Question 1

When do I show up for my boat rental?

Accepted Answer

Please arrive 31 minutes BEFORE your departure time to find parking, sign waivers, use bathrooms, and listen to our safety speech and operating instructions. This ensures you get your full time on the water, as we cannot extend rental slots for late arrivals.

Question 2

Where do I park for my boat rental?

Accepted Answer

Parking is extremely limited in Tahoe. We provide space for ONE (1) car per boat reservation in our private lot. Additional vehicles may use free street parking in front of our location, though it fills up quickly.

Question 3

How old do I need to be to rent a boat on Lake Tahoe?

Accepted Answer

North Lake Tahoe Boat Rental only rents boats to customers over the age of 21.

Question 4

Do I need a boating license for Lake Tahoe Boat Rentals?

Accepted Answer

No, a license is not required, though we recommend obtaining a California Boaters Safety Card. We provide a full safety and operation briefing before every rental to ensure you are comfortable. You can [get your California Boater Card here](www.californiaboatercard.com).

Question 5

Can I take my boat rental to a restaurant, beach or private docks?

Accepted Answer

No. We do not allow renters within 200 yards of shore, nor are they permitted to anchor, dock, or beach the boat without a hired captain. A $500 fine applies if excessive sand is found in the boat. To visit on-the-water restaurants, you may hire one of our captains.

Question 6

What should I bring and not bring for my boat rental?

Accepted Answer

Bring: Water, rub-on sunscreen, sunglasses, hats, swimsuits, towels, food, and layers. Alcohol is permitted for passengers only. Do NOT bring: Glass, Styrofoam coolers, messy foods (Cheetos, mustard), or pets (except on single-decker pontoons).

Question 7

Do you provide lifejackets?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we provide U.S. Coast Guard-approved lifejackets for all passengers, from infants to 4XL. Note that lifejackets are required for everyone under 13 and all passengers while jet skiing or tubing.

Question 8

What is your boat rental cancellation policy?

Accepted Answer

Cancellations made 14+ days in advance receive a full refund (minus a 6% booking fee). Within 14 days, you may receive a 50% refund or full credit. Day-of cancellations are only eligible for rescheduling or credit. If we cancel due to safety or weather (e.g., AQI over 201), a full credit or refund will be issued.

Question 9

Is fuel included in the rental price?

Accepted Answer

Fuel is not included in bareboat rentals; you pay only for what you use. However, fuel is included for 6-pack charters (like Sunset Cruises) and jet ski rentals.

Question 10

Do you allow dogs?

Accepted Answer

Dogs are only allowed on our Pontoon vessel. There is a maximum limit of 2 adult, fully potty-trained dogs.

Question 11

Can we swim or fish off the rental boat?

Accepted Answer

Yes, swimming is allowed provided one adult remains on the boat at all times. Fishing is also permitted, but you must possess a valid California or Nevada fishing license. [Purchase a CA license](wildlife.ca.gov) or [NV license](www.ndow.org) online.

Question 12

Do you allow watersports with boat rentals?

Accepted Answer

We provide a complimentary tube upon request with our speedboat rentals (except for our Budget boat). For pontoons, we offer lily pads as an optional add-on for $40. Please note that personal equipment is not permitted for use behind our boats.

Question 13

Can you help me plan my boat rental and trip to Lake Tahoe?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Our employees have created a comprehensive guide for activities both on and off the water. You can view the [North Lake Tahoe Boat Rental’s Guide to the Best of the Best on Lake Tahoe](northlaketahoeboatrental.com) to help plan your trip.

Question 14

What certifications, licensing, and awards does North Lake Tahoe Boat Rental have?

Accepted Answer

We are proud recipients of the 2023 and 2025 Bronze Medal for Best of Sierra Boat Rental. Our staff includes 6 MMC Merchant Mariners, 4 NSBC Instructors, and certified technicians for Mercury, Yamaha, and Volvo Penta. We also maintain over 1,400 5-star Google reviews.

Question 15

How many years has North Lake Tahoe Boat Rental been in business?

Accepted Answer

North Lake Tahoe Boat Rental has been providing experiences and rentals on Lake Tahoe since 2017.

Question 16

What boating certifications and licensing are your captains required to have?

Accepted Answer

All of our captains are required to hold a Merchant Mariner Credential through the United States Coast Guard. Additionally, all dockhands and administrative staff hold a Boaters Safety Card.

Question 17

What safety gear or equipment is provided?

Accepted Answer

We provide life jackets, GPS for safety, and all USCG-required safety equipment. Our entire fleet is inspected annually by the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary, and every rental includes safety and operating instructions.

Question 18

What associations is North Lake Tahoe Boat Rental a member of?

Accepted Answer

We are proud members of the [North Tahoe Tourism Association](www.gotahoenorth.com) and the [Marine Recreation Association](www.marina.org).

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