The Best Boat Rentals Near Traverse City

Most renters in Traverse City can expect pontoons and bowriders to start around $100–$150 per hour, with many wake and ski boats ranging $150–$250 per hour. Captained cruisers and small yachts commonly run about $200–$400 per hour, while larger yachts for special occasions may range higher. Half-day trips often total $400–$800, and full-day outings can be $600–$1,200 or more depending on the boat, season, and group size. Prices usually include required safety gear and basic onboard amenities; fuel, captain’s fee, taxes, or platform fees may be separate depending on the listing. Always check the specific listing for what’s included before you book.

You’ll find a wide mix suited to Grand Traverse Bay and nearby lakes, including pontoons and tritoons for relaxed cruising, bowriders and wake boats for tubing and watersports, classic sailboats for a breezy afternoon, and cabin cruisers and yachts for upscale celebrations. Availability shifts with the season and demand, so browse current listings to match your group size and plans.

Both options are available. Booking with a captain keeps logistics simple and lets a local pro handle docking, navigation, and changing conditions on the bay. If you prefer to operate the boat yourself, Michigan requires a boating safety certificate for anyone born on or after July 1, 1996 to operate a motorboat, and additional age rules apply for PWCs. Choose a boat type that fits your experience and review each listing’s requirements before reserving.

Common meeting spots include Duncan L. Clinch Marina in downtown Traverse City on West Grand Traverse Bay, Elmwood Township Marina in Greilickville just northwest of town, and CenterPointe Marina nearby on the West Bay shoreline. Some trips also start at the Bowers Harbor boating access site on Old Mission Peninsula; your confirmation will specify the exact pickup point.

From the bay you’ll cruise past downtown Traverse City’s waterfront parks and beaches, skirt the vineyard-lined Old Mission Peninsula, and on longer outings you may spot Mission Point Lighthouse at the peninsula’s tip or even the Grand Traverse Lighthouse near Northport. Many boaters anchor off Power Island for swimming and a beach break when conditions are calm. Wildlife sightings—like bald eagles and loons—are possible, so bring a camera and give wildlife plenty of space.

Michigan does not issue a traditional “boating license,” but many operators must carry a boating safety certificate. If you were born on or after July 1, 1996, you need a certificate to operate a motorboat; additional rules apply for PWCs. If you book a captained charter, the captain handles the operation and you won’t need a certificate.

Yes, family outings are common. Every vessel must carry properly sized U.S. Coast Guard–approved life jackets for all passengers, and in Michigan children under 6 must wear a Type I or II life jacket when on an open deck while the boat is underway. Your captain or owner will provide required safety gear and a safety briefing before departure.

Most captains and owners allow you to bring snacks, picnic items, and beverages, and many boats have coolers or space for your own. If you plan to hop ashore at county parks or beaches, pack non-glass containers because glass is not allowed in Grand Traverse County parks. Always confirm any alcohol, red wine, or grilling rules with your boat owner in advance.

Pets are welcome on many pontoons and private charters at the owner’s discretion, often with a cleaning fee. Ashore, local marinas and parks commonly require pets to be leashed; Clinch Marina lists a dog run among its amenities, and Power Island park rules call for pets to be leashed and under control at all times. Check your listing for pet policies before booking.

Conditions on Lake Michigan and Grand Traverse Bay can change quickly, with breezier afternoons common in summer. Captains monitor marine forecasts and may adjust routes, reschedule, or cancel for safety if winds or waves approach small-craft-advisory levels. Most listings outline weather policies and next steps; when in doubt, choose a morning start for calmer water and build in a flexible backup time.

Absolutely. Many listings are set up for celebrations, with captained cruisers and yachts that offer comfortable seating, Bluetooth sound, and easy boarding. Filter for group capacity and “captained” boats, share your itinerary in the inquiry, and your captain can suggest the best route for photos, a swim stop, and a toast on the bay.

Peak boating runs from late May through early October, with the busiest stretch from mid-June to Labor Day. Late June and early July bring the National Cherry Festival and its air show over West Grand Traverse Bay, and July 4 fireworks light up the bay at night—both dates are extremely popular on the water, so book early. For lighter boat traffic and smooth water, choose weekday mornings; for warmest water and long evenings, target July and August; and for scenic color cruises with cooler temps, September into early October is lovely.

First-timers often cruise a loop from Clinch Marina along the downtown shoreline to the Old Mission Peninsula, pause for a swim in a protected cove, and return as the sun sets over the West Bay. Another favorite is a half‑day to Power Island for a beach break, or a longer day north to the tip of Old Mission to glimpse Mission Point Lighthouse from the water when conditions allow. Your captain will tailor the plan to wind and wave direction on the day.

Yes—on a calm day it’s a classic local outing. Power Island sits in West Grand Traverse Bay roughly 6 miles from Clinch Park and about 3.5 miles from Bowers Harbor on Old Mission Peninsula. Many groups plan a 3–4 hour window to allow for an easy cruise, swim time, and an unhurried return. Always check the forecast and follow your captain’s guidance before crossing open water.