The Best Boat Rentals in Lake Wallenpaupack

Expect most standard pontoons and deck boats to run about $100–$200 per hour, with easy full‑day pricing around $350–$600 for basic models. Captained pontoon charters commonly start near $325–$450 for two to three hours, and premium or slide/tritoon options can be higher. Life jackets and required safety gear are included, while fuel, sales tax, security deposits, and optional tube or watersports add‑ons are usually extra. Holiday weekends and peak afternoons can price higher, so booking early and choosing weekday or morning slots is the best value.

You’ll find family‑friendly pontoons and tritoons, deck boats and bowriders for cruising and tubing, fishing‑ready runabouts, and fun extras like double‑decker slide pontoons or tiki‑style captained boats. Listings on the lake focus on comfortable powerboats that are easy for groups, with options for both self‑operated and captained outings.

Both are available. If you want to drive, Pennsylvania requires a Boating Safety Education Certificate for anyone born on or after January 1, 1982 when operating a boat with more than 25 horsepower, and all personal watercraft operators need one regardless of age. If you’d rather focus on hosting, captained charters are an easy, no‑stress choice and are popular for celebrations and larger groups.

Common pickup and launch points include the PFBC Mangan Cove Boat Launch on PA‑590 and Brookfield‑managed access areas at Caffrey Recreation Area, Ledgedale Recreation Area, Wilsonville Recreation Area, and Ironwood Point. Many rentals also stage from marinas such as Lighthouse Harbor Marina in Greentown or Pine Crest Marina along Route 507; your host will confirm the exact dock and parking details after you book.

The lake stretches about 13 miles with roughly 52 miles of shoreline, so expect long vistas, coves, and forested bluffs. You can cruise past the Tafton Observation Dike and the dam near Hawley, loop by Shuman Point Natural Area, and idle near the four public islands—Epply, Kipp, Burns, and Cairns—for classic photos. Keep your camera ready for bald eagles and other birds that frequent the lake, especially near the islands and quieter shorelines.

For motorboats over 25 horsepower, operators born on or after January 1, 1982 must carry a Pennsylvania Boating Safety Education Certificate; all personal watercraft operators need one, regardless of age. Out‑of‑state visitors can use any NASBLA‑approved boater card. The lake has no horsepower limit, but seasonal speed rules apply, including a 45 mph daytime limit on summer weekends and holidays and 25 mph after sunset. Your captain or rental owner will brief you on the basics during check‑in.

Yes—families are welcome. Rentals include Coast Guard–approved life jackets in a range of sizes, and most hosts require that children wear them while the boat is underway. If you’re bringing an infant, ask your host about sizing; some charters may ask you to bring your own properly fitted infant PFD. Safety briefings cover where life jackets and throwables are stored and how to use them.

Absolutely. Coolers with snacks, water, and your favorite beverages are common, and captained boats often have space for simple catering. For everyone’s safety, the operator must remain sober; boating under the influence is illegal in Pennsylvania. Many owners discourage glass on deck and ask that you pack out all trash. Your listing will note any brand‑specific rules about grills, red wine, or decorations.

Pet policies vary by owner. Some boats welcome well‑behaved dogs with prior approval and a cleaning fee, while others are pet‑free to protect upholstery. If pets are permitted, bring a non‑slip mat, a leash for docks, and fresh water, and plan extra time for a quick rinse and clean‑up before returning the boat.

Summer brings warm, calm mornings and the potential for brief afternoon pop‑up showers or thunderstorms. If conditions are unsafe—think lightning or high winds—most owners offer a weather reschedule or refund per the policy shown on your listing. To minimize weather delays and boat traffic, aim for a morning departure and keep your phone on for real‑time updates from your captain or host.

Yes, it’s one of the lake’s most popular uses. Captained pontoons, tritoons, and tiki‑style boats make hosting easy, with space for coolers, music, and swim stops. Share your headcount, date, rough itinerary, and any special touches like decorations or a cake when you inquire so your host can recommend the right boat, confirm capacity, and suggest smooth pickup windows and swim coves.

Prime boating runs from late May through early September, with peak crowds around Memorial Day, July 4, and Labor Day. Wally Lake Fest, scheduled for August 22–24, 2025, also brings extra boats and on‑water activities. Weekday mornings deliver the smoothest water and easiest parking; summer weekends and holiday afternoons are the busiest. From mid‑October to spring, many marinas reduce hours due to cooler water and lower lake levels, so availability is more limited.

Yes—Epply, Kipp, Burns, and Cairns Islands are popular daytime picnic and swim stops. Plan to anchor off the shoreline, pack out all trash, and respect any seasonal closures or posted buffers, especially near active eagle nests that sometimes affect Kipp Island early in the season. Your captain or rental host can suggest where to anchor and how to approach in light winds.