Best Boat Rentals Near Phoenix, AZ
Labor Day Weekend Boat Rentals
Best Boat Rentals Near Phoenix, AZ
$50+
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★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 5/5 stars
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★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 5/5 stars
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★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 5/5 stars
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★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 5/5 stars
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★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 5/5 stars
Great boat my family had a blast for my birthday!
Stephanie
Apr 2025 -
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 5/5 stars
How to rent a boat in Phoenix?
Find the perfect boat
Enter your desired location and date to explore our fleet of boat, Phoenix, AZ, United Statess.
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Book with ease
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Set sail
Enjoy your day on the water with friends and family!
Rent a Boat in Phoenix
Phoenix, Arizona, and water experiences wouldn’t seem to go together, but in reality, the region is a boater’s paradise. Based in the Sonoran Desert, this thriving Southwestern United States city has plenty of land and water activities for all ages. Surprisingly, Phoenix is also located within an easy drive of several scenic lakes and rivers. The close proximity to these inland water destinations draws Phoenix area residents (and visitors) to explore a variety of popular boating activities.
What To Know
The greater Phoenix area boasts several lakes just a short drive from the city’s downtown. These inviting bodies of water offer a cooling respite from the region’s heat while accommodating boaters with different tastes.
Safety Requirements:
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Boating License/Education Rules: There are currently no mandatory boater education requirements for operators of recreational motorized boats in the state of Arizona.
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Life Jacket Requirements: 12 and under must wear a PFD.
For more information, visit Arizona Game & Fish.
Where to dock your boat, or meet your rental:
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Pleasant Harbor Marina
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Scorpion Bay Marina
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Saguaro Lake Marina
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Barlett Lake Marina
Learn more in about Lake Pleasant marinas.
Weather Conditions
The weather in Phoenix can be extremely hot and dry during the summer months, but very cool during the winter. The best time to visit Phoenix for boating and water activities is from late May to early August, and from late August to early October.
Avg. Temperature High: Peaks around 105°F in August
Avg. Temperature Low: Ranging between 45-66°F in December
Avg. Water Temperatures in Phoenix during the Summer:
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76°F in May
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92°F in June
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93°F in July
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89°F in August
Phoenix Boating Highlights
Phoenix is a city surrounded by beautiful rivers and lakes that get very warm during the summer months. When planning your next Phoenix boat rental, be sure to try some of these popular on-the-water activities and excursions.
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Things to Do in Phoenix by Boat
Freshwater Fishing in the Local Lakes
Several Phoenix-area lakes have become fishing hot spots. Before you can coax those crafty fish out of their lairs, though, you’ll need a boat to get you there. No problem, as you can easily find a boat rental on any of these local lakes. Lake Pleasant, Lake Encanto, and Barlett Lake are all popular lakes for fishing. To avoid disappointment, especially during the winter season, book your trip in advance.
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Moorage: Most, if not all of the local lakes, have docking options for fishing boats at the local marinas.
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Wake zonee: Yes
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Pro Tips: Phoenix is a great place to fish at any skill level. The fish you can expect to catch around Phoenix include Tilapia, Apache Trout, Bluegill, Largemouth Bass, and many more.
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Seasonality: Phoenix provides many year round fishing opportunities.
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Lat/Long: Lake Pleasant (42° 2.748' N, 87° 37.082' W); Lake Encanto (45°48′51’ N 84°44′56’ W); Bartlett Lake (41°56.089’ N 87°33.391’ W)
Jet Ski on Canyon Lake
Speed-loving boaters often gravitate to jet skis (or PWCs). These gasoline-powered machines are known for their speed and maneuverability, making them a favorite for zipping around places like Canyon Lake. With more than 950 surface acres of water to explore on Canyon Lake, there are endless opportunities for adventure.
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Moorage: Canyon Lake Marina has dozens of slips available.
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Wake zone: Yes
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Pro Tips: Aside from jet skiing, Canyon Lake is also ideal for anglers. The Arizona Game and Fish Department stocks the lake with fish from November through March.
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Seasonality: Canyon Lake is open year-round for boaters and jet skiers.
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Lat/Long: 33.5421°N, -111.4357° W
Swimming and Watersports on Lake Pleasant
Lake Pleasant is an artificial lake that covers 7,500 acres. Boaters and swimmers often come to Lake Pleasant to cool off and escape the brutal summer heat. Popular swimming spots include Humbug Cove, Fireman’s Cove, and Coles Bay.
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Moorage: Lake Pleasant has 3 popular marinas: Scorpion Bay Marnia, Pleasant Harbor Marina, and Lake Pleasant 10 Lane Boat Ramp
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Wake zone: Yes
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Pro Tips: Lake Pleasant is the second largest lake in Arizona, and just an hour from downtown. For the best raft-up experience at a party cove, head to the Humbug Cove.
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Seasonality: Lake Pleasant is open year-round, but we recommend visiting during spring and summer.
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Lat/Long: 33.8897° N, -112.2799° W
Where to Go Boating in Phoenix
Bartlett Lake
Beautiful Bartlett Lake, set in the Tonto National Forest, has 2,815 acres of navigable water surface. Ringed by the desert mountains, Bartlett Lake offers stunning views along with several popular water sports. The lake is a favorite destination for fishing fans, PWC operators, and kayaking enthusiasts. A marina operation also offers convenient boat rental options.
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Moorage: Bartlett Marina
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Wake zone: Yes
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Pro Tips: Camping is available directly on the shoreline around Bartlett Lake. Be sure to check shoreline water levels before planning your camping location.
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Hours: 9:00am-5:00pm Monday-Sunday
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Lat/Long: 33.8273°N, 111.6273° W
Canyon Lake
The Superstition Wilderness, about an hour’s drive from Phoenix, hosts stunning Canyon Lake. This scenic destination boasts eye-popping rock formations and imposing desert cliffs. Best of all, Canyon Lake offers numerous coves that make perfect fishing spots.
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Moorage: Canyon Lake Marina and Crane Mills Marina
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Wake zone: Yes
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Pro Tips: Canyon Lake is known for its beautiful shorelines, and red rock cliffs, so keep an eye out.
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Hours: Marinas are open from 8:30am-6pm
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Lat/Long: 33.5427°N, -111.43594° W
Lake Pleasant
The 10,000-acre Lake Pleasant is located about 40 minutes outside downtown Phoenix. This expansive reservoir has 100 miles of shoreline that attracts boaters, standup paddleboarders, and kayakers looking to relax and bond with nature. If you don’t have your own small craft, book a boat rental and explore the Sonoran Desert’s scenic beauty while you cool off from the heat.
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Moorage: 3 Popular Marinas: Scorpion Bay Marnia, Pleasant Harbor Marina, and Lake Pleasant 10 Lane Boat Ramp
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Wake zone: Yes
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Pro Tips: If you’re ready to take a break from the water, you can dock your boat at one of the lake’s marinas and hike the local trails, including Pipeline Canyon Trail, Roadrunner Trail and Visitor Center Trail.
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Hours: The lake is most enjoyed during the summer months between May and early October.
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Lat/Long: 33.8907° N, -112.2806° W
Check Out Additional Phoenix Boating Guides
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