The Best Boat Rentals in Little Elm

On Lewisville Lake, most pontoon and tritoon rentals run about $100–$160 per hour, with captained party pontoons commonly $150–$225+ per hour. Watersports boats for wakeboarding or tubing are often $175–$250+ per hour. Half‑day totals usually land between $450 and $900 for pontoons and $700 to $1,200 for wake/surf boats, with higher rates on holiday weekends. Many listings include standard safety gear and fuel, and some throw in extras like a floating mat; taxes, platform fees, captain’s gratuity, and add‑ons (tubes, coolers) are usually separate.

You’ll find easygoing pontoons and tritoons for groups, sportier wake and ski boats for tubing and surfing, deck boats for cruising, and a few larger cruiser or yacht‑style options for special occasions. Most rentals on Lewisville Lake are pontoon/tritoon or wake boats because they’re perfect for coves, sandbars, and towing activities.

If you want a stress‑free day, book a captained charter—your skipper handles docking, anchoring, and navigation while you focus on guests, music, and photos. Confident boaters can choose a self‑operated rental, but plan on meeting age and boater‑education requirements and a brief dockside orientation. For big groups or Party Cove days, a captain is often the easiest and safest choice.

Common launch points include the Little Elm Park Boat Ramp off W. Eldorado Parkway and Cottonwood Creek Marina on Lobo Lane in Little Elm. Depending on the listing and your itinerary, some hosts also stage pickups at nearby marinas like Safe Harbor Pier 121 or at park ramps around Hidden Cove.

Expect wide‑open lake views, sandy coves for swimming, and the signature Lewisville Lake Toll Bridge arching over Eldorado Parkway—especially striking at sunset. You’ll cruise past the beach and shoreline of Little Elm Park, spot herons and egrets along quieter inlets, and, if you choose, make a serene float in a sheltered cove or head toward the lively tie‑ups at Party Cove elsewhere on the lake.

Texas requires boater education for anyone born on or after September 1, 1993 to operate a motorboat over 15 hp. Operators must carry a photo ID, and children under 13 cannot operate a powered vessel alone. Many renters opt for a captained trip to skip the paperwork and focus on the fun.

Yes—families are welcome. By Texas law, children under 13 must wear a U.S. Coast Guard‑approved life jacket while the boat is underway, and every rental provides properly sized PFDs for all passengers. Ask your host about infant and youth sizes, and share ages and approximate weights in advance so they can have the right gear ready at pickup.

Most hosts allow you to bring your own snacks, coolers, and non‑glass beverages, and many boats have Bluetooth speakers and shaded seating for a relaxed picnic on the water. If you’re meeting at Little Elm Park, remember the beach and park areas prohibit glass; pack cans and reusable bottles for a smooth check‑in and easy cleanup.

Pet policies vary by boat. Some captains welcome well‑behaved dogs with prior approval, while others prefer pet‑free decks. If your group includes a pup, filter for “pets allowed” and confirm rules like leashes on the dock, nail protection for upholstery, and any cleaning fee. In park areas, pets must remain leashed.

North Texas summers can bring pop‑up thunderstorms and windy afternoons. If conditions are unsafe, most hosts will reschedule or offer weather‑related flexibility—just review the specific cancellation terms on your listing. For the calmest water and cooler air, morning departures are your best bet; keep an eye on the forecast and arrive early if storms are predicted later in the day.

Absolutely. Pontoons and double‑deckers make effortless party platforms with room for coolers, playlists, and floating mats, and captains know the best coves for swimming or tying up. When you book, note your occasion and headcount so your host can recommend trip length, pickup spot, and add‑ons to make it seamless.

Peak season runs from late spring through early fall, with the busiest days on Memorial Day, July 4, and Labor Day weekends. Little Elm’s waterfront festivities around July 4 draw big crowds, so book well ahead if your dates overlap. For lighter traffic, consider weekday outings or morning starts on weekends. Spring and fall shoulder seasons offer pleasant temps, clearer water, and easier parking.

Party Cove is a popular gathering area elsewhere on Lewisville Lake where boats raft up to swim and socialize. It’s optional—your captain can steer you toward a laid‑back cruise near Little Elm, a quiet cove for floating, or a mix of sightseeing and swimming. If you do want the Party Cove vibe, plan a captained trip, set clear time windows, and bring plenty of water and snacks so the celebration stays fun and safe.