The Best Boat Rentals in Vermont

Most motorboat and pontoon rentals run about $300–$350 for a half day and roughly $500–$750 for a full day, with premium or larger models trending higher on peak weekends and holidays. Captained private cruises commonly start near $100–$175 per hour. Fuel is often billed separately, taxes and security deposits may apply, and standard safety gear like life jackets is included. Many owners can provide coolers or ice upon request, and cleaning is typically covered unless extra detailing is required after your trip.

You’ll find comfortable pontoons for relaxed cruising, sporty bowriders and deck boats for lake touring and towable fun, small cabin cruisers, and classic and modern sailboats for scenic sails on Lake Champlain. If you’re planning a celebration, pontoons and deck boats are popular because they have open seating and easy boarding.

Vermont requires anyone born after January 1, 1974 to carry a boating safety education card to operate a motorboat. If you book a captained charter, your licensed captain handles the driving, so you won’t need to present a boater card. Individual owners may also set their own experience requirements, so it’s best to confirm during booking.

Choose a captained trip if you want a hands‑off day focused on hosting your group, if you’re unfamiliar with the lake, or if you don’t have the required boater card. Self‑operated rentals are great for confident operators who know basic navigation and want full flexibility on timing and route. Both options are widely available, and many listings offer either choice.

Common launch points include the Burlington Community Boathouse Marina at the downtown waterfront and nearby Perkins Pier at the foot of Maple Street. Many trips also start from Malletts Bay in Colchester, which is sheltered and scenic, and from Shelburne Bay/Point Bay Marina in Charlotte for southern lake cruising. In the Islands, St. Albans Bay and South Hero marinas are frequent departure spots for exploring the “Inland Sea.”

Expect sweeping views of the Green Mountains and New York’s Adirondacks, Burlington’s waterfront and breakwater lighthouses, the cliffs at Lone Rock Point, and historic beacons like Juniper Island Light offshore. South toward Shelburne you’ll pass wooded points and grand shoreline estates; head north and you’ll find broad open water dotted with low‑key islands and quiet coves perfect for anchoring and swimming.

Yes—families are welcome. Every vessel must carry U.S. Coast Guard–approved life jackets for all passengers, and children under 12 must wear a properly fitted life jacket while underway on an open deck. Most owners provide a full set of PFDs; let them know the ages and approximate sizes of children so they can have the right gear ready when you arrive.

In most cases, yes. BYO snacks, picnics, and non‑alcoholic beverages are welcome, and many boats have cooler space. If your group plans to celebrate, moderate alcohol is typically permitted for adult passengers, but the operator must remain sober. For everyone’s safety and to keep decks clean, avoid glass and pack out what you bring onboard.

Pet policies vary by owner and marina. Some boats happily welcome well‑behaved dogs, often with a small cleaning fee, while others keep motorized rentals pet‑free to protect upholstery. If you’re traveling with a pup, mention breed and size during your inquiry so you’re matched with a pet‑friendly option and can bring a non‑slip mat or towel for them.

Summer weather on the lake can change quickly, with pop‑up showers and afternoon breezes. Owners and captains monitor conditions closely and will reschedule or cancel if it’s unsafe due to high winds, lightning, or rough chop. Flexible policies typically allow rebooking or a weather credit when the captain calls it; if you cancel for personal reasons, standard cancellation terms apply. Layer up in spring and fall—the water stays cool even on sunny days.

Absolutely. Pontoons and deck boats make hosting easy with open seating, shade, and space for coolers and a cake. Captained cruises are perfect if you want music, photos, and a relaxed route to swim spots without anyone needing to drive. Share your headcount, ideal trip length, and any special touches you’d like—most hosts can suggest routes and timing to catch a sunset or a quiet cove.

Peak boating season typically runs mid‑May through mid‑October, with the warmest water and most availability from late June through early September. Major boating holidays—Memorial Day weekend, July 4th, and Labor Day—book up far in advance. Burlington’s July 3 waterfront fireworks are a huge on‑water draw, and early June often brings the Burlington Discover Jazz Festival with free shows at Waterfront Park. Late August crowds rise around the Champlain Valley Fair in Essex Junction. For smoother sailing and better prices, choose weekday outings and morning departures; afternoons are breezier and weekends fill first.

From Burlington, cruise the harbor to see the breakwater lights, then head south toward Shelburne Bay for protected waters and mountain views. If you’re launching from Malletts Bay, loop Appletree and Coates Island, or make a picnic stop in a calm cove. In the Islands, an “Inland Sea” circuit offers big‑sky scenery with fewer wakes and easy swimming spots.

Yes—this is a local favorite. When conditions allow, boaters often build itineraries that include the state‑park islands in the “Inland Sea,” such as Burton Island (with a marina and services), and the more rustic Knight Island or Woods Island for a shoreline picnic and a swim. If you’re booking a captained charter, ask for an island‑focused route; if you’re self‑operating, your host can suggest distances and anchorages that fit your timing and experience.