Three ways to get on the water
Rent the boat and captain it yourself, book a crewed tiki cruise, or hire a guide who already knows where the fish are. Most rentals run March through October and include life jackets, a safety briefing and fuel options at the dock.
Cruises · Captained
Tiki Time Lanier
Thatched-roof tiki boats with a captain at the wheel. Cruises for a group, coolers welcome, music included.
Rentals · Self-drive
Paradise Rental Boats
Pontoons and deck boats by the half or full day. Tubes and skis available, briefing before you leave the dock.
Charters · Guided
Fishing charters
Striper, spotted bass and crappie trips with local captains. Gear and licence guidance handled by the guide.
Paddlesports
Kayaks, paddleboards and floats
Festive Water Paddlesports and Burton Outdoor Adventures rent on the Forsyth County shoreline — both are listed on the paddle sports page.
Charters · Guided
Hire a captain who knows the lake
Lanier is 692 miles of shoreline and the fish move with the season. A guide brings the boat, the rods and the spots — you bring a licence and a cooler. Half-day trips are the usual starting point, and mornings book out first.
Browse charters on FishingBooker Fish with Jimbo On Lanier ↗
Jimbo is a full-time Lake Lanier guide — spotted bass and striper, year round, on his own boat.
Before you book
Do I need a boating licence?
Most visitors do not for a rental — Georgia rules depend on your birth year, and the rental desk walks you through it at check-in. Anyone born on or after 1 January 1998 who operates a boat needs to have completed a boater education course.
What is included with a rental?
Life jackets and a safety briefing come standard. Fuel, tubes, skis and coolers vary by operator — confirm when you book.
When is the water calmest?
Early morning. Weekend afternoons in July and August bring the most traffic, so the first slot of the day is the smoothest ride and the easiest ramp queue.
Can we bring the dog, or food and drink?
Coolers are welcome on most boats and several operators allow dogs. Day-use parks charge a small parking fee and have their own grill and pet rules — check the park page before you load the car.
Make it a full day on the lake
Ramps, beaches, marinas and the closest place to eat after you tie up — mapped in one place.