Your Guide to Renting a Boat, Kayak, Canoe, or Paddle Board in Grand County (Plus a Few Insider Tips if You Already Own One!)
Summer on the lake here in Grand County is as good as it gets. Surrounded by the Indian Peaks, Mt. Baldy, the Never Summer Mountains, and the Gore Range, being out on the water in the Three Lakes Region takes mountain living summer vibes to the next level. Whether you're on Lake Granby, Shadow Mountain Reservoir, or Grand Lake, you can't help but stop and soak it all in. Fresh mountain air, a cool breeze, and views for days keep those "dog days of summer" off your radar.
And if you're looking to get out on the water (motor or no motor, pontoon or paddleboard), local rental companies have you covered. I've put together all the resources you need to rent a boat, kayak, canoe, paddle board, or even an old-school pedal boat to make the most of our mountain lakes this summer. And I've thrown in some insider tips for those of you who already own a boat but want all the local information to make getting out on the lake that much easier!
HEADWATERS MARINA
Right in the heart of Grand Lake, adjacent to the town beach and across from Lakefront Park, Headwaters Marina is operated by the Town of Grand Lake. This is your laid back, quintessential Grand Lake rental spot: just roll up, no reservations needed. It's first come, first served for pontoons, powerboats for fishing, and those colorful pedal boats that likely caught your eye if you've spent any time at the town beach.
Beyond rentals, they also offer scenic lake tours and jaw-dropping sunset cruises. Most rentals are pet-friendly (pedal boats are the exception), with rates that include gas and taxes. They even have weekday specials that give you the 4th hour free if you rent for 3 hours! Keep in mind: towing is prohibited with rentals (think tubes, skis, wakeboards). Check out their rental options:
Speed boats: Rent a 16.5-foot, 60-horsepower aluminum powerboat with seating for up to 4 people to cruise out to some of Grand Lake's best fishing spots. Rate: $120/hour.
Pontoons: With seating for up to 13 people, a pontoon rental is perfect for a big group. Headwaters Marina pontoons all have Bimini tops for shade and rain protection. Rates: Small (seats 6) - $120/hr; Medium (seats 8) - $180/hr ; Large (seats 13) - $200/hr.
Pedal boats: Hop into one of these classic, colorful little boats for a leisurely cruise around the lake powered by your own two feet! Rates: 1-2 people - $35/hour; 3-4 people - $50/hour. Dogs have to stay on the shore for pedal boat fun!
GRAND LAKE MARINA/BOATER'S CHOICE
You'll find Grand Lake Marina on the other side of the town beach from Headwaters Marina. Tucked into the trees, the Grand Lake Marina has been around since 1972, coupling old-school Grand Lake charm with high quality, new boat rentals. The marina is home to Boaters Choice (the boat rental company) and The Wake Coffee Shop, so you can pop in to grab a cup of coffee or bite to eat before or after you head out on the water. The Wake is the only coffee shop in Grand Lake with lakeside seating (right off the marina dock), so it's definitely worth a stop!
Boaters Choice offers both motor boats and paddle sport options. Keep in mind - all rentals have to stay on Grand Lake (without heading over to Shadow Mountain Reservoir) and towing is prohibited. Here's what they have in terms of rentals:
Pontoons: 18', 20', and 22' Sylvan Mirage boats (seat 8-12 passengers) with shade canopies and bluetooth speakers. Rates start at $159/hr.
Fishing Boats: Boston Whalers and Lund Adventure options with seating from 4-6. Rates start at $95/hr.
Stand Up Paddle Boards: Hop on an 11' Badfish inflatable SUP to explore the lake. Rates start at $32.hr.
Kayaks: Choose from a single or double kayak. Rates start at $32/hr.
Canoes: If you're hoping to paddle a canoe around the lake, Boaters Choice is the only company on Grand Lake with canoe rentals! Canoes hold two adults and one child. Rates start at $42/hr.
TRAIL RIDGE MARINA
The only marina on Shadow Mountain Reservoir, Trail Ridge Marina is a local favorite since it gives boaters access to both Shadow Mountain and Grand Lake (through the canal under Rainbow Bridge). Shadow Mountain has plenty of beautiful scenery and wildlife (think osprey, eagles, moose, and deer) as well as some great islands for picnicking!
They rent pontoons and even have some fun themed boats like a pirate ship or tiki boat, adding a little flair to your time out on the lake! All rentals include life jackets and fuel (tax is extra). They offer pet-friendly and pet-free options. Reservations can be made for full day (8 hour), half day (3-4 hour), and sunset cruise (2 hour) rentals. on their pontoon boats. Boats range from 18'-28' and hold 10-16 people. Rates start at $400 for a half day and $725 for a full day. Check out their options and make your reservation here.
INDIAN PEAKS MARINA
If you've made the drive on Highway 34 to Grand Lake, you've likely noticed a distinctive, one-of-a-kind building that resembles the bow of a large ship. Home to Indian Peaks Marina & Restaurant, the location just off the highway with plenty of parking makes for easy, convenient access to Lake Granby. They offer pontoon boat rentals: give them a call to check on availability/pricing and make your reservation.
Enjoy a meal at their full-service restaurant with great views of the lake before or after you head out on the water. You can even order lunch at the restaurant and swing by the dock to pick it up!
BEACON LANDING MARINA
Beacon Landing Marina, located on the north shore of Lake Granby just five miles south of Grand Lake, offers pontoon boat rentals designed for easy, family-friendly lake days. Their pet-friendly pontoons accommodate up to 8 passengers per boat, making them ideal for small groups looking to fish, cruise, or explore the shoreline. Their pontoon boats are equipped with live wells, fish finders, canopies over the back half of the boat, boarding ladders, and anchors. If you're booking online, you can only reserve for 8 passengers, but give them a call if you have more in your party - they can usually work with you! Rates start at $215 for 2 hours and go up to $485 for a full 8-hour day (plus fuel + tax). Reservations can be made online through the marina’s website or by calling in advance.
WAKESESH
If you after a little more adrenaline than your average pontoon cruise, WakeSesh brings it! They’re the only option for wakeboarding, wakesurfing, and jet ski rentals on Grand Lake. They run sessions seven days a week from late May through September, and every booking comes with a driver who'll coach you through the basics, whether you've never stood up on a wakeboard or you're just looking to hone your craft.
If you're flying solo or don't need the whole boat to yourself, an individual session gets you on the water in a 3-hour window (morning, afternoon, or evening) for $245 per hour, and you may be paired with other riders. If you want the boat exclusively for your crew, a group session is the way to go: groups of up to 6 are included in standard pricing, with an extra $100 per person for anyone beyond that. Group rates run from $600 for 3 hours (1-3 people) up to $1,600 for a full 8-hour day (up to 8 people), and gas, a driver, coaching, life jackets, and wetsuits are all included.
They even offer the option for experienced drivers to captain their own boat, the only option for renting a boat to tow riders in the area!
Looking to just cruise the lake instead? Wakesesh also delivers jet skis right to Grand Lake. Rentals are 2-person Sea-Doos starting at $370 for 3 hours, up to $650 for a 6-hour/all-day rental (with multi-day options available too).
MOUNTAIN PADDLERS KAYAK SHAK
If you're looking to paddle on the water this summer, Mountain Paddlers is a go-to for rentals. They're set up right on the beach at Grand Lake in front of Headwaters Marina, and it's first come, first served: no reservations needed, so you can just show up, grab a kayak or paddle board, and go. Solo kayaks and paddle boards run $32/hour, tandem kayaks are $64/hour, and if you rent for two hours you get the third free. Early birds get a deal too: 10% off if you're on the water by 10 a.m.
One of my favorite things about renting from them is that you're not limited to Grand Lake - you can paddle right through the canal over to Shadow Mountain. It's such a peaceful way to see more of the area without needing a motorboat. And if you're into fishing, both lakes are known for good catches, so toss a rod in with you! The crew at the Kayak Shak is happy to point you toward the best fishing spots. Just leave the pup at home for this one (safety first out on the water!). Whether you're after a quiet paddle with mountain views or hoping to reel something in, it's a fun, easy way to spend an afternoon on the lake.
OWN YOUR OWN BOAT?
Get to know boat launches, slip and mooring options, fuel docks, and boat repair services to make the most of your time on the water!
Boat launches: If you're putting in on Grand Lake, head to the East Inlet Boat Ramp. Boats can launch onto Shadow Mountain at Green Ridge and onto Lake Granby at Sunset Point or Stillwater. *Check online to ensure boat launches are open when water levels are low!
Day-use boat docks: The Town of Grand Lake provides several public boat slips located next to Headwaters Marina free of charge for day use only. You can park your boat and head into town to explore Grand Lake's boardwalk and grab a bite to eat at one of Grand Lake's many dining options!
Slip/mooring rentals: If you'd like to store your boat on the water for the summer season, you can rent a slip or buoy on Shadow Mountain or Lake Granby. Trail Ridge Marina offers uncovered slips, but they currently have a wait list. It's definitely worth getting your name on the list in hopes of getting a spot in the next couple seasons! Indian Peaks offers covered and uncovered slips as well as buoy rentals, and Beacon Landing also offers slip and buoy rentals (with reservations opening up on March 1st of each year).
Fuel docks: Trail Ridge Marina, Indian Peaks Marina, and Beacon Landing all offer on-the-water fuel docks.
Boat repair + maintenance services: Indian Peaks Marina offers full-service boat repair and maintenance right on Lake Granby, making it a convenient go-to for local boaters. Their service team handles everything from routine maintenance like oil changes and winterization to more complex engine diagnostics, electrical work, and drive repairs for both inboard and outboard engines. During the boating season, they also provide launch, retrieval, and general on-lake support, helping keep boats running smoothly without needing to leave the lake for service. Beacon Landing Marina also offers smaller-scale boat maintenance and repairs. They offer practical, on-the-water boat repair and maintenance services designed to keep boaters up and running during the season. Known for their hands-on approach, they’re a convenient option for quick fixes, dockside support, and basic mechanical service while you’re boating on Lake Granby.
SOLD ON THE LAKE LIFE?
If you're sold on lake life here in Grand County, you're likely sold on mountain living and dreaming of a permanent view. Whether you're in the market for a full-time residence, vacation home, or investment property, there are a wealth of current listings in Winter Park, Fraser, Tabernash, Granby, Grand Lake, and Hot Sulphur Springs. Let's connect and find the one that floats your boat.
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