The Best Boat Rentals Near Fort Collins

Most renters in this area spend about $90 to $150 per hour for a pontoon, $175 to $250 per hour for a wake or surf boat with a captain, and roughly $60 to $120 per hour for a jet ski. Smaller bowriders and ski boats often run $350 to $600 for a full day. Prices usually include required safety gear like life jackets and basic orientation. Expect extras such as fuel, taxes, cleaning or delivery fees, captain gratuity (if you book a captained trip), and local park or reservoir entry passes, which are paid separately at Horsetooth Reservoir or Boyd Lake.

The most common options are roomy pontoon and tritoon boats for relaxed cruising and swimming, performance wake and surf boats set up for watersports, nimble bowriders and ski boats for tubing or sightseeing, and jet skis for quick fun on the water. Large yachts and sailboats are less common here because the local waters are inland reservoirs.

If your goal is a stress-free celebration or you want to wakeboard or wakesurf with an expert at the helm, a captained trip is the easiest choice. If you’re comfortable operating a boat and want flexibility with your schedule, a self-operated rental can work well, especially with pontoons and bowriders. Keep in mind many owners require the primary renter to be 18 or 21+, and operators must follow Colorado’s boating age rules. When in doubt, book a captain so you can focus on your group.

Most trips launch on Horsetooth Reservoir from South Bay and Inlet Bay, the two primary ramp and marina areas on the south and west shores. On the north end of Horsetooth, Satanka ramp operates seasonally. Many rentals also meet at Boyd Lake State Park’s main boat ramp and marina in nearby Loveland. For groups willing to drive a bit farther, Carter Lake’s North Pines and North (Marina) ramps are additional pickup points used by some owners.

From the boat you’ll cruise beneath red sandstone hogbacks and granite cliffs with classic views of Horsetooth Rock and the ridges of Lory State Park. On calm days you can tuck into coves along Horsetooth’s shoreline or enjoy broad Front Range vistas at Boyd Lake. Wildlife sightings are common, including ospreys and raptors, and in summer you may spot white pelicans on Boyd Lake; in the colder months bald eagles are frequently seen near open water.

Colorado’s current law allows people ages 14 to 17 to operate a motorboat only if they complete a Colorado Parks & Wildlife–approved boating safety course and carry the certificate. Operators 18 and older are not required to have a boating card, though training is always recommended. Separate from state law, many rental owners set their own minimum ages to rent or drive, so check the listing details when you book.

Yes, families are welcome. Every boat must carry a properly sized U.S. Coast Guard–approved life jacket for each passenger, and reputable owners provide these at no extra charge. Colorado requires children 12 and under to wear a life jacket whenever a boat is underway, so plan to keep youngsters in PFDs for the whole trip.

Bringing snacks, meals, and non-glass beverages is standard on local rentals, and many boats have coolers or room for yours. Alcohol is permitted on boats at Horsetooth Reservoir for guests of legal drinking age, but the operator must be sober. Glass containers are prohibited at Horsetooth and discouraged at other reservoirs, so use cans or reusable bottles and pack out all trash.

Many owners allow well-behaved dogs on board; confirm pet rules and cleaning fees in advance. On shore, parks require pets to be leashed, and dogs are not allowed at designated swim beaches at Horsetooth Reservoir. Bring a towel, water bowl, and a shaded spot so your pup stays comfortable on hot decks.

Summer mornings are typically the calmest, while afternoons can bring wind, chop, and fast-moving thunderstorms. Owners will not run in unsafe conditions and will often reschedule or refund per their policy if weather makes boating unsafe. To maximize smooth water and reduce crowding, choose an early start and keep plans flexible if a storm pops up.

Absolutely. Pontoons and tritoons are popular for celebrations because they’re stable and seat larger groups, while captained wake boats are great for an active day. Share your headcount and must-haves when you inquire so the owner can confirm legal capacity, available water toys, and any add-ons like ice, float mats, or catering-friendly setups.

Peak season runs from late May through September, with Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day weekends being the busiest and booking up far in advance. Shoulder season in April, early May, and October can deliver quiet coves and value pricing if the weather cooperates. Weekdays are less crowded than weekends, and sunrise or morning departures usually mean smoother water for cruising, tubing, or surfing. Keep in mind that Larimer County ramps at Horsetooth and Carter Lake operate on seasonal schedules with mandatory inspection hours, and Boyd Lake requires a state parks pass, so plan a few extra minutes for gate entry and inspections.

For an easy meet-up and quick access to calm coves, many first-time renters choose South Bay or Inlet Bay on Horsetooth Reservoir, where parking, restrooms, and marina services are close to the ramp. Boyd Lake’s main marina area in Loveland is another straightforward option with wide ramps and a fuel dock, which simplifies arrivals for larger groups.

Locals love glassy morning sessions for wakesurfing on Horsetooth, sunset cruises along the sandstone cliffs with views of Horsetooth Rock, and relaxed swim-and-float days set up in no‑wake coves. Nature lovers often plan easy wildlife-spotting loops, keeping an eye out for ospreys and summer pelicans at Boyd Lake, then wrapping up with a waterfront picnic before evening winds pick up.