The Best Boat Rentals in Wisconsin

For most outings, expect pontoons and bowriders to run about $100–$200 per hour on popular lakes, with wake and surf boats often $150–$250 per hour. Small sailboats and day-sail charters usually land between $100–$200 per hour, while larger captained cruisers and yachts on Lake Michigan commonly range $300–$500 per hour. Fishing charters often start around $100–$150 per hour depending on the target species and tackle. Prices usually include the boat, required safety gear, and basic orientation; captained trips include the skipper. Fuel, service fees, taxes, and add‑ons like tubing gear, coolers, or cleaning can be extra, and gratuity for captains and crew is customary.

You’ll find comfortable pontoons for relaxed cruising, bowriders and deck boats for swimming coves, wake and surf boats for watersports, classic and modern sailboats for breezy afternoons, fishing boats and Great Lakes charter rigs, and mid‑size yachts or cabin cruisers for celebrations. Choose the style that matches your group size, activity, and the body of water you’re exploring.

If you want a hands‑off day or you’re heading onto bigger waters like Lake Michigan or the Door County shoreline, a captained charter is the easiest and safest choice. For smaller inland lakes such as Lake Geneva or the Madison Chain, confident boaters who meet Wisconsin’s boater‑education rules often prefer self‑operated rentals. Captains also simplify group events by handling docking, routing, and weather decisions so you can focus on your guests.

Common launch points include McKinley Marina on the Milwaukee lakefront for Lake Michigan outings; the Riviera Docks along Wrigley Drive in Lake Geneva for cruises on Geneva Lake; Tenney Park and Marshall Park launches for Madison’s Lake Mendota and Lake Monona; Sister Bay Marina and Sturgeon Bay in Door County for Green Bay and peninsula cruising; the Upper and Lower Dells docks in Wisconsin Dells for scenic river runs; and the Bayfield City Dock on Lake Superior for Apostle Islands tours. Your exact meeting spot will be listed in your Getmyboat booking details.

Highlights include the Milwaukee skyline with the striking wings of the art museum and the Hoan Bridge, limestone bluffs and lighthouses up in Door County, the capitol dome and UW shoreline in Madison, grand historic homes circling Geneva Lake, the sandstone cliffs and narrows of the Wisconsin Dells, and on Lake Superior the Apostle Islands’ sea caves and light stations. Wildlife sightings can include eagles, herons, and in some regions loons and white‑tailed deer along shore.

In Wisconsin, anyone born on or after January 1, 1989 must have a boating safety education certificate (or an out‑of‑state equivalent) to operate a motorized boat. Operators born before that date are exempt from the course requirement. Children under 10 may not operate a motorboat, and ages 10–15 have additional supervision or course rules. If you don’t meet the requirements or simply prefer to relax, book a captained charter instead.

Most boats welcome families. A properly fitting, U.S. Coast Guard‑approved life jacket must be available for every person on board, and many captains will have kids wear theirs at all times. Federal rules require children under 13 to wear a life jacket while a boat is underway on federally controlled waters. Let your host know the ages and approximate weights of children ahead of time so the correct sizes are ready, and bring any comfort items your little ones like for naps or shade.

Yes, most hosts allow you to bring snacks, picnic spreads, and beverages. Hard coolers are common on pontoons and deck boats; some yachts have fridges or an ice chest onboard. To keep the boat tidy and safe, choose cans over glass, avoid staining items like red wine, and plan simple, easy‑to‑serve options. If you’d like to cater, ask your captain about space and serving ware, and confirm whether alcohol is permitted and if any restrictions apply for your trip.

Pet policies vary by boat. Many pontoons and some marinas are pet‑friendly, while others limit pets or allow only trained service animals. If you plan to bring a dog, search listings that allow pets, confirm any cleaning fees or weight limits, and pack a non‑slip mat, water bowl, and a well‑fitting pet life jacket for safety.

Summer storms, wind, and waves can pop up quickly, especially on the Great Lakes. If a captain determines conditions are unsafe, trips are typically rescheduled or refunded according to the listing’s policy. Each Getmyboat listing sets its own cancellation terms, so review them before booking and keep an eye on the forecast. Morning departures are often calmer, and flexible timing can help you pivot around brief showers.

Absolutely. Wisconsin is great for group celebrations—think pontoon party cruises on Geneva Lake, skyline sails in Milwaukee, or sunset charters along Door County’s bluffs. When you inquire, share your headcount, preferred date and time, any décor or music plans, and whether you need a captain. Many boats provide easy add‑ons like coolers, Bluetooth sound, float mats, and BYO catering to make hosting stress‑free.

Peak boating runs from late May through September, with July and August offering the warmest water. Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day are the busiest and book up early. Notable summer events that impact demand include Milwaukee’s Air & Water Show on the lakefront and the EAA AirVenture week in Oshkosh; both draw big crowds statewide. For smoother sailing and better prices, choose weekdays over weekends and aim for morning departures when winds are lighter. Early fall can be gorgeous for foliage cruises, especially in Door County and on the Apostle Islands.

Two standouts are watching aerial performances from the water during Milwaukee’s mid‑July Air & Water Show along the Lake Michigan shoreline, and cruising Lake Superior’s Apostle Islands to see sandstone sea caves and historic lighthouses from Bayfield. Elsewhere, Geneva Lake’s mansion loop and golden‑hour cruises along Door County’s bays make for unforgettable photos and easy, kid‑friendly outings.