Lake Mead Boating Guide - Getmyboat

Formed by the Hoover Dam on the Colorado River, Lake Mead is the largest reservoir in the United States in terms of water volume. It’s a fantastic body of water for boating and recreation, and it attracts visitors from all over who are traveling through the western United States. It stretches across the Nevada and Arizona border, covering over 112 miles at its lengthiest point.

The easiest way to get to Lake Mead is to take a flight to Las Vegas and rent a car, and it’s about a 40-minute drive to reach the lake. If you’re exploring the west on a road trip, make sure to incorporate a stop on Lake Mead for a day of cruising and soaking up the sun. It’s a great destination on a family trip or a getaway with friends, especially during the summer months.

There are many access points around the perimeter of Lake Mead. On the Nevada side, Las Vegas Bay and the Hoover Dam are accessible from the nearby city of Henderson. On the Arizona side, Bonelli Landing and Bay, Lake Mead National Recreation Area and South Cove are all great places along the lake to get access to the water.

Boat Rentals on Lake Mead

Because of its massive size and vast expanse, Lake Mead is a boaters paradise. You can find space to yourself even on busy, peak season days. Navigate around the lake and stop in different bays and pockets to anchor and go for a swim, or cruise up the Colorado River if you want to cover a lot of ground during your boat day on Lake Mead. Rent a boat to tour Lake Mead and see a lot of the gorgeous scenery. Pontoon rentals on Lake Mead are a popular choice, as are houseboats. To rent a pontoon on Lake Mead, it will cost around $500 per day.

Rent an Electric Boat on Lake Mead

A unique boating experience to try while on Lake Mead that is perfect for visitors with limited boating experience is a Duffy Electric Boat rental. These easy-to-maneuver boats are great for cruising along at a relaxed pace, seeing the sights of the lake at your leisure. They are the perfect boat rental for low-maintenance families and friends who want to enjoy the outdoors.

Seeing Lake Mead by Jet Ski Rental

Not everyone who visits the lake is looking to cruise around slowly. Some people want to fly through at top speed! Renting a jet ski on Lake Mead is the perfect way to do this, fulfilling your need for speed and getting to see a large area of the lake.

Lake Mead Watersports

The vast expanse of the surface area of Lake Mead makes it a paradise for water sports enthusiasts. Exciting activities like wakeboarding and wakesurfing are easy to enjoy in the bays and coves. You can rent equipment to take on your boat or book a charter to have a captain help you learn how to ride the wake like a pro.

One exciting and unique experience to have while visiting Lake Mead is flyboarding. This thrilling adventure involves shooting out of the water on a jetpack, simulating an experience that we only thought possible in futuristic science fiction movies. A flyboarding instructor will show you how it’s done so you’ll be soaring out of Lake Mead on like an expert.

Lake Mead Kayak Rentals and Paddleboard Rentals

While being on vacation is often a reason why we fall out of our regular routines, it doesn’t have to be an excuse for inactivity. Rent a stand-up paddleboard or a kayak and power yourself through the gentle waters of Lake Mead, enjoying some exercise on your trip. SUP enthusiasts will find this lake to be a beautiful location for paddling or yoga, surrounded by gorgeous rock formations and quiet bays. Guided kayak tours are also available if you don’t want to rent the equipment on your own. You can also rent canoes and paddleboats to explore Lake Mead with your family.

Fishing Trips on Lake Mead

Fishing charters and fishing boat rentals are an excellent choice for visitors to Lake Mead. Cast off and catch fish like largemouth and striped bass, crappie, and bluegill. On a full-service fishing charter, your license, bait, tackle and equipment rentals are all typically included, and a captain will take you to the best spots around the lake where they’ll be biting all day. If you’d prefer to venture out on your own, rent a center console fishing boat on Lake Mead and cruise out for the day. Don’t forget you’ll need a license from either Arizona or Nevada to fish on Lake Mead.

Accommodation around Lake Mead

To stay around Lake Mead, you have a lot of different options for accommodation so that you’ll never be sleeping far from the fun. You can stay in Las Vegas and visit Lake Mead on a day trip, but if you want to be out of the bright lights and temptations of Sin City, check out some of these lodging options closer to Lake Mead.

Hotels Near Lake Mead

The Hoover Dam Lodge is a fun, casual lodge hotel with an attached casino, a great place to stay on the Nevada side of Lake Mead. It’s much more affordable than hotels right in Las Vegas, and you’ll be close to all the fun that the lake has to offer.

The Westin Lake Las Vegas Resort & Spa is a luxurious accommodation option on Lake Mead. It’s a Moroccan-style hotel with stunning lake views, an outdoor pool, and a spa, the perfect place to kick back and relax if you’re searching for an indulging experience during your stay at Lake Mead.

On the Arizona side, the Boulder Dam Hotel is a stylish option with a restaurant and all the comforts and is close to interesting museums nearby. It’s not right on the lake, but it's just a 15-minute drive away.

Camping at Lake Mead

For families or travelers looking to connect with the great outdoors and enjoy camping during their visit to Lake Mead, there are plenty of camping options around the lake. A few sites include the Boulder Beach Campground, Lake Mead RV Village, Temple Bar Campground, and Lake Mead National Recreation Area. Camping sites around Lake Mead are well-equipped with all the facilities you’ll need like bathrooms and showers, and there are lots of different hiking trails and other activities you can enjoy during your stay.

Marinas of Lake Mead

If you need to visit a marina during your time on Lake Mead, check out Lake Mead Marina, Temple Bar Marina, and the Las Vegas Boat Harbor. The marinas have facilities and amenities for your boat, or you can inquire with the staff about boating tips for Lake Mead. You can also get helpful resources like maps at the marinas to make sure you don’t get lost.

Top Things To Do Near Lake Mead

Hiking enthusiasts will fall in love with the trails around Lake Mead. One spot to check out is the Historic Railroad Trail, where you can see old railroad cars, beautiful views of the lake, and you can take it to the Hoover Dam. It’s an easy hiking or biking trail, so it’s suitable for beginner hikers.

For an exciting adventure, book a Helicopter Tour while you’re visiting Lake Mead. Fly over the Hoover Dam and get a unique aerial view of Lake Mead and the stunning surroundings. You’ll be captivated by the stark contrast of the blue water of the lake against the deep red rocky shores.

A tour of the Hoover Dam Bypasses while visiting Lake Mead is an excellent way to get another view of the lake and learn about this historical piece of infrastructure. It was constructed during the Great Depression and is recognized as a Civil Engineering Landmark.

If you’re out in Arizona or Nevada enjoying all the beauty and fun that Lake Mead has to offer, be sure to tag us in your photos! Follow us on social @Getmyboat for updates, and use the #Getmyboat so we can see your awesome #boatday pictures. Download the Getmyboat mobile app to search boat rentals on the go.