Learn more about boating in the great state of Georgia, with a wealth of data gleaned from thousands of boat rentals.

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With over 329,000 registered boats and 140 public access boat ramps, Georgia is a beloved state for boating. Thanks to the reservoirs and waterways and the Atlantic coast, there are many fantastic locations to enjoy getting on the water in the Peach State, and it’s quite an affordable destination for cruising with your family and friends.

Several cities in Georgia stand out for their vibrant boating scenes and proximity to notable water bodies. This article delves into the top 10 boating cities in Georgia, ranked based on their connection to prominent water bodies.


About This Report

This report analyzes booking data from Getmyboat, the world’s largest boat rental marketplace, examining the top 10 boating locations in Georgia.

It contains proprietary boating data for each location, including the most desired vessel style for renters and average pricing. It discusses the distinct features that make each of these destinations boating hotspots and explores the maritime culture, amenities, attractions, and overall boating experience they offer.


About Getmyboat

Getmyboat offers charters and rentals, worldwide.

Launched in 2013 with the vision of making the joy of boating accessible to everyone, the company has since grown into the largest boat rental and charter marketplace globally, with over 150,000 listings in 184 countries covering 9,300 destinations.

By giving a platform to both individual boat owners and professional charter businesses, Getmyboat makes the experience of getting out on the water more accessible to everyone — from a weekend jet ski rental in the local lake to a vacation yacht charter to a bachelor party pontoon, and everything in between.


Our Methodology

To develop this report, Getmyboat analyzed recent boat rental data on Getmyboat. Cities are determined by the city that the boat owner registers the boat in within their profile on the platform. Data was curated to exclude outlier hourly and total trip rates while rental types were categorized into the significant categories to be evaluated in this report.


Georgia Boating Data

#1: Buford

Average hourly rental price

$103/hr

Average total trip price

$278

Deck Boats

Sitting on the shores of Lake Lanier, Buford secures the top spot on our list. This lake is a renowned reservoir in northern Georgia, spanning over 38,000 acres, offering ample space for various boating activities such as fishing, waterskiing, and leisure cruising.

Buford Dam Park is a beloved spot for anglers, where you can expect to catch Largemouth Bass, Striped Bass, Crappie, and Bluegill to name a few. Deck boats and pontoons are the most popular styles of boats here, and you can even find double-decker pontoons with waterslides to rent, perfect for a family outing on the lake.


#2: Savannah

Average hourly rental price

$314/hr

Average total trip price

$977

Yachts

Savannah, Georgia, stands out as a remarkable boating destination for several compelling reasons. Its historic charm, characterized by cobblestone streets, elegant mansions, and centuries-old oak trees draped in Spanish moss, creates a picturesque backdrop for boaters exploring its waterways. Sitting on the Atlantic coast offers boaters access to a diverse range of maritime experiences, from leisurely cruises along the Savannah River to adventurous excursions into the vast expanse of the Atlantic Ocean. Boaters can also explore nearby barrier islands like Tybee Island, known for its pristine beaches and vibrant marine life, making Savannah a haven for both relaxation and adventure on the water.


#3: Cumming

Average hourly rental price

$57/hr

Average total trip price

$495

Deck Boats

With its proximity to Lake Lanier, Cumming is another lakeside city that attracts boating enthusiasts during the summer months. Enjoy outdoor nature spaces on the lake in Cumming, including Mary Alice Park Beach, the Sawnee Mountain Preserve, and the Bald Ridge Creek campground. In Cumming you can find great deals on different types of boat rentals, including pontoons and powerboats for water sports and activities. Prices are very affordable, and most people rent boats for a half-day, 4-hour excursion on the lake.


#4: Gainesville

Average hourly rental price

$59/hr

Average total trip price

$265

Bowriders

Nestled between the stunning Blue Ridge Mountains and the shores of Lake Lanier, Gainesville is a great city in Georgia for boaters looking to enjoy the lake. From various launch points in the city, one can explore many waterfront parks and nature areas along the shores of Lake Lanier in Gainesville. The city sits on various inlets and coves of the lake, perfect for casual cruising or enjoying a fun day of water activities like waterskiing and wakeboarding.


#5: Acworth

Average hourly rental price

$125/hr

Average total trip price

$512

Pontoons

At #5 on the list, we encounter Acworth, a city renowned for its boating-friendly atmosphere, thanks to Lake Acworth, which flows into the larger reservoir of Lake Allatoona, a favorite boating spot in Georgia.

The lake has over 12,000 acres, providing ample opportunities for boating, fishing, and water sports. Acworth is the perfect jumping-off point to access the lake; here, you can find pontoon rentals to fit your whole family onboard, starting at just $100/hour.


#6: Cartersville

Average hourly rental price

$98/hr

Average total trip price

$425

Pontoons

A short drive away from Atlanta, the city of Cartersville's location on the northwest shores of Lake Allatoona adds to the city's appeal for boaters. Here you can enjoy outdoor exploration of Red Top Mountain State Park and other recreational areas on the shore of the lake. Some highlights of Lake Allatoona you can enjoy from Cartersville include the Allatoona Dam, Alcorn Cove, and Red Top Mountain Fishing Jetty.


#7: Lake Oconee

Average hourly rental price

$150/hr

Average total trip price

$600

Pontoons

Moving towards central Georgia, we encounter Lake Oconee, a reservoir known for great fishing and other water activities. There are luxury golf courses along the shoreline and plenty of coves and areas on the lake that are great for boating. There are four full-service marinas around the lake with all the amenities you’ll need, just don’t forget to get a Georgia state fishing license before you cruise out to make an epic catch.


#8: Lavonia

Average hourly rental price

$65/hr

Average total trip price

$450

Pontoons

Canyon Lake, accessible from Close to the border with South Carolina, Lavonia's proximity to Lake Hartwell positions it as a key boating city in Georgia. Lake Hartwell is one of the largest lakes in the southeast and is a great location for boating and water recreation. Enjoy the varied shoreline while you cruise around on a pontoon or powerboat, book a fishing boat to catch different species of bass and catfish, or enjoy a calm paddle on a kayak or paddleboard.


#9: Columbus - Chattahoochee River

Average hourly rental price

$100/hr

Average total trip price

$450

Pontoons

At number 9 on the list, Columbus, Georgia, stands out for its connection to the Chattahoochee River, providing 48 miles of water to enjoy by boat. Jet skis are not allowed on the river; here you’ll find smaller watercraft and quieter vessels like kayaks and paddleboards. It’s frequented by folks looking to float down the river on rafts in the summer months.


#10: Canton - Etowah River

Average hourly rental price

$125/hr

Average total trip price

$550

Deck Boat

And last but certainly not least, we have the city of Canton on the shores of the Etowah River. Here, you’ll enjoy the beauty of the North Georgia mountains while navigating gentle currents and discovering hidden coves along the riverbanks that flows into Lake Allatoona. Canton's proximity to Atlanta makes it accessible for day trips or weekend getaways, making it an ideal destination for anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and reconnect with nature.


In Summary

Georgia's top boating cities and locations are wonderful destinations for people looking to get out on the water. From expansive reservoirs like Lake Lanier and Lake Allatoona, to the coastal gems near Savannah, to scenic rivers like the Chattahoochee, there are many bodies of water worth exploring on your own vessel while in Georgia.


Citing This Report

Media professionals are welcome to utilize this data for journalistic reporting purposes, with a citation and link to Getmyboat. For any questions, or for any other data not found in the below report, reach out to pr@getmyboat.com. Our data and press team can provide further analysis, press quotes, and any other information needed for press stories.



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