The Best Boat Rentals in Tennessee

For planning purposes, expect self-operated pontoons on local lakes to start around $100–$175 per hour, with half-day totals often $350–$600 and full days $500–$900 depending on the boat, day of week, and season. Captained party pontoons typically run about $200–$300 per hour with common minimums of 3–4 hours. Wake and ski boats generally range from $150–$250 per hour. Small cruisers and yachts on Old Hickory Lake or the Cumberland River commonly fall in the $250–$400 per hour range with multi‑hour minimums. Taxes, fuel, and platform or cleaning fees may be additional, while safety gear is included and extras like coolers, ice, Bluetooth speakers, and floating mats are sometimes provided at no charge—check the listing details before you book.

The most common options are spacious pontoon and tritoon boats for relaxing and swimming coves, wake and surf boats for towing and lake fun, deck boats and bowriders for all‑around cruising, and cabin cruisers or small yachts for hosted celebrations. On the Cumberland River through downtown, you’ll mostly see captained cruisers and pontoons; on J. Percy Priest Lake and Old Hickory Lake you’ll find the widest selection for self‑drive rentals.

In Tennessee, operators born after January 1, 1989 must carry a Tennessee Boating Safety Education Certificate to operate a powered vessel, or an adult with the required certification must be on board and able to take immediate control. Visitors from outside Tennessee may use a NASBLA‑approved boater education card from their home state. If you book a captained charter, you don’t need a license—the captain runs the boat so you can relax.

Common lake departure points include Elm Hill Marina, Four Corners Marina, Fate Sanders Marina, and Nashville Shores Marina on J. Percy Priest Lake. On Old Hickory Lake, popular starting spots include Blue Turtle Bay Marina and Anchor High Marina. For Cumberland River cruises near downtown, departures often use Rock Harbor Marina or other designated river docks. Your exact meeting point will be confirmed in your booking.

On the Cumberland River, you’ll cruise past the Nashville skyline, Nissan Stadium, Riverfront Park, and the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge—great backdrops for photos, especially at sunset. On J. Percy Priest Lake and Old Hickory Lake, expect calm coves for swimming, island shorelines, scenic bluffs, and chances to spot herons, ospreys, and occasionally a bald eagle. Fall color cruises on the river can be especially beautiful in October.

Yes—families are welcome on most listings. Every rental includes U.S. Coast Guard–approved life jackets; Tennessee requires that children 12 and under wear a life jacket while a recreational boat is underway on open deck. If you have young children, ask the owner to confirm they have the right sizes, or bring your preferred child PFD. Many captained boats also carry a throwable device, fire extinguisher, and basic first‑aid kit as standard.

Most rentals allow you to bring snacks, picnic spreads, and beverages. Many boats include coolers and ice; some restrict glass for safety and to comply with local marina or park rules, so cans and plastic are best. If you’re driving the boat yourself, choose a designated sober operator—Tennessee enforces boating‑under‑the‑influence laws similar to DUI. Some captained charters can arrange catering by request; check your listing for specifics.

Pets are accepted on a case‑by‑case basis. Many owners allow well‑behaved dogs, sometimes with a cleaning fee or limits on size and number. If you bring a pup, pack a pet life jacket, a leash for marinas, and a towel to protect seats. Always confirm pet rules with the owner before booking.

Summer can bring hot afternoons and quick‑moving thunderstorms, while spring and fall are milder with variable winds. Captains and owners monitor radar and will not operate in unsafe conditions; if severe weather is likely, most will offer to adjust start times, reschedule, or follow the listing’s weather‑related cancellation policy. Review the cancellation terms in your booking and message the owner the day before if the forecast looks questionable.

For the smoothest water, cooler temperatures, and easier docking, mornings are ideal, especially in July and August. Weekdays usually offer better availability and sometimes lower pricing. Afternoons and early evenings are popular for group celebrations and sunset skyline views; just plan for more boat traffic near major coves and downtown on busy days.

The prime season runs from mid‑May through September. Memorial Day weekend, July 4th (with the huge “Let Freedom Sing!” fireworks over the Cumberland River), and Labor Day weekend sell out quickly. Early June is also busy during CMA Fest downtown. For spring and fall shoulder seasons—April–May and late September–October—you’ll find calmer lakes, comfortable temps, and great foliage on river cruises.

Absolutely. Nashville is built for group celebrations, and many boats are set up with Bluetooth sound, float mats, and easy swim ladders. Captained options are the most turnkey for bachelorettes, birthdays, reunions, and team events—you set the vibe, and the captain handles the route, docking, and safety. Share your group size, preferred vibe (chill cove, sightseeing, or party energy), and any must‑see stops to get the best fit.

On J. Percy Priest Lake, boats often gather in sheltered coves on summer weekends for a social raft‑up scene. Captained charters know the popular spots and the best time to arrive. If you plan to join the flotilla, bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and a float; keep music at reasonable levels, pack out all trash, and follow your captain’s safety instructions so your crew has fun and stays respectful of other boaters.