Ahoy Matey! Best Places to Rent a Boat in Every State
Want to hit the water? Here are the best places to do so in every state. (Photo: HOWL/Stocksy)
From waterfalls to secret wilderness coves to opulent gated mansions, there are things you simply cannot see and experience from dry land. No boat? No problem. Yahoo Travel went in search of places to get your feet wet, so to speak, while seeing some of our country’s most amazing sights.
Before you dive into our 50 picks, here is a little primer on typical rental boats:
· Pontoon boats are flat boats supported by floating metal tubes. They normally have comfortable seating for 6-15 people and engines designed for a little speed, but mostly just cruising.
· PWC’s are personal watercraft like JetSkis and Waverunners. They carry one or two passengers at a high rate of speed.
· Powerboats come in all shapes and sizes, the term refers to any boat with an engine, as opposed to a sailboat. Be sure to tell the rental company if you plan to fish, ski, or sightsee so that you get an appropriate boat.
Alabama
Just up the road from Gulf Shores, is the fabulous Orange Beach area. Rent fishing boats, pontoons, paddleboards, and PWC’s from Wallace Boats for an excursion on the Gulf.
Alaska
Fishing, wildlife watching, and sightseeing in Prince William Sound are yours for the asking when you rent an enclosed-cabin boat from Whittier Boat Rentals.
Arizona
Your Lake Havasu adventure begins with Sandbar Power Sports, where you can rent boats, PWC’s and even ATV’s.
Arkansas
Enjoy Bulls Shoals Lake by renting pontoons, PWC’s, ski boats, and fishing boats at Bull Shoals Lake Boat Dock. Or spend more time on the water with a houseboat rental.
California
Want to cruise around Newport Beach? Head to Duffy’s. (Photo: Duffy Electric Boats of Newport Beach/Facebook)
A little-known activity that the whole family can enjoy is a slow cruise in an electric boat. They are an incredible way to see houses along the shore, marinas, and shore-side eateries. We like Duffy of Newport Beach for the proximity to variety of things to do on your cruise.
Colorado
Grand Lake Colorado is one of the most scenic spots in the Rocky Mountains. Enjoy this high-mountain lake with a variety of boats available from Trail Ridge Marina.
Related: 7 Cheapest Ways to Get Your Boat on This Summer
Connecticut
Candlewod Lake in the western part of the state is home to Echo Bay Marina, where you can pick up pontoons and power boats for skiing, sightseeing, and fishing.
Delaware
rents power boats, sail boats, fishing boats, and kayaks for exploring the Delaware River.
Florida
Feel the sea blowing through your hair like a rock star when you rent a powerboat from Fort Lauderdale Boat Rentals. With three locations, you can choose to slow-cruise the Intracoastal, head out for snorkeling, diving, or skiing.
Georgia
Explore Lake Chatuge on a ski boat, deck boat, jet ski, waterbike, or wakeboard from Boundary Waters. (Photo: Boundary Waters Resort & Marina/Facebook)
Boundary Waters Resort & Marina has the usual assortment of boats, kayaks, and canoes for rent, but they also have something really cool called a Craig Cat — a two-seater that lets you feel like you are flying across the surface of the water.
Hawaii
Imagine a day spent snorkeling, diving, or whale watching from your own private boat. Take a picnic, head across to Molokini, and see the Maui from a new perspective. Sea Escape Maui makes it easy.
Idaho
Lake Coeur d Alene near the Washington border is one of the state’s premier glacial lakes. It has beaches, clear water, and opportunities for fishing and wildlife watching. Harrison Water Adventures offers everything you need for fun on the lake, including the Jetovator — which lets you actually fly like the eagles that people flock here to see.
Illinois
Just southwest of Chicago, in Starved Rock State Park, Starved Rock Adventures rents everything from houseboats, to pontoons and PWC’s to complete your over-water exploration of the Illinois River.
Indiana
Tippecanoe Boat Company has a wide range of powerboats for your exploration of Lake Tippecanoe in Northern Indiana.
Iowa
This summer, vacation on a houseboat. They’re the RVs of the sea! (Photo: S & S Houseboat Rentals/Facebook)
One of the coolest ways to experience the Mississippi River is onboard a houseboat. S&S Houseboat Rentals in Lansing lets you do just that.
Kansas
Slide into your Lake Perry adventure with a Party Cat boat, complete with built-in slide. Lake Perry Yacht & Marina has those as well as big tri-toon boats that carry 15 people for a grand time on the lake.
Related: Where’s the Boat? Check Out the Transparent Kayak
Kentucky
From houseboats to pontoons and ski boats, Kentucky Dam Marina rents everything you need to make a splash at Kentucky Lake.
Louisiana
Get your Lake Ponchartrain party going with Cajun food, live music, and boat rentals of all sizes at the Dock at Slidell.
Maine
Whether you choose to see it fast or slow, a boat is the best way to see Maine’s Great Pond, known for fishing and amazing scenery. Great Pond Marina rents small runabouts, pontoons, and kayaks.
Maryland
Plenty of boats available at Tlighman Marina. (Photo: Tilghman Marina/Facebook)
See Chesapeake Bay from the comfort of your private boat. Tilghman Island Marina has everything you need, including crab and fishing gear rentals and powerboat training for the inexperienced.
Massachusetts
in Chatham, rents small sailboats and several sizes of powerboats for your explorations of Lower Cape Cod. They also offer sailing lessons to get you started.
Michigan
Start with Lake Macatawa, then head into the open waters of Lake Michigan your boat rental from Holland Water Sports. Water skis or a tube to pull behind your powerboat are no extra charge.
Minnesota
Kinsey Houseboats is how you explore the Minnesota wilderness. Dock the boat for hiking, or spend all your time cruising the unspoiled shoreline of Birch Lake.
Mississippi
Flip your Gulf Coast experience on its axis when you get off the beach and onto a pontoon boat rented from Biloxi Boardwalk Marina.
Missouri
You can even rent a boat with a built-in water slide! Seriously, what could be better on a hot day? (Photo: State Park Marina)
Branson is so much more than indoor entertainment. Step away from the music venues for a day on Table Rock Lake. Rent a pontoon, ski, or wakeboat from State Park Marina.
Montana
Flathead Lake is one of the largest natural freshwater lake in the Continental U.S. west of the Mississippi. Big Arm Boat Rentals and Rides offers motorized and non-motorized options that get you on the water and up close to the amazing beauty of Wild Horse Island.
Related: Love Floats: We Met on a Boat in the Pacific Ocean
Nebraska
Don’t let the name scare you — Big Mac Parasailing also has PWC and boat rentals to get you out on the waters of Lake McConaughy.
Nevada
Forgo the Las Vegas casinos and venture out onto the enormous waters of Lake Mead. Lake Mead Marina has speedboats, pontoons, and PWC’s to make a day on the lake a real adventure.
New Hampshire
Want to see Lake Winnipesaukee from the water? Fay’s Boat Yard has every option you could ask for, from fishing boats to sailboats.
New Jersey
Bridge Marina on Lake Hopatcong has three sizes of pontoons for rent, including luxury versions. Fish, swim, or just see the lake. New Jersey never looked so good.
New Mexico
Tubing on Navajo Lake is a perfect way to beat that New Mexico heat. (Photo: Navajo Lake Marina)
Northern New Mexico shares Navajo Lake with Colorado. With a boat rental from Navajo Lake Marina, you can feel like you aren’t sharing it with anybody. Find your secret spot on this enormous lake and enjoy your day.
New York
See the mansions and historical sights of Manhasset Bay with a boat from Long Island Boat Rentals. Choose from a tiny Boston Whaler to a luxury Sea Ray for your tour.
North Carolina
Ocean Isle Boat Rentals lets you explore the Intracoastal Waterway in style with a selection of pontoons, deckboats, and fishing boats.
North Dakota
Fishing boat and pontoon rentals are just one way to while your time at Woodland Resort on Devils Lake.
Ohio
Sandusky Bay, on Lake Eerie, is worthy of a water view trip. Clemons Boats offers up pontoons and ski boats for your adventure.
Oklahoma
We’re already mentally planning the awesome weekend we’d have with our best buds on this houseboat. (Photo: Evergreen Marina)
Lake Eulfaula offers opportunities for shore camping, water sports, and sightseeing. Evergreen Marina has choices of houseboats and pontoons. This is definitely a lake worth spending more than just a few hours exploring.
Oregon
SK Watercraft Rentals gets you on the Columbia River in style. Speed along on your PWC, ski boat, or pontoon. And after your water adventure, check out the Spyder and Segway rentals a land-based adventure.
Pennsylvania
Pocono Action Sports is how you see wonderful Lake Wallenpaupack. Cruise on a pontoon or let your speed demon loose with wakeboard boat or PWC.
Related: 8 Cruise-Ship Pools that Make You Say Wow
Rhode Island
Adventure Watersports lets you explore Rhode Island scenery at your own pace. Choose kayaks, power boats, or the extreme speed of a PWC.
South Carolina
Picnic on a barrier island or explore the Intracoastal with a boat from Tidal Wave Watersports. Don’t feel confident to manage docking and navigation on your own? Design a custom charter, complete with a licensed captain to take you where you want to go.
South Dakota
Want to take a boat out on the Missouri River? Cedar Shore’s got you covered. (Photo: Cedar Shore Resort/Facebook)
You can choose to see the Mighty Missouri River from shore, or you can rent a boat at Cedar Shore Resort and experience it like the explorers before you, only a little faster.
Tennessee
Jbeez Watercraft rents boats for use on any of 13 lakes in Tennessee. They bring the fun where you want it, whether you want the speed of a PWC or a lazy cruise on a pontoon.
Texas
Galveston Island has so many things to see and do that you might forget that the number one attraction is the Gulf of Mexico. Get out on it with a rental from Caribbean Breeze. Rent a pontoon, a PWC, or a ski boat. A basic boating lesson for novices is only $50.
Utah
Jordanelle Rentals at Jordanelle State Park is how you get a water fix just thirty minutes from Salt Lake City. Go fast or go slow. The choice is yours with kayaks, paddleboards, or ski boats and PWC’s.
Vermont
Woodard Marine gets you in the action on Lake Bomoseen with speedboats, fishing boats, and pontoons. Try out water toys like junior skis and kneeboards for rent, as well.
Virginia
This houseboat looks like a party and a half. (Photo: Parrot Cove Houseboat Rentals/Facebook)
Parrot Cove Boat Rentals on Smith Mountain Lake has all the rental options you need to enjoy a water vacation in the gorgeous Blue Ridge Mountains, including houseboats.
Washington
The Electric Boat Company in Seattle offers yet another way to explore the Emerald City. No boating experience needed. Bring your camera, your favorite tunes, and enjoy a three-hour cruise on Lake Union.
West Virginia
Get wild in the central portion of the state with a rental on Sutton Lake, where the scenery is purely wilderness. There are no homes or developments on the lake. Sutton Lake Marina has all the options you need for your adventure, including houseboats to extend your time on the water.
Wisconsin
Enhance your visit to Door County by boating on Lake Michigan. Sister Bay Boat Rental gets you on and in the lake with wakeboards, skis, and tubes to tow behind your rental.
Wyoming
Alcova Lakeside Marina turns your wild west vacation a little wetter and a little wilder. Go slow with a kayak or speed things up just a little with a pontoon rental.
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