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You can rent boats across Michigan’s most popular lakes and rivers. Top spots include Lake Michigan (especially near Traverse City, Holland, and Grand Haven), Lake St. Clair, the Detroit River, Torch Lake, and inland favorites like Lake Charlevoix and Higgins Lake.
Boat rental prices in Michigan vary based on type and location. Expect to pay around $100–$300 per hour for pontoons and bowriders, while captained yacht charters or wake boats can cost $400+ per hour.
Yes, many rentals on Getmyboat in Michigan include options for captained boat rentals, especially on larger vessels or for special events. This is ideal if you want a more relaxing, hands-off experience.
If you were born after June 30, 1996, you’ll need a Boater Education Card to operate a motorized boat in Michigan. Some rental companies may allow temporary safety certificate completion on-site. Always check with the rental provider first.
You can rent everything from pontoons, jet skis, and fishing boats to luxury yachts, wakeboard boats, and sailboats. The variety depends on the lake and region, but options are available for all experience levels and group sizes.
Common launch sites include Detroit’s Belle Isle Boat Harbor, MacRay Harbor on Lake St. Clair, Clinch Park Marina in Traverse City, and Grand Haven Municipal Marina on Lake Michigan. Torch Lake also has multiple public launches and private docks.
Don’t miss the turquoise waters of Torch Lake, the Sleeping Bear Dunes shoreline, the Mackinac Bridge views from Lake Huron, or the sandy beaches of South Haven and Saugatuck on Lake Michigan. Inland, lakes like Higgins and Charlevoix offer calm, scenic cruising.
Popular boating activities include tubing, wakeboarding, fishing, cruising to waterfront restaurants, swimming in sandbars (like Torch Lake’s famous one), sunset cruises, and sightseeing near lighthouses or historic Great Lakes ports.
Absolutely. Many lakes in Michigan offer smooth water, sandy bottoms, and calm conditions—ideal for families. Pontoons are a top pick for casual cruising, swimming, or having a lakeside picnic onboard.
Boat rental season in Michigan runs from late May through early September. July and August offer the warmest water and busiest boating days. If you want fewer crowds, try June or early September.