Renting a Boat from Spokane — Your Guide to a Day on Lake Coeur d'Alene

Lake Coeur d'Alene is just 33 miles from Spokane — about 30 minutes down I-90 — and it might be the best easy day trip in the entire Pacific Northwest. Crystal-clear water, forested shoreline, stunning views, and world-class boating. The only question is: why haven't you done this sooner?

 If you're coming from Spokane and thinking about renting a boat on Lake CDA, here's everything you need to know to make it a perfect day.

 THE DRIVE FROM SPOKANE

Head east on I-90 toward Coeur d'Alene. Take Exit 11 (Northwest Blvd) and follow the signs toward downtown CDA and the lake. Total drive time is typically 30–40 minutes depending on traffic. Pro tip: leave by 8:00am on summer weekends to beat the Spokane crowd — you won't be the only one with this idea.

 Our dock is located at Lakeside Marina, 1031 N Academic Way, Coeur d'Alene, ID. It's right on the water with easy parking nearby.

WHICH BOAT IS RIGHT FOR YOUR GROUP?

PONTOON BOAT — Best for families and larger groups

Our 25' pontoon boats seat up to 13–14 passengers and are perfect for a relaxed day of cruising, swimming, and tubing on Lake CDA. Stable, shaded, and loaded with everything you need. Our performance tri-toon hits speeds up to 40 mph and is ideal if you want both comfort and speed.

SKI BOAT — Best for water sports

If wakeboarding, waterskiing, or serious tubing is the plan, our Regal ski boat is built for it. Seats up to 8–9 passengers and comes with skis, wakeboard, and a tube included free.

FISHING BOAT — Best for anglers

Our Duckworth fishing boat is powered by a 115hp Yamaha and perfect for exploring Lake CDA's best fishing holes. Seats up to 4 adults. Also available for delivery to Hayden Lake and other area lakes. 

Not sure which boat fits your group? Text Kent at (208) 762-7570 and he'll help you choose in two minutes.

WHAT'S INCLUDED — NO SURPRISE FEES

One thing Spokane visitors always appreciate: no hidden charges. All water sports gear — tubes, skis, wakeboards, life jackets — is included free with your rental. There are no mandatory insurance fees, no equipment upcharges, and no fuel surcharges added at booking. Gas is available right at our dock when you return, so the whole experience is seamless start to finish.

TIPS FOR SPOKANE DAY-TRIPPERS

Book in advance. Summer weekends — especially July and August — fill up weeks ahead. If you're planning a Saturday in July, don't wait until the week before.

 Pack light. We provide an ice chest, 2 towels, and all water sports gear. Just bring sunscreen, towels, food, drinks, and a change of clothes. You can even purchase ice from us during booking.

 Plan for a full day. Half-day rentals are available, but most Spokane groups book a full 8 hours and still wish they had more time.

 Buy gas at our dock. We have fuel available at the marina so you don't have to search for a gas station on the water.

 Take home a free sticker. When you return to our dock at the end of your rental we'll send you home with a Kent's Boats sticker — a small tradition we've kept for years.

Pontoon vs. Ski Boat — Which Should You Rent on Lake CDA?

It's the most common question we get at Kent's: "Should we go with the pontoon or the ski boat?" Both are great options on Lake Coeur d'Alene — but they deliver very different days on the water. The right choice depends on your group size, what you want to do, and how you want to feel when the day is over.

After 30 years of boating on Lake CDA, Kent has helped thousands of families and groups make this call. Here's his honest breakdown.

THE PONTOON — THE LAID-BACK PICK

Best for: families, large groups, relaxed days, mixed ages

Our 25' pontoon boats are the most popular rental we offer — and for good reason. They're spacious, stable, and comfortable for everyone from toddlers to grandparents. You can cruise the lake, find a quiet cove, swim off the back, and tube all in the same afternoon. The Bimini shade top, Bluetooth stereo, and pop-up changing room make it feel less like a boat rental and more like a floating party.  Seats up to 13 or 14 passengers. Handles afternoon chop better than any ski boat.

THE SKI BOAT — THE ADRENALINE PICK

Best for: waterskiing, serious tubing, smaller groups

If your day is built around water sports, the ski boat is your ride. Our Regal ski boat is fast, nimble, and purpose-built for pulling riders. Skis, wakeboard, and a tube are all included free — no upcharges. The large swim step makes getting in and out of the water easy, and the boat is responsive enough to carve clean wakes for beginner and experienced riders alike. Seats up to 9 passengers( 6 Adults). Ideal for those who want to move fast and ride hard.

THE QUICK-PICK GUIDE

Family with young kids or grandparents → Pontoon

Group of 10 or more people → Pontoon

Wakeboarding or waterskiing is the main goal → Ski Boat

Mix of swimming, cruising, and relaxing → Pontoon

Smaller group (4–6) who want speed → Ski Boat

Exploring quiet coves and bays → Either works great

Rough water or afternoon winds → Pontoon

Serious tubing with big air → Ski Boat

A WORD ABOUT OUR PERFORMANCE 175 hp TRITOON

If you love the idea of a pontoon but want more speed, our 25' performance tritoon is the best of both worlds. With a 175hp motor and speeds up to 40 mph, it pulls tubes like a ski boat while still comfortably fitting up to 14 passengers. It's the most popular rental we have — and it books out fast.

 BOTTOM LINE

 If you're still not sure which way to go, text Kent directly at (208) 762-7570 — he'll ask a couple of quick questions about your group and point you in the right direction. He's been doing this for 30 years and knows exactly which boat fits which day.

 Either way, every rental includes all water sports gear at no extra charge, an ice chest, towels, and a private dock right on the water — no launch ramp, no hassle. Just show up and have a great day on Lake CDA.

 Ready to book your day on Lake CDA?

 Summer weekends fill up fast — especially July and August. Lock in your date now.

 👉 Book online: https://book.peek.com/s/6b25899d-6870-48c1-b122-8033e0c43396/Wj9q8

📞 Or text Kent directly: (208) 762-7570

Lake Coeur d'Alene Boat Rentals — How to Book Before Summer Fills Up

If you're thinking about renting a boat on Lake Coeur d'Alene this summer, here's something worth knowing: the best dates go fast. We're already seeing our first week of July fill up in March, and peak summer weekends in August won't be far behind. If a day on the water is on your summer bucket list, now is the time to lock it in.

Here's everything you need to know to choose the right boat and secure your date before the season slips away.

Why Lake Coeur d'Alene Is Worth the Plan

Lake CDA isn't just one of Idaho's most beautiful lakes — it's one of the most spectacular boating destinations in the entire Pacific Northwest. Crystal-clear water, forested shoreline, quiet coves for swimming, open stretches for water sports, and views that make every photo look like a postcard. Whether you're a local or making the drive from Spokane, a day on this lake is genuinely hard to beat.

At Kent's Coeur d'Alene Boat Rentals, we've been putting people on this lake for over 30 years. We know where the best swimming spots are, where to avoid the crowds, and how to make sure your day goes smoothly from dock to dock.

Which Boat Is Right for Your Group?

Choosing the right boat makes all the difference. Here's a quick breakdown:

25' Premium Pontoon — Best for Families & Groups Our 25-foot pontoon rental with 115hp motor holds up to 13 passengers and is the most popular rental we offer. It's spacious, stable, and comfortable — perfect for a relaxed day of cruising, swimming, and tubing. Includes a tube, ice chest, Bimini top, Bluetooth stereo, pop-up changing room, life vests, and more. No extra fees for any of it.

175hp Performance Tri-Toon — Best for Speed & Bigger Groups Want a pontoon that actually moves? Our tri-toon hits speeds up to 40 mph and holds up to 14 passengers. All the comfort of a pontoon, with the kind of power that makes tubing seriously fun. Great for groups who want both space and speed.

Regal Ski Boat — Best for Water Sports If wakeboarding, waterskiing, and tubing are the plan, our Regal ski boat rental is your ride. Seats up to 9 passengers and comes loaded — tube, skis, wakeboard, built-in ice chest, stereo, and a large swim step all included. Fast, fun, and purpose-built for an action-packed day.

Duckworth Fishing Boat — Best for Anglers Powered by a reliable 115hp Yamaha outboard, our Duckworth fishing boat rental is ideal for exploring Hayden Lake’s best fishing holes. Seats up to 4 adults and is also available for delivery to Spirit Lake and other area lakes.

What's Included — No Surprises

One thing that sets Kent's apart is straightforward pricing. There are no mandatory insurance fees, no equipment rental upcharges, and no surprise charges waiting at the end of your day. Water sports gear — tubes, skis, and wakeboards — is included free with your rental. We also provide life vests, safety equipment, towels, and an ice chest. Gas is available right at our dock at Lakeside Marina, so returning the boat is seamless.

2025 Pricing at a Glance

Pontoon (25' Premium)

• May–June: 4hr $450 / 6hr $550 / 8hr $650

• July–Aug: 4hr $475 / 6hr $575 / 8hr $675

Performance Tri-Toon

• May–June: 6hr $650 / 8hr $750 / 10hr $850

• July–Aug: 6hr $695 / 8hr $795 / 10hr $895

Ski Boat

• May–June: 4hr $450 / 6hr $550 / 8hr $650 / 10hr $750

• July–Aug: 4hr $475 / 6hr $575 / 8hr $675 / 10hr $775

Fishing Boat

• 4hr $425 / 8hr $525 / 10hr $650 / 12hr $775

Multi-day discounts are available on all boats. Prices exclude tax, gas, and booking fee. Note: July 1–7 pricing is separate — contact Kent directly for those dates.

We Deliver to Area Lakes Too

Based closer to Hayden Lake, Spirit Lake, Twin Lakes, Liberty Lake, or Lake Pend Oreille? We deliver. Kent can trailer boats to area lakes and even deliver directly to your private dock on Lake CDA or the Spokane River. Call or text Kent at 208-762-7570 to arrange delivery before booking online.

How to Reserve Your Date

Booking is simple. You can reserve online through our booking page, or call and text Kent directly — he's the owner and operator and will personally answer your questions. A credit card is required to hold your reservation. For single-day rentals, full payment is due at booking. Multi-day rentals require a deposit, with the balance due 7 days before your rental.

One tip: if you're eyeing a summer weekend or any date in early July, don't wait. Those dates are the first to go every year, and once they're gone, they're gone.

Ready to Book?

Summer on Lake Coeur d'Alene is something special. Don't let it slip by without getting out on the water.

👉 Book Online Now 📞 Call or text Kent directly: 208-762-7570 📍 Lakeside Marina — 1031 N Academic Way, Coeur d'Alene, ID

Seasonal hours: March–October, 9am to sunset.

Boating on Lake Coeur d’Alene, Idaho

How Much Does It Cost To Rent A Boat?

One of the first questions people ask when planning a day on the lake is how much does it cost to rent a boat on Lake Coeur d’Alene. Prices can vary depending on the type of boat, how long you rent it, and what is included in the rental. While many companies advertise a base price, it’s important to look closely at the details. Some boat rental companies add mandatory fees, fuel surcharges, and charge for water sport equipment. Understanding these costs ahead of time helps you choose the perfect boat rental company for your needs. Most companies who use an online booking service will also have a booking fee. At Kent’s CDA Boat Rentals, we offer the option of paying cash at the dock, to avoid booking fees, but still require a credit card to reserve your boat.

Common Boat Rental Fees to Watch For

Mandatory Fees - Some companies add additonal mandatory fees. These fees might be for insurance or cleaning.

Fuel - All companies require you to pay for the fuel you use. Some companies offer a refueling service, which includes an upcharge. Some companies have fuel at their dock to make your rental return seamless and hassle-free. How much money you will you spend on fuel depends on the type of boat you rent, the horsepower of the engine, and length of rental. The average amount of fuel used for an 8 hour pontoon boat rental, with 115hp motor, is 10-12 gallons.

Water Sports Equipment Fees - Items like tubes, skis and wakeboards are sometimes rented separately and add extra costs to your day on the lake.

What’s Included at Kent’s Coeur d’Alene Boat Rentals - At Kent’s Boats, we believe renting a boat should be simple and stress-free. That’s why we keep our pricing straightforward. There are no mandatory fees and no extra charges for water sports equipment. Your rental includes the gear you need to enjoy your time on the lake, so you can focus on making memories with family and friends. We also provide helpful extras like an ice chest(ice is extra)and 2 towels, making it easier for you to show up and enjoy your day on the water.

Choosing the Right Boat

Pontoons - Great for families and larger groups who want to relax and cruise the lake, plus do some tubing. These boats usually hold more people and are a smoother ride on rough water.

Ski Boats - Perfect for tubing, waterskiing, and wakeboarding.

Fishing Boats - Ideal for anglers who want to explore the lake and find the best fishing holes.

Renting a boat on Lake Coeur d’Alene is on of the best ways to make memories during your family vacation. You can explore quiet bays, swim in crystal clear water, enjoy water sports, and take in the beautiful scenery. If you’re planning a day on the water, choosing a rental company with clear pricing helps make the experience even better. Check out our Coeur d’Alene boat rental prices and contact Kent directly via text if you have any questions.

10 Ways to Explore CDA for Free

Jan. 27

Looking to explore Coeur d’Alene? Whether you're visiting for a weekend or just out for the day, CDA offers plenty of free outdoor fun, scenic views, and local experiences. Here are eight budget-friendly ideas:

1. Hike Tubbs Hill: A local favorite! This 2.2-mile loop offers lake views, swimming coves, and peaceful forest trails—right next to downtown. Watch as people jump from the rocks into the cool water below.

2. Relax at McEuen & City Park: Pack a picnic or let the kids loose on splash pads and playgrounds. Bonus: it connects directly to the lakefront boardwalk!

3. Walk or Bike the Centennial Trail: Stretching 24 miles along the Spokane River and Lake CDA, this paved trail is perfect for a scenic stroll or ride.

4. Take in Views from Mineral Ridge: Just a short drive from town, this 3.3-mile trail gives you epic lake views—especially beautiful in fall.

5. Ride the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes: Explore a section of this 73-mile trail for free. It’s great for biking, walking, or wildlife spotting. We love the trailhead at Chatcolet in Heyburn State Park.

6. Catch a Free Event: From outdoor concerts to art walks and seasonal markets, CDA offers tons of free community events. Check out CDA Insider for current happenings.

7. Ride the Free Citylink Bus: Need to get around? Citylink buses are free and run daily across the region—bike- and wheelchair-friendly too!

8. Walk the Floating Boardwalk: Take a peaceful sunset stroll on the world’s longest floating boardwalk, right at the Coeur d’Alene Resort.

9. Play Pickle Ball at Memorial Field-515 W Garden Ave. Also located at this park is a playground and a skate park.

10. Shop locally at Kootenai County Farmers Market-Visit on Saturday mornings (Hayden) or Wednesday evenings(Coeur d’Alene) May -Sept

Local Tip: Summer and fall are the best seasons to enjoy these activities—bring water, a camera, and comfy shoes!

Boat Rentals Done Right!

Welcome to the official blog of Kent’s Coeur d’Alene Boat Rentals! We’re excited to be your go-to source for unforgettable boating experiences on Lake Coeur d’Alene. Whether you're a local looking to enjoy the lake or a visitor ready to explore one of Idaho’s gems, our fleet of high-quality boats is ready to help you make memories. With its crystal-clear waters, forested shoreline, and scenic views, Lake Coeur d’Alene is one of the best boating destinations in the Pacific Northwest. It’s perfect for fishing, swimming, water skiing, or just soaking up the sun. From spacious pontoon boats for family fun to ski boats and fishing boats, we’ve got something for everyone. We also offer life jackets, water toys, fuel options, captains for hire, etc. We are the only local boat rental service that includes all watersport equipment free of charge with your boat rental. Customer service is our compass – we go above and beyond to make your experience safe, seamless, and unforgettable. Our boats are meticulously maintained and ready when you are. If you have any questions or concerns you can always reach out to Kent by text or phone: 208-762-7570