The Best Boat Rentals in Bullhead City

Most pontoons and small powerboats in the Bullhead City/Lake Mohave area run roughly $70–$200 per hour, with captained pontoons, deck boats, and small yachts often ranging from about $140 to $500 per hour depending on boat size, day of week, and season. Daily rates commonly land between about $400 and $900+ for standard pontoons or bowriders, with premium or holiday pricing higher. Your booking generally includes the boat, required safety gear, and a pre-departure orientation; fuel, taxes, service fees, and security deposits are typically extra. For example, Katherine Landing at Lake Mohave requires a refundable security deposit on rentals, and many Getmyboat listings set their own deposit and cancellation terms, so it’s smart to review the listing details before you book. (getmyboat.com, katherinelanding.com)

The most popular choices here are comfortable pontoon and tritoon boats for cruising and swimming, along with sporty bowriders and deck boats for exploring Lake Mohave’s coves. You’ll also find captained yacht-style charters for special occasions and scenic tour boats running river cruises from the Laughlin side. Availability and capacity vary by listing, but you’ll have plenty of options for groups, families, or celebratory outings. (getmyboat.com, laughlinrivertours.com)

Both options are common. Captained trips are great when you want a stress-free day, local route suggestions, and help with docking and anchoring, while self-operated rentals suit confident boaters who prefer full control. Getmyboat listings clearly indicate whether a captain is included, optional, or not offered, and the marina at Katherine Landing provides straightforward orientations for self-operated rentals. Choose what fits your group’s comfort level and schedule. (getmyboat.zendesk.com, katherinelanding.com)

Common pickup and launch points include the Rotary Park Boat Launch in Bullhead City, the Bullhead City Community Park launch near the Laughlin Bridge, the ramp at Davis Camp just below Davis Dam, and Katherine Landing Marina on Lake Mohave. These access points give you easy routes to the river through town, the Laughlin casino corridor, and up to Lake Mohave’s beaches and coves. (bullheadcity.com, parks.mohave.gov, nps.gov)

You can cruise past the Laughlin Riverwalk and its lineup of riverfront casinos, idle near Davis Dam, and continue onto Lake Mohave for wide-open water, sandy coves, and desert mountain backdrops. Scenic tour boats regularly highlight this stretch because the views are especially good at sunset, and you can even ride the water taxi between casino docks if you’re spending time on the Nevada side. (laughlinrivertours.com, riverpassagewatertaxi.com)

Arizona does not require a boating license for adults, but as of January 1, 2025, anyone under 18 must complete an approved boating safety course to operate a watercraft over 10 horsepower. In addition, no one under 12 may operate a motorboat over 8 horsepower unless directly supervised by an adult; many owners also set their own minimum age rules. Always check your listing’s requirements and bring any safety certificates if applicable. (azleg.gov, boaterexam.com, azgfd.com)

Families are welcome on most boats, and operators provide U.S. Coast Guard–approved life jackets. Arizona law requires a properly fitting life jacket for each passenger on board and makes it mandatory for children 12 and under to wear one while a vessel is underway. Your captain or owner will review safety gear during the briefing so you can focus on fun. (azgfd.com, boat-ed.com)

Yes—most captains and owners are fine with coolers, snacks, and non-glass beverages, and several boats have shade canopies and tables that make picnicking easy. Keep in mind that glass is prohibited in Bullhead City parks such as Rotary Park and Community Park, where many launches happen. Passengers 21+ may drink alcohol, but the person operating the boat must remain sober; Arizona’s OUI law sets 0.08% as the legal limit for operators. (bullheadcity.com, azleg.gov)

Many owners allow well-behaved dogs on board with advance notice, and leashed pets are welcome at Lake Mead National Recreation Area (which includes Lake Mohave) and at local parks. If you’re staging from Davis Camp, note that pets are permitted but fees and leash rules apply, so plan for water, shade, and hot-deck paw protection in summer. Always confirm pet policies on your specific listing. (nps.gov, parks.mohave.gov)

Summer brings extreme heat and monsoon thunderstorms from roughly June 15 to September 30, with fast-building afternoon storms and gusty outflow winds; mornings are generally calmer and cooler. The National Weather Service frequently issues Lake Wind Advisories for Lake Mohave and the Colorado River, and operators watch conditions closely. If weather forces a change, most Getmyboat owners will help you reschedule or refund based on the cancellation policy shown on the listing, so review it before you book. (extension.arizona.edu, marine.weather.gov, nps.gov, getmyboat.zendesk.com)

Absolutely. Captained pontoons and yacht-style charters make it easy to celebrate while someone else handles the driving, and many boats have shade, Bluetooth speakers, and swim ladders that keep the whole group comfortable. If you want to pair boating with a picnic on land, Bullhead City’s Rotary Park and Community Park offer ramada rentals and wide beach areas for pre- or post-cruise gatherings. (getmyboat.zendesk.com, bullheadcity.com)

Peak season runs late spring through early fall, with Memorial Day, July 4, and Labor Day being the busiest weekends on the river. July 4 features Rockets Over The River, a major fireworks show visible from the water and the riverfront. For smoother water and easier parking, plan weekday outings or morning departures, especially during the monsoon window of June 15 to September 30 when afternoons can bring pop-up storms and wind. (visitlaughlin.com, extension.arizona.edu)

Popular plans include cruising past the Laughlin skyline, swimming at sandy beaches just north of Davis Dam, and then heading onto Lake Mohave to tuck into clear-water coves near Katherine Landing like the Telephone or Princess coves for a relaxed swim-and-float session. Captains will tailor the route to your group and conditions on the day.

Yes. In addition to private charters, you can book narrated scenic or dinner cruises aboard the Grand Celebration from the Laughlin side, or take a full-day jet boat excursion downriver to the London Bridge in Lake Havasu City. These trips are an easy add-on if you’re coordinating a multi-day itinerary with friends or family.