Remember when you were a kid and you got summer break every year and you lived for it? Taking a pontoon boat out on beautiful Lake Tahoe is that feeling, all wrapped up into one happy experience.
It just feels like summer should. Sippin’ beer on the sun deck; anchoring up for swim breaks in the crystal blue water; a cool breeze as you cruise past Emerald Bay.
We’re pretty sure a pontoon boat rental on Lake Tahoe is as close as you can get to turning back time.
Luckily, there’s plenty of places offering pontoon boat rentals around the lake. We’ve got a few favorites, but honestly, pontoon boat + good company + amazing destination = success.
Let’s Talk Boat Rentals
If you’re coming to Lake Tahoe, you already know that it’s a dream spot to rent a boat. Crystal clear water framed by 360-degree mountain views? Picturesque coves, smooth, granite boulders, stretches of sandy beach?
Whether you opt for a party boat, pontoon boat, or jet ski rental, getting out on the water is essential. Of course, there are a few must-know details. Lake Tahoe is huge—and having a general idea of the geography and weather patterns is important. Of course, you could always opt for a boat rental with a captain, and leave all the details to the experts.
In any case, let’s get into it.
Types of Boat Rentals
There are literally infinite boat rental options around Lake Tahoe. But we’re here to talk about a very specific option—party boats and pontoon boats. These bad boys are meant for larger groups, like family reunions, bachelor parties and beyond, where chilling in the sun, taking in the views & anchoring up to swim are the focus.
Party boats and pontoon boats aren’t the speediest boats on the water. If your plans are to traverse the lake, you’d be better off in something else. You won’t throw a big, surfable wake in a pontoon boat and you’re not going to get a thrilling ride like on a jet ski. You will, however, have the prime rig for cruising into Emerald Bay, finding a secluded stretch of coast and then grilling burgers, soaking it in from the upper deck or blasting music and drinking beer.
Most pontoon boats max out at about 13 people, while party boats can go up to nearly infinity. The right boat for your group outing will be at the intersection of price, location and size. Outside of that, you can’t go wrong.
Tahoe Sports: Party Boat
When your party requires a real deal party boat—this is the one you want. It goes well beyond pontoon boats and double deckers, fits up to 49 people and is complete with not one but two bathrooms and a kitchen. It’s the ultimate bachelorette, corporate retreat, wedding party or family reunion ride.
- 49-person capacity
- 4 hours: $3925
- 2 hours: $2100
- Captain & crew included
- Two bathrooms, full kitchen, catering available
You can’t talk about party boats in Lake Tahoe without talking about the Party Boat from Tahoe Sports. When the party extends beyond a small group, this (shall we call it yacht?) is the way to go. Super spacious and comfortable with ample outdoor seating, two restrooms, a top deck and sun deck, this is sure to make your Tahoe boating dreams come true. Best of all, captain and crew are included, so all you have to do is show up. Departs from the Tahoe Keys marina in South Lake Tahoe.
Got a big party? This is your boat! With space for up to 49 guests, a dedicated captain & crew, two bathrooms, tons of space, a full kitchen—and an easy South Lake Tahoe departure, the party is with Tahoe Sports. Book it now!
Battle Born Boat Rentals
Cruising out of the Tahoe Keys Marina in South Lake Tahoe is Battle Born Boat Rentals‘ beautiful, new double-decker pontoon boat. With space for up to 13 passengers, an upper deck, waterslide, shade cover and tons of comfy seating—this one is a winner.
- 13-person capacity
- 4 hours: $1300 – $1800
- 8 hours: $2000 – $2800
- Additional cost of a hired captain is required
- Waterslide, water toys & sound system
Pontoons are scientifically designed for sipping beer, swim breaks and blasting your favorite playlist. But, this ride also offers a ski tow bar and fish finder setup if you feel like some extra curricular activities. Otherwise, it’s perfect for motoring out to Emerald Bay, picking a calm spot to anchor and enjoying the very best of a Lake Tahoe summer with all of yours buds.
Departing from South Lake Tahoe, with room for up to 13 of your homiest crew, this half-day double decker pontoon boat Battle Born Boat Rentals is nothing but a good time. Private captain with all rentals!
Zephyr Cove Marina: The Weekender Pontoon Rental
There’s pontoon boats, and then there’s The Weekender. A 12-person, double decker beast of a boat complete with BBQ, water slide, bar area and a bathroom, it is, quite simply, the boat of all boats. Conveniently located at the Zephyr Cove Marina, this is a great rental option for anyone staying in the South Lake Tahoe area.
- 12-person capacity
- 4 hours: $1325
- 8 hours: $1950 ($244/hour)
- Additional fuel surcharge
- Water slide, BBQ, bar & bathroom
Signature of pontoon boats everywhere, The Weekender features spacious, open seating—but its the extras that we love it for. I mean honestly, can you imagine anything better than anchoring up in a secluded cove to grill burgers and sip margaritas in the shaded bar area? We genuinely can’t.
While you won’t be throwing a huge wake with The Weekender, you still have the convenient option of water toy rentals right at the Zephyr Cove Marina. Add a full day of water skis or tubes to your boat rental for rates as little as $40/day. You can also bring your own food and beverages to make the experience even more personalized.
Tahoe Wake Busters
Some people just know how to party, and Tahoe Wake Busters is one of ‘em.
More specifically, it’s their Double Decker Party Barge that knows how to party. Equipped with dual water slides off the top deck, a full sized grill and tons of pool toys and floaties, it’s halfway to a good time before you even leave the dock.
- 12 person capacity
- 4 hours (with captain): $1600
- 8 hours (with captain): $2800 ($350/hour)
- Tank of gas included
- Propane grill, dual water slides & top deck
Annnnd, for rentals out of South Lake Tahoe, the pontoon high life comes with a safe and knowledgeable captain in case you want to pack that color full of White Claws. (And you don’t even have to pack a cooler! There’s one of those onboard too.)
Floater with a Motor
If you’re lookin’ for pontoon rentals on the north shore of Lake Tahoe, Floater With A Motor is your spot. They’ve got two boats for rent—a double decker with a water slide and a speedy tritoon with plenty of shade.
- 12-person capacity
- 4 hours: $1400
- 8 hours: $1900 ($238/hour)
- Additional cost of a hired captain is required
- Waterslide, ski pole & tube rental
We love both of their boats for the hefty 150 horsepower engines. For a pontoon boat, they go pretty fast. If water sports like tubing, water skiing or wakeboarding scream fun to you, then that horsepower is almost as important as the water slide. Plus, the included tube rental, full tank of fuel and ski pole make all that activity even easier to enjoy.
Location wise, their north shore launch spots are ideal for exploring some of Lake Tahoe’s most beautiful hideouts and coves.
Lake Tahoe Boat Rides: Vivid Dreams Party Boat
Appropriately named, the Party Boat from Lake Tahoe Boat Rides is the biggest, baddest, floating party vessel in the Lake Tahoe basin. It’s comfortable for up to a whopping 35 people, making it perfect for wedding groups, bachelor parties, family reunions and beyond.
- 35-person capacity
- Captain & Crew included
- Hourly rate: $700 – $1000
- 18% gratuity for captain & crew
- Floating mat & bathroom
This party boat is equipped with all the goods, including a sprawling sun deck and comfortable bathroom, but the best amenity by far is that it comes with a captain and crew.
Their charters are the ultimate boating service—you don’t have to worry about a sober driver, navigating the lake or getting back to the dock on time. Instead, you’ll be able to enjoy the scenery with 34 of your closest family & friends (how do you even know that many people, by the way?) and sipping beer on a boulder while someone else worries about the anchor holding.
With space for up to 35 of your crew, a day on the “Vivid Dreams” party boat from Tahoe Boat Rides is the ultimate Lake Tahoe experience! Captain, Crew & on-board bathroom all included!
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All of these guys booked already? Most of Lake Tahoe’s marinas also offer pontoon boat rentals. (Plus jet skis, kayaks, paddleboards and powerboats. Like, really any floatation device you can imagine.)
The marina fleets lean towards more standard model pontoon boats, so you’ll be forced to ask yourself some tough questions. Is a dual water slide really necessary? Am I happy with bagged snacks, or do I require a freshly grilled burger on my Emerald Bay sojourn?
To each his own, but honestly—there’s no bad boat days in Tahoe.
Safety and Regulations
Please, please, please don’t underestimate the importance of safety when heading out on Lake Tahoe. Outside of the regular stuff—life jackets and first aid kits—you’ll want to pay attention to local conditions and regulations to be a responsible boater.
Start with weather and water conditions. In the summer, high winds pick up in the afternoon without fail. Make sure you plan ahead and are close to home if the weather shifts.
Follow all instructions from your boat rental company regarding boat speed, anchoring an waste disposal. Don’t litter, respect private property. And always, always have a sober drive. (Or, rent a captain!) Protect the things you love! And we promise, if it’s not already, Lake Tahoe will soon be one of them.
Okay. HAVE FUN.
