The Best Boat Rentals in Knoxville

Most renters in Knoxville can expect pontoons and tritoons to run roughly $300–$800 for a full day or about $50–$100 per hour depending on size and season. Wake and surf boats with a captain typically run around $125–$200 per hour with multi‑hour minimums. Jet skis generally fall near $90–$150 per hour, or $300–$500 for half‑day to full‑day packages. Taxes, fuel, and captain or cleaning fees are usually additional, and holiday weekends like Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day often carry surcharges.

You’ll find a wide mix designed for relaxing and for watersports. Popular choices include roomy pontoons and tritoons for groups, bowriders and deck boats for cruising and swimming stops, wake and ski boats set up for tubing and surfing, and, on select listings, cruisers or small yachts for private sightseeing cruises. Jet skis are also common for quick, high‑energy outings.

If you want a stress‑free day—especially for celebrations or if you’re new to the Tennessee River and Fort Loudoun Lake—choose a captained trip. Your captain handles docking, navigation, and route planning while you focus on your group. Experienced boaters who meet Tennessee’s education requirements often choose self‑operated pontoons or bowriders. For busy dates (holiday weekends or UT home football weekends), captained trips are recommended due to higher river traffic near downtown.

Common launch points include Volunteer Landing Marina on the Tennessee River in downtown Knoxville and Concord Marina at Concord Park on Fort Loudoun Lake. Depending on your itinerary, some trips also start from Duncan Boat Dock off Northshore Drive or Fox Road Marina in West Knoxville. Your exact meeting point will be confirmed after booking.

From the river you’ll cruise past the University of Tennessee campus and Neyland Stadium, glide beneath the Henley Street and Gay Street bridges, and take in skyline views with the Sunsphere in the background. As you head onto Fort Loudoun Lake you’ll find wooded coves, quiet shorelines near Sequoyah Hills and Concord Park, and frequent wildlife sightings—including herons, osprey, and occasional bald eagles. Sunset cruises downtown are especially photogenic.

Tennessee requires a TWRA Boating Safety Education Certificate for residents born on or after January 1, 1989, to operate powered vessels. Visitors born on or after that date can operate with a NASBLA‑approved boating safety certificate from their home state. Children under 12 may not operate a powered vessel unless an adult (18+) can take immediate control, and those under 16 cannot rent or operate a PWC on their own. If you’re unsure, book a captained rental.

Yes—family outings are common. Every rental will carry Coast Guard–approved life jackets sized for the guests on board, and Tennessee law requires that children 12 and under wear a life jacket while the boat is underway. Let the owner know your headcount and children’s ages in advance so the right sizes are ready when you arrive.

Most hosts allow you to bring snacks, picnic spreads, and non‑glass beverages. Soft coolers are preferred to keep decks scuff‑free, and many operators ask you to avoid glass bottles. The boat operator must stay sober—boating under the influence is illegal in Tennessee—so designate a sober skipper or book a captained trip if you plan to celebrate.

Many owners are pet‑friendly with advance approval. Expect common-sense rules: keep dogs leashed on docks, bring a towel or blanket to protect seats, and plan for a quick rinse or a modest cleaning fee if your pup sheds or swims. Confirm pet size, number of animals, and any fees before booking.

Summer in East Tennessee can bring pop‑up thunderstorms, while most mornings are calmer. If unsafe weather is in the forecast, message your host early—many listings offer rescheduling or weather‑related refunds based on their policy. Fort Loudoun and the Tennessee River are managed by TVA, so water levels are generally stable in summer, but your captain or owner will monitor conditions and advise if plans need to shift.

Absolutely. Pontoons and tritoons are ideal for 8–12 guests and are easy to customize with swim stops, music, and a simple onboard food setup. Captained cruisers are great when you want hands‑off hosting and curated photo spots downtown. For groups, reserve early, share the final guest count, and ask for coolers, floats, or towable add‑ons in advance so everything’s staged when you arrive.

Peak boating season runs May through September, with warm water and long days. The biggest weekends on the water are Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day; book well ahead and expect holiday pricing. July 4th often features downtown fireworks launched near Henley Bridge, which are spectacular from the river. Fall brings crisp weather and colorful foliage—October into early November is great for calmer cruising. For smoother water and fewer crowds, choose weekdays or morning departures; afternoons and weekends are busier.

First‑timers love downtown Knoxville for skyline views between Volunteer Landing and the UT campus, then an easy run upriver into the wider stretches of Fort Loudoun Lake for swimming coves near Concord Park. If you have a captain and more time, continuing through the canal toward Tellico offers a full‑day adventure with changing scenery. Always follow your host’s suggested cruising area and local no‑wake zones.

Yes—boats line the Tennessee River beside Neyland Stadium on home game weekends, and slips and tie‑ups near Volunteer Landing fill days in advance. If you’re planning a sailgate, reserve early, expect heavy river traffic and strict no‑wake enforcement, and strongly consider a captained trip so docking and crowd navigation are handled for you. Build extra time into your schedule and coordinate your meeting spot and post‑game plan with the captain before kickoff.