The Best Boat Rentals Near Fishers

On Geist Reservoir, most pontoons run about $80 to $150 per hour, small runabouts and deck boats are often $90 to $150 per hour, and wake or surf boats with more power and watersports gear can range from roughly $125 to $250 per hour. Captained outings for special occasions tend to start around $150 per hour and go up with boat size and amenities. Half-day pricing commonly falls in the $400 to $800 range, with full days from about $700 to $1,200. Life jackets and basic safety gear are standard, and many boats include a Bimini top, ladders, and Bluetooth audio. Expect fuel, taxes, and platform service fees to be additional, and some owners may charge a cleaning fee or refundable deposit. Holiday weekends and peak afternoon slots price higher, while weekday mornings are usually the best value.

Pontoons are the most popular choice for cruising, swimming, and relaxed celebrations on Geist. You’ll also find bowriders and deck boats for tubing and faster cruising, dedicated wake and surf boats set up for watersports, and, in summer, jet boats and jet skis for quick spins. Listings change throughout the season, but those categories are the mainstays for Fishers-area rentals.

You can book either option. Many Fishers listings allow qualified renters to operate the boat themselves, which is ideal if you’re comfortable on the helm and want full flexibility with your itinerary. Captained trips are great when you’d rather focus on hosting the group—your captain handles docking, routing, and safety so the day stays stress-free. Owners commonly set minimum ages for operators (often 21 to 25) and require a valid driver’s license; choose “Captained” during booking if you prefer someone else to drive.

The most common meeting points are on Geist Reservoir at the Geist Marina area off Fall Creek Road and the public launch on Olio Road on the lake’s east side. Some trips also stage from Morse Reservoir just north of Fishers, including Morse Marina on Hague Road in Noblesville and Red Bridge Park Marina in Cicero. On busy summer weekends, launch lots can fill early, so plan to arrive ahead of your start time.

Expect wooded shorelines, quiet coves for swimming, and views of distinctive bridges like Olio Road and 96th Street that frame the reservoir. You’ll cruise by the marina village and lakeside homes, and many groups like to pause near the waterfront restaurants to pick up food or enjoy a sunset float. On calm mornings you’ll often spot herons and turtles along the shoreline, while afternoons bring a livelier scene with other boaters out enjoying the day.

In Indiana, adults who operate motorboats on public waters generally need a valid driver’s license. Teens aged 15 can operate only after completing a state‑approved boater education course and carrying the proper state ID; those under 15 cannot operate boats over 10 horsepower. Regardless of age, the operator must stay sober—boating under the influence is enforced much like driving. If any of that gives you pause, booking a captained trip is an easy alternative.

Yes—families are welcome, and life jackets are provided for the boat’s rated capacity. Indiana requires at least one U.S. Coast Guard–approved life jacket for each person on board, and most owners ask that children wear them while the boat is underway. If you’re bringing infants or smaller toddlers (often under 50 pounds), confirm sizing in advance and consider bringing a properly fitted child PFD of your own for best comfort.

Bringing snacks, picnic spreads, and non-glass beverages is common, and many boats have room for coolers. Grills and open flames are typically not allowed on rentals. A favorite local move is dock-and-dine or dockside delivery from eateries near the Geist Marina area, so you can keep the day easy without leaving the water. If you plan to enjoy adult beverages, designate a sober operator or book a captain.

Pet policies vary by owner. Some private listings welcome well‑behaved dogs, while others do not allow pets to protect upholstery and decks. A few marina-based rental fleets around Geist have no‑pet rules. Always check the listing, and if dogs are permitted, bring a towel, a leash for docking areas, and consider a dog life jacket.

Central Indiana summers can bring pop‑up showers or brief afternoon thunderstorms, while mornings are often calmer. Light rain usually doesn’t cancel a trip, but lightning, high winds, or active advisories may trigger rescheduling. Each owner sets their own cancellation and weather policy, so review it before you book; if unsafe conditions arise at departure time, most hosts will work with you to reschedule. Booking earlier in the day gives you the smoothest water and the most flexibility if weather rolls through.

Absolutely. Pontoons on Geist are perfect for celebrations, and many owners provide easy add‑ons like floating mats. For host‑friendly planning, consider a captained trip so you can focus on photos, playlists, and food while your captain manages the route and docking. Check passenger limits on the listing—on reservoir boats, 8 to 12 guests is common—and ask your host about simple decorations or docking for a restaurant stop mid‑cruise.

Peak boating season runs from late May through early September, with the warmest water and longest days in July and August. Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day are the busiest boating holidays, so book early and expect heavier traffic. Weekdays and morning departures offer smoother water, easier parking, and often better prices; weekend afternoons are the liveliest. Late June brings the city’s Spark!Fishers festivities nearby, and mid‑September features the Geist Half Marathon around the bridges, so allow extra travel time to your dock on those dates.

Many groups do celebrate Independence Day from the lake because Fishers and nearby communities host fireworks displays around the holiday. If you plan an on‑water viewing, book well in advance, choose a captain if you’d rather not navigate after dark, carry proper navigation lights, and arrive early to settle into a safe, no‑wake spot. Expect a heightened law‑enforcement presence and heavier boat traffic on the way back to the dock.