and tritoons that hold about 8–16 guests are popular for relaxed river cruises with music and snacks, while captained powerboats and sails work well for photo‑worthy sunset runs. For larger groups or mixed ages, public paddlewheel or tall‑ship cruises offer assigned seating, restrooms, and onboard bars. Share your headcount and occasion in your inquiry so the owner can suggest the best boat, timing, and pickup spot.

Peak boating season runs roughly late May through early September, with warmest water and the most availability from late June to mid‑August. Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day weekends book up early and are busier on the water. Locally, Venetian Festival typically lights up the last weekend in July with a dinghy poker run, a lighted boat parade, and fireworks over the river, and the Mount Baldhead Challenge race usually happens the Saturday after Labor Day—both weekends can impact dock traffic and parking. For smoother sailing and easier parking, choose weekdays or morning departures; sunsets are stunning but often sell out first on weekends.