Join Madison Boats for a two-hour large group paddle rental on Monona Bay. Explore Madison’s scenic waterways, iconic landmarks, and peaceful creeks with your group.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
Hang tight — photos are loading
This usually takes just a second.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
2 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels; basic paddling endurance required but routes are calm and moderate
Wildlife
History
Monona Bay and the Yahara River have historically been central to Madison’s development as a lake city, offering transportation and recreation routes for centuries.
Conservation
Madison Boats and local partners promote Leave No Trace principles to protect water quality and wildlife habitats in the watershed.
Madison Boats
Join Madison Boats for a two-hour large group paddle rental on Monona Bay. Explore Madison’s scenic waterways, iconic landmarks, and peaceful creeks with your group.
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.
Arrive Early for Check-In
Arriving 15-20 minutes before your rental time ensures a smooth equipment fitting and safety briefing.
Wear Comfortable Water-Ready Shoes
Footwear that can get wet is recommended for easy entry and exit from the boats.
Watch for Changing Weather
Weather can change quickly on the water; bring layers and check the forecast before heading out.
Keep Hydrated and Use Sunscreen
Even on cloudy days, UV rays reflect off the water, so bring water and protect your skin.
Life Jacket (PFD)
Mandatory for safety and provided by Madison Boats, but a comfortable fit is important.
Water Shoes
Protect your feet and provide good traction when entering and exiting boats.
spring|summer|fall
Sunscreen
Essential for protecting skin from UV rays reflecting off the water.
spring|summer|fall
Waterproof Phone Case
Keeps your phone protected and accessible for photos or emergency use.