Find the best boat rentals in Lake of the Ozarks
Top rentals in Lake of the Ozarks
Lake Ozark, MO
The chill boat! Comfy 35 feet of pure vacation. Includes USCG Captain!
Osage Beach, MO
28ft SS270 Lowe Tritoon, 200hp Motor and Ski-Bar, Perfect for Families
Rocky Mount, MO
Lucy 28 foot SeaRay V bottom cruiser
Rocky Mount, MO
USCG Captained - 29' Sea Ray - No worries
Osage Beach, MO
2004 Triton Summit 25' Tritoon - 150hp
Camdenton, MO
LOZ of FUN - USCG Licensed Captain Included in price. Pickup Possible
How to rent a boat in Lake of the Ozarks?
Find the perfect boat
Enter your desired location and date to explore our fleet of boat, Lake of the Ozarks, MO, United Statess.
Select a captain
Choose to drive yourself or select a USCG licensed captain.
Book with ease
Connect with your boat owner and complete your booking online.
Set sail
Enjoy your day on the water with friends and family!
Rent a Boat in Lake of the Ozarks
With 1150 miles of shoreline, this 54,000 acre lake in the middle of Missouri is one of the most popular boating hot spots in the world. At nearly 100 miles long and with an average depth of 130 feet, the lake is perfect for any type of boating, although the terrain around the lake can reduce the winds, and powerboats are the most popular type.
More than just a lake, the entire Lake of the Ozarks area is a vacation destination for boaters and landlubbers alike. However, the lake offers boaters an endless variety of beautiful beaches, natural coves, boat and home rentals, and water sports of every kind.
What To Know
Although the weather at Lake of the Ozarks is generally mild year-round, it does cool down in the winter months. Winter lows can drop into the 40s, making Spring to Fall the best times to visit. Summer temps can reach 90 degrees or higher, making the summer weather perfect for spending a day on the water. Some of the most popular boats in the area include –
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Pontoon and deck boats are common options for general cruising and exploring, sunset cruises, snorkeling, wakeboarding, and exploring the coastline. Bass boats and small aluminum fishing boats are also very popular since the lake offers anglers some great opportunities.
Unlike coastal destinations, boat sizes are generally limited to smaller cruisers and day boats, while ski boats, bowriders, and runabouts are also a common sight. The type of boat you choose for a day on Lake of the Ozarks really depends on the activities you have in mind.
Safety Requirements:
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The minimum age for operating any watercraft in the State Of Missouri is 14 years.
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All persons born after January 1, 1984, must possess a Missouri boating safety ID card, along with a photo ID to operate a boat or PWC.
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Life Jacket Requirements: Children under the age of 7 years must WEAR a personal flotation Device (PDF) at all times unless confined in a fully enclosed area.
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Visit the Visit the Lake of the Ozarks Water Safety Council to learn more.
Where to dock your boat or meet your rental:
With more than 7000 docks around the lake, there is no shortage of places to pick up or drop off people by boat
- Paradise Marina and Watersports
- Millstone Marina & RV Resort
- Lake Shores Marina Inc
- Kelly's Port
- Margaritaville Lake Resort Lake of the Ozarks
Weather Conditions
Located in the center of Missouri, the lake of the Ozarks area can get chilly in the winter months. Temperatures can occasionally drop down near 30 degrees, making it a little too cold for all but diehard boaters and anglers.
Summer temps regularly reach into the 90s, although rain is more common from May to October. However, rainy days are outnumbered by sun, and humidity is generally low all summer long.
Avg. Temperature High: August is typically the hottest month at 90°F
Avg. Temperature Low: December and January are the coolest with temps around 40°F
Avg. Water Temperatures in and around Lake of the Ozarks:
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75°F to 81°F in the Summer (June, July, August)
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40°F to 65°F in Spring (March, April, May)
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80°F to 55°F in Fall (September, October, November)
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35°F to 45°F in Winter (December, January, February)
Things to Do in Lake of the Ozarks by Boat
Cruise and Explore
With 1150 miles of shoreline, Lake of the Ozarks has no shortage of coves, beaches, and hideaways to explore as you cruise around the coast. The 93-mile-long waterway provides lots of places to stop and anchor up or get out and explore the area's incredible natural beauty.
There are also restaurants, attractions, and opportunities to try almost any water sport you can imagine just by stopping in at the dock and seeing what’s available. Although most of the activities near the shoreline are related to water sports, there are docks everywhere, and going from place to place by boat before walking a short distance to see something is completely possible
Fish, ski, wakeboard, or just take a lazy cruise and explore the views along the coastline as you take in all of the natural beauty Lake of the Ozarks has to offer.
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Location: Google Maps Link
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Closest boat ramp: Hopi Court Boat Launch, Pa He Tsi Boat Launch, Linn Creek Boat Launch
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Lat/Long: 38.14926° N, -92.64301° W
Visit Lake of the Ozarks State Park
For solitude and natural beauty, Lake of the Ozarks State Park is the perfect getaway from any parties, crowds, or traffic. Visitors can swim, fish, or cruise, or hit the beach and explore. The park has hiking trails, campgrounds, horseback riding, two public beaches, and 85 miles of shoreline.
The park also offers boaters a unique attraction - the lake of the Ozarks Aquatic Trail. This interesting attraction offers boaters a booklet and a path to follow by boat, with stops at marked buoys along the way where boaters will find explanations of the significance of shoreline highlights.
Whether you play on the water or explore the park on land, Lake of the Ozarks State Park has an incredible variety of activities to enjoy and natural resources to explore.
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Location: Google Maps Link
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Closest boat ramp: Channel Islands Harbor Boat Launch Facility in Oxnard
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Lat/Long: 38.10204° N, -92.59960° W
Fish in Lake of the Ozarks
Lake of the Ozarks holds an abundance of fish with species to catch, such as black bass, crappie, white bass, bluegill, muskellunge, and catfish. The lake offers anglers something to catch year-round since it rarely freezes over and consistently ranks in the top ten bass fishing lakes in the country.
Lake of the Ozarks has also been the source of a variety of record fish, including a 66-pound catfish, a 41-pound muskie, and a 40-pound freshwater drum. The lake is regularly referred to as a fishing paradise, and it’s easy to see why.
If you are new to fishing in the Lake of the Ozarks area, it might be a good idea to rent a boat with a captain or sign up for a fishing charter at least once to get the best possible experience. Both are also great ways to learn local fishing methods and possibly even some local hotspots or other secrets.
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Target species: Smallmouth bass, potted bass, black and white crappie, blue, channel, and flathead catfish, white bass, walleye, and bluegill.
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Seasonality: Although there are fish to catch year-round, May through September are the most active months – and the most comfortable. The lake rarely freezes, so there is something to catch here year-round.
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Boat selection: Anything you can fish from, but pontoons, runabouts, center consoles, aluminum fishing boats, and bass boats are popular.
Where to Go Boating in Lake of the Ozarks
Cruise the Niangua Arm
Lake of the Ozarks is made up of several “arms” or offshoots from the main body of water. The Naingua Arm includes several natural attractions, including Bridal Cave and Ha Ha Tonka State Park. Located on the Niangua Arm of the Lake of the Ozarks, Ha Ha Tonka features caves, underground streams, and natural bridges.
Ha Ha Tonka also features the remains of an early 1900’s stone castle built as a private residence until it was leased for use as a hotel. When sparks from a fireplace set the rook on fire, the castle was gutted and has remained empty since.
Also on the Niangua Arm, Bridal Cave is one of the most impressive scenic caverns in the country, with an incredible number of natural formations. Pull up to the dock and tour the cave, visitors center, rock shop, and much more.
There is much more to see and do on the Niangua Arm of Lake of the Ozarks.
Nearby Marinas: Salty Dog Marina, Villages Harbor Marina
Closest Boat Ramp: G and G Marina, Larry R Gale Access
Wake Zone: Many marinas and near-shore waterways are marked as No Wake Zones throughout Lake of the Ozarks. Pay attention to signs and buoys and, above all else, be courteous to other boaters, swimmers, and the area wildlife. When in doubt, slow down.
Hours: Although some of the state park visitor’s centers have operating hours, the lake is open at all hours. Boaters should observe nighttime speed limits throughout the lake.
Lat/Long: 38.04255 N, -92.82618 W
Cruise the Grand Glaize Arm
Another of Lake of the Ozarks “arms,” the Grand Glaize arm is less developed than the rest of the lake and also home to the Lake of the Ozarks State Park and other natural areas. The Grand Glaize arm is a great place for tubing, skiing, and wakeboarding. Visitors will find sandy beaches, access to hiking trails, and the Ozark Cavers.
Located at the west end of the Grand Glaize arm, the lake’s infamous Party Cove attracts a huge number of boaters who regularly raft up or anchor their boats and enjoy the sun and water. Whether you want to hang out with other boaters or keep to yourself and enjoy the natural surroundings, the Grand Glaize arm is a great place to spend the day.
Nearby Marinas: The Moorings Yacht Club, Bridgeview Marina
Closest Boat Ramp: State Park Boat Ramp, Pa He Tsi Boat Launch
Wake Zone: Many marinas and near-shore waterways are marked as No Wake Zones throughout Lake of the Ozarks. Pay attention to signs and buoys and, above all else, be courteous to other boaters, swimmers, and the area wildlife. When in doubt, slow down.
Tips: Some of the less traveled sections of each arm can have shallow water areas, so it is important to pay attention to channel markers and stay in the deeper water.
Lat/Long: 38.10301 N, -92.64413 W
Cruise the Lake of the Ozarks North Side
While the other arms of the Lake of the Ozarks are less developed, the North Side is filled with resorts and attractions. Waterfront restaurants are everywhere here, including Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville Lake Resort which includes 7 restaurants and bars.
Take a slow cruise along the North Side and stop at any one of the many lakeside resorts to try a meal, visit indoor waterparks, or stop in for an afternoon in the waterfront Village of Four Seasons. The small town provides even more opportunities to shop, walk, or dine while visiting the lake of the Ozarks.
Nearby Marinas: Salty Dog Marina, Toad Cove Yacht Club, Big Thunder at Glencove Marina
Closest Boat Ramp: Hopi Court Boat Launch, Shawnee Bend Boat Ramp, Coffman Beach Access
Wake Zone: Many marinas and near-shore waterways are marked as No Wake Zones throughout Lake of the Ozarks. Pay attention to signs and buoys and, above all else, be courteous to other boaters, swimmers, and the area wildlife. When in doubt, slow down.
Lat/Long: 38.18537 N, -92.67198 W
Dock-and-Dine at Lake of the Ozarks Waterfront Restaurants
Lake of the Ozarks is as much of a resort town as a boater's paradise. That means there are a huge number of waterfront restaurants and bars where boaters can sample the local fare.
There is a lot of waterfront dining in the area, but many great Lake of the Ozarks area eateries are just a short walk from a marina so while you are in town, be sure to check out:
Michael's Steak Chalet
- Address: 1440 Swiss Village Rd, Osage Beach, MO 65065
- Hours: Open Thurs 4:00pm-8:30pm, Fri-Sat 4:00pm-9:30pm, Sun 4:00pm–8:30pm
- Reservations: Accepts reservations
- Type of food: Steak, New American
- Dockage available: No
Lake House 13
- Address: 2 98 Oasis Circle, Sunrise Beach, MO 65079
- Hours: Open Wed-Thurs 12-8:00pm, Fri 12-9:00pm, Sat 10-9:00pm, Sun 10-8:00pm
- Reservations: Does not accept reservations
- Type of food: Pizza, burgers, vegetarian options
- Dockage available: Yes
Toad's Bar & Grill
- Address: 2325 Bittersweet Rd, Lake Ozark, MO 65049
- Hours: Mon-Wed 11:00am–11:00pm, Thurs 11:30am-1:30am, Fri 11:00am-12:00am, Sat 7:00am-12:00am, Sun 7:00am-11:00am
- Reservations: Accepts reservations
- Type of food: Traditional American, vegetarian options
- Dockage available: Yes
Shady Gators
- Address: 132 Sweet William Rd, Lake Ozark, MO 65049
- Hours: Mon-Sun 11:00am-12:00am
- Reservations: Does not accept reservations
- Type of food: Bar Fare
- Dockage available: Yes
Got questions?
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to rent a boat at Lake of the Ozarks?
Boat rentals at Lake of the Ozarks start at $56 per hour.
What makes Boatsetter different from other boat rental platforms?
What makes Boatsetter different is peace of mind. Boatsetter is the first and only boat rental marketplace to offer insurance on every peer-to-peer boat rental. We know choosing the right boat rental platform is essential to your experience while on the water. That's why we've gone the extra mile to focus on safety through our exclusive partnership with GEICO Marine and BoatUS. As the first and only boat rental marketplace to offer insurance on every peer-to-peer rental, you are protected during all rentals with insurance coverage and on-water assistance through TowBoatUS.
How to rent a boat on Boatsetter?
At Boatsetter, our mission is to make getting out on the water as easy as possible. With our intuitive booking system, you can rent a boat as soon as today. -First, you must determine your budget and the type of boat you want to rent. -Next, decide where you would like to boat and the kind of boat you would like to spend the day on. -Finally, determine if you will be needing a boat captain and reach out to the boat owner. That's it! You're officially on your way to a fantastic day out on the water.
How many people can fit on the boat rental?
The number of people who can fit on boat rental largely depends on the boat's size and how many life jackets are on board. Currently the coast guard allows a maximum of 10-12 people on a Boatsetter boat rental.
How much does it cost to rent a yacht?
The cost of renting a yacht depends on the boat's size and the amount of time you'll use the yacht. The onboard amenities and luxurious accommodations also dictate the price. You can contact our yacht specialists for a custom quote by visiting: https://www.boatsetter.com/luxury-yacht-charters
How old do you have to be to rent a boat?
You must be 18 years old to rent a captained boat and 25 years old if you would like to rent a bareboat charter.
Do I need a boating license to rent a boat?
Boating license requirements vary from state to state. As a renter, you are responsible for understanding local state requirements.
Can you rent a yacht on Lake of the Ozarks for the day?
Boatsetter allows you to rent a yacht for the day. Single-day yacht rentals are available for a select number of yachts. To chat with a yacht specialist please visit https://www.boatsetter.com/luxury-yacht-charters
Can you rent a yacht for the week?
Boatsetter allows its customers to rent a yacht for the week. Renting a yacht for a week gives you more access to the wide range of yachts available on our platform. You can either book a rental directly through the site or connect with one of our charter specialists to plan your trip here: https://www.boatsetter.com/luxury-yacht-charters
Can you rent a yacht for the month?
Booking a month-long yacht rental is a detailed and hands-off process when working with our team of yacht charter specialists. We tailor each yacht charter to our client's specific wants and needs. Our luxury yacht charter specialists can be reached at (954) 715-4114 or by visiting https://www.boatsetter.com/luxury-yacht-charters
Top boat rental reviews in Lake of the Ozarks, MO
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5/5 stars
Awesome driver! Super nice guy
Tyler
Sep 2024 -
5/5 stars
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5/5 stars
Darell
Aug 2024 -
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
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5/5 stars
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5/5 stars
Blake
Aug 2024
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