Have questions about the lake or moorage? Ready to rent a boat but have a few questions first? No worries! Here are a few of our most frequently asked questions. If your question isn’t here, please reach out! We’d love to chat with you about any questions or concerns you may have.
Rental
Yes! When you rent a boat with Downtown Marina, we’ll supply you with a temporary boater’s license. In addition to that, we’ll give you a full tour of your boat rental and run through all the safety features.
No, unfortunately, that’s not how it works. When you rent the boat, we’ll run a pre-authorization on your credit card for a set amount. If damages occur, the person that rents the boat is liable. Our team will walk around the boat with you and take lots of pictures during orientation so we are all aware of any existing scratches or damage.
No. At Downtown Marina, we have absolutely zero tolerance for driving a boat while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Instead, save those drinks for after you’ve returned your boat rental.
No. Our zero-tolerance policy for drugs and alcohol also applies to marijuana. Using these substances can impair your driving ability and aren’t safe for you, your passengers, or other boaters on the lake.
Depending on what you want to do on the lake, the time may vary. However, most renters find four to eight hours a sufficient amount of time for most activities.
Yes! No matter how big or small they are, every passenger on the boat will be counted, even babies that board the boat in their own portable car seats.
Of course! We know pets are family, and that’s why we count them as a person when you book a boat rental. Don’t forget to pack some water and a life vest for your pup too!
Absolutely! The team at Downtown Marina is committed to getting everyone out on the water. We’ll give you a full orientation and make sure you feel confident and safe before leaving the dock.
At Downtown Marina, we supply lifejackets for everyone on board the boat. The only thing you need to bring is yourself, your buddies, towels, water, sunscreen, and snacks.
No. Jet-Ski rentals are required to stay on the water and not be parked at a beach. Because of its impeller, Jet-Ski's can suck up sand, seaweed and other debris found on shorelines and this can damage to the watercraft.
Our boat rentals do not come with anchors. Okanagan Lake is large enough that if you want to float and have a swim, you can do so without anchoring.
When you rent a boat, your rental will come with a full tank of fuel. When you return it, you’ll be charged to refill it, so you only pay for what you use.
Yes! Your boat rental will include an approved life vest for you to wear in case you end up in the water unexpectedly. We also service our boats daily to ensure your safety.
Yes, we do. You can rent additional accessories like tubes, wakeboards and surfboards for an additional fee. Accessory rental rates are reduced with the rental of a boat.
The cost of a boat rental varies by type. For example, Jet-Ski's typically cost around $169 an hour while a pontoon boat goes for roughly $300 an hour.
All renters need to be 19 years of age or older, with the exception of Tournament boats. For those, the renter has to be at least 21 years of age.
Yes! We have a variety of pontoon boats available to rent.
Yes! You can book rentals online on our website for up to 8 days. If you require a boat for a period of time longer than that, please contact us directly.
Only the renter of the boat is permitted to drive it. But don’t worry, we’ll show you how to operate it and run through any information you need to know before you leave the dock.
It’s recommended that you arrive 30 minutes prior to your rental period. This allows us the time you’ll need to get you checked in and set up before your rental period begins.
No. Pontoon boats aren’t meant for skiing or wakeboarding behind. They’re better suited for boaters hoping to soak up some sun while lounging around and taking in the fabulous lake views.
Moorage
When you book overnight moorage at Downtown Marina, a slip will be available for you from 3 PM on the day you requested until noon the following day. If you need extra time, let us know.
For safety reasons, we don’t allow boaters to spend the night on their boat while it’s tied to our dock. Check out some of the beautiful hotels in downtown Kelowna instead!
Yes! We offer slips for hourly parking. Just pull up, tie up, and pay up. There’s a parking meter right on the dock. Just don’t forget to put your ticket in the window of your boat.
Payment & Cancellation
Cancellations must be made at least 48 hours in advance. If you fail to show up, the cost of the rental will be applied to your credit card in your absence.
For the initial damage deposit, we only accept credit cards. However, once you’ve returned your rental damage-free, you’ll be able to pay for it with whichever method you prefer.
For Chaparrals, Pontoon boats, Bayliners, and Seadoos, the pre-authorization fee is $1000 plus the cost of the rental. The pre-authorization fee for tournament boats, Cobalt R5/R6/R7, and the Regal LS4 is $2500, and the fee for kayaks and paddleboards is $250.
Unless the weather is totally unfit for boating (thunder and lightning) during your rental period, you’ll be charged for your rental whether you’re there or not.
Other
While there are many places to visit on the lake, we highly recommend:
- Lunching at the Eldorado
- Rattlesnake Island
- Paul’s Tomb
- Bear Creek Provincial Park
- Bertram Creek Regional Park
- Raymer Bay Beach
Okanagan Lake has a maximum depth of 232 metres. It’s between 4 and 5 kilometres wide, and it’s 135 kilometres long. It actually stretches from Vernon all the way down to Penticton.
Boats don’t have traditional brakes like the ones you find in cars, trucks, and SUVs. When driving a boat, you’ll utilize neutral and reverse to control the speed of your boat.
Yes! Our boats are available during most kinds of weather. We will, however, stop you from boating if a serious storm blows in. Thunder and lightning are dangerous while boating.
Some areas of the lake are subject to speed limits, like passing underneath the Bennett Bridge. Always follow any posted speed limit sign you come across. Failure to do so can result in fines.
Yes, Okanagan Lake has police boats on patrol during the boating season. They typically engage with boaters ensuring proper safety equipment on board. They’re out there for the safety of all boaters.