Orlando Boat Rentals: Your Ultimate Guide to Exploring Central Florida's Waterways
​Looking to rent a boat and explore the beautiful lakes and waterways around Orlando, Florida? This ultimate guide covers everything you need to know about finding the perfect Orlando boat rental for a memorable day out on the water.
Orlando is world-famous for its theme parks and attractions. But few visitors realize just how many pristine lakes and rivers are right on its doorstep! Renting a pontoon, fishing boat, wakeboarding boat or yacht is the perfect way to discover an entirely different side to Central Florida.
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Key Takeaways:
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Orlando has an abundance of scenic lakes to explore by rental boat
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Choose from pontoons, fishing boats, wakeboarding boats and yachts
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Butler Chain of Lakes offers the best location and views
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All necessary safety equipment is provided
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Experienced captains can be booked to guide your rental
Whether you're a boating novice or seasoned sailor, Orlando boat rentals cater to everyone. Keep reading to find the perfect rental for your needs, top locations to visit, what to expect, pricing information, and tips to plan an unforgettable day on the water!
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Find the Perfect Boat Rental in Orlando
With so many stunning lakes and rivers to explore, the first step is finding the right boat rental to match your travel party size, budget and sightseeing goals.
Orlando Boat Rentals offers pontoons, fishing boats, wakeboarding boats and yachts to suit solo travelers to large groups of 10+ people. Rent by the hour or full-day, with or without an experienced captain to steer you to the best spots.
Luxurious wakeboarding boats like the all-new 2022 Supra SA450 can reach speeds over 70mph for watersports enthusiasts. While spacious tri-toon pontoons like the Premier 310 offer more relaxed cruising for families and groups at a lower price point.
Having an expert guide who knows the lakes intimately is highly recommended for first-timers. This ensures you discover secluded coves and sights most tourists never see!
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Types of Boat Rentals in Orlando
The Downside of Pontoon Boat Rentals
Pontoon boats are extremely popular rentals thanks to their affordability, stability and generous seating. However basic pontoons have some downsides to be aware of:
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Top speeds only 15-25 mph – not fast enough for watersports
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No wake for wakeboarding or surfing
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Limited performance and handling in windy conditions
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Basic amenities and features
That's why it's worth paying a little more for a luxury rental pontoon boat in Orlando. These offer more powerful 150-250 HP engines, smoother rides, upgraded stereos and extra features like waterslides and swim platforms. Giving you the best of pontooning without the drawbacks!
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Luxury High Performance Watersports Boats
At the premium end, exciting watersports boats like wakeboarding and water skiing boats guarantee endless fun on your rental:
Wakeboarding Boats
These specialist boats create an intense wake for wakeboarding and surfing thanks to ballast tanks, customized hulls and powerful engines. Offering a thrilling ride even for watersports beginners!
Water Skiing Boats
Purpose-built for slalom skiing, barefooting and tricks, these nimble boats reach speeds over 50 mph with precision handling. Making them perfect for advanced skiers to hone their skills while showing beginners the ropes!
With room for over 12 people, luxury seating, waterslides and more, Orlando's watersports rental boats let you make unforgettable memories at an affordable price.
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Top Orlando Boat Rental Locations
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​​With over 100 lakes and rivers to explore within 1-2 hours of the city, deciding where to go can be tricky. Here are some of the most popular locations and routes to consider:
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Butler Chain of Lakes (The Best)
Comprising over a dozen interconnected lakes, Butler Chain is by far the most scenic and popular location. Offering varied sights, excellent dining opportunities on shore, and the convenience of launching from several marinas.
The protected waters also make this ideal for pontoon cruising with kids, groups, or watersports beginners looking to stay close to sheltered coves and islands.
While channels linking the lakes give watersports enthusiasts some nice straight stretches between turns to pick up speed. Just beware of other boats when venturing out to the more open sections!
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Other lakes in Orlando
Lake Maitland
Second to Butler Chain in popularity, Lake Maitland's extensive shoreline offers beautiful waterfront homes and secluded spots to drop anchor and relax. With a marina at its northern tip.
Johns Lake
Larger and less sheltered than Butler Chain, Johns Lake offers great views across open water. It also connects directly to Lake Maitland via a 1-mile canal for extended excursions.
Conway Chain of Lakes
This chain may be further from downtown Orlando but rewards with gorgeous scenery and fewer crowds. Comprising nine lakes spanning 20 miles, it offers non-stop vistas and almost unlimited exploring!
Lake Fairview
The closest lake to Orlando International Airport, Lake Fairview is surprisingly underrated. Its undeveloped shores and wooded islands provide front-row seats to an array of wildlife like ospreys, herons and bald eagles.
With an experienced captain or some local knowledge, lesser-known locations like Lake Fairview guarantee a more personal experience away from the tourist hotspots.
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What to Expect with Your Orlando Boat Rental
Reputable companies like Orlando Boat Rentals ensure every rental includes:
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Experienced Captains
Optional USCG-licensed captains to steer your rental boat takes all the stress out of navigating unfamiliar waters. Letting you sit back, soak up the amazing views and focus on fun times with family and friends instead!
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Professionally Maintained Boats and Equipment
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No one wants their dream day interrupted by mechanical issues or equipment failures. That's why the best Orlando boat rental companies invest heavily in professional maintenance and upkeep. Ensuring every boat looks fantastic and performs flawlessly trip after trip.
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Comprehensive Safety Measures
Don't take risks with substandard boats or lackadaisical safety standards. Reputable Orlando boat rentals like Orlando Boat Rentals provide:
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Life Jackets
USCG-approved life jackets for all passengers
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Safe and Comfortable Seating
Spacious, stable seating with grab handles for riders of all ages and mobility levels
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Emergency Equipment
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Fully-stocked first aid kits, fire extinguishers, horns/whistles, throw rings, and spare fuel all come standard. While mobile phones and marine radios ensure constant shoreside contact in case of unlikely emergencies.
With strict maintenance routines and extensive crew training, you can ride easy knowing safety is the top priority.
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Free Fuel and Included Amenities
The last thing you want is being nickeled-and-dimed with surprise charges at the dock. That's why Orlando's best boat rental operators include free fuel and basic amenities like coolers, ice, towels and Bluetooth stereos as standard. Letting you save money for activities like stopping for lakeside dining or drinks at sunset!
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Orlando Boat Rental Pricing and Booking
Price Ranges and Duration Options
Half-day pontoon rentals start around $400 while full-day rates average $700. Luxury wakeboarding and watersports boats cost more due to their advanced performance, ranging $700 - $1,500+ per day.
Most companies offer half-day morning/afternoon slots of 3-5 hours. Along with all-day rentals of 8+ hours for extended adventures.
Chartering the entire boat by the hour for private tours or events averages $195 per hour regardless of passenger numbers. Making this a very cost-effective option for groups looking to split costs.
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Booking Process: Phone, and Custom Requests
Orlando's best boat rental operators make booking hassle-free via phone and email. Simply browse the fleet online to decide which rental suits your needs, then call or email to confirm availability and lock in your preferred date.
Don't see your perfect boat or ideal cruise route listed? The friendliest companies gladly accommodate custom rental requests to create your dream itinerary!
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Customized Private Charter Tours by the Hour
Can't decide exactly where to explore or what to do? Private charters are the ultimate hassle-free adventure - with an experienced captain guiding you to carefully curated locations tailored to your interests and priorities.
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Stop to swim and soak up the sun on secluded beaches. Drop lines to fish protected coves full of bass and panfish. Search for exotic birds and wildlife in wooded wetlands. The possibilities are endless with a custom private charter!
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Best of all, most private charters include watersports equipment rental and basic amenities at no extra charge. So you can ski, wakeboard, tube or kneeboard to your heart's content for the entire duration of your cruise!
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Plan Your Perfect Day on the Water
Beyond just sightseeing, Orlando boat rentals unlock all kinds of exciting watersports and activities for the whole family to enjoy:
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Watersports Activities
Tubing
Bouncing over wakes while tightly gripping a giant inflatable tube is silly fun for kids and adults alike! Groups can even link tubes together to create massive rafts for even bigger thrills.
Water Skiing
Gliding gracefully over glassy water may look effortless but water skiing challenges your balance, endurance and technique. Luckily most wakeboarding boats have training bars and instructional videos to help first-timers get up on skis safely under controlled conditions.
Wakesurfing
Like a hybrid of surfing and skateboarding, wakesurfing has taken the watersports world by storm. By trailing a short surfboard-style board behind the boat you can "surf" the boat's wake wave just like an ocean breaker wave! It looks insanely cool and almost anyone can pick it up quickly.
Wakeboarding
The most extreme tow-behind watersport, wakeboarding blends snowboarding, surfing and gymnastics into an adrenaline-pumping challenge. Experts can flip, twist and spin mid-air off the wake while beginners simply focus on staying upright through turns! It's a must-try at least once.
Of course if you'd prefer to just relax, pontoon boats are perfect for soaking up scenic views at a leisurely pace. Many even boast waterslides, swim platforms and inflatable rafts to splash around right off the back of the boat!
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Fishing
Anglers are spoiled for choice with Orlando's lakes brimming with five different species of bass, plus panfish, catfish and more. Bring your own rods or many rental companies can provide gear and bait with advance notice. Just be sure to purchase a local freshwater fishing permit beforehand.
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Exploring Local Waterways
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Cruising narrow rivers and canals linking Orlando's lakes reveals exclusive waterfront homes, secluded beaches, protected wetlands and even the odd alligator or manatee sightings! You'll swear you've left the busy city behind.
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Seeing Wildlife
Herons, egrets, ospreys and bald eagles are common sights, while lucky travelers might spot river otters, bobcats or even Florida panthers! Seeing wildlife up close is a highlight for many boat renters. Be sure to bring binoculars and a zoom lens camera.
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Seeing Celebrity Homes on the Water
Orlando isn't all theme parks - many celebs also call the area home thanks to the year-round sunshine and ample privacy on the waterways. Don't be surprised if your captain discreetly points out a few luxury mansions owned by household names!
No matter your priority, Orlando boat rentals make exploring this surprising side of Central Florida convenient, comfortable and affordable.
Whether you're looking for a leisurely afternoon cruise or action-packed watersports adventure, purpose-built rental boats guarantee endless family fun with no experience necessary!
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Why Choose a Professional Orlando Boat Rental Service?
While cheaper peer-to-peer rentals or party boats might seem tempting, reputable companies like Orlando Boat Rentals offer huge advantages:
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Local Expertise and Guidance
Navigating unfamiliar waters or backing trailers can be daunting for first-timers. Professional captains alleviate all the stress - imparting insider knowledge of the best spots while taking care of launching, retrieving, refueling and cleaning - so you simply enjoy a full day of fun!
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Exceptional Customer Service
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From easy online booking to meticulous maintenance to friendly captains, the best Orlando boat rental providers offer exceptional service across the board. Helping create lifelong memories to cherish for years to come.
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Hassle-Free Experience
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Why risk reliability issues, safety hazards, hidden fees or strict limits with budget rentals? Reputable companies offer premium late-model boats, predictable all-inclusive pricing, and total trip customization so you're guaranteed an amazing hassle-free adventure from start to finish!
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Book Your Orlando Boat Rental Adventure Today
Escape the crowds and experience the real Orlando away from dry land - where pristine waterways, secluded beaches, and thrilling watersports await with just a boat rental booking away!
From leisurely sightseeing to heart-pumping watersports action, Orlando boat rentals cater to all interests, group sizes and budgets.
So don't wait - gather your crew, pick your perfect boat, and unlock memories to last a lifetime on your next Florida vacation!
Orlando Boat Rentals stands ready to deliver exceptional service, safety, reliability and value on your dream rental. Get your free quote or call (407) 349 8356 to get the ball rolling today!
Tours must be booked 24 hour in advance.
Florida Lake Tours offers luxury boat tours, boat rental, and private charter, all in the pristine waters of the Lake Butler Chain in the Windermere, Orlando area.
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Watersport activities include: Surf Wake, Surf Foil, Wake Foil, Wakeboard, Waterski, Ski, Slalom, Tubing, Boating, Fishing, Fishing Charter, Boat Charter, Boat Rental.