The Best Boat Rentals in Lake Geneva

In peak season, expect to pay about $200–$250 per hour with a two-hour minimum for standard runabouts and pontoons, around $400–$700 for a half‑day, and roughly $1,100–$1,400 for a full day. Rates are higher on weekends and holidays. Most rentals include safety gear and a quick orientation; fuel may be included for shorter outings but is sometimes extra on longer trips. Captained cruises are typically priced by the hour and often include fuel; plan for a customary gratuity for great service. Taxes and booking fees may be additional, and deposits are common in summer.

You’ll find family‑friendly pontoons and tritoons, sporty bowriders and deck boats for cruising and swimming, and ski/wake boats geared for towing. Small cabin cruisers and classic boats are sometimes available, and private sightseeing tours run on larger passenger vessels. Sailboat rentals are less common here than powerboats, so if you want to sail, plan ahead.

If you’re new to the lake, hosting a celebration, or visiting on a busy weekend, a captained charter keeps things effortless while you focus on your group. Self‑operated rentals are great for confident boaters who meet age and boater‑education rules and are comfortable with traffic, navigation markers, and no‑wake zones. Many companies require a captain for larger party groups; if anyone in your party plans to drink, book a captain.

Common departure points include the Riviera Docks on the downtown lakefront at 812 Wrigley Drive, the City of Lake Geneva public boat launch at 328 Wrigley Drive, the Williams Bay Municipal Boat Launch at 89 E. Geneva Street, and the Village of Fontana Municipal Launch on Lake Avenue near 200 Lake Street. These areas get busy on summer weekends and during events, so arrive early to allow time for parking and check‑in.

The shoreline cruise is the star: you’ll pass historic estates like Stone Manor and the Victorian‑era Black Point Estate, wooded bluffs and swim coves, and the charming villages of Williams Bay and Fontana. On clear days you can spot the domes of Yerkes Observatory above the treetops. In midsummer, you may also see the famed mailboat making deliveries along private piers.

Wisconsin requires a boating safety education certificate for anyone born on or after January 1, 1989, to operate a motorized boat. Visitors can generally use an equivalent, NASBLA‑approved certificate from their home state. If you book a captained rental or tour, you won’t need a certificate because a professional operator is at the helm. Bring a valid photo ID either way, and confirm any age minimums set by your rental provider.

Yes—families are welcome. Every rental should provide USCG‑approved life jackets sized for your group, with children’s vests available; request infant and youth sizes when you book. There must be one wearable life jacket per person on board, and a throwable device on boats 16 feet and longer. Many operators ask that young children wear a life jacket while underway; it’s a good best practice even when not required.

Most rentals allow you to bring snacks, picnic items, and sealed beverages. Coolers are fine, but glass containers and grilling are commonly prohibited. Keep it simple with easy, no‑mess options, secure everything while the boat is moving, and pack out your trash. If you’re booking a captained cruise, ask whether they offer catering or allow outside food.

Policies vary. Some rentals permit well‑behaved dogs on select boats, while others do not allow pets at all. If pets are allowed, bring a leash, a small towel, and water bowl, and avoid crowded festival dates when piers and docks are busier than usual. Always confirm pet rules during booking.

Summer brings warm temperatures and occasional pop‑up thunderstorms, with calmer conditions usually in the morning and breezier water in the afternoon. If unsafe weather is in the forecast, most operators will pause departures and work with you to reschedule or issue a credit; standard rain‑or‑shine policies still apply for light rain. Read the cancellation window before you reserve, and consider morning departures for the smoothest ride.

Absolutely. Pontoons and tritoons are ideal for groups who want to cruise, swim, and play music, and captained options make coordination easy. When booking, share your headcount, desired vibe (relaxed cruise or swim stops), and any must‑haves like a lily pad or specific pickup timing. For downtown departures, plan extra time for parking and group check‑in, especially on weekends.

Peak boating season runs from late May through September, with the warmest water and longest days from mid‑June to late August. Major holidays—Memorial Day weekend, July 4th, and Labor Day—sell out early and see the most lake traffic. Notable local events also impact availability and pier congestion, including Venetian Festival in downtown Lake Geneva (August 13–17, 2025) with a lighted boat parade and fireworks, and the Geneva Lakes Antique & Classic Boat Show at the harbor in Fontana (September 27–28, 2025). For a quieter experience and easier parking, choose weekdays over weekends and morning departures over afternoons.

Lake Geneva has a few one‑of‑a‑kind experiences. From about mid‑June to mid‑September, the century‑old mailboat tradition sees athletic “jumpers” delivering mail to lakeside piers as the boat idles past—fun to spot during a cruise. In August, Venetian Festival brings live music, a lighted boat parade, and fireworks over Geneva Bay that many visitors enjoy watching from the water. If you want to be on a boat for these, reserve well in advance, understand any safety zones or no‑wake restrictions, and plan an early arrival for downtown parking.