Indiana might be a landlocked state, but that doesn’t mean there’s any shortage of places to have fun in the water. There are many lakes, rivers and bodies of water around Indianapolis and central Indiana where you can rent a pontoon, tritoon, motor yacht, wave runner or other kinds of boats, whether for a couple of hours or the whole day.
Related Article: Where to Canoe and Kayak in Central Indiana
Did you know: You don’t have to hold a boating license to rent a boat, and you don’t have to have previous boating experience. Renting a boat is an easy way for a family to have some fun and adventure on the water!
The next time the weather is great this summer, head over to one of these local marinas where you can rent a boat.
Lake Monroe
Bloomington, Indiana
Paradise Rental Boats at Fourwinds Marina
If you plan to go big or stay home, Lake Monroe in Bloomington is the place to be. At Paradise Rental Boats, they offer different sizes of boats, including a pontoon, which fits 8 people, and a tritoon, which fits 12 people. You’ll also find deck boats and wave runners. If you really want to make it a party, you can rent a 35-foot double-decker yacht, which fits 18 people.
You must be 25 or older with a valid driver’s license to rent a boat. Each party must designate at least one “captain” who must complete a Rental Boat Safety Course and attend a Safety & Operation Presentation when you pick up the boat.
Geist Reservoir
11695 Fall Creek Rd., Indianapolis
Geist Marina rents pontoon boats for the day or the evening, beginning at 9 a.m., 9:30 a.m. and 10 a.m., and then again at 6:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. Prices depend on whether you choose a two-hour evening rental or an eight-hour daytime rental and range between $325 and $400 during the week. They also seat 10 to 12 people, so it can greatly reduce the cost if you choose to hang with another family.
Each pontoon includes a Bimini (shaded top), life vests for youth and adults (though you need to bring your own if someone is under 50 pounds) and a ladder, making it easy to get on and off the boat.
Bring your own fishing gear if you have a state Fishing license and plan to dock at the lake and go for a swim while enjoying the day.
You do have to be 25 years old or more to rent a pontoon, but you do not have to have experience. There are two required training videos and drivers must pass the Boater Safety Quiz before boarding.
Morse Reservoir Marina
20999 Hague Rd., Noblesville
Morse Reservoir Marina is under the same ownership as the Geist Marina, so the rules, prices, and requirements are similar. However, it should be noted that at Morse Reservoir Marina, there are no shades (Biminis) on the pontoons due to the low clearance at the Carrigan Road bridge.
Eagle Creek Marina
7602 Walnut Point Rd., Indianapolis
Families can rent kayaks for one or two people, canoes, stand-up paddleboards, paddle boats, and pontoon boats at Eagle Creek through Eagle Creek Outfitters & Adventure Post. Renting a pontoon boat for two to six hours will run you anywhere from $200 to $525. Capacity is four to seven people; however, they do allow renters to bring their dog.
Life jackets, Bimini tops and paddles (if necessary) are included. You must be 18 years old to rent a pontoon boat.
[…] now, my family can add “cruising the lake on a boat” to our list of water activities that we love. This summer, we rented a tritoon at Paradise […]