The Best Boat Rentals Near Jackson

Expect simple runabouts to start around $75 per hour or about $350 per day, while 10–12 passenger pontoon boats commonly run about $140 per hour or $650 per day. Captained wake and surf charters typically range from roughly $150 to $300 per hour depending on duration, group size, and the type of watersports gear provided. Most rentals include standard safety equipment and life jackets; fuel, taxes, park permits, and captain gratuity are usually additional. Holiday weekends and peak summer dates price higher, so booking early helps secure the best rates.

You will find family‑friendly pontoons for cruising, bowriders/runabouts for sightseeing and swimming, fishing boats for time on the troll, and wake/surf boats set up for watersports. Sail and large yacht options are limited here due to the alpine lakes and prevailing conditions, so most bookings focus on comfortable pontoons, nimble runabouts, and sport boats on Jackson Lake or nearby Palisades Reservoir.

If you want a zero‑stress day, a captained trip is easiest: your captain handles navigation, launch, docking, and changing mountain weather, and can tailor a route to calm coves and great viewpoints. Confident boaters often opt for self‑operated runabouts or pontoons; plan on an operator age minimum (commonly 18+ for marina rentals), a safety briefing, and being comfortable with big‑lake conditions at elevation. For groups focused on wake surfing or a special occasion, captained is typically the smoother choice.

The primary launch points on Jackson Lake are Colter Bay Marina and Signal Mountain Marina within Grand Teton National Park. Other common meet‑ups include the Jackson Lake Dam boat ramp and Leeks Marina area. For day trips south of town, some operators launch on Palisades Reservoir from Alpine Landing near Alpine, WY. From downtown Jackson, allow roughly 55–60 minutes to Colter Bay, 45–55 minutes to Signal Mountain, and about 55 minutes to Alpine in typical summer traffic.

From the lake you’ll cruise beneath the Teton Range with sweeping views of Mount Moran, pass forested shorelines and small islands such as Elk Island, and often spot bald eagles, ospreys, and the occasional moose browsing the willows. On calm days the mountains reflect in the water for incredible photos. Your captain or host can steer to sheltered bays for swimming and to scenic vantage points you can only appreciate from the lake.

Wyoming does not require a boater education card to operate a motorboat, but operators must be at least 16 years old unless accompanied by an adult. Captained charters require no license from you. If you’re renting or bringing your own vessel on Jackson Lake inside Grand Teton National Park, your operator will brief you on required park permits and aquatic invasive species checks; most captained trips and marina rentals handle the paperwork and inspections for their boats.

Yes—this is a very family‑friendly boating destination. All boats carry U.S. Coast Guard–approved life jackets, and Wyoming law requires children 12 and under to wear a life jacket while underway. When you book, share your child ages and approximate weights so the right sizes are ready. Water here is mountain‑cold even in summer, so bring warm layers and towels for after a swim.

Most captains and marinas allow you to bring snacks, sandwiches, and non‑glass beverages; many provide a cooler and ice or can add them on request. Glass is commonly discouraged, and hard liquor policies vary by operator. If you plan to picnic ashore, pack away all food immediately when not in use and dispose of trash properly—this is bear country. Alcohol is for 21+ passengers only, and operating any boat under the influence is illegal.

Policies vary. Many private charters consider well‑behaved dogs by request, while some marina rentals on Jackson Lake do not allow pets on their boats. If pets are approved, bring a leash, a towel, and fresh water for your dog, and plan to keep them off sensitive shorelines. Always confirm pet rules with your specific listing before you book.

Summer often brings calm, clear mornings with breezier afternoons and the chance of fast‑moving thunderstorms. Captains watch the forecast closely and may adjust your departure time or route to avoid wind and lightning. If unsafe conditions pop up, most operators offer weather‑related rescheduling or refunds per their policy. To maximize smooth water and scenic light, morning and early evening trips are excellent.

Absolutely. Pontoons are perfect for relaxed celebrations, while wake boats suit active groups who want to surf or tube. Share your headcount, vibe, and any must‑dos (swimming coves, photo stops, a cake drop‑off) and your captain can build a simple timeline. Group capacities are set by the boat’s legal limit—often 6 to 12 guests—so larger parties may book multiple boats. For peak weekends, reserve several weeks in advance and plan carpools to the marina.

Jackson’s boating season runs roughly from late May through mid‑September, with July and August as the warmest, busiest months. Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day weekends book up earliest, and summer events in town can also make lodging and roads busier. Weekdays are quieter on the water and docks, and mornings typically deliver the smoothest conditions. September brings crisp air, fewer crowds, and golden light—great for photography and relaxed cruises if you pack warm layers.

Jenny Lake allows only small motors (10 horsepower or less) and is primarily managed for quiet use; in 2025 the public boat launch is closed for construction, so most motorized outings run on Jackson Lake instead. Scenic shuttle and cruise operations on Jenny Lake continue separately. If your goal is a full‑size pontoon or wake session, plan on departing from Jackson Lake marinas or consider Palisades Reservoir near Alpine.