The Best Boat Rentals Near Chattanooga

For easy planning, expect standard pontoons in peak season to run about $100–$150 per hour, with half-day options around $300–$400 and full-day outings commonly $450–$700. Double-decker pontoons with slides are typically higher, often $600–$900 per day, while wake and surf boats generally range from $150–$250 per hour depending on power and gear. Captained river cruises frequently price from about $150–$225 per hour for the captain’s time and vessel, with fuel and taxes sometimes added at checkout. Most listings include Coast Guard–approved life jackets, required safety gear, and a basic orientation; many also provide a cooler, ice, or bottled water. Final price varies by date, duration, boat size, and whether you choose a weekday, weekend, or holiday.

The most common choices here are comfortable pontoons for relaxed cruising, double-decker “party” pontoons with a slide for swim stops, nimble deck boats and bowriders for sightseeing, and wake or surf boats set up for watersports where allowed. You’ll also find small cruisers for slower scenic rides through the riverfront and into the Tennessee River Gorge. Inventory changes by season, so check dates early if you have a specific style or capacity in mind.

If you want to relax, take photos, and not worry about navigation, a captained trip is the most stress-free option—your captain handles the route, docking, and river traffic and can tailor the cruise for swim coves, skyline views, or the Gorge. Confident operators often pick self-drive pontoons on Chickamauga Lake and the downtown river; it’s a straightforward way to cruise with family and friends. If your group includes first-timers, tight schedules, or a special celebration, a captain usually makes the day easier and keeps your timeline on track.

Downtown departures commonly use Ross’s Landing by the Tennessee Aquarium, and many charters can also meet on the North Shore near the docks by Coolidge Park for easy access to the bridges and skyline. For lake days, popular pickup points include Lakeshore Marina on Lake Resort Terrace and Chickamauga Marina near Chickamauga Dam; some trips start farther up the lake at Island Cove Marina along TN‑58. Depending on your route, captains may also arrange pickups at Tennessee Riverpark access points. Your exact meeting spot will be confirmed in your booking messages.

Right from downtown you’ll glide beneath the Walnut Street and Market Street bridges with views of the Tennessee Aquarium, the Bluff View Art District, and the Hunter Museum perched on the bluff. As you head upriver or downriver you’ll pass Maclellan Island’s bird sanctuary and, on longer outings, the cliffs and forested bends of the Tennessee River Gorge—often called the “Grand Canyon of Tennessee”—with chances to spot herons, osprey, and bald eagles. Sunset trips frame the bridges and Lookout Mountain in golden light for great photos.

Tennessee requires anyone born on or after January 1, 1989, to hold proof of boating safety education to operate a motorized vessel solo on state waters. Tennessee residents need the TWRA-issued Boating Safety Education Certificate; non-residents can use a NASBLA‑approved boating safety card from their home state. Operators must also meet the rental’s minimum age and experience rules, and passengers may ride without a license. If you don’t have a card or prefer not to drive, book a captained charter.

Yes—families are welcome. Every rental includes properly sized, Coast Guard–approved life jackets, and Tennessee law requires children 12 and under to wear a life jacket while on the open deck when the boat is underway. If you’re bringing infants or toddlers, mention their weight when booking so the owner can confirm sizes; many captains also bring extra small vests. Boats carry the standard safety equipment, and your captain or host will give a short safety briefing before departure.

Most charters allow you to bring snacks, picnics, and beverages, and many provide a cooler and ice; some even offer dock‑and‑dine time along the downtown waterfront. For everyone’s safety, avoid glass whenever possible and secure anything that could blow overboard. The operator of the boat must remain sober under Tennessee Boating Under the Influence laws, so plan your drinks with a designated captain or choose a captained charter if you want to enjoy alcohol responsibly.

Pets are often allowed with prior approval, and some hosts add a modest cleaning fee. Bring a non‑slip mat or towel, a collapsible water bowl, and a well‑fitted pet life jacket if your dog will be on deck. For everyone’s comfort, keep nails trimmed and plan for shade on hot afternoons. Always confirm the boat’s pet policy in your booking messages.

From late spring through summer, brief afternoon thunderstorms and pop‑up winds are the most common weather hiccups, while river flow can rise after heavy rain or dam releases. Captains monitor forecasts and river conditions and will adjust the route, recommend a morning start, or reschedule if conditions become unsafe. If severe weather is likely, most bookings allow weather‑related changes according to the listing’s stated policy, and your captain will communicate options well in advance.

Absolutely. Pontoons and small cruisers make easy, social spaces for 8–12 guests, and captained cruises keep the day simple so the organizer can relax. Many captains can set a swim‑and‑sightseeing plan, play your playlist over Bluetooth, and time a sunset pass under the bridges for photos. Just note that each boat has a strict maximum passenger capacity for safety, so finalize your headcount before you book.

Peak boating runs May through September, with warm water and long days; July and August are hottest, so mornings and sunset trips are the most comfortable. The biggest boating holidays—Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day—book up early and carry heavier river traffic. Fall is a sleeper hit here: late October into early November often brings gorgeous foliage in the Tennessee River Gorge, and crisp, calm mornings. Downtown river access can be limited on major event weekends, especially during IRONMAN 70.3 in May, the full IRONMAN in late September, and the Head of the Hooch regatta the first weekend of November, so plan ahead or launch from lake marinas on those dates. For smoother water, better pricing, and easier parking, choose weekdays or morning departures whenever possible.