If you’re spending time in Vermont, renting a boat is a great way to see the state from a different perspective. But with so many different rental options out there, how do you make the right choice?
That’s where we can help! We’re going to explore 14 of the best boat rentals in Vermont. And whatever kind of trip you’re planning, we hope you’ll find the perfect solution.
So if you’re ready, let’s find out what’s out there!
Best Boat Rentals in Vermont
1. Woodard Marine, Hydeville, Vermont
Woodard Marine in Hydeville has a fantastic range of different boats to rent. Note that you’ll need to be at least 24 years old and have a boating license in order to operate any of their models.
If that’s not a problem, you can choose from fishing boats, standard, deluxe and premium pontoons, and deluxe runabouts. They’re available to rent on a daily basis, with a day’s rental starting at 9 am and finishing at 4 pm. Rent for multiple days and you can benefit from cheaper rates.
All the boats come with a full tank of gas. You’ll just need to fill up again before you return.
The biggest vessels are the premium pontoons. They’re actually tri-toons and they’re 23 feet long. They’ll carry a maximum of ten people and can be used with boards, skis and tubes. Those are available to rent separately too.
The standard and deluxe pontoons are both 22 feet long and will carry up to eight people. Note that the standard versions aren’t suitable for pulling tubes.
Anglers will like the 14-foot aluminum fishing boat with capacity for up to four people. And for speed, choose the deluxe runabout, a 21-foot open bow boat with a 200-horsepower engine. That’s suitable for up to eight people.
2. Champlain Classic Charters, Burlington, Vermont
If you’re looking for a charter experience in Burlington, check out Champlain Classic Charters.
Their fleet can accommodate up to eleven passengers in two boats. The Butter can host up to six, while the Peanut will carry up to five.
The captain and crew will be provided for you. Choose between a daytime and sunset excursion. Both are a standard 2 hours long, but can be extended to 3 or 4 hours for an additional cost.
Bring along your own food and drink for the trip. You’ll have access to multiple yeti coolers and 20 pounds of ice to store them in.
There’s also a Bluetooth stereo, so you can plug in your playlist. And you’ll get eight freshly laundered towels to dry off if you decide to take a dip.
3. Apple Island Marina, South Hero, Vermont
South Hero’s Apple Island Marina offers a choice of pontoon or non-motorized rentals to enjoy your time on Lake Champlain.
The pontoons come in two different sizes, carrying a maximum of eight or ten people.
You’ll be captaining the boat yourself. Operators born after January 1 1974 will need to be certified as having completed their home state’s Boat Safety Course. They’ll also need to be at least 18 years old and have a full driver’s license and credit card.
All rentals are for a half or full day. The half day slots run from 9 am to 1 pm or 1.30 to 5.30pm. The full day starts at 9 am and finishes at 5.30 pm. Go during the week for the cheapest rates. Fuel costs extra.
If you want to get closer to the water, canoe, rowboats and single and tandem kayaks can be hired too. Like the motorized vessels, you can choose between a half and a full day’s rental.
4. Red, Burlington, Vermont
Red offers private sailing on a classic yacht captained by an expert. Red is a 1969 Swan 43, and she is both elegant and comfortable.
The design allows the boat to be operated from the helm, so you won’t need to scurry around the deck during maneuvers! And if you’d like to, you’ll have the opportunity to take the wheel for a spell.
Two-hour sails are available, and they’ll be private for your group. There are a number of departures each day, as well as a sunset cruise.
All excursions include non-alcholic drinks, and you can bring your own food too. (Note that chips are banned, as they stain the deck.)
If you’re looking for something special, other options are available too. There are corporate days out and chances to take part in races. And the highlight is a biennial trip to the Caribbean.
 5. Sail Wild Air, Burlington, Vermont
Sail Wild Air offers charter sail boats on Lake Champlain in Burlington. This is another case where the captain will be provided for you – but otherwise, you’ll have the boat to yourself.
The Wild Air is a 32-foot Beneteau First yacht that sails out of Mallets Bay. It’s both nimble and large enough to be stable on the water. You can choose either to practise your sailing skills, or just relax and enjoy the ride.
Tours take in Burlington, Colchester and Vermont, or Plasttsburgh, Essex and Westport, New York. You can head out for 2 or 3 hours, or extend your trip for an additional fee.
Note that all passengers must be at least 12 years old and fully vaccinated against Covid.
6. Umiak Outdoor Outfitters, Stowe and Richmond, Vermont
Umiak Outdoor Outfitters offer a range of “car top rentals” from their stores in Stowe and Richmond.
Hire a canoe, solo or tandem kayak, white water kayak or SUP for the day or several days. If you’re just renting for the day, you can book online. For longer rentals, give them a call. There’s a slight reduction in the rate for the second day onwards.
All the necessary equipment will be included with your rental. You’ll get instructions on loading and unloading the boat from your car too. The staff will also be able to provide expert advice on where to paddle.
You can pick up your boat any time after the store opens, and you’ll need to return it before closing. The Stowe store is open from 9 am to 6 pm seven days a week. The Richmond store opens an hour later and is closed on Mondays.
7. Ladd’s Landing Marina, Grand Isle, Vermont
Head to Ladd’s Landing Marina in Grand Isle and you’ll find a great selection of powerboats and sailboats to rent.
You can rent your chosen boat for either a day, or for a six-day block. It’s recommended to book in advance, and you’ll need to pay a 50 per cent deposit. Note that operators will need to have completed a Boat Safety Course and must present the relevant certificate.
The boats on offer include 17-foot classic Boston Whalers, 17-foot center consoles, and 19, 21 and 24-foot pontoons. There are also 14-foot aluminum fishing boats and a 22-foot old Boston Whaler.
Note that insurance requirements mean you won’t be able to use any of these boats for towing or waterskiing.
If you prefer a sailboat, you’ll have the choice of a catamaran or daysailer. The former is a 14-foot Hobiecat Wave for up to four people. The latter is an elegant 23-foot Paceship Bluejacket, which will seat at least four people in comfort.
8. Point Comfort Boat Rentals, Danville, Vermont
Point Comfort offer a range of pontoon boats that are great for groups looking to spend time on the water.
They’re named after their colors (or, at least, their accent colors). You can choose from the 25-foot tan and 24-foot green boats, both of which will carry up to twelve people. There’s also a 21-foot beige boat, which will carry up to nine. And 18-foot pink or blue boats will carry up to eight.
The boats come with six gallons of gas. You’ll need to pay hefty deposits for damage and cleaning. But these are refundable if the boat is returned clean and undamaged.
Also on offer are rowboats, canoes, pedalboats and solo or tandem kayaks. Rowboats and kayaks can be rented by the day or half-day, canoes and pedalboats for a full day or hourly.
9. Waterhouses, Salisbury, Vermont
Head to Waterhouses Marina on Lake Dunmore and you can pick from a range of motorized and non-motorized boats.
You’ll have a choice of pontoons, carrying between 6 and 12 people, two-person pedalboats and small 2-Stroke fishing boats. All options except the pedalboats can be hired for a full day or by the hour. Pedalboats are hired out hourly.
Note that anyone born after 1974 will need a Boat Safety Certificate to operate any vessel. And if you’re renting a motorized boat, you’ll need a credit card too.
10. Whistling Man Schooner Company, Burlington, Vermont
Whistling Man Schooner Company offer tailored sailing experiences for those who charter their classic sloops.
The beautiful Friend Ship and Wild Rose are perfect for those looking for a touch of nautical romance. They feature detailed, carved woodwork, brass fittings and old-time rigging. And they’re perfectly suited to the environment of Lake Champlain.
Friend Ship is the larger of the two, with a capacity of up to twelve people. It also has a larger center deck and a table at which to eat. Wild Rose is very similar in other respects, but will carry only six people.
Day time and sunset cruises are available on both boats, and they include a professional captain. You can book online, and if there’s no availability for your chosen slot, you can be added to a waitlist.
11. North Hero Marina, North Hero, Vermont
If you’re in North Hero, you can rent a 21-foot Premier pontoon from North Hero Marina. It can be rented for a half day, day or multiple days. But in all cases, note that it must be back at the marina by 5.30 pm each day.
The half day slots run from 8 am to 12.20 pm, or from 1 pm to 5.30 pm. A full day counts as 8 am to 5.30 pm.
All boat operators must be at least 18 years old and have a full driver’s license. And those born after January 1 1974 must be able to present a valid boat safety card.
12. Up North Canoe and Kayak, Lamoille County, Vermont
Up North offer a range of options to rent their canoes and kayaks. You can rent for a day or multiple days. If you wish, they can drop the vessels wherever you’re staying anytime between 7 am and 4 pm. And they can arrange pick-up too.
All the kit is included with your rental. That means lifejackets, foam blocks, straps and paddles. If you need any other equipment, just let them know. Chances are they can provide it.
And if you’re in a group, they can offer discounts to keep costs affordable.
13. Reservoir Dawgs Kayak Rentals, Chittenden, Vermont
Reservoir Dawgs provide solo and tandem kayaks and canoes for use on the beautiful Chittenden Reservoir. You can also take them on the wildlife and birdwatcher’s paradise that is Lefferts Pond.
The non-motorized craft allow you to get close to the wildlife without disturbing it. And for a small extra charge, you can have your vessel taken to your chosen launch area.
There are a wide variety of solo kayaks to choose from, suitable for all skill levels. The rental fee includes taxes and paddles. And with kayak rental, it includes PFD too.
14. Vermont Canoe and Kayak, Jeffersonville, Vermont
If you want to explore the Lemoille River, Vermont Canoe and Kayak are a great choice. They offer a choice of SUPs, solo and tandem kayaks, and two and three-seat canoes. All are rented for a full day, and prices include paddles, lifejackets and a shuttle service.
There’s a choice of three different drop-off points offering 1.5, 2 or 3 hours of paddling. Well-behaved dogs are welcome on the boats too.
Private guides are available to accompany you on request. And if anyone in your party has their own canoe or kayak, they can transport it for them. A small charge is payable for the service.
Ready to Rent a Boat?
That brings us to the end of our look at the 14 best boat rentals in Vermont. We hope you’ve enjoyed finding out more about what’s on offer.
From sailboats to pontoons, powerboats to kayaks, there’s something here for every boating enthusiast. We hope we’ve inspired you to take a trip very soon!