The Best Boat Rentals in Aurora

Most local powerboat rentals run about $100 to $150 per hour for comfortable pontoons and roughly $175 to $250+ per hour for wake and surf boats. Half-day outings commonly total $400 to $700, while full-day rates often land between $700 and $1,200 depending on the boat size, holiday demand, and whether a captain is included. Standard safety gear like life jackets is included, and fuel for easy cruising is often covered; heavier fuel use for towing or faster runs may add a surcharge. Expect a refundable security deposit and remember that state park entry or vehicle fees are separate from the boat price.

You’ll find a strong selection of pontoons for relaxed cruising, wake and surf boats for tow sports, plus classic bowriders and runabouts for family days. Larger yacht-style vessels are uncommon here because most boating happens on reservoirs, but the boats available are ideal for celebrations, sightseeing, and watersports on nearby lakes.

Both are available. A captained trip keeps things stress-free—your skipper handles docking, local rules, and route planning while you focus on the group. Confident boaters can book self-operated rentals; owners typically require prior experience, a safety briefing, and a signed rental agreement. Many owners set their own minimum age (often 21 or 25) for self-operated trips even if state law would allow a younger driver.

The most common launch points are inside Cherry Creek State Park at the West Boat Ramp near the marina and the East Boat Ramp on the opposite shore. Many trips also meet at Pelican Bay Marina on Cherry Creek Reservoir and at Chatfield Marina in nearby Chatfield State Park in Littleton. For electric-only outings, the Aurora Reservoir Boat Ramp on the lake’s west side is another local option. Always confirm your meeting point and gate times with the owner after booking.

Expect big Front Range views and wide-open skies, with snow-dusted peaks on clear days. Around Cherry Creek and Aurora Reservoir you can often spot American white pelicans, great blue herons, cormorants, ospreys, and occasionally bald eagles along the shoreline. Sunset cruises bring dramatic colors over the prairie and mountains, while calm mornings are best for glassy water and wildlife activity.

For captained trips, no license is needed. To operate a motorboat yourself in Colorado, you must be at least 18 years old, or 14 to 17 with a Colorado Parks & Wildlife–approved boating safety course and certificate. Individual owners may require additional experience or a higher minimum age. Everyone onboard must have a properly sized U.S. Coast Guard–approved life jacket available, and children 12 and under must wear one while the boat is underway.

Yes, family groups are welcome. Your rental includes U.S. Coast Guard–approved life jackets, and Colorado requires kids 12 and under to wear them whenever the boat is underway. Tell the owner the number of children and their approximate weights in advance so the right sizes are ready. Strollers and hard-sided car seats usually stay on shore for space and safety reasons.

Most owners are fine with BYO snacks, picnic items, and canned beverages, and many boats have coolers or allow you to bring one. Glass is strongly discouraged, and some marinas or owners restrict alcohol on self-operated rentals. The operator must remain sober at all times—Colorado enforces boating under the influence (0.08 BAC), with penalties similar to DUI. If your group plans to celebrate, a captained charter is the simplest option.

Pet policies vary by listing and marina. Some private charters welcome dogs with prior approval and a cleaning fee, while certain marina fleets do not allow pets on boats at all. If you plan to bring a dog, include the breed and size in your booking request and pack a towel, leash, and water bowl. Local reservoirs may have separate shoreline rules about dogs on beaches, so check park signage when you arrive.

Summer afternoons on the Front Range often bring pop-up wind and thunderstorms, while mornings are typically calmer. Owners monitor conditions closely and may adjust start times, pause for passing cells, or reschedule if lightning or high winds develop. Review your listing’s cancellation and weather policy before you book, and aim for earlier departures to get the smoothest water and the best chance of an uninterrupted day.

Yes—pontoon and wake boats in this area are popular for celebrations, and many owners can accommodate decor, playlists, and cooler space. Share your headcount and any must-do activities—like tubing or a sunset cruise—so the owner can recommend the right boat and route. For a fully hands-off experience, choose a captained charter and ask about simple add-ons like floating mats or tubing gear.

Peak season runs from late May through early September, with the busiest days around Memorial Day, the Fourth of July, and Labor Day. Early summer weekends fill up fast, so book in advance; midweek and morning departures are calmer, more affordable, and easier for parking and ramp access. Reservoir boating generally operates March through November, weather and ramp hours permitting, and sunsets in late summer and early fall can be spectacular.

Cherry Creek Reservoir and Chatfield Reservoir both allow traditional powerboats and are the most common pickup spots for pontoons, bowriders, and wake boats. Aurora Reservoir is electric-motor or non-motorized only, so standard gas-powered rentals don’t launch there; it’s best suited to quiet cruising on electric craft. If you’re set on tow sports or a larger group pontoon, plan to meet at Cherry Creek or Chatfield and confirm the exact ramp with your owner after booking.