The Best Boat Rentals in Minneapolis

On most lakes around Minneapolis, expect pontoons and runabouts to start around $100 to $150 per hour, with higher-end tritoons, wake boats, and small yachts often between $175 and $350 per hour. Weekend and holiday rates can run higher, and minimums of 3 to 4 hours are common. Your booking usually includes required safety gear and life jackets, a full safety briefing, and standard cleaning; fuel may be included or charged separately, and captains (when offered) are an added fee. Taxes and platform service fees are calculated at checkout so you can see the full price before you confirm.

You’ll find plenty of comfortable pontoons and tritoons for relaxed cruising, sporty bowriders and wake boats for tubing and watersports, and a handful of cruisers and small yachts for celebrations. Sailboats are available in limited numbers on select lakes, and many powerboats offer captained options if you’d rather not drive.

Choose a captained trip if you want a hands-off day, are hosting a group, or prefer local expertise for routing, anchoring, and docking. Self-operated rentals work well if you’re comfortable at the helm and meet Minnesota’s boater education and age requirements. Many owners also set their own experience and age minimums—often 21 or older for operators—so check the listing details before you book.

Common meet-up points include Gray’s Bay Public Access on Lake Minnetonka in Minnetonka, the Depot Docks near downtown Wayzata, and the Port of Excelsior/Excelsior Commons on the south side of Lake Minnetonka. In the city, the Bde Maka Ska public boat launch on the northeast side of the lake is a frequent starting point, with additional launches at Lake Harriet and on the Mississippi River at Soo Avenue North. Boom Island’s river launch is under construction until 2026, so listings may direct you to nearby alternatives. Always follow the exact meeting spot provided in your booking.

On Lake Minnetonka, expect classic “Tonka” views: tree-lined bays, landmark homes, Big Island, and lively shorelines around Wayzata and Excelsior. On the city’s lakes, Bde Maka Ska and Lake of the Isles offer skyline backdrops at golden hour. If you’re on the Mississippi through downtown, you’ll cruise past Nicollet Island with views toward the Stone Arch Bridge and the riverfront mills district. Farther east, the St. Croix River near Stillwater is a scenic day trip with wooded bluffs and a charming historic downtown.

Minnesota’s updated boater education law took effect on July 1, 2025. In general, operators of motorized rental boats must be at least 18 and have a valid watercraft operator’s permit or complete an approved Minnesota rental course if eligible. The law is phasing in by birth year through 2028, and people born after June 30, 2004 already need a permit to operate. Captained charters don’t require you to operate the boat, so no permit is needed for passengers. Always review the specific requirements in your listing and bring photo ID.

Yes—families are welcome. Every boat carries U.S. Coast Guard–approved life jackets for the stated passenger capacity, and Minnesota law requires children under 10 to wear a life jacket while the boat is underway. If you’re bringing young kids, share their ages and approximate weights with the owner so the right sizes are ready at check-in. Most hosts are happy to set up a shade canopy and suggest calmer coves for swim stops.

Nearly all rentals allow you to bring snacks, picnic spreads, and non-glass beverages; many boats include a cooler or have space for yours. In Minnesota, passengers may consume alcohol on boats, but the person operating the vessel must stay sober and under the legal limit. For safety and easy cleanup, choose cans and plastic over glass, and avoid staining items like red wine unless your host confirms it’s okay. Popular dock-and-dine stops on Lake Minnetonka are near Wayzata and Excelsior if you prefer to grab food on shore during your cruise.

Many owners allow well-behaved dogs, sometimes with a small pet or cleaning fee. Ask in advance, bring a towel and water bowl, and keep pets leashed at the dock. If you plan to stop on islands or at beaches, be mindful of protected areas and posted rules, and pack out any waste.

Summer weather here can change quickly, with pop-up showers and thunderstorms most common in the afternoon. If unsafe conditions arise, most owners will reschedule or refund according to the policy on their listing. Getmyboat bookings follow each owner’s stated cancellation policy—some are flexible, others are moderate or strict—so check those terms before you confirm. If a forecast looks questionable, message your host early to discuss options.

Peak season runs from late May through early September, with Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day being the busiest days on the water. The Minneapolis Aquatennial in late July brings riverfront fireworks and higher demand. For smoother cruising and easier parking, book weekday outings or weekend mornings. Sunset cruises are a local favorite on Lake Minnetonka, while early fall offers comfortable temps and calmer lakes with changing leaves.

Yes—boats are perfect for celebrations. Most pontoons and day boats host 8 to 12 guests comfortably, with some larger options available for bigger groups. Captained charters make hosting simple: your captain handles the route, docking, and timing so you can focus on music, photos, and food. Share your headcount, preferred vibe, and any special requests (decor, swim stops, restaurant docking) when you inquire so your host can tailor the trip.

Big Island is a popular anchoring area known for raft-ups, swimming, and a lively social scene on summer weekends. It’s a fun stop for groups, but it does get crowded on holidays and sunny Saturdays. If a relaxed vibe is your goal, aim for earlier in the day or ask your captain for a quieter cove. Practice good lake etiquette—keep music reasonable, secure your trash, and follow your captain’s instructions when rafting or anchoring with other boats.