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The Best Boat Rentals in South Lake Tahoe
Browse, book, and get out onto the water with local captains and boat owners.
Suggested Searches
Types of Boats Popular in South Lake Tahoe
Pontoons
Perfect for casual cruising, sandbar stops, swimming, and parties
$130-$390
Jet Skis
Fast, fun, and easy to operate, these are a guaranteed good time on the water
$100-$800
Tours
Explore local waters with a boat rental dedicated to sightseeing and exploration
$200-$900
Yachts
From mid-size to mega yachts, these luxury boats are great for groups and celebrations
$150-$900
Fishing Charters
Let a captain do the driving while you do the fishing
$200-$600
Wakeboarding Boats
A high-octane powerboat designed and outfitted for wakeboard towing
$250-$385
Kayaks
Who says you need a motor to have fun on the water?
$125-$350
Fishing Boats
Boats outfitted for fishing, from small inshore angling boats to deep-sea yachts
$200-$400
Houseboats
All the comforts of home out on the water, for multi-day boat trips
$350-$400
Diving
Explore the ocean depths with trained boat operators
$240
Recent Reviews in South Lake Tahoe
Julia
BEST OF TAHOE 2025- 21ft Bow Rider South Lake Tahoe
We could not have asked for a better boat captain. Not only was Jason so kind and friendly, he was so knowledgeable about the lake. He curated beautiful stops along the way and timed everything perfectly so we had enough time to enjoy each stop. I highly recommend Jason!!
MS
Marsela
BEST OF TAHOE 2025- 21ft Bow Rider South Lake Tahoe
When they say best in Tahoe, they’re not wrong! My family & I enjoyed our day with Jason from start to finish. He is so informative, patient (we had two little ones), & personable. We were reluctant to get our boat captained because we didn’t want any awkwardness, but he felt like a long time friend! We never felt unsafe during our boating experience. Will definitely be using him again.
SK
Sally
Enjoy Tahoe on this perfectly maintained beauty with all the options!
We had Heather captain our bachelorette party. Boat was clean and just as described. Heather communicated every detail prior to our trip, and was very patient and understanding with our group. We had so much fun checking out the best spots on Lake Tahoe. Definitely would rent with her again!
LS
Loren
Barge Tritoon Powered by 150 Hp Engine with Bimini Top in South Lake Tahoe
Had a great experience renting a pontoon boat from Max. The whole process was seamless as Max delivered the boat to our dock and picked up. Communication was stellar from the moment he confirmed our rental. Highly recommend renting from Max!
EC
Erika
NEW Wakesurf Boat on Lake Tahoe | 23 foot MB B52: the best wave out there!
Tyler was GREAT and Clay, our Captain was GREAT too! We went out for my Dad's 80th birthday and Tyler was accommodating when we had to start a little later because my Dad wasn't feeling well. There was supposed to be a lot of wind on the lake so he made sure we were able to safely board the boat and enjoy our time on the lake. Clay got us to all the spots we wanted, took us wake boarding and made it a great time. THANK YOU!
NM
Noah
Brand New Large WakeSurf Boat on Lake Tahoe - WakeBoard, Surf and Tube
This boat was awesome! I highly recommend! I was not excited about having a captain, but I am so glad we did. He knew all the cool spots for cliff jumping, boarding, surfing, and chilling. Captain CJ was awesome!
Top Boat Rental Locations in the United States
How To Book on Getmyboat
Browse
Find the right listing for you and your crew, with options for boat types, group size, captained or self-charter, and lots more.
Inquire & Book
Found one you like? Send a rental inquiry with your preferred trip details, and you’ll receive an offer from your captain to book.
Enjoy
Coordinate a pick-up place and time, meet your boat captain, and get out onto the water!
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to rent a boat in South Lake Tahoe?
Boat rentals in South Lake Tahoe typically range from $150 to $400 per hour. Pontoons and bowriders are on the more affordable end, while wake boats, cabin cruisers, and luxury charters with a captain tend to cost more.
What types of boats can I rent in South Lake Tahoe?
You can rent pontoons, bowriders, wake boats, jet skis, fishing boats, and luxury yachts in South Lake Tahoe. Many rentals offer tubing, water skiing, and wakeboarding gear as add-ons.
Can I rent a boat with a captain in South Lake Tahoe?
Yes, several rentals offer captained options, which are perfect for sightseeing, special occasions, or if you’re not comfortable operating a boat yourself. Captains are licensed and familiar with Lake Tahoe’s boating regulations and routes.
Do I need a boating license to rent a boat in South Lake Tahoe?
California does not require a boating license for renters born before January 1, 1983. Those born after that date must carry a California Boater Card. Captained rentals do not require any license or experience.
Where do most boat rentals depart from in South Lake Tahoe?
Most rentals depart from marinas like Tahoe Keys Marina, Ski Run Marina, and Timber Cove Marina. These are all conveniently located near downtown South Lake Tahoe.
What are the most popular boating destinations on Lake Tahoe?
Top boating spots include Emerald Bay for sightseeing and swimming, Rubicon Bay for crystal-clear water, and Sand Harbor for anchoring and relaxing. Sunset cruises along the west shore are also a favorite among visitors.
Can I go tubing or wakeboarding on Lake Tahoe with a rental boat?
Yes, many boats are equipped for water sports like tubing, wakeboarding, and water skiing. You can either bring your own gear or rent it as an add-on when booking.
Are there restaurants or bars accessible by boat on Lake Tahoe?
Yes, you can dock at places like The Beacon Bar & Grill at Camp Richardson or Riva Grill at Ski Run Marina. Many boaters plan their outings around a scenic lunch stop on the lake.
What should I bring for a boat day in South Lake Tahoe?
Bring sunscreen, towels, swimsuits, water, snacks, and layers—temperatures can drop quickly even on sunny days. A waterproof bag for valuables and a valid ID are also recommended.
When is the best time to rent a boat in South Lake Tahoe?
June through September offers the best conditions for boating. Midday and early afternoons are ideal for water sports, while late afternoons are great for sightseeing and sunset cruising.
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