12 Lake Tahoe Boat Rental Companies That Make Boating a Breeze

By Shanie Matthews | Tuesday, July 4, 2023

Renting a power boat allows you to unlock the full potential of Lake Tahoe, enabling you to traverse its expansive blue canvas at your own pace. From leisurely cruises along the shoreline to exhilarating watersports and fishing excursions, the options are as diverse as the wonders that Lake Tahoe beholds. To make your power boat rental experience as seamless as possible, this week's blog post is dedicated to 11 outstanding companies that excel in providing top-notch boat rental service on Lake Tahoe, ensuring your journey on the lake is nothing short of extraordinary. As a bonus, we also tell you about one in Truckee. Keep in mind that this list is not exhaustive; there are other companies out there, but this list is a good starting point.

Sunnyside Marina & Watersports

Tahoe City

Whether you're seeking the thrill of speed or the tranquility of a leisurely cruise, Sunnyside Watersports has you covered with their impressive fleet of power boats, surf boats and pontoon boats. For those craving an adrenaline rush, their top-of-the-line Cobalt boats provide the perfect vessel to conquer the waves and feel the raw power of Lake Tahoe beneath you. Safety is paramount at Sunnyside Watersports, and their friendly staff goes above and beyond to ensure your well-being on the water. Whether you're a seasoned boater or a first-time adventurer, they are committed to providing thorough instructions and guidance to ensure a worry-free experience. Need some inspiration on where to explore? Their knowledgeable team is always ready to offer suggestions on fascinating spots and hidden gems to discover throughout Lake Tahoe.

Tahoe Pontoon Charters

Tahoe City

Tahoe Pontoon Charters helps you see the lake from a different perspective. Whether you want to take a cruise with your own food and drink, bar hop to lakefront locations or just quietly explore the lake and stop for a swim, they have experienced captains to guide you. Or, if you're an experienced boater, you can take the pontoon boat out on your own. The boat is a 2022 24' Bentley and can accommodate 12 guests. 

Tahoe Jet Boats

Tahoe City

Experience the thrill of boating on Lake Tahoe with Tahoe Jet Boats, the provider of the safest boat rental fleet available due to their state-of-the-art jet-propulsion technology that sets them apart. Say goodbye to propellers and embrace a safer and more enjoyable experience for you and your loved ones. At Tahoe Jet Boats, they offer a diverse range of boats to suit your needs. Offering both speedboats and pontoon boats, Tahoe Jet Boats is set up to help you enjoy an exhilarating watersports adventure or a leisurely cruise.

Tahoe Sports

South Lake Tahoe

Whether you're seeking thrilling water adventures or enjoying the serene beauty of Lake Tahoe, Tahoe Sports has you covered. Dive into the excitement with their Jet Skis, parasailing trips, flyboards, paddleboards, pedal boats and water toy options. For the watersports enthusiasts, they also provide power boats specifically designed for water skiing and wakeboarding, guaranteeing an exhilarating experience. If you're looking to host a memorable gathering on the lake, Tahoe Sports has just the solution with a renowned 52' Harbor Master Party Boat. With ample space to comfortably accommodate up to 49 guests, this fully stocked and staffed vessel is the ultimate party venue. Whether it's a birthday celebration, corporate event or any special occasion, the Party Boat promises an unforgettable experience for all.

Battle Born Boat Rentals

South Lake Tahoe

If you are more comfortable with a captain than navigating a boat yourself, Battle Born Boat Rentals offers a 2021 Avalon Catalina Double Decker "Funship" that seats up to 13 people. In this stylish ship with slate teak flooring, a silver interior package with black accent vinyl and an upgraded blackout package, you feel like royalty stepping upon her deck. The boat comes set up with a Bluetooth six-speaker sound system, a waterslide, tubes for tubing, a paddleboard, a spacious upper deck, a Bimini top and a pop-up changing room. Outfitted with a Mercury 150 HP outboard, the boat also comes equipped with a Garmin Striker 5CV GPS Fish Finder and a ski tow bar. Half-day and full-day rentals are complete with an approved operator so you don't have to worry about a thing.

Lake Tahoe is one of those special bodies of water where the incredible clarity allows you to see far beneath the surface.

Tahoe Amore

South Lake Tahoe

Experience a touch of Venice in Lake Tahoe with Tahoe Amore's enchanting gondola and Venetian Water Taxi excursions. Step aboard the Vaporetto, the Venetian Water Taxi that revolutionized gondolas by introducing engines. These modern-day gondolas exude the same Italian charm while allowing for longer journeys and smoother rides, thanks to the skilled gondoliers at the helm. Whether you wish to explore more of the stunning Lake Tahoe or have a larger group to accommodate, the Vaporetto is the perfect choice. 

Rent A Boat Lake Tahoe

Tahoe Vista

When it comes to renting a boat on the pristine waters of Lake Tahoe, Rent a Boat Lake Tahoe is a name you can trust. With a strong emphasis on cleanliness and reliability, they take great pride in offering the cleanest and most dependable boats available, ensuring that your experience on the lake is nothing short of exceptional. For those seeking the utmost convenience and relaxation, they offer a VIP Captain Service. Upgrade your boating experience and let their friendly licensed captain serve as your guide on the water. Leave the navigating and safety concerns to them while you sit back, relax and fully immerse yourself in the stunning beauty of Lake Tahoe. If you're fortunate enough to have a house on Lake Tahoe, they offer multi-day rentals where they can deliver a boat directly to your private buoy or pier, granting you the freedom to enjoy a boat at your leisure. 

Tahoe Boat & RV Rents

Incline Village

This family-owned and -operated company has more than 20 years of experience renting boats on the North Shore. Their open-bow boats, ranging from 24' to 29', come fully equipped with sound systems and connectivity for all of your digital devices. You can also rent water toys like tubes, wakeboards and skis. You can choose to take a boat out on your own or hire one of their experienced captains to take you out for a guaranteed day of fun on the water.

Smiling is a part of the experience when enjoying Lake Tahoe with a powerboat. 

North Lake Tahoe Boat Rental

Tahoe Vista

With North Lake Tahoe Boat Rental, you'll have all the tools you need to experience Tahoe the right way, from savoring breathtaking views to accessing hidden gems that can only be reached by boat. They take pride in providing effortless boat rentals, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to enjoy Lake Tahoe's wonders from the water. With their convenient delivery service and reasonable rates, they strive to make the experience accessible to all. Whether you're a seasoned boater or a first-time explorer, they have the perfect boat for you to embark on your Tahoe adventure.

SWA Watersports

Homewood

With two convenient locations, SWA Watersports offers a wide range of options to cater to every water enthusiast. Whether you're seeking the thrill of Jet Skis, the excitement of wakeboarding or the tranquility of a leisurely boat cruise, SWA Watersports has got you covered. Their boat rental fleet features an impressive selection of 20- to 27-foot boats, accommodating up to 14 people. From family outings to group gatherings, there's a boat perfectly suited to your needs. But that's not all – SWA Watersports takes luxury to the next level with their charter services. Rent a yacht, pontoon boat or wake boat and let a licensed captain guide you around the lake, providing expert instruction on wakesurfing and wakeboarding.

Something special happens when a Tahoe sunset and a boat are brought together.

Tahoe Wakebusters

Stateline

Whether you're seeking an adrenaline-fueled day of wakesurfing, wakeboarding and tubing or a leisurely escape grilling and unwinding on a pontoon boat, Tahoe WakeBusters has the perfect boat and crew to cater to your desires. Their extensive fleet features a variety of boat options, including 10-person powerboats, 13-person pontoons, double-decker party barges and Mastercraft wakesurfing boats. No matter the size of your group, they can accommodate anywhere from 2 to 13 people on a single boat and even larger groups of up to 40 people or more with multiple boats.

Tahoe Waves

Truckee

As the go-to boat rental service based in Truckee, Tahoe Waves offers a wide array of options for watersports enthusiasts and leisure seekers alike. Tahoe Waves specializes in boat rentals for wakesurfing, wakeboarding, waterskiing and tubing. For those looking to relax and soak in the beauty of the lake, their pontoon and tritoon boats are perfect for touring or simply cruising in style. + Their rental fleet caters to a range of preferences and budgets, offering everything from high-end luxury to economical options for families on a budget. With powerful engines, bimini tops for sun protection and state-of-the-art stereos as well as the necessary safety equipment provided with each rental, their boats are set up for fun. As a family-owned business, Tahoe Waves takes pride in providing legendary service at a fair price. 

Photos courtesy of Sunnyside Marina


About the Author Shanie Matthews
A longtime Lake Tahoe local, Shanie is a freelance writer, Vinyasa Flow yoga teacher and positivity warrior. A true lover of the the gorgeous Tahoe region, she connects with the serenity of the mountains via skiing, biking and backpacking. She also believes in the gift of yoga and its way of allowing one to become his or her true best self, a passion she shares with the world with her online yoga studio.
Lake Tahoe Articles

Lake Tahoe Articles