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Boating, Jet Skis & Tubing on Bear Lake

Boating, Jet Skis & Tubing on Bear Lake

Bear Lake is the signature activity here, a roughly 20-mile-long, 8-mile-wide lake straddling the Utah-Idaho border, famous for turquoise water caused by suspended limestone particles. Boating, jet skiing, and tubing are the main draw, with rental companies and boat ramps spread across three main areas: the State Park Marina near Garden City, Rendezvous Beach near Laketown, and North Beach on the Idaho side.

What to expect

Most groups spend a full day on the water here, mixing activities rather than sticking to one. Popular options include wakeboarding and wake surfing behind a rental boat, tubing (a favorite with kids and teens), jet skiing on a rented Sea-Doo, slower pontoon cruising for groups that want to relax, stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking for calmer mornings, and sailing, since the lake's consistent afternoon breeze and open water make it one of Utah's better sailing spots. Fishing is also popular, Bear Lake is known for its native cutthroat trout as well as the unique Bonneville cisco.

Rental companies operate out of all three main access points. Marina Rentals, Bear Lake Funtime, and Rendezvous Beach Rentals (all part of the same Bear Lake Fun network) are the most established, alongside other outfitters like Epic Recreation. Between them there are 7 boat ramps around the lake, so wherever you're staying, a launch point isn't far off.

Hours and pricing

Rental hours generally run in 8-hour day blocks in season, roughly 9am to 5pm, though some operators offer shorter or longer windows depending on equipment. Pricing depends entirely on what you're renting, a Sea-Doo costs a fraction of an 18-passenger wake boat, so it's worth comparing a couple of rental locations if your plans (and budget) are flexible. If you're launching your own boat or renting from a park-operated ramp, a day-use entrance fee applies per vehicle at Bear Lake State Park.

Location and parking

The main access points are the State Park Marina (1 mile north of Garden City on US-89), Rendezvous Beach (near Laketown, at the lake's south end), and North Beach on the Idaho side. Each has its own parking area and boat ramp, and rental companies operate directly at all three.

Local tips

Mornings tend to be calmer for paddleboarding and kayaking before the afternoon breeze picks up, which is exactly when the sailors and wakeboarders start showing up. If you're set on a specific boat for a weekend in July or August, book ahead, the good wakeboard and pontoon boats go first. For a quieter, shallower spot with the family, Rendezvous Beach beats the marina, while the marina is the easiest choice if convenience and speed matter most.

FAQs

  • Where do I rent a boat or jet ski at Bear Lake? The main rental locations are at the State Park Marina near Garden City, Rendezvous Beach near Laketown, and North Beach on the Idaho side, all offering boats, Sea-Doos, and non-motorized equipment.
  • Is Bear Lake good for beginners on a paddleboard or kayak? Yes, especially at Rendezvous Beach, where the water is calmer and shallower than near the marina.
  • Do I need a park pass to launch a boat at Bear Lake? Yes, a day-use entrance fee applies per vehicle at Bear Lake State Park's ramps and beaches.

Related: Marina Rentals · Bear Lake Funtime · Rendezvous Beach Rentals · Bear Lake Vacation Rentals