The Best Boat Rentals in Utah

Most renters can expect pontoons to run about $400–$700 per day, with wake and surf boats typically $150–$300 per hour or roughly $800–$1,500 per day depending on size, season, and whether a captain is included. Jet boats and bowriders often fall somewhere in between, and large houseboats at Lake Powell can run into the thousands per day during peak weeks. Standard inclusions are USCG-approved life jackets for your group, required safety gear, and lines/fenders; watersports gear, fuel, captain service, delivery to a specific lake, and taxes are commonly added on. Pricing spikes on holiday weekends and during mid-summer; booking early or choosing a weekday morning usually secures better rates.

You’ll find a wide mix suitable for Utah’s reservoirs: comfortable pontoons for casual cruising, wake and surf boats built for watersports, nimble bowriders and deck boats for day trips, fishing-focused powerboats on mountain lakes, jet boats for quick lake hops, and multi-day houseboats on Lake Powell. Most options can be booked with or without a captain to match your group’s experience and plans.

If you want a hands-off, stress-free day—especially with a big group or celebration—a captained charter is the easiest choice, and the captain handles docking, routing, and local regulations. Confident boaters who know launch procedures and reservoir etiquette often go self-operated to save on hourly captain fees. Keep in mind that delivery, trailering, aquatic invasive species (AIS) rules, and ramp logistics are all simplified when you choose a captained or delivered-on-the-water rental.

Common meeting points include Jordanelle State Park’s Hailstone area and Jordanelle Marina near Park City; Utah Lake State Park Marina in Provo; Deer Creek Island Resort at Deer Creek State Park by Heber Valley; Port Ramp Marina on Pineview Reservoir near Ogden; Bear Lake State Park Marina in Garden City; Strawberry Bay Marina on Strawberry Reservoir; Bullfrog Marina on Lake Powell in southern Utah; and Lucerne Valley Marina on Flaming Gorge near Manila. Your host will confirm the exact dock, time, and any park entrance fees before your trip.

Utah’s lakes deliver variety: panoramic Wasatch views at Jordanelle and Deer Creek with Mount Timpanogos towering above; the turquoise “Caribbean of the Rockies” hue at Bear Lake; red rock shorelines at Sand Hollow; steep canyon walls and frequent wildlife sightings at Flaming Gorge; and Lake Powell’s expansive bays and sculpted sandstone coves from the Bullfrog and Halls Crossing side. Even close to the cities, places like Utah Lake and Pineview offer big-sky vistas and easy swim coves.

Adults 18 and older do not need a traditional boater license to operate a motorboat in Utah. Youth rules are specific: ages 12–15 may operate a personal watercraft only after completing the state-approved course and while under direct adult supervision; ages 16–17 may operate a PWC with the course certificate; and anyone under 16 operating a motorboat must be directly supervised by an adult onboard. Separate from operator age rules, everyone launching watercraft in Utah must complete the annual mussel-aware boater course; motorized vessels also require current-year AIS enrollment and decal, and you must stop at inspection stations when they’re operating. Many captained or delivered rentals handle AIS compliance for you—ask your host if anything is needed on your end.

Yes—families are welcome. Utah requires a properly sized, U.S. Coast Guard–approved life jacket for each person on board, and children 12 and under must wear one whenever the boat is underway. Rental operators provide life jackets and the required throwable device on boats 16 feet and longer; let your host know the ages and approximate weights of children so they can bring the correct sizes. If you plan to tube or wakeboard, everyone participating must wear a life jacket.

Most hosts allow you to bring snacks, picnic items, and sealed beverages, and many pontoons and surf boats have coolers or space for one. Glass is discouraged on most reservoirs for safety, so opt for cans or reusable bottles. Alcohol policies vary by boat and park; passengers of legal age may drink on many charters, but the operator must remain sober, and Utah enforces strict boating under the influence rules. When in doubt, ask your captain or host ahead of time.

Many boats are dog-friendly, especially pontoons, though size limits, cleaning fees, and restrictions on upholstery or swim platforms are common. Confirm pet policies in your booking, bring a dog life jacket if you have one, and plan for shade and fresh water, particularly on hot southern Utah lakes.

Summer brings strong sun and occasional afternoon winds or pop-up thunderstorms, especially in the mountains (Jordanelle, Deer Creek, Strawberry, Pineview) and during monsoon bursts in southern Utah (Sand Hollow, Lake Powell). Mornings are typically calmer, which is ideal for watersports. If unsafe weather is forecast, most hosts will work with you to reschedule or apply the booking’s weather clause; check your listing for the exact cancellation window and consider trip insurance for holiday weekends.

Absolutely. Pontoons are perfect for relaxed celebrations with easy swim stops and room for coolers and cake, while surf boats add the thrill of wakesurfing for active groups. Captained trips are best when you want to focus on the party and leave the driving and docking to a pro. Be sure to share your headcount, must-have playlist, and any decorations in advance; most hosts allow simple décor but prohibit confetti or anything that could blow into the lake.

Peak boating season runs roughly from Memorial Day through Labor Day, with July and August the busiest. Expect high demand on holiday weekends—Memorial Day, July 4th, Utah’s Pioneer Day on July 24, and Labor Day—and during local events like Bear Lake Raspberry Days in early August. For smoother water, easier parking, and better pricing, choose weekday mornings. Spring and fall shoulder seasons can be gorgeous with cooler air and fewer crowds; just plan layers, and know some high-elevation reservoirs have colder water well into June.

Utah requires all boaters to complete an annual mussel-aware course, and motorized vessels must have current AIS enrollment and a decal before launching. You’ll see inspection or decontamination stations at popular ramps, and there are required dry times after boating on quagga-infested waters like Lake Powell unless you receive a professional decontamination. Many captained and delivered-on-the-water rentals handle AIS logistics for you; if you’re towing or launching yourself, build a few extra minutes into your arrival to show your certificate and comply with inspections.

From Bullfrog Marina on Lake Powell, explore sandstone coves and wide-open bays with classic red rock scenery. At Flaming Gorge, launching from Lucerne Valley Marina puts you among towering cliffs where you may spot osprey, eagles, or bighorn sheep. Bear Lake’s striking turquoise color makes even a simple cruise feel special, and in the central Wasatch, Deer Creek and Jordanelle pair big mountain views with quick access from Park City and Heber Valley—ideal when you want maximum lake time with minimal driving.