The Best Boat Rentals in Missouri

Most renters in Missouri can expect pontoons and tritoons to run about $80–$150 per hour, with half days around $400–$600 and full days commonly $700–$1,000. Watersports-focused wake and ski boats are often $150–$250 per hour depending on size and gear. Captained cruisers for celebrations typically start around $250–$400 per hour. Prices rise on holiday weekends and big event dates. Your booking usually includes the boat, required safety gear, and dock lines; fuel, a captain (if selected), taxes, and add‑ons like tubes or floating mats are typically extra and clearly shown during checkout.

Across Lake of the Ozarks, Table Rock Lake, Truman Lake, and Mark Twain Lake you’ll find comfortable pontoons and tritoons for cruising coves, deck and bowrider boats for sightseeing and swimming, wake and surf boats outfitted for towing, and mid‑size cabin cruisers with a captain for parties and sunset cruises. A few operators also offer sightseeing cruises on larger tour boats at Table Rock. If you have a specific activity in mind, choose the hull type that matches it and message the owner for the best fit.

If you want a hands‑off day—great for birthdays or bachelorettes—choose a captained trip; the captain handles navigation, docking, and local hotspots while you focus on the group. If you’re experienced and want maximum flexibility, self‑operated rentals are widely available. Remember that on Missouri lakes, anyone born after January 1, 1984 must have a Missouri‑approved boater education card to operate, and all operators should carry photo ID. Captained charters don’t require guests to be licensed.

Common departure points include Osage Beach and the Lake Ozark/Bagnell Dam area at Lake of the Ozarks, plus Camdenton near Ha Ha Tonka. On Table Rock Lake, many trips meet at the state park marina in Branson, as well as Indian Point and Kimberling City. You’ll also see departures at Warsaw on Truman Lake and the Indian Creek area near Monroe City on Mark Twain Lake. Your confirmation will list the exact pickup dock and parking details.

On Lake of the Ozarks, popular sights include Bagnell Dam, the long forested shoreline of Lake of the Ozarks State Park, dramatic bluffs and the castle ruins overlook near Ha Ha Tonka, and the lively scene in Anderson Hollow (known as Party Cove) on summer weekends. On Table Rock Lake, you’ll cruise past the Ozark Mountains’ limestone bluffs, Table Rock Dam, the Highway 13 bridge at Kimberling City, and a classic paddlewheel showboat gliding by near Branson. Sunsets on both lakes are spectacular.

For Missouri lakes, operators born after January 1, 1984 must carry a Missouri‑approved boating safety education card along with photo ID. If you book a captained charter, no license is required for passengers. Rules are enforced on the water, so plan ahead if you intend to drive yourself; many renters share a digital copy of their card with the owner before departure to speed up check‑in.

Yes—families are welcome on most boats. Missouri law requires a properly fitted U.S. Coast Guard‑approved life jacket for each person on board, and children under seven must wear one while on the boat unless inside a fully enclosed cabin. Your rental will include required life jackets; let the owner know children’s ages and approximate weights in advance to ensure the best fit. Captains will brief your group on safe seating, engine‑off swim times, and cove etiquette.

Most boats allow you to bring snacks, picnic spreads, and beverages, and many have coolers or allow you to bring your own. For everyone’s safety, the operator must remain sober—Boating While Intoxicated laws are enforced just like on the road. Glass is often discouraged; pack in cans and reusable bottles, and plan to carry out your trash. If you prefer not to DIY, ask about catering or a pre‑stocked cooler when you book.

Pet policies vary by boat. Many owners welcome well‑behaved dogs, sometimes with a small cleaning fee or size limit. Confirm during booking, bring a leash for docks, and pack a towel and water bowl. If you’re on a performance boat or planning a busy party cove day, consider leaving pets ashore for comfort and safety.

Summer on the Ozarks often brings hot, sunny mornings with the chance of pop‑up afternoon thunderstorms. If conditions are unsafe—lightning, high winds, or advisories—your captain or owner will work with you to delay, reschedule, or follow the posted cancellation policy. To avoid choppy water and heat, many planners choose an early start. Keep your phone on for day‑of updates and build a little buffer into your schedule for weather holds.

Absolutely. Missouri’s larger tritoons and captained cruisers are ideal for groups, with Bluetooth sound, shaded seating, swim ladders, and easy cove access for floating. Tell the owner your headcount and vibe—family swim day, sightseeing, or a celebration—and they’ll suggest the best route, safe swim coves, and pickup options. Many captains can help time your cruise for sunset photos or fireworks on holiday weekends.

Peak boating season runs late May through early September, with the busiest days on Memorial Day weekend, July 4th, and Labor Day. Spring Harbor Hop (first Saturday in May) kicks off the season, and Fall Harbor Hop (second Saturday in October) is a festive shoulder‑season favorite. Weekdays and mornings are calmer and often cheaper than weekend afternoons. For summer Saturdays and holidays, book a few weeks in advance; for shoulder months like May, September, and early October, you’ll enjoy cooler temps, clearer water, and lighter traffic.

Plan to arrive 20–30 minutes before your start time for check‑in, safety briefing, and gear handoff. Most rentals must return before sunset, and late fees can apply. If you’re meeting at a state park marina or public launch, bring cash or a card for parking and allow a few extra minutes on busy weekends. Share a live location with your group so everyone can find the dock easily.

The Lake of the Ozarks Shootout—the region’s largest powerboat event—is scheduled for August 23–24, 2025 along the Grand Glaize Arm near Osage Beach. Expect heavy spectator fleets, no‑wake zones, and limited slip availability throughout Shootout week, plus related poker runs and street parties on nearby days. If your trip overlaps, book early, plan extra travel time by water, and consider a captained charter so a local pro can manage traffic and staging safely.