The Best Boat Rentals Near Oshkosh

In peak season around Oshkosh, most self-drive pontoons typically run about $300–$600 for a half day and $500–$900 for a full day, with higher-end tritoons or wake/surf boats ranging higher depending on size and features. Private captained river or lake cruises commonly cost about $250–$600 per trip for 1.5–3 hours for the whole group. Listings generally include required safety gear and local launch arrangements; fuel is often included on sightseeing cruises and is usually paid by the renter for self-operated boats. Taxes, deposits, or cleaning fees may apply, and optional add-ons like tubes or floating pads are sometimes available for an extra charge.

The most popular options on the Winnebago system are comfortable pontoons and tritoons for cruising, bowriders and deck boats for tubing or watersports, wake boats for surfing, and fishing boats geared to the Fox River and the lakes. You’ll also find a few small cabin cruisers with a captain for sunset or dinner cruises. Availability shifts with the season, so reserve earlier for summer weekends.

Both are easy to arrange. Book a captained charter if you want to relax, learn local routes, or host an event without worrying about navigation, bridges, or changing lake conditions. Choose a self-operated rental if you’re comfortable at the helm and want maximum flexibility for sandbar stops, fishing, or a full-day itinerary. Most captained trips limit groups to six passengers by federal small-vessel rules, while self-operated pontoons often allow larger groups based on the boat’s capacity plate.

Common meeting points include Rainbow Park Boat Launch on the Fox River, Pioneer Marina on Pioneer Drive along Lake Winnebago, Fox Harbor Marina near downtown on Bauman Street, and the Asylum Point/Asylum Bay boat launch on Sherman Road for quick access to the east side of Lake Winnebago. Some trips also stage from Grundman Boat Landing on the lake’s west side. Your exact pickup will be confirmed with your host after booking.

From the Fox River you’ll cruise past the downtown Riverwalk, drawbridges, and the Leach Amphitheater, with the UW–Oshkosh riverfront and waterfront restaurants nearby. Out on Lake Winnebago you’ll get wide-open views of the east and west shores, sunrise and sunset vistas, and landmarks like the Asylum Point Lighthouse and Menominee Park’s shoreline. West of town, Lake Butte des Morts offers calmer water and marsh-lined channels where you may spot pelicans, herons, ospreys, or bald eagles, especially in cooler months when open water concentrates birds.

For self-operated motorboats in Wisconsin, operators born on or after January 1, 1989 generally must carry a valid boating safety education certificate or be accompanied by an adult who is certified or born before that date. Many visitors complete an approved online course before their trip. If you book a captained charter, no license is required for guests.

Yes—families are welcome. Every rental provides a U.S. Coast Guard–approved life jacket for each passenger, and most hosts can supply child sizes if you share ages and approximate weights in advance. Many captains require kids to wear life jackets while underway. If you’re bringing infants or toddlers, it’s smart to bring a properly fitted personal life jacket your child is used to wearing.

Most boats allow you to bring snacks, picnic items, and beverages. Soft coolers and cans travel best; glass is discouraged. If alcohol is permitted on your listing, enjoy responsibly and designate a sober operator on self-drive rentals. For captained trips, ask about catering or dock-and-dine stops; several itineraries can include a meal break right from the river.

Many pontoons are dog-friendly, especially for calm, shorter cruises. Always confirm your listing’s pet policy before booking, and plan to bring a leash, towel, and water bowl. Some owners may assess a modest cleaning fee, and pets aren’t allowed on every boat or during watersports.

Lake Winnebago is large and shallow, so conditions can change quickly, especially with afternoon winds. If storms or unsafe conditions arise, most captains will reschedule or cancel for safety. Cancellations and refunds on Getmyboat follow the owner’s policy shown on each listing, which commonly ranges from flexible to strict; many hosts offer a weather reschedule when it’s unsafe to go. To avoid choppy water and potential wind delays, morning departures are often the smoothest.

Absolutely. Pontoons are perfect for casual celebrations with space for coolers and a playlist, while captained cruisers make hosting effortless and scenic. If you’re planning during busy weeks—such as the EAA AirVenture show from July 21–27, 2025, Waterfest concert nights at the Leach Amphitheater in summer, or July 4th festivities at Menominee Park—reserve well in advance and confirm your pickup point, timing, and passenger count early.

Prime boating runs from late May through early September, with the warmest water and longest days in June–August. Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day are the busiest holidays on the water. Notable summer events include EAA AirVenture (July 21–27, 2025), Waterfest Thursdays across June–August, and June boating weekends that may overlap with poker run and fishing events, which can increase demand. Weekdays are typically less crowded and often more affordable, and mornings are usually calmer than afternoons on Lake Winnebago.

For simple logistics and parking, meet at Rainbow Park Boat Launch or Pioneer Marina, which are close to downtown and the mouth of the Fox River. For quick lake access on the east side, Asylum Point is convenient; for the west shore of Lake Winnebago, Grundman Boat Landing and the Black Wolf landing are popular. Your captain or host will confirm the best launch based on your itinerary and current conditions.

Two favorites are a Fox River cruise past downtown bridges and the Riverwalk at sunset, and a lake loop that pairs Lake Winnebago’s open-water views with a run toward Lake Butte des Morts’ quieter channels. During EAA AirVenture week, some captains time evening cruises to catch aerial displays from the water. Around July 4th, Menominee Park fireworks can be viewed by boat with a captain who knows the best sightlines and no-wake zones. You can also plan a day trip up the system toward Winneconne for wildlife, bridges, and a scenic change of pace.