Smith Mountain Lake Boat Rentals, Charters and Tours

Renting a boat at Smith Mountain Lake is easy, and there are plenty of marinas and boat rental companies to help you find the perfect fit for you and your crew.

Whether you’re looking for pontoon boats, fishing boats, jet skis, a boat charter service or something in between, you’ll find it at here. Dive into the SML Insiders’ directory of Smith Mountain Lake boat rental companies below and check out our comprehensive guide to marinas and public boat ramps.

Bernard’s Landing Boat Rentals | R11

Idle inside the row of no-wake buoys to find gang docks for the condos at Bernard’s Landing plus, to the left, transient docking for local favorite Napoli by the Lake restaurant. Bridgewater Marina operates a fleet of rental boats and personal watercraft from here in season, but there’s no gas to purchase.

Bridgewater Marina and Boat Rentals | R28

At the south end of Hales Ford Bridge sits SML’s largest and most diverse marina. Upon entering the no-wake marina cove, ample transient docking is available to starboard. Bridgewater Plaza boasts around 40 shops and eateries, along with recreational activities like a climbing wall and over-water mini-golf course during the season. The full-service marina, open year-round, is situated further in and features the lake’s largest marina store, stocked with water sports necessities, souvenirs and sportswear. Marine-grade fuel is accessible at a dock beyond the covered slips, with attentive dock hands available from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily and tap-to-pay options during off-hours. Bridgewater offers a large boat rental and sales operation with tritoons, runabouts, wake surf boats, fishing boats and PWCs. Reservations are a must in season. The company operates three satellite rental locations in season at Bernard’s Landing, SML State Park and Mariners Landing.

Captain Vic Sea Ray Services

Enjoy the water without the worries with a narrated tour of SML with Captain Vic’s Sea Ray Services. This seasoned captain will pick up you and up to five of your friends for a two-hour leisurely cruise. He’ll also shuttle you to special events and local waterfront restaurants.

Goodhue Boat Company, Blackwater | B10A

Formerly Crazy Horse Marina, this long-time favorite is under new ownership for 2024. Situated a quarter of the way up the Blackwater, it offers an attended gas dock (not open 24/7 but shielded from boat wakes), a small store with snacks and beverages (excluding beer) and dining at Los Amigos Bar & Grill. A launching ramp is conveniently located near the pleasant beach, with ample docking for restaurant patrons. Enjoy the weekend live music from your boat, whether docked in a transient slip or just offshore. Goodhue Blackwater offers new and used boats, similar to its sister marina, Goodhue Eastlake. Rental boats and Carefree Boat Club options are also available here.

Goodhue Boat Company, Eastlake

Between R28 and R26

Goodhue, formerly known as Crystal Shores, is accessible from the northwestern shore of the Roanoke River, marked by a large sign at the cove entrance. Gas is available at attended pumps from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily and weekends during the season, with limited hours in the off-season. Goodhue serves as a dealer for Premier pontoons, Cobalt runabouts and Malibu towboats, as well as various engine brands. Boat rentals and Carefree Boat Club also operate from this location. Under new ownership, the marina has expanded transient docking to accommodate diners at Drifter’s restaurant and features a renovated souvenir and snack shop. Skippers are requested to approach the gas dock to receive an available space, offload passengers if needed, and take advantage of free valet docking.

Gills Creek Marina | G2

As you motor into the mouth of Gills Creek you’ll find a large 24/7 gas dock (with helpful attendants during business hours) and a well-stocked marina store for accessories, lake gear, beverages and ice cream treats. Several rental boats are available with advance reservations required. There’s a launch ramp beside the store and four lakeview motel rooms on the hill behind.

Halesford Harbour Marina & Inn | R29

Here you’ll find 24/7 gas, a marine store and a lakeside inn with pet and ADA-friendly rooms, plus dedicated docking well suited to visiting fishing boats. There are also docking spaces for Jake’s Place, a popular waterfront eatery. When entering and departing the marina, observe the no-wake zone and motor in at dead idle.

Marina 66/SML Recreational Boat Rentals | R28

In the former Captain’s Quarters location, Marina 66 is on the south end of Hales Ford Bridge (up river) and has a new fleet of Crest tritoons for rent April-September. There is an attended gas pump available from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday, as well as a bait and tackle shop and boat dockside store. A short walk on shore leads to a new retail store offering water toys, outdoor furniture, umbrellas, dock decor and more.

Mariners Landing Boat Rentals | C2

Other than transient docking for patrons of The Landing restaurant, the shoreline facilities at Mariners Landing are private, for use by condo and residence owners and their guests and tenants only. In-season, this is a satellite location for boat renters from Bridgewater Marina to pick up and drop off vessels.

Parkway Marina Boat Rentals | R8

Across the big bay from Bernard’s lies Parkway Marina, marked by an octagonal building on the point that houses a carousel (operated only for special events). Circle around that point and idle inside the no-wake markers to find a gas dock (attended 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily in season), launching ramp, porta potties and marina store that stocks souvenirs, life jackets, water toys and engine oil, plus a large selection of beverages (in season), including beer. SML Marine Service and Straight Line Upholstery & Canvas are accessible by water from the outer shore of Saunders’ Point.

Parrot Cove Boat Rentals | R28

Located at Hales Ford Bridge, Parrot Cove offers pontoon boats, tritoons, deck boats, fishing boats, PWCs and houseboat rental on Smith Mountain Lake.

Smith Mountain Boat Rentals

This is a family owned company offering delivery and pick up dockside anywhere at SML. Rent deck boats, pontoon boats, speed boats and PWCs.

Smith Mountain Lake Sailing School & Sailing Charters | G4

Sailing is popular at the lake, especially near the dam where the water is widest and winds are strongest. If you’re not already a sailor, you can learn to sail at Smith Mountain Lake Sailing School. Capt. Pete Phillip also offers chartered sails.

SML Boat Rentals | C2

Located at Mitchell’s Point Marina, SML Boat Rentals offers pontoons, runabouts, kayaks, water skis, wake boards, stand up paddle boards, knee boards and tubes.

State Park Boat Rentals | R19

Located at Smith Mountain Lake State Park, boat rentals here are operated by Bridgewater Marina and Boat Rentals. Visit State Park Boat Rentals.

The Dock at SML | R6

Directly (but distantly) south of R6, SSE of Vista Point condos

Offering rentals for tubes, pontoon and tritoon boats. The Dock is popular stop for gas (24/7) and fueling up your crew on appetizers, dogs, wings, sandwiches and pizza at picnic tables right on the dock.

Virginia Dare Cruises and Marina

Between R22 and R20

To view lakefront scenery and homes from the water (April-December), you can cruise the Virginia Dare, a 19th century side paddlewheeler. The two-hour cruise, which starts near the State Park, covers 10 miles of the easternmost shores of SML, including views of Smith Mountain Dam. Lunch or dinner are available onboard; there’s also an inexpensive sightsee-only option.

Westlake Boat Rentals | R37

Located in Westlake Waterfront Inn, this company offers pontoons, tritoons and deck boats for rent.

Are Boats Allowed on Smith Mountain Lake?

Boats are allowed on Smith Mountain Lake with pontoons, tritoons, runabouts, deck boats, wake surfing boats and fishing boats all popular choices. You may also bring or rent personal watercraft — commonly known as Jet Skis, Sea-Doos, WaveRunners and PWCs. Houseboat rentals are also available at Smith Mountain Lake.

Whether you’re looking to enjoy the most beautiful scenery at Smith Mountain Lake (and have fun while doing it!), boating definitely should be high on your to-do list.

Many local boat rental companies also sell marine gas and rent kayaks, standup paddleboards (SUPs), fun pull-behind tubes, water skis, wake boards, canoes, kneeboards and other water sports equipment.

Jet Ski Rental Smith Mountain Lake

Jet skis may be rented at most SML marinas. Also known as personal watercraft (PWC), they may only be operated from dawn to dusk. Drivers, passengers and all people being towed by a PWC, are required to wear U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets.

All PWC operators age 14 and older are required to take the Virginia boating safety course, which is available in person or online. However, exceptions apply for renters 16 and older who complete a dockside safety checklist at a marina.

Find more information on boating safety requirements from the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources.

Houseboat Rental on Smith Mountain Lake

Currently only Parrot Cove Boat Rental offers house boats for rent Smith Mountain Lake. Find out more about the advantages of this fun option in our SML Vacation Rentals and Lodging Guide.

Can You Kayak on Smith Mountain Lake?

Kayaking is popular year-round on Smith Mountain Lake, which has a multitude of quiet coves. The best time to kayak at Smith Mountain Lake is in the early morning when boat traffic is light and you can enjoy smooth-as-glass water and peaceful solitude.

Do You Need a Boat License to Rent a Boat at Smith Mountain Lake?

No. Under Virginia law, you may operate a boat on Smith Mountain Lake without a license if you have a rental or lease agreement from a boat rental company and complete a dockside safety checklist.

Once you complete the training program, the boat or jet ski rental business will provide documentation that proves you are in compliance with Virginia’s education requirement.

Another exception to the boating license requirement is for those under onboard direct supervision of a person who already meets the education requirement. This allows licensed captains to teach family members or friends how to safely operate a boat.

How Do I Get a Virginia Boating License?

We highly recommend you take and pass the Virginia Boating Safety Course or another safety course approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) and accepted by the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources. Doing so keeps you, your crew and others on the water safer.

Virginia’s Class, called Boat Virginia, is available in a classroom setting or online. Learn more about Virginia’s Boating Safety and Education Requirement.

How Much Are Boat Slips at Smith Mountain Lake?

Boat slips at Smith Mountain Lake start around $1,300 and can go as high as $5,700 per year. Local companies offer covered and uncovered slips, which accounts for the range in pricing. Costs also vary on the size of your boat. As the lake’s popularity has grown in recent years, so has the demand for boat rental slips at Smith Mountain Lake.

Smith Mountain Lake Boat Rental Tips

We highly recommend you make reservations well in advance, especially if you’re visiting SML between Memorial Day and Labor Day. While walk-ins can sometimes be accommodated, you’re more likely to secure your preferred type of boat rental or jet skis when you book in advance.

We also suggest using a company that’s a member of the Smith Mountain Lake Boat and Watersports Rental Association. Doing so means you’ll get a well-maintained, safety-inspected watercraft and proper training in how to operate it.

Enjoy your Smith Mountain Lake vacation!

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