The Best Boat Rentals in Indiana

Expect inland pontoon and deck-boat rentals to run about $250–$600 for a full day or roughly $60–$120 per hour, depending on the lake, day of week, and season. Half-day and 4–6 hour options often land around $250–$450. Wake/ski boats commonly price around $400–$650 for a half day. On Lake Michigan from marinas like Michigan City, captained bowriders and small cruisers typically range about $225–$400 per hour, while larger yachts can be $500–$800+ per hour in peak summer. Most rentals include required safety gear; fuel, taxes, and any park or marina fees are usually extra, and gratuity is customary for captained trips.

You’ll find easygoing pontoons and tritoons for coves and sandbar-style hangouts, bowriders and deck boats for cruising and towing, plus fishing boats on many reservoirs. Lake Michigan marinas offer sailboats, cabin cruisers, and larger yachts for skyline and lighthouse runs. Houseboats and tour boats operate on southern lakes, and some operators offer wildlife cruises in season. Selection varies by lake and date, so check listings for your group size and preferred style.

For Lake Michigan outings, most planners choose a captained trip for comfort with big-lake wind and waves while the captain handles docking, route, and safety. On Indiana’s inland lakes—like Monroe, Patoka, Geist, and Morse—self-operated pontoons and runabouts are common; renters typically need to be an adult with a valid driver’s license, and some marinas require the primary operator to be 21–25+. If you’re celebrating or new to boating, a captain keeps things effortless; if you love being at the helm on calmer waters, a self-operated rental can be great.

On Lake Michigan, popular departure points include Washington Park Marina in Michigan City and the marinas in Portage—Portage Public Marina and Marina Shores at Dune Harbor. Around Indianapolis, launches commonly use Geist Marina’s ramp on Olio Road and Morse Marina in Noblesville. In south-central Indiana, Monroe Lake trips often meet at Paynetown or Cutright State Recreation Areas near Bloomington, and Patoka Lake departures frequently use Patoka Lake Marina. Your exact pickup spot will be confirmed in your booking details.

Along the Lake Michigan shoreline you’ll cruise past dune-backed beaches of Indiana Dunes and the Michigan City East Pierhead Lighthouse; on very clear days, the Chicago skyline can appear on the horizon. Inland, lakes like Monroe and Patoka offer wooded shorelines, quiet coves, and frequent sightings of herons, osprey, and bald eagles. Sunset and golden-hour cruises are especially scenic on both the big lake and the reservoirs.

In Indiana, most motorboat operators simply need a valid driver’s license. If you don’t have a driver’s license and are at least 15, you may operate a motorboat after completing an Indiana DNR–approved boater education course and carrying a BMV-issued ID with your course completion. No one under 15 may operate motorboats over 10 hp. Captained charters don’t require you to operate the vessel, so no operator credentials are needed for your group.

Yes—families are welcome on nearly all boats. Coast Guard–approved life jackets are provided for the listed capacity. Indiana requires a wearable life jacket on board for each person; children under 13 must wear one when a boat is underway on federal waters like Lake Michigan and U.S. Army Corps reservoirs, and many operators require kids to wear them at all times. If you’re bringing an infant or toddler, confirm sizing—some marinas ask you to bring a properly fitted infant PFD.

Most hosts allow you to bring snacks, picnic-style foods, and sealed beverages, and many boats have coolers or space for your own. Glass is often discouraged, and grills or open flames are typically not allowed. Indiana law prohibits operating a boat while intoxicated; plan a sober operator for self-drive rentals. Captained charters generally permit responsible alcohol consumption by adult passengers—just check your listing’s house rules.

Pet policies vary by boat. Some inland marinas prohibit pets on rentals, while a few allow well-behaved dogs with a cleaning fee or deposit. Larger captained boats on Lake Michigan may consider pets case-by-case. If bringing a dog is important, filter for “pets allowed” and confirm weight limits, fees, and where pets can sit safely on board.

Summer brings pop-up showers inland and wind-driven waves on Lake Michigan. Many operators run in light rain but will pause or reschedule for lightning, severe storms, or unsafe wind and wave conditions. Policies differ: some offer weather credits if morning conditions are hazardous; others allow same-day rescheduling only if lightning or advisories are present at departure. Morning slots are usually calmer, and weekday bookings provide more flexibility if plans need to shift.

Absolutely. Pontoons and tritoons are perfect for relaxed celebrations on Monroe, Patoka, Geist, and Morse, while captained cruisers and yachts on Lake Michigan elevate milestone events with lighthouse and dunes views. Check capacity in the listing, plan simple catering and non-glass beverages, and book early for holiday weekends. Captained options keep the host focused on guests while the crew handles the driving and docking.

Peak boating runs late May through early September, with warmest water and the longest days. Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day weekends book out far in advance, and Michigan City’s Great Lakes Grand Prix in early August brings heavy marina traffic and beach closures in Washington Park. April–early May and mid‑September–October offer cooler but quieter days, especially inland. Weekdays are calmer than weekends, and mornings are typically smoother than afternoons on both the big lake and the reservoirs.

For the Lake Michigan shoreline, most trips stage at Washington Park Marina in Michigan City or the Portage marinas. Near Indianapolis, look to Geist Marina (Olio Road) and Morse Marina in Noblesville. In Bloomington, Monroe Lake departures commonly use Paynetown or Cutright SRAs; in southern Indiana, Patoka Lake Marina is the main hub. Your host will share the exact dock, ramp, or slip number after booking so arrival and parking are straightforward.

Yes—two highlights to plan around are Lake Michigan lighthouse sunsets off Michigan City and wildlife cruises on Patoka Lake that often spot bald eagles and osprey. If your timing aligns with the Great Lakes Grand Prix in Michigan City, you can feel the big-boat energy all weekend—just expect crowded ramps and limited parking. In winter and early spring, Monroe Lake’s eagle-watching programs add a nature-forward twist to your trip planning.