Lake of the Ozarks boat rental prices

Boat types and what’s available

You can rent pontoons, party boats and self-drive fishing boats at Lake of the Ozarks. Most pontoons listed seat 10 to 12 guests; party boats also have a 10 to 12 person limit. The self-drive fishing boats in the price table list a 19 ft boat.

Most pontoon and fishing boat rentals here are self-drive, while some party boats include or offer a captain, so ask the operator before booking.

Booking is directly with local shops and marinas, not national boat fleets. A captain can be hired for a tritoon at $50 per hour at some operators, but self-driving requires a valid driver’s license as well as meeting Missouri licensing requirements.

• Pontoons: typically 10–12 guests
• Party boats: 10–12 guests
• Fishing boats: self-drive, 19 ft boat listed
• Captain option: available or required on some party boats, optional for tritoon at $50/hour

Understanding the rental prices

The price table above lists published rental prices checked October 14, 2026, from several local operators. Prices are by the hour or set durations such as 2, 4, or 8 hours and may vary by boat or day.

Pontoons are $350–$450 for 4 hours and $550–$650 for 8 hours. Party boat medians are $215 for 2 hours, $380 for 4 hours and $735 for 8 hours. Self-drive fishing boats are $200–$250 for 4 hours and $350–$400 for 8 hours.

Fuel is not included for most pontoons and party boats; you pay at the end by gallons used. For the fishing boats, fuel terms are not stated, so ask before booking.

Security deposits for party boats are $300 to $400. Some operators require a $600 deposit, refundable if no damage. If you hire a captain, that is usually $50 per hour extra. Some party boat prices are noted as starting rates; your quote may be higher for weekends or holidays.

• Fuel: paid extra on most boats
• Deposits: party boats $300–$400, some require $600
• Minimum hours: most boats 2–4 hour minimum
• Captain fee: $50/hour if taken, otherwise self-drive
• Quoted starting prices may rise for weekends or busy days

Rules for renting and driving

To drive a motorized boat here, if you were born after January 1, 1984, you need a Missouri Boater Safety Card or a temporary rental card from the operator. See Do you need a boating license in Missouri? The minimum age to rent or drive is usually 18 years old with a valid driver’s license, as required by operators.

No wake and idle speed rules are enforced in coves by the Missouri State Water Patrol. Permitted buoys must be followed and display permit numbers. Placing a buoy without a permit is a misdemeanor. Buoys must be maintained April 1–October 1. Alcohol is allowed on board, but impaired operation results in loss of deposit and law enforcement notification.

Operators require a valid driver’s license, a security deposit, and may issue a temporary boating license if you qualify. Most also charge separately for all fuel used. See the boat deposit and insurance guide.

• Missouri safety card or temporary card needed for many operators
• 18+ and valid driver’s license required
• No wake/idle speed zones enforced
• Impaired boating leads to deposit loss and report to law enforcement

Rental season and busy months

Boat rentals at Lake of the Ozarks are offered from March through October, according to operators.

The busiest months are June and July, based on search trend data. Book in advance during these months if possible.

Some operators may set higher rates for holidays or busy summer weekends, but no specific surcharges are published here. Always check the final price and booking policy.

• Open: March through October
• Peak demand: June and July (search trend)
• Holidays and weekends may have higher prices—ask when booking

Where boats depart at Lake of the Ozarks

Named pickup points include Village Marina, Still Water Bay Cove at Lake Shores Gas Dock, and Point Randall Resort. Operators use one or more docks within the marina complex.

If a specific dock is not listed, your booking confirmation will state where to meet the boat or captain. Most rentals start from a marina, not a public park launch.

• Village Marina (Camden on the Lake)
• Still Water Bay Cove at Lake Shores Gas Dock
• Point Randall Resort

Booking: platforms or direct

When you book with a local operator, you set price and rules directly with them, including captain, fuel, and deposit requirements. Local operators list their rates and policies clearly. If you book through a platform, there can be extra service fees and other terms.

Platforms aggregate listings from several owners but add their own conditions. For a comparison, see US boat rental hub, or read how hiring a captain works at renting with a captain.

If you do not want to drive, guided tours are an alternative with a captain and a set route, available from some operators.

• Local operators: set terms directly, deposit required, fuel policy clear at booking
• Platforms: more choice, added fees, different terms
• Tour option: book with captain, fixed schedule