There’s nothing better than spending a day on the water during hot Iowa summers! Whether you seek a quiet escape or want an adventure, renting a boat could be just what you need! The good news is, whether you prefer an ore or motor, there are several options for renting a boat in the area. Below is a map and list of Des Moines boat rentals to find the best option for you!
Pontoon, Fishing, and Ski Boat Rentals Near Des Moines
Saylorville Lake Marina
Saylorville Lake is the largest lake and most popular boating destination near Des Moines. At the marina, you can rent a 10-person Cypress Cay 23 Pontoon, 10-person Princecraft 23 Tritoon, or 8-person Aloha 22 Tritoon. All come with a Bimini top, Bluetooth, and the capability to pull a tube! Contact the marina for more information and to book boat rentals.
Easter Lake Park
Go boating at Easter Lake Park! There you can rent a 14’ Lund motorboat or an 8 or 11-person pontoon boat. A motorboat is perfect for fishing, with seating for four people. And the pontoon boats are terrific for a leisurely day on the lake. For more information and to book boat rentals, see the Easter Lake Boat Rental website.
Big Creek Marina
Big Creek State Park is a beautiful place to spend the day on the water relaxing or fishing! The marina rents 6-12 person pontoon boats and 4-person fishing boats (and personal watercraft too!). For more information and pricing, visit their website—and call 515-984-6083 for reservations.
Leisure Fun Rentals
If you want to hire an experienced boat driver while you enjoy the water, Leisure Fun could be the answer. They offer two and four-hour boat excursions for up to 10 people on Saylorville Lake. Wakeboard, ski, surf, or tube—the captain will even teach you how! For more information or to book an excursion, see the Leisure Fun Rental website.
Lake Red Rock
Lake Red Rock is Iowa’s largest lake and is 30 miles east of Des Moines. The marina rents 10-person Cypress Cay Pontoons and Princecraft Tritoons. Both are 23’ boats with a Bimini top, Bluetooth, and the capability to pull a tube! Contact the marina for more information, or reserve your boat here.
Kayak, Canoe, and Paddleboard Rentals
Kayaks, canoes, and paddleboard rentals (and more!) are available at many parks and recreation areas around Des Moines. Spend some quiet time paddling around a local lake or river—you have lots of options!
Gray’s Lake Park
One of the best things about Gray’s Lake Park is its proximity to downtown Des Moines! Take in the beautiful city skyline while you explore the lake. Gray’s Lake Concessions rents personal watercraft at varying hours during the warmer months. For more information and to check their hours, go to their website, or call 515-242-2855.
Boat rentals at Gray’s Lake:
- 2 or 3 person canoes
- Double kayaks
- Stand Up Paddleboards
- Pedal Boats
- Sailboats
Easter Lake Boat Rental
Part of the fun of spending time at Easter Lake Park is getting out on the water! Rent a kayak or try out stand-up paddleboarding while spending the day at the beach. For more information, see the Easter Lake Boat Rental website.
Non-motorized boat rentals at Easter Lake:
- Single kayaks
- Double kayaks
- Canoes
- Stand Up Paddleboards
- Paddle boats
Raccoon River Park Boathouse
The Raccoon River Park Boathouse is a new (and welcome!) addition to Raccoon River Park in West Des Moines. Boat rentals are through Canoe Sport Outfitters—and they offer paddling classes. For more information, see the West Des Moines Boathouse website. And be sure to check out their Facebook page for updates.
Boat rentals at Raccoon River Park:
- Kayaks
- Double kayaks
- Canoes
- Stand Up Paddleboards
- Fishing kayaks (the boathouse sells bait)
Argo Adventures/Raccoon River
Argo Adventures provides kayak and canoe rentals on the Raccoon River in Des Moines. Meet up with them at Des Moines Water Works Park. From there, they’ll shuttle you to Walnut Woods State Park, and you can paddle down to Water Works Park. They take reservations on their website. And they have custom rentals for groups too!
Des Moines River
If you want to experience a river float in Des Moines, you’re in luck! Quarry Springs Outfitters now offers single kayak rentals on the Des Moines River! Rentals start at Euclid Avenue, and take-out is at Captain Roy’s, near the Birdland Marina. Shuttles are available for an extra fee. Book a kayak online at Quarry Springs Outfitters.
Big Creek Marina
Big Creek State Park is an excellent place to rent personal watercraft. They offer some unique rental options, like hydro bikes and Hobie sailboats. For more information, see the Big Creek Marina website, or call 515-984-6083 to make a reservation.
Non-motorized boat rentals at Big Creek:
- Kayaks
- Canoes
- Paddle boats
- Stand Up Paddleboards
- Hydro bikes
- Hobie sailboats
Terra Park or Beaver Creek in Johnston
Quarry Springs Outfitters provides kayak rentals at Terra Park and Beaver Creek in Johnston.
At Terra Park, you can paddle the lake! Rent a single or double kayak by the hour—book online at Quarry Springs Outfitters. Terra Park is at 6300 Pioneer Pkwy, Johnston.
For a Beaver Creek float, rent a single or double kayak by the half-day (four hours)—book online at Quarry Springs Outfitters. The Beaver Creek Access Point is at 8432 NW 70th Ave, Johnston.
Copper Creek Lake
Are you looking for a great stand-up paddleboarding experience? Head over to Copper Creek Lake in Pleasant Hill. SUP DSM has one and two-hour paddleboard rentals, walk-up or by reservation, seven days a week. Check out their website for more information and to reserve a paddleboard. Copper Creek Lake is on the east side of Des Moines at 4390 E University Ave, Pleasant Hill.
Jester Park
Jester Park has lots of fun outdoor activities and boat rentals too. The Outdoor Recreation and Wellness Center rents canoes, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards at Discovery Pond. The small 3-acre pond is the perfect place to learn paddling skills, especially for kids! You can book a rental here. For more information, see their website, or call 515-323-5330.
Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt
For a unique float through the old Skunk River oxbows, head to Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt to rent a canoe. Canoe through the backwaters, and see wildlife like painted turtles and herons.
Canoe rentals are through the park office, near the campground. Rentals are first-come, first-serve. For groups of 10 or more, you can make reservations by calling 515-249-5925.
Lake Ahquabi
Lake Ahquabi State Park is 30 minutes south of Des Moines, near Indianola. The 115-acre lake gives you room to explore, and you can visit the beach while you’re there. Canoe Sport Outfitters provides boat rentals at the concession area near the beach. Paddling classes and SUP yoga get offered there too. For more information, see their website, or check out their Facebook page for updates.
Boat rentals at Lake Ahquabi:
- Kayaks
- Double kayaks
- Canoes
- Stand Up paddleboards
- Paddleboats
- Rowboats
- Fishing kayaks
- Raptors (multi-person stand up paddleboard)
Quarry Springs Park
Quarry Springs is about 30 minutes east of Des Moines. This new park is a former quarry that’s converted to a 480-acre recreational area. And it’s a great place to get out on the water, with 240 acres of clean, spring-fed water. You can rent (or buy) a kayak through Quarry Springs Outfitters. Kayaks get rented by the hour; book yours here.
Raccoon River Retreats/Middle Raccoon River
Float the beautiful Middle Raccoon River from access points between Panora and Redfield. Raccoon River Retreats has canoe and kayak rentals with shuttles to five access points on the river. All trips end in Redfield. For more information, see their website, and for reservations, call (515) 833-2636.
Check out our article on the Middle and South Raccoon!
There you have it! Hopefully, our guide to Des Moines boat rentals helps you find the perfect boat for you! As always, if we missed something, please reach out, and we’ll get it added!
