Rent a Boat on Lake Tahoe

Ancient rock formations, sparkling clear waters, and pine tree shores are usually what people have in mind when they think of the great outdoors—and that just so happens to be a picture of Lake Tahoe. This gigantic body of freshwater split between California and Nevada is known for being an epic west coast getaway in both the summer and the winter. While skiers and snowboarders flock to Lake Tahoe in the winter, summer here is a boater’s playground with dozens of beaches, resorts, areas for watersports, and waterfront restaurants. Whether you’re looking for leisure and an adrenaline rush of action, no matter which side of Lake Tahoe you find yourself in, there’s a Boatsetter rental to enhance your experience.

What to Know

When planning your boat rental outing in Lake Tahoe, consider these popular boat rental styles: 

• Pontoons are the perfect boat for any lake, whether you want to lounge, cruise, or party. Its open-deck design is perfect for your and your guest's maximum comfort.

• Ski boats and wake boats are great for travelers in search of thrill, speed, and sick tricks. Hop on one of these rentals with your most daring buddies to explore Lake Tahoe’s sports scene. Wake surfing boats are also available for rent and are great for new and experienced surfers alike.

Safety Requirements

California

• Boating License/Education Rules: You must be 16 years of age or older and in possession of his/her California Boater Card to legally operate a vessel powered by a motor of 15 hp or more, including personal watercraft (PWCs). 

• Persons 12 to 15 years of age may operate a vessel powered by a motor of 15 hp or more, including PWCs, if they are supervised on board by a person at least 18 years of age and in possession of his/her California Boater Card.

• There is no age restriction for operating a sailboat under 30 ft. long (with wind as the main source of propulsion) or a dinghy used between a moored vessel and shore or between two moored vessels.

• Life Jacket Requirements: Ages 13 and under must wear a PFD at all times on a moving vessel of any length. Children are not required to wear a life jacket when they are wearing a harness on a sailboat, when they are in an enclosed cabin, and when they are on a vessel during an emergency rescue. 

For more information, visit the California Department of Parks and Recreation. 

Nevada

• Boating License/Education Rules: Persons born on or after January 1, 1983 will need to have completed a boating education course to operate a motorboat of more than 15 hp on Nevada’s interstate waters. You must be 14 years of age to operate a personal watercraft (PWC).

• Life Jacket Requirements: Children 13 and under must wear a PFD.

For more information, visit the Nevada Department of Wildlife.

Where to dock your boat, or meet your rental:

• Ski Run Marina

• Zephyr Cove Marina

• Tahoe Keys Marina

• Tahoe City Marina

• Camp Richardson Marina

To learn more, be sure to read our Things to Do on Lake Tahoe!

Weather Conditions

On Lake Tahoe, summers here are warm and dry, and winters are very cold and snowy. Peak boating season runs between late June and late August, when air and water temperatures are at their warmest.

Avg. Temperature High: Peaks around 80°F in July 

Avg. Temperature Low: Around 26°F during December, January, and February 

Avg. Water Temperatures of Lake Tahoe

• 53°F in the Spring (March, April, May)

• 57°F in the Summer (June, July, August)

• 55°F in Fall (September, October, November)

• 54°F in Winter (December, January, February)