The best boat rentals in Atlanta

Lake Lanier

Just a short one-hour drive north of Atlanta, Lake Lanier is home to countless Boatsetter boat owners offering up their pontoons, day boats, ski and wake boats, freshwater fishing boats, and cruisers, ready and waiting to help you experience what lake life is all about. Aside from its close proximity to the city, Lake Lanier attracts residents and tourists alike thanks to its abundance of marina options, its iconic party coves (Cocktail Cove and Muddres Cove, just to name a few), and its almost 700 miles of shoreline.

Pro Tips: Did you know that Lake Lanier is a popular destination for filming some of Hollywood’s biggest movies and TV shows? Including the recent Netflix hit series, ‘Ozark.’

For the anglers of the group, target fish species in Lake Lanier include: Bluegill, smallmouth bass, striped bass, largemouth bass, and more. 

Where to dock

There are a number of places to dock your boat or meet your rental at Lake Lanier: 

• Port Royale Marina

• Gainesville Marina and Boat Sales

• Safe Harbor Hideaway Bay

Boat ramps 

There are several places to launch your boat along the shores of Lake Lanier: 

• Mary Alice Public Boat Ramp

• Balus Creek Public Boat Ramp

• Buford Dam Tailwater Boat Ramp

Google Maps Link 

Lake Allatoona

Lake Allatoona—less than an hour’s drive northwest of downtown Atlanta—is yet another weekend playground for local boaters and travelers to the area. Smaller than its neighboring lake to the east (Lake Lanier), this destination is a slightly more family-friendly lake, with less commercial and residential development. Head out on the lake early to secure a prime stop at one of the lake’s many islands, including Frog Beach on Seven Islands. This lake also presents the ideal backdrop for children to learn to sail.

Pro Tips: To make the most of your trip to Lake Allatoona, consider renting a property for the weekend near the lake. You can book a multi-day rental to extend your trip. 

Target fish species in Lake Allatoona include: Largemouth bass, spotted bass, and striped bass. 

Where to dock

There are a number of places to dock your boat or meet your rental on Lake Allatoona:

• Victoria Harbour Marina

• Little River Marina

• Holiday Harbor Marina & Resort

Boat ramps

There are several launch ramps available:

• Blockhouse Boat Ramp

• Fields Landing

• Galts Ferry Day Use

Google Maps Link

Morgan Falls Overlook Park

Situated along the Chattahoochee River in the quaint town of Sandy Springs just 20-minutes outside of the Atlanta metro area, Morgan Falls Overlook Park is a secluded boating destination with a lot to offer. If you are traveling with family and want to get away from the crowds, these waters offer a calm escape where you can still enjoy scenic views, nearby hiking trails, kayaking and paddle boarding, surfing, and more. There is also a boat launch available on-site.

Pro Tips: Fish near Morgan’s Dam for the best catches. Boat access and launching are available in the upper stretch of the Chattahoochee River in Roswell’s Azalea Park, and in the lower stretch, you can access the ramp at the Morgan Falls Dam or on the north side of the Johnson Ferry Road bridge.

Target fish species at Morgan Overlook Park include: Trout, bass, catfish, and other 20 fish species.

Closest dock and boat ramp:   

There are a number of places to dock or launch your boat at Morgan Falls Overlook Park:

• Morgan Falls River Park Launch 

Google Maps Link