Explore Downtown Madison from the water with One Hour Member Rentals on Lake Monona. Perfect for a quick paddle or scenic excursion, this rental service offers friendly guidance and stunning views.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
1 hour
Fitness Level
No special fitness level required, but basic paddling ability helps maximize enjoyment.
Wildlife
History
Lake Monona has been a focal point of Madison’s outdoor life since the early 1900s, contributing to both recreation and local culture.
Conservation
Efforts are in place to protect Lake Monona’s water quality and shoreline habitat, supporting sustainable recreational use.
Madison Boats
Explore Downtown Madison from the water with One Hour Member Rentals on Lake Monona. Perfect for a quick paddle or scenic excursion, this rental service offers friendly guidance and stunning views.
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 a Life Jacket
All paddlers must wear a life jacket for safety, especially when on open water.
Check Wind Conditions
Windy days can make paddling more challenging, so check the forecast before heading out.
Bring Sun Protection
Use sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses to protect yourself from sun exposure on the water.
Arrive Early to Secure Rentals
High demand times can fill up quickly, so arriving early ensures availability and more time on the water.
Life Jacket
Mandatory for safety on the water during all paddling activities.
Waterproof Sunscreen
Protects skin from sun exposure while paddling on open water.
summer
Hat and Sunglasses
Shields your face and eyes from sunlight for added comfort.
summer
Reusable Water Bottle
Staying hydrated is important during any outdoor activity.