Boat Rental in Atlanta: Where to Go, What to Know, and How to Get on the Water

Atlanta might be landlocked, but it’s surrounded by major lakes and rivers that make boat rentals easy and accessible. Whether you live in the city or are visiting, you can get on the water within an hour’s drive in almost any direction.

This guide walks you through how boat rental works around Atlanta, the main lakes to know, typical costs, license and safety rules, and how to choose the right rental for your group.

Where Can You Rent a Boat Near Atlanta?

Atlanta doesn’t have large public boat rentals on the small city lakes inside the Perimeter, but three big lakes and a major river anchor most rentals:

1. Lake Lanier (Northeast of Atlanta)

Best for: Party boats, wake boats, family pontoons, lake bars and marinas.

• Distance from Downtown Atlanta: ~45–60 minutes (via I‑85 / I‑985)
• Main areas: Buford, Gainesville, Cumming, Flowery Branch
• Typical rentals:
  • Pontoons (very common)
  • Deck boats & bowriders
  • Wakeboard / wakesurf boats
  • Jet skis / PWCs
• Vibe: Busy on weekends and holidays, lots of coves, restaurants with dock access, strong rental market.

Lanier is usually the first choice for Atlanta boat rentals thanks to the number of marinas and rental operations around the lake.

2. Lake Allatoona (Northwest of Atlanta)

Best for: Quicker access from west/northwest Atlanta, family days, slightly calmer feel than Lanier.

• Distance from Downtown Atlanta: ~35–50 minutes (via I‑75)
• Main areas: Acworth, Cartersville, Woodstock
• Typical rentals:
  • Pontoons
  • Runabouts / bowriders
  • Some houseboats and fishing boats in certain marinas
• Vibe: Popular but smaller and generally less crowded than Lanier, especially on weekdays.

If you’re in Marietta, Kennesaw, or Smyrna, Allatoona is often the most convenient option.

3. Lake Oconee & Lake Sinclair (East of Atlanta)

Best for: Resort stays, golf and boating combos, quieter weekends than Lanier.

• Distance from Downtown Atlanta:
  • Lake Oconee: ~1.5 hours (via I‑20 East)
  • Lake Sinclair: ~1.75 hours
• Main areas: Greensboro, Eatonton, Milledgeville
• Typical rentals:
  • Pontoons
  • Ski / wake boats
  • Fishing boats and kayaks in some spots
• Vibe: More of a vacation lake feel, with resorts and golf communities.

These lakes are a good choice if you’re planning a full weekend rather than a quick day trip.

4. Chattahoochee River Rentals (Metro Atlanta)

Best for: Kayaks, canoes, tubes, and small craft rather than large powerboats.

• Areas: Sandy Springs, Roswell, Duluth, Suwanee, plus access points inside the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area
• Typical rentals:
  • Kayaks & canoes
  • Tubes and stand-up paddleboards (SUPs)
  • Small fishing boats in some stretches
• Vibe: Scenic, slower-paced, great for half-day floats and picnics.

If you’re near Sandy Springs, East Cobb, or Roswell, spending a few hours on the “Hooch” can be as simple as renting a kayak and using a shuttle service for pickup.

Common Types of Boat Rentals in Atlanta

Rental options vary by lake and marina, but these are the most common categories you’ll see around Atlanta:

Pontoons

Best for: Families, groups, relaxed cruising.

• Comfortable seating, shade, stable ride.
• Often available in standard (10–12 people) and larger capacity versions.
• Can be equipped for tubing if allowed by the rental company.

Bowriders / Deck Boats

Best for: Speed, tubing, and smaller groups that want to move around the lake quickly.

• More nimble than pontoons.
• Better for water sports like tubing or kneeboarding.
• Typically seat fewer people than large pontoons.

Wakeboard / Wakesurf Boats

Best for: Serious water sports.

• Designed to create a surfable or wakeboard-friendly wake.
• Often more expensive and may require more experience or even a hired captain.

Jet Skis / Personal Watercraft (PWC)

Best for: 1–3 riders, fun and fast, short-term rentals.

• Common on Lake Lanier, available less frequently on other lakes.
• Age restrictions are usually stricter for operating PWCs.

Houseboats

Best for: Overnight stays on the lake with a group.

• Available primarily on Lakes Lanier and Allatoona through certain marinas.
• Usually require longer rental periods (multiple days).

Non-Motorized Craft

Best for: Calm, scenic trips, low cost.

• Kayaks, canoes, stand-up paddleboards, and pedal boats.
• Most common on the Chattahoochee River and some smaller lakes and parks.

Typical Boat Rental Costs Around Atlanta

Prices vary by lake, season, and boat type, but you’ll usually see ranges like:

*Exact prices change by season, weekend vs. weekday, and holiday demand. Many marinas also add fuel, taxes, and damage deposits on top of the base rate.

Money-saving tips:

• ⏰ Weekdays are often cheaper and less crowded than Saturdays.
• 🕗 Half-day mornings can be more affordable than afternoons in peak season.
• 📅 Avoid major holiday weekends (Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day) if you’re on a budget or want quieter water.

What You Need to Rent a Boat Near Atlanta

Age and ID Requirements

Most Atlanta-area rental companies expect:

• A minimum renter age around 21–25 years to sign the contract.
• A valid government-issued photo ID (driver’s license or equivalent).
• A separate minimum age to operate the boat or PWC, often 16–18+, depending on the craft and company.

Policies vary, so always double-check when booking.

Boater Education & License Rules in Georgia

Georgia law has some age-based boater education requirements, especially for younger operators.

Common patterns around Atlanta lakes:

• Adults over a certain age can generally operate most boats without a boater education card, but are strongly encouraged to understand basic boating rules.
• Operators of a personal watercraft (jet ski) and younger boat operators often need to complete a Georgia-approved boater education course.

For official, current rules or to complete a course:

• Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) – Law Enforcement Division
  2070 U.S. Highway 278 SE
  Social Circle, GA 30025
  Phone (main DNR info): (706) 557‑3333

Rental companies typically know the current legal requirements and will tell you what’s needed for your age and boat type when you book.

Deposits, Insurance, and Paperwork

Most Atlanta-area boat rentals involve:

• Security deposit: Held on a credit card for potential damage (amount varies by boat).
• Rental agreement: Outlines fuel charges, late fees, damage policies, and where you can operate the boat.
• Fuel policy:
  • Some rentals are “plus fuel” (you pay for what you use at return).
  • Others build fuel into a flat rate for a set time.

Ask in advance:

• Whether insurance is included or available as an add-on.
• If you’re responsible for damage below the waterline, propeller damage, or towing fees.

Safety Rules and What to Expect on the Water

Life Jackets (PFDs)

On Georgia waters, including lakes around Atlanta:

• There must be a U.S. Coast Guard–approved life jacket for each person on board.
• Children under a certain age (commonly under 13) must wear a life jacket while the boat is moving.
• For kayaks, canoes, and SUPs, PFD rules still apply—even on the Chattahoochee.

Rental companies typically provide required life jackets. Check:

• If they have child and youth sizes available.
• Whether you can bring your own if you prefer a specific fit.

Alcohol and Boating

On Georgia lakes, boating under the influence (BUI) is treated similarly to driving under the influence:

• There are legal limits for alcohol while operating a boat.
• Enforcement is handled by officers from Georgia DNR Law Enforcement and local agencies.
• Sobriety checkpoints and safety inspections are common on busy weekends.

Plan for a designated sober operator just as you would with driving.

Common Local Safety Considerations

On Atlanta-area lakes:

• Holiday weekends are significantly more crowded; wakes are bigger, and visibility is more of an issue.
• Water levels can change, especially on Lanier and Allatoona; watch for shoals, sandbars, and submerged hazards.
• Weather can shift quickly in summer; if you hear thunder, head back early.

Many marinas give a quick safety and operation briefing before you leave—don’t rush through it, especially if you’re new to boating.

How to Choose the Right Boat Rental in Atlanta

When comparing rental options around Atlanta, focus on:

1. Distance From Where You’re Staying

• North / Northeast Metro (Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Buford):
  Lake Lanier is typically quickest.
• Northwest / West Metro (Marietta, Kennesaw, Dallas):
  Allatoona usually makes the most sense.
• In-town Atlanta (Midtown, Downtown, Decatur):
  Lanier and Allatoona are similar drive times; pick based on what you want to do.

2. Group Size and Activity

Ask yourself:

• How many people are going, including kids?
• Do you want to cruise, swim, sightsee, or focus on sports (tube/ski/wakesurf)?
• Do you need shade (bimini top), a ladder for swimming, or cooler space?

In general:

• Pontoons for 6–12 people, relaxed days, and mixed-age groups.
• Bowriders / wake boats for smaller, sport-focused groups.
• Kayaks / tubes if you prefer a calm float on the Chattahoochee instead of a motorboat.

3. Time of Day and Duration

• Morning rentals often have calmer water and fewer boats.
• Afternoon and evening can be more social but also more choppy and crowded.
• For first-timers, a half-day is usually enough to explore and get comfortable without feeling rushed.

Booking Tips for Boat Rentals in Atlanta

✅ Reserve early during peak season.
Summer weekends and holidays on Lanier and Allatoona book up quickly.

✅ Confirm what’s included.

Ask specifically about:

• Fuel
• Life jackets and safety gear
• Tube, skis, or wakeboard availability and extra costs
• Cleaning or late-return fees

✅ Plan parking and arrival time.
Popular marinas can have limited parking, especially around midday. Build in extra time to park, sign paperwork, load your group, and get the safety briefing.

✅ Know your departure and return dock.
Some lakes have multiple marinas; make sure everyone in your group has the correct address and directions.

Public Agencies and Resources That May Help

A few official resources can help you prepare for boating around Atlanta:

• Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR)
  Law Enforcement Division – Boating
  2070 U.S. Highway 278 SE
  Social Circle, GA 30025
  Phone: (706) 557‑3333
  Helps with boating laws, safety requirements, and boater education information.

• U.S. Army Corps of Engineers – Mobile District (for Allatoona and Lanier)
  Local project offices manage boat ramps, campgrounds, and some day-use areas around the lakes. Contact information is available through the Corps’ public directories.

• Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area (National Park Service)
  Manages many access points, trails, and river sections through metro Atlanta. Ranger stations can answer questions about river conditions, access, and safety guidelines.

These agencies don’t rent boats but provide rules, maps, and safety guidance that can make your rental day smoother.

Getting a boat rental in the Atlanta area mainly comes down to picking your lake, choosing the right kind of boat for your group, and understanding the basic Georgia boating rules. With a bit of planning, you can be on Lake Lanier, Lake Allatoona, Lake Oconee, or the Chattahoochee River enjoying the water in just a short drive from the city.