The Best Boat Rentals in Georgina

Most small powerboats and pontoons on Lake Simcoe run roughly $55–$125 per hour, with half-day outings commonly $300–$600 and full days from about $600–$1,200 depending on size, season, and whether a captain is included. Listings typically include required safety gear and basic orientation; fuel, taxes, captain’s fee, and gratuity may be extra. You’ll see the exact inclusions on each Getmyboat listing before you book.

You’ll find easygoing pontoons for cruising and sandbar stops, nimble bowriders and runabouts for tubing and sightseeing, wake and ski boats for watersports, fishing boats set up for Lake Simcoe’s renowned angling, and, in some cases, small cruisers or yachts for celebrations. Choose the style that matches your group size, comfort level, and activity plan.

To operate a motorized rental yourself in Canada, you need proof of competency. That can be a Pleasure Craft Operator Card, an equivalent boater education card from your home country or state, or a completed rental boat safety checklist provided at pick‑up. Non‑residents can use their own state’s recognized card or complete the checklist for the duration of the rental. Age rules apply if a minor plans to operate; for example, youth under 16 have horsepower limits and personal watercraft are 16+ only.

Both are available. Many Lake Simcoe outings are drive‑it‑yourself, but you can also book charters with a professional captain so you can relax, celebrate, or focus on the scenery. If you prefer a captain, select a listing that specifies “captained” or message the owner to confirm.

Common departure points include Krates Marina in Keswick and the public boat launch at Sibbald Point Provincial Park near Jackson’s Point. Other local launch areas used by owners include Rayner’s Road Park launch and Youngs Harbour in Keswick, as well as East Point Marina and, on the eastern side of town, the Peninsula Resort launch in Pefferlaw. Your exact meet‑up will be confirmed in your booking thread.

Expect wide‑open freshwater views, long sandy shallows off Sibbald Point, and classic cottage‑country shoreline around Keswick and Jackson’s Point. Many routes cruise past the Georgina Island archipelago, including Snake and Fox Islands, with big‑sky sunsets that light up the lake. On calm days you can anchor for a swim over clear sand flats.

Yes—most owners welcome families. By law, there must be a properly sized lifejacket or PFD for everyone on board, and your host will supply required safety equipment. If you’re bringing infants or toddlers, confirm sizes in advance and consider bringing your child’s familiar, well‑fitting PFD. Children should wear their PFDs whenever on deck, and an adult must directly supervise young swimmers at all times.

Bringing your own snacks, picnic items, and non‑alcoholic drinks is usually fine—coolers and reusable bottles are easiest, and glass is often discouraged. If you plan to have alcohol, know that in Ontario it’s only legal on board when the boat is anchored or docked and has permanent sleeping, cooking, and toilet facilities; otherwise, keep alcohol sealed and save celebratory drinks for shore or after you’re anchored on an appropriate vessel. Always keep the operator alcohol‑free.

Many owners are pet‑friendly, especially for small to medium dogs, but policies vary by boat. Ask ahead about size limits, cleaning fees, and where pets can be on board. Keep pets leashed while you’re on docks, bring a water bowl and towel, and plan for shade on sunny days.

Lake Simcoe weather can change quickly. If conditions are unsafe, most owners will work with you to reschedule or provide a refund based on the listing’s cancellation policy. If the forecast is marginal but still safe, standard cancellation terms usually apply. The best move is to watch the forecast, keep your messages open the morning of your trip, and be flexible on timing if a brief delay will deliver calmer water.

Absolutely. Pontoons and small cruisers make easy venues for birthdays, proposals, family reunions, and bachelor or bachelorette outings. Share your headcount, playlist plans, decorations, and swim or sandbar preferences with the owner so they can recommend the right boat and route. For weekend parties in midsummer, book early and arrive a few minutes ahead to load coolers and settle in.

Peak boating season runs from late June through early September, with the warmest water typically mid‑July to late August. The busiest weekends line up with holiday Mondays and local events, including Victoria Day in late May, Canada Day on July 1, the Civic Holiday on the first Monday in August, Labour Day in early September, the Sutton Fair & Horse Show in August, and Kempenfest on Barrie’s waterfront the same weekend. For smoother water and easier parking, try weekdays or morning departures; afternoons can be breezier, while sunset cruises offer gorgeous light and calmer traffic.

You can certainly cruise by the islands for views and photos, but Georgina Island is a private residential community of the Chippewas of Georgina Island First Nation and not open to public day visitors. Unless you’re an invited guest with permission, plan to enjoy the islands from the water and choose swim stops and sandbars on the mainland side instead. Your captain or host can suggest respectful, scenic places to anchor.