Lake Chelan — Washington State
Lake Chelan
Boat Rentals
Pontoons, wake boats, jet skis, and more. Everything you need to plan a great day on the water.
All Boating Info →beExploring / Lake Chelan
Overview
Renting a boat is one of the best ways to experience Lake Chelan. The lake stretches 50 miles through the North Cascades with crystal-clear water, secluded coves, and mountain views that are hard to fully appreciate from shore. Several rental shops in Chelan and Manson offer a full range of watercraft — from relaxed pontoon cruises to wake boats for surfing and tubing.
Whether you're planning a family beach day, a watersports outing, or just want to explore the lake at your own pace, use the guide below to find the right rental shop and rental type for your trip.
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Rental Types Compared
Not sure what to rent? Use this table to compare your options by group size, skill level, and how you plan to spend the day.
| Rental Type | Best For | Seats | Skill Level | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pontoon Boat | Families & relaxing | 8–14 | Beginner | Cruising, swimming |
| Wake Boat | Wake surfing & tubing | 6–12 | Intermediate | Watersports |
| Open Bow Boat | Speed & flexibility | 6–10 | Beginner–Intermediate | Mixed activities |
| Jet Ski | Adventure & speed | 1–3 | Intermediate | Exploring quickly |
| Paddleboard / Kayak | Quiet exploration | 1–2 | Beginner | Shoreline exploring |
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Pricing Expectations
Rental prices vary by provider, boat type, and time of year. The ranges below are typical for the main summer season. Not all shops publish rates online, so call ahead to confirm current pricing. Several providers offer weekday discounts and half-day options — if your schedule is flexible, midweek rentals offer the best value. Holiday weekends like July 4th and Labor Day see higher demand and prices, so book well in advance.
Pontoon Boat
Half day typically $250–$400; full day $400–$600. Price varies by passenger capacity and provider.
Wake Boat
The most expensive rental on the lake. Full day rates typically run $600–$900+.
Jet Ski
Half day around $150–$300; full day $250–$450. Usually priced per unit.
Paddleboard / Kayak
The most affordable option. Half day typically $30–$60 per board or kayak.
Fuel
Most rental shops require you to refuel before returning, so budget accordingly. Gas bills can be over $200 depending on how far you run.
Deposit
Rental shops typically hold a credit card authorization at pickup, released on return assuming no damage.
Multiple Locations
Shoreline Watercraft
Shoreline Watercraft operates five locations spread around the lake, offering open bow boats, pontoons, jet skis, and paddleboards for full or half day rentals. A limited number of tubes are available to take out at no additional cost.
What to Know
- Five locations including spots in Chelan and Manson
- Tubes available at no extra charge (limited supply)
- Book early in summer — popular with families
Manson
Mill Bay Marine
Mill Bay Marine is located near downtown Manson and offers open bow boats and pontoons for full or half day rentals. A good option if you're staying on the north shore and want to avoid the busier Chelan waterfront.
What to Know
- Must be 21 or older to rent
- Manson location is quieter than the downtown Chelan rental strip
- Full and half day rentals available
Downtown Chelan
Lake Shores Watercraft & Boat Rental
Lake Shores Watercraft & Boat Rental is located near downtown Chelan and offers open bow boats, pontoons, a wake surf boat, and jet skis. They run deals for weekday mornings, which is worth checking if your schedule has flexibility.
What to Know
- Weekday morning deals available
- Wake surf boat in the fleet — good for watersports groups
- Located on the western Chelan waterfront near other rental shops
Downtown Chelan
Jet Skis Ahoy
Jet Skis Ahoy offers one of the most complete rental lineups on the lake, with wake surf boats, open bow runabouts, pontoons, jet skis, and paddleboards all available. A strong option if your group has different preferences or you want to keep options open.
What to Know
- One of the widest rental selections in Chelan
- Convenient waterfront location right on the rental strip
- Book ahead for peak summer weekends
Downtown Chelan
Chelan Parasail & Watersports
Chelan Parasail & Watersports offers boat rentals alongside their parasailing and water activity operation. Their fleet includes speed boats, pontoons, and paddleboards, making them a good option if your group wants to mix rental time with other on-the-water activities.
What to Know
- Also offers parasailing — good for mixed-activity groups
- Downtown Chelan waterfront location
- Multiple rental types available for different group needs
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Fuel Docks on Lake Chelan
South Shore
Watson's Harverene Resort Gas
Located next to Lake Chelan State Park and across the water from Manson, Watson's Harverene Resort operates a fuel shack open during the main summer season. One of the more reliable mid-lake fueling options on the south shore.
What to Know
- Open mid-to-late June through Labor Day
- Hours: 9AM–7PM, 7 days a week during peak season
- Early and late season hours may be shorter
South Shore
Kelly's Resort Gas
Located on the south shore, Kelly's Resort sells gas to both guests and visiting boaters. Hours can be limited so it's worth calling ahead before making the trip uplake.
What to Know
- Open to visiting boaters as well as resort guests
- Hours vary — call (509) 687-3220 before heading out
- Located farther up the south shore from town
South Shore
Twenty-Five Mile Creek State Park Gas
Twenty-Five Mile Creek State Park has a seasonal fuel dock located about halfway up Lake Chelan. For boaters heading uplake, this is the last fuel stop for roughly 25 miles until Stehekin.
What to Know
- Last fuel dock for about 25 miles until Stehekin
- Located about halfway up Lake Chelan
- Generally open daily Memorial Day through Labor Day
- Inside Twenty-Five Mile Creek State Park
Stehekin
Stehekin Landing Gas
Gas is available at Stehekin Landing at the far upper end of Lake Chelan. Stehekin is only accessible by boat or the Lady of the Lake ferry — a significant run from the town of Chelan.
What to Know
- Located at the far end of the lake — a full day's run from Chelan
- Hours and availability vary
- Only accessible by boat or the Lady of the Lake ferry
- Plan your fuel carefully before heading uplake toward Stehekin
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Tips Before Booking
Book weeks or months ahead for July and August. Holiday weekends sell out early — reserve online or call ahead rather than waiting until you arrive.
Morning water is typically calmer. Plan watersports or open-water cruising earlier in the day before afternoon wind picks up.
You don't need a boating license. The rental shop issues a temporary operator card and walks you through a safety briefing before you leave the dock.
Life jackets are provided. Washington State requires children under 12 to wear one at all times while on the water.
Ask your rental shop where the nearest fuel docks are before heading out — some areas of the lake are a long way from services.
Rental companies ask that you don't go past 25 Mile Creek State Park. The upper lake is off-limits for rental watercraft.
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Common Mistakes to Avoid
Waiting until you arrive to book. Walk-in availability is limited in July and August, and popular rental types fill up fast.
Heading out in the afternoon without checking conditions. Wind typically picks up after midday and the lake can get choppy quickly.
Missing no-wake zones. Chelan has strict enforcement near docks, marinas, and swim areas — pay attention to posted signs.
Drinking on the water. Washington State's BUI laws apply on Lake Chelan the same as they do on the road.
Ignoring age requirements. Most shops require renters to be 18 to 21 or older. Confirm when booking if you have a younger driver.
Not leaving enough time to fuel the boat at the end of the rental. There can be a line at the gas dock as everyone tries to fuel their boat rentals at the same time.
Water Temperature
Monthly average · °F
Twelve months of Lake Chelan
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