What would great Georgia mountain weather be without an opportunity to get out and enjoy the fresh air from a boat ride? Even if you don’t currently own a boat (or don’t want to pilot one), these local mountain lake rental shops make it easy to rent a boat for a fun day on the water with family and friends!

There are a handful of larger lakes and a larger number of smaller lakes in the Georgia mountains. You will find the most rental options on the larger mountain lakes like Nottely Lake and Lake Chatuge.

Map of Lakes in the North Georgia Mountains USA
Map of Lakes in the Georgia Mountains

Watercraft & Boat Rentals in the Georgia Mountains

For anyone who doesn’t want the trouble of keeping up with their own boat, these options to rent a boat can be the perfect solution to getting some time in on the water.

There are generally a handful of main types of boat rentals available: skiing / wakeboarding boats, fishing boats, pontoons / tritoons, jet skis, and non-motorized boats (e.g. canoes, kayaks). The best type of boat for you will depend on what activites you want to enjoy and how many people (or pets) will be in your group.

For a personal experience on the water, consider a jet ski that can seat 1 – 3 people. This is a fun way to get wet as you quickly jet around the lake. For something more relaxing (and much more economical), rent a canoe or kayak and use your own strength to paddle across the water.

For a day spent with a bigger group, choose a larger boat that has room for everyone. Skiing and wakeboarding boats can hold about 6 people on average, while some of the pontoon boats are large enough to accomodate 20+ people!

Consider the inventory at each rental shop as the types and sizes of rental boats available can vary a lot from one shop to the next.

Keep in mind that some businesses are seasonal and may only be open during the Summer season.

Boat Rentals at Blue Ridge Lake (Blue Ridge)

Check the Blue Ridge Lake weather forecast and spend a sunny day on this mountain lake near Blue Ridge.

Capt’N Joe’s Lake Adventures

This charter service on Blue Ridge Lake is a great option for someone who wants a relaxing lake tour or a guided trip to fish or swim. Or for an unforgettable date night, try a specialty charter that includes dinner from one of the local fine restaurants!

Charter Boat Rentals

  • Tours (2 hours from $55 / person)
  • Fishing, Swimming, or Tours
    • from $300 for half day (1 – 4 people)
    • from $500 for full day (1 – 4 people)
  • Specialty Charter
    • Dinner for 2 served on deck ($300)
    • Dinner for 4 served on deck ($500)

REVIEWS and SOCIAL MEDIA

  • FACEBOOK: @CaptainJoeandSue Rated 8 (5 Facebook reviews), 220+ Likes
  • TripAdvisor: Rated 5 (30+ TripAdvisor reviews)
  • YELP: Rated 5 (1 YELP reviews)

CONTACT and VISIT: Capt’n Joe’s Lake Adventures

 

Lake Blue Ridge Marina

Lake Blue Ridge Marina in Blue Ridge, GA
Lake Blue Ridge Marina in Blue Ridge, GA

Located on Blue Ridge Lake in Blue Ridge, GA. Maximum of 8 guests per boat. No pets allowed. Reservations are recommended – especially for busy weekends and holidays. Enjoy a stop at the on-site Boat Dock Bar & Grill (April – October) for food and alcoholic beverages.

Boat Rentals

Lots of different boat rentals are available including these rental options:

  • Pontoon (half day from $400 + surcharge)
    • Tube rentals may be added on
  • Canoe, Kayak, Paddle Boat, or Paddle Board
    • 2 Hours Single $45
    • 2 Hours Double $65
  • Holiday rates may vary

REVIEWS and SOCIAL MEDIA

  • FACEBOOK: @lakeblue.ridgemarina Rated 4.8 (80+ Facebook reviews), 4,350+ Likes
  • TripAdvisor: Rated 5 (200+ TripAdvisor reviews)

CONTACT and VISIT: Lake Blue Ridge Marina

Lake Blue Ridge Outfitters

Rent (or purchase) your kayak and accessory items at Lake Blue Ridge Outfitters in Morganton. River rentals are also available for fishing. Note that this business is seasonal and hours should be confirmed during off-season.

Boat Rentals

Rent these boats for a relaxing day on Lake Blue Ridge (or in a nearby river)! The store also carries PFD’s, paddles, accessories, kayak trailers, car racks, and more.

  • Kayaks
  • SUPs
  • Fishing Kayaks

REVIEWS and SOCIAL MEDIA

  • FACEBOOK: Rated 4.8 (25+ Facebook reviews), 740+ Likes
  • TripAdvisor: Rated 5 (5+ TripAdvisor reviews)
  • GROUPON: Rated 4.8 (17 reviews)

CONTACT and VISIT: Lake Blue Ridge Outfitters

Boat Rentals at Lake Burton

Lake Burton is a 2,775 acre reservoir with 62 miles of shoreline located in the mountains of Georgia in Rabun County.

Anchorage Boat Dock

Anchorage Boat Dock at Lake Burton GA
Anchorage Boat Dock at Lake Burton GA

Stock up on the essentials (including live bait) at the marina store and get yourself a lunch from the lakeside Take It On The Lake restaurant.

Boat Rentals

  • Weekend rates start at $265 for full day rental
  • Weekday rates start at $185 for half day rental
  • Paddleboards, canoes, kayaks, and more rentals also available

CONTACT and VISIT: Anchorage Boat Dock

LaPrade’s Marina

LaPrade's Marina Boat Rental Rates
LaPrade’s Marina Boat Rental Rates

This location in the peaceful west end of Wildcat Creek Cove on Lake Burton includes 3 restaurants and a store. Rent a boat that can carry up to 12 people around for a fun day on this gorgeous mountain lake!

Boat Rentals

  • Weekend rates start at $280 for full day rental
  • Weekday rates start at $175 for half day rental

REVIEWS and SOCIAL MEDIA

  • FACEBOOK: @thelapradesmarina Rated 4.4 (20 Facebook reviews), 1070+ Likes
  • INSTAGRAM: @laprades.marina 480+ Followers
  • TripAdvisor: Rated 4.5 (5+ TripAdvisor reviews)
  • YELP: Rated 4 (5+ YELP reviews)

CONTACT and VISIT: LaPrade’s Marina

Boat Rentals at Lake Chatuge (Young Harris)

Check the Lake Chatuge weather forecast and spend the best days on this scenic mountain lake near Hiawassee and Young Harris.

The Ridges Resort & Marina

There is no shortage of great options at The Ridges Resort & Marina on Lake Chatuge in Young Harris, GA. Book a room (or a 3-bedroom villa) for a pleasant lakefront stay or enjoy a day-trip full of your favorite activities. There are 3 different ways to take a boat out on the lake plus other great on-site options including Splash Island (seasonal) and waterfront dining.

Airboat Tours

Even if you’ve been on plenty of boat rides before, there is nothing that compares to the thrill of an airboat ride! Try an airboat tour enjoy the unique boat design that allows you to visit areas not easily accessible by other powered boats (and at much faster speeds). Call +1 (706) 970-9086 to reserve your space.

Aqua Tiki

The Aqua Tiki boat experience lets you sit back and relax as much as possible. This boat is fully equipped with captain, bartender, and includes complimentary draft beer, wine, soft drinks, & water. Grill, blender, and more available. Call +1 (706) 400-2069 to reserve the Aqua Tiki.

Maximum 6 people. No pets allowed. Send email to contact@aquatiki.net or visit online at aquatiki.net.

REVIEWS and SOCIAL MEDIA (Aqua Tiki)

  • FACEBOOK: @aquatikiga Rated 5 (65+ Facebook reviews), 2000+ Likes
  • TripAdvisor: Rated 5 (10+ TripAdvisor reviews)
  • YELP: Rated 4.5 (3 YELP reviews)

Boat Rentals

  • Kayak ($12 – $18 / hour)
  • Jet Ski (2 hours for $150 + fuel)
  • 24 ft. Pontoon or Tritoon (2 hours from $150 + fuel)

REVIEWS and SOCIAL MEDIA (The Ridges Resort)

  • FACEBOOK: @theridgesresort Rated 4.5 (429 Facebook reviews), 42863 Likes
  • INSTAGRAM: @theridgesresort 1882 Followers

CONTACT and VISIT: The Ridges Resort & Marina

  • Call: +1 (706) 896-2262
  • Address: 3499 US Highway 76, Young Harris, GA
  • GPS COORDINATES: (34.9290478,-83.8497276)
  • WEBSITE: theridgesresort.com

Boundary Waters Resort & Marina

Located on Lake Chatuge in Hiawassee, GA.

Boat Rentals

Lots of different boat rentals are available including these rental options:

  • Pontoon (2 hours from $190 + fuel surcharge)
  • Wakeboard (2 hours from $300 + fuel surcharge)
  • Jet Ski (2 hours from $145 + fuel surcharge)
  • Runabout (2 hours from $120 + fuel surcharge)

REVIEWS and SOCIAL MEDIA

CONTACT and VISIT: Boundary Waters Resort & Marina

Young Harris Watersports

This boat rental group not only has locations on 2 lakes, but they will also deliver to most of the nearby lakes in the Southern Appalachian states of GA, NC, and SC.

For the most flexible rentals and the best rental rates, visit Young Harris Watersports at the Lake Chatuge location in Hiawassee. If you prefer, have your rental boat delivered to one of 16 other local area lakes!

Boat Rentals

Lots of different boat rentals are available including these rental options:

  • Jet Ski (from $150)
  • Ski Boat (from $200)
  • Tritoon (from $200)
  • Wakeboard (from $250)
  • Kayaks and Paddleboards (from $10)

REVIEWS and SOCIAL MEDIA

CONTACT and VISIT: Young Harris Watersports

  • Call: +1 (706) 896-0834
  • ADDRESS: 2683 US Highway 76, Hiawassee, GA
  • GPS COORDINATES: (34.970014,-83.823252)
  • WEBSITE: yhwatersports.com

Boat Rentals at Lake Nottely (Blairsville)

Check the Lake Nottely weather forecast and spend a sunny day on this mountain lake near Blairsville.

North Georgia Watersports

At North Georgia Watersports on Lake Nottely in Blairsville, GA, the Sales and Service center is open year round, but the Marina and Rental Center are closed from November 1 – March 1. 

Rent a variety of boats for a half-day or full-day including pontoons, ski boats, and double-deckers with slide. Instructions and safety training are provided if towing is planned. Easily add a wakeboard, kneeboard, tube, combo skis, and other water sports equipment to your rental too. Other essentials like waterproof lake maps, towels, floating key chains, and many other items that can make your lake day more enjoyable are also available on site. Book a boat rental online or call +1 (706) 835-1222.

Boat Rentals

Lots of different boat rentals are available including these half-day rentals:

  • 20 ft. Pontoon Cruiser (4 hours from $295 + fuel surcharge)
  • 24 ft. Pontoon with slide (4 hours from $495 + fuel surcharge)
  • Jet Ski (4 hours for $225 + fuel surcharge)
  • Ski Boat (4 hours from $295 + fuel surcharge)

REVIEWS and SOCIAL MEDIA

  • FACEBOOK: @ngawatersports Rated 4.4 (35+ Facebook reviews), 1160+ Likes
  • INSTAGRAM: @northgeorgiawatersports 280+ Followers
  • TripAdvisor: Rated 4.5 (55+ TripAdvisor reviews)
  • YELP: Rated 3 (15 YELP reviews)

CONTACT and VISIT: North Georgia Watersports

  • Call: +1 (706) 835-1222
  • Address: 1733 Murphy Hwy, Blairsville, GA
  • GPS COORDINATES: (34.885414,83.9894807)
  • WEBSITE: northgeorgiawatersports.com

Nottely Boat Club & Marina

If no boat rental is needed but you are looking for a public launching site, try the nearby Poteete Creek Campground and stop in to the marina for your boating supply needs.

Well-behaved dogs are permitted on pontoon and tritoon rentals for a $100 Pet Fee. No more than 2 pets allowed per boat. Note that the number of persons permitted on rental may need to be adjusted for dogs.  Book a boat rental online or call +1 (706) 835-1222.

Boat Rentals

Lots of different boat rentals are available including these rental options:

  • Pontoon (4 hours from $195 + fuel surcharge)
  • Tritoon (4 hours from $295 + fuel surcharge)
  • Tube Rentals
  • Canoe, Kayak, or Paddle Board (2 hours for $20)

REVIEWS and SOCIAL MEDIA

  • FACEBOOK: @NottelyBoatClub Rated 4.9 (30+ Facebook reviews), 1600+ Likes
  • INSTAGRAM: @nottelyboatclub 650+ Followers
  • TripAdvisor: Rated 5 (85+ TripAdvisor reviews)
  • YELP: Rated 5 (4 YELP reviews)

CONTACT and VISIT: Nottely Boat Club & Marina

Nottely Marina

Enjoy this local favorite on Lake Nottely in Blairsville, GA. Pets are welcome aboard your boat rentals ($25 pet fee per boat). Reservations are recommended. Service is seasonal and runs from March – October.

Boat Rentals

Lots of different boat rentals are available including these rental options:

  • Pontoon (2 hours from $125 + fuel surcharge)
  • Jet Ski (2 hours from $125 + fuel surcharge)
    • 2020 Special: Rent 2+ Jet Skis and receive a 25% discount!
  • Canoe, Kayak, or Paddle Board (from $10 hourly)

REVIEWS and SOCIAL MEDIA

  • FACEBOOK: @nottelymarineinc Rated 5 (70+ Facebook reviews), 1380+ Likes
  • TripAdvisor: Rated 5 (75+ TripAdvisor reviews)

CONTACT and VISIT: Nottely Marina

Boat Rentals in the North Georgia Mountains
Boat Rentals in the North Georgia Mountains

Boat Rentals at Other Lakes

If you are looking for a boat rental at another lake, consider using one the Marinas that offers delivery services. Young Harris Watersports can arrange for some rentals to be delievered to places including Lake Blue Ridge, Lake Sinclair, Lake Seed, Lake Burton, Lake Rabun, Carters Lake, Lake Hartwell and more.

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Tips for a Great Day Boating

Your boat outing should be an easy and fun way to enjoy the scenic views of the North Georgia mountains. Planning to have a few things handy in advance will ensure everyone’s comfort during the day.

  • Sunscreen
  • Lip balm
  • Hats with strap / clasp
  • Quick dry SPF clothing
  • Boat shoes / water shoes
  • Water bottle (the boats are stocked with drinks though)
  • Oversized straw tote
  • Waterproof tote bag
  • Waterproof cell phone case
  • Medications
  • Polarized sunglasses
  • Hair scrunchies / ties
  • Beach towel
  • Swimsuit cover up


Also check out the post about Lakefront Rental Homes that Include an Optional Boat Rental.

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Where are you planning your next North Georgia mountain boating adventure?