The Best Boat Rentals in Bend

Most motorboat rentals around Bend start around $120 to $180 per hour for self-operated sport or wake boats, with captained wake and surf outings commonly running about $180 to $350 per hour. Full-day rates for pontoons and watersports boats often land between roughly $700 and $1,500 depending on size, date, and whether a captain is included. Pricing usually covers the boat, required safety gear, and basic orientation, while fuel, delivery, captain fees, and taxes are often additional. You’ll see the exact inclusions and any security deposit, cleaning, or platform fees itemized before you confirm.

Expect a strong selection of pontoons for relaxed cruising, wake and surf boats set up for watersports, and fishing-friendly powerboats on the nearby lakes and reservoirs. Larger yachts and sailboats are uncommon here because Bend is an inland, high-desert base for day boating on regional lakes rather than on the ocean.

You can do either. If you prefer a stress-free day, book a captained trip and let a local pro handle driving, docking, and route planning. Confident boaters can choose self-operated options; Oregon requires operators of powerboats over 10 horsepower to meet education rules, and many renters complete a brief safety checklist at pickup if they don’t already hold a boating education card. Captained trips are popular for parties and first-time visitors because they simplify logistics and keep the group focused on fun.

Most powerboat outings meet at nearby lakes rather than on the Deschutes River in town. Common starting points include The Cove Palisades Resort & Marina on Lake Billy Chinook about 45 minutes north, the state park boat ramps at the Crooked River, Upper Deschutes, and Lower Deschutes day-use areas on the same lake, Prineville Reservoir’s main boat ramps southeast of town, and the marinas at Cultus Lake and Elk Lake along the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway west of Bend. Your host will confirm the exact launch ramp and any delivery details after you book.

Lake Billy Chinook delivers dramatic basalt canyon walls, soaring raptors like ospreys and bald eagles, and broad, warm-water coves perfect for swimming and towing. On the Cascade lakes such as Elk Lake and Cultus Lake, you’ll cruise over clear, high-elevation water with postcard views of Mount Bachelor and the Three Sisters framed by pine forest. Sunset sessions often bring calm water and alpenglow on the peaks.

In Oregon, operators of motorboats greater than 10 horsepower are required to meet the state’s boating education rules, and youth have additional age-based restrictions. If you book a captained charter, you don’t need any license. Many rental listings can accommodate visitors who don’t have an Oregon card by completing the provider’s safety checklist at pickup; your host will outline exactly what’s needed for your specific boat and group.

Yes. Families are welcome, and life jackets are included for all passengers. Oregon requires that children 12 and under wear a U.S. Coast Guard–approved life jacket when the boat is underway, so share children’s ages and approximate sizes with your host in advance to ensure the right fit. If you’re planning watersports, ask about smaller vests and tow-sports briefings.

Most hosts allow you to bring a cooler with snacks, water, and drinks. Cans and reusable bottles are preferred over glass to protect decks and beaches. If you plan to celebrate with adult beverages, designate a sober operator for self-drive rentals; captained trips also require that the captain remains alcohol-free. Some marinas have cafés or fuel docks where you can grab ice and provisions before you leave.

Many boats are dog-friendly, especially pontoons, though policies vary by listing. Confirm pet size limits, bring a towel and leash, and expect a reasonable cleaning fee if your pup sheds or swims. For comfort and safety, consider a canine life jacket for longer cruises.

Central Oregon enjoys plenty of sunshine, but conditions can change, especially afternoon winds on the high lakes and occasional wildfire smoke in late summer. Most owners will work with you to reschedule or cancel if conditions are unsafe, and they’ll clarify the exact weather policy on the booking page. To maximize smooth water and gentle breezes, morning departures are usually best.

Absolutely. Pontoons and captained wake boats are popular for celebrations, with typical capacities ranging from about 8 to 15 guests depending on the boat. Book early for weekends, especially Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day. Share your headcount, preferred pickup window, music needs, and any light decorations in your inquiry so your captain can tailor the day.

Peak boating season runs from late May through September, with the Cascade Lakes Highway and Paulina Lake Road usually opening by Memorial Day and closing again in mid-to-late fall due to snow. The warmest water and longest days arrive in July and August, which coincide with major boating holidays and local summer events like Balloons Over Bend and the Deschutes County Fair & Rodeo in nearby Redmond. For smoother water and easier parking, choose weekday mornings; for golden light and fewer wakes, sunset cruises are excellent on calm days.

Motor-propelled boats are not allowed on the Deschutes River within the Bend city limits, and various sections of the river outside town also carry special restrictions. That’s why most powerboat rentals meet at nearby lakes and reservoirs such as Lake Billy Chinook, Prineville Reservoir, Cultus Lake, and Elk Lake, where motorized recreation is permitted and access is straightforward.