Adventure Brief
Glide across Madison’s Brittingham Bay during the Full Moon Paddle with live floating stage music. Enjoy a peaceful, magical evening surrounded by moonlight and melodies.
2–3 hours
easy
Family Friendly
No Experience Required
Glide across Madison’s Brittingham Bay during the Full Moon Paddle with live floating stage music. Enjoy a peaceful, magical evening surrounded by moonlight and melodies.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
Hang tight — photos are loading
This usually takes just a second.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
2–3 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for beginners and moderate fitness levels; basic paddling stamina is helpful for a comfortable experience.
Wildlife
History
Brittingham Boats has been a hub for local water recreation in Madison for decades, reflecting the city’s strong connection to Lake Mendota and its waterways.
Conservation
Madison Boats promotes Leave No Trace principles and works to preserve the lake’s water quality through sustainable boating practices.
Madison Boats
Glide across Madison’s Brittingham Bay during the Full Moon Paddle with live floating stage music. Enjoy a peaceful, magical evening surrounded by moonlight and melodies.
Madison Boats is a boat rental and guided-experience provider based in Middleton, Wisconsin. The company operates pontoon rentals, captained pontoon charters, and paddleboard and kayak rentals that serve Lake Mendota, Lake Wingra, and local launch points including Marshall Boats and The Edgewater. Madison Boats offers a range of trip types to suit anglers, families, groups, and paddlers: fishing-ready pontoons equipped for up to eight anglers, captained pontoons departing from Marshall Boats and The Edgewater, a spacious 12-passenger pontoon for larger gatherings, and short hourly or multi-hour paddle and member rental options.
Each offering includes clear trip descriptions, available durations, and suggested destinations such as Picnic Point, Downtown Madison, Monona Bay, Spring Harbor, and Pheasant Branch Conservancy. Fishing pontoons come with rod holders, storage, and fish finder equipment to support a productive day on the water. Captained charters provide a licensed captain for a relaxed, stress-free experience. Paddle rentals are suitable for beginners and experienced paddlers and include staff guidance when requested.
Madison Boats focuses on safe, local lake experiences with options for private groups and casual outings. Reservations and scheduling are managed through established local launch partners. The company’s presence in Middleton positions it to serve residents and visitors seeking accessible access to Madison’s lakes and waterfront attractions. Madison Boats offers flexible booking windows, seasonal availability, and routine equipment maintenance; it operates within local boating and safety regulations and coordinates with launch partners to confirm reservation details, ensuring clarity about start times, return policies, and required member or tax-exempt documentation.
Location
Middleton, WI
Serving Middleton and Lake Mendota area
Boat Types
Pontoon & Paddle
Pontoon rentals and paddle options
Capacity
Up to 12
Options for small to large groups
Trip Options
Hourly & Captained
One-hour to multi-hour, captained available
Select a captained cruise, fishing pontoon, or hourly paddle rental from Madison Boats and confirm availability with local launch partners.
Wear layered clothing
Evenings on the water can get chilly, so dress in layers to stay comfortable as temperatures drop after sunset.
Bring waterproof bags
Keep your phone, camera, and personal items dry with waterproof bags or pouches during your paddle.
Arrive early for orientation
Getting to the launch site early allows for a relaxed check-in and helpful safety briefing before paddling out.
Use eco-friendly sunscreen
Protect your skin while minimizing environmental impact by applying reef-safe sunscreen before your adventure.
Waterproof flashlight or headlamp
Provides visibility and safety when paddling in low-light conditions during the full moon evening.
summer
Layered clothing
Keeps you warm as temperatures drop after sunset on the water.
fall
Insect repellent
Helps protect against mosquitoes commonly found near water in warmer months.
summer
Dry bag
Keeps your personal items and electronics safe from water splashes during the paddle.