The Best Boat Rentals in Minnesota

Most renters should expect pontoons and deck boats to run about $100–$175 per hour, with many half-day outings totaling $400–$700. Wake and surf boats are typically $200–$300 per hour depending on gear and group size. Small sailboats and fishing boats often start around $75–$150 per hour or $300–$500 per day. Larger cruisers and small yachts on popular waters like Lake Minnetonka or Duluth Harbor generally range from $300–$450 per hour. Prices usually include required safety gear; taxes, fuel, captain fees, and add‑ons like tubes, wakeboards, or ice are often extra. Booking a longer block or a weekday usually yields better value.

You’ll find an easy mix for groups: spacious pontoon and tritoon boats for relaxing and sandbar stops; bowriders and deck boats for cruising and tubing; wake and surf boats set up with ballast and towers; fishing boats for lakes statewide; classic sailboats on Lake Superior and larger metro lakes; and a handful of cabin cruisers and small yachts for celebrations. Availability varies by lake and season, so it helps to filter by boat type when you check dates.

Beginning July 1, 2025, Minnesota’s new boater education law requires many operators to hold a valid watercraft operator’s permit. If you were born after June 30, 2004, you need a permit to operate a motorboat in 2025. The requirement expands each year until July 1, 2028, when it will apply to all operators born after June 30, 1987. Renters of motorized boats must be 18+ and have a valid permit. If you book a captained charter, you’re a passenger—the captain handles the licensing and operation.

Captained trips are the most hands‑off option: a local skipper manages the route, docking, and weather calls so you can focus on your group. This is ideal for celebrations, first‑time boaters, and busier waters like Lake Minnetonka, the St. Croix, or Duluth Harbor. Self‑operated rentals can be more economical and flexible, but the operator must meet Minnesota’s permit rules, stay sober, and feel comfortable navigating local channels, no‑wake zones, and traffic.

Common meeting points include the Wayzata Depot Docks and the Port of Excelsior on Lake Minnetonka; the Municipal Boat Dock in Stillwater on the St. Croix River; the Park Point boat launch in Duluth for harbor and Lake Superior trips; and the Hidden Falls Regional Park boat launch on the Mississippi River in Saint Paul. Note that some launches, like Boom Island in Minneapolis, can be closed for construction or high water—your captain or host will confirm the best pickup spot for your date.

On Lake Minnetonka you’ll cruise past tree‑lined bays, historic shoreline homes, and popular gathering spots like Big Island. The Mississippi River offers skyline views of Minneapolis with its historic bridges and mill district. The St. Croix River near Stillwater features wooded bluffs and the restored lift bridge. In Duluth, harbor cruises pass lighthouses and the Aerial Lift Bridge, and you may spot ore carriers moving through the ship canal on busy shipping days.

Families are welcome. Minnesota law requires one U.S. Coast Guard‑approved life jacket per person on board, and children under 10 must wear a properly fitted life jacket whenever the boat is underway. Most hosts provide adult and child sizes if requested with your booking. Let your captain or owner know your group’s ages and sizes so they can have the right gear ready.

Yes—most outings are BYO snacks and beverages, and many boats have coolers or allow you to bring your own. Choose cans or reusable containers over glass, and avoid messy foods that stain upholstery. Alcohol policies vary by listing, but Minnesota law requires the operator to stay under a 0.08% BAC; the safest plan is to designate a sober skipper or book a captain. Ask about ice, cups, and cleanup so you can pack accordingly.

Pet policies are set by each owner or captain. Many allow well‑behaved dogs with advance approval, especially on pontoons, while others restrict pets to keep decks clean or protect upholstery. If you’re bringing a pup, pack a leash, towel, and water bowl, and be prepared for an additional cleaning fee.

Summer brings occasional afternoon wind and pop‑up thunderstorms on inland lakes, and Lake Superior can add fog, chop, and cooler air off the water. Morning departures are usually the calmest. If conditions are unsafe, most captains will reschedule or issue a weather‑related refund per their policy. Check the forecast the night before, dress in layers, and build a little flexibility into your itinerary on breezy days.

Yes—Minnesota’s boats are set up for celebrations. Pontoons and deck boats are perfect for 6–12 guests, and small yachts or captained cruisers work well for milestone events. Share your headcount, preferred pickup area, and any must‑haves like a swim stop or a sunset cruise. For holiday weekends and fireworks nights, reserve early and confirm any decor rules, footwear guidelines, and music policies.

Peak 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—plan well ahead. Notable summer events include the Minneapolis Aquatennial, set for July 23–26, 2025, which draws crowds to the riverfront and downtown. For smoother water and easier dockside parking, choose weekday or morning departures; for golden‑hour photos, aim for late‑day cruises with a flexible wind plan. September often brings calmer lakes and early fall color.

Yes—booking a harbor cruise from Duluth’s Park Point area is a memorable way to see the Aerial Lift Bridge raise for Great Lakes freighters and tour the working waterfront with its lighthouses and piers. Shipping traffic is most frequent from spring through late fall, with May–October offering the best combination of weather and activity. Your captain will advise on timing, safe viewing distances, and the smoothest route for your group.