Set sail on Minnesota’s Lake Carlos aboard a spacious 22-foot pontoon from Lake Carlos Marina. This rental includes a mandatory safety course ensuring confident handling for groups up to 12.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
Half day (5 hours) to full day (11 hours), up to 7 days
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels; requires basic mobility to board and move around the pontoon safely.
Wildlife
History
Lake Carlos is named after the nearby town of Carlos, reflecting the region’s early settlement history in central Minnesota.
Conservation
Lake Carlos Marina promotes responsible boating practices to protect the lake’s water quality and native habitats.
Lake Carlos Marina
Set sail on Minnesota’s Lake Carlos aboard a spacious 22-foot pontoon from Lake Carlos Marina. This rental includes a mandatory safety course ensuring confident handling for groups up to 12.
Lake Carlos Marina is a waterfront rental and boating service located in Carlos, Minnesota. The marina provides paddleboard and kayak rentals and a fleet of pontoons and a Bayliner, plus an inflatable dock for water access. Paddleboard and kayak offerings accommodate solo paddlers and large groups for leisurely tours or racing on the Long Prairie River.
Multiple pontoon models are available, including “THE BENNY” 18’ Bennington (25 HP), “THE VICKY” 20' Crestliner (25 HP), “THE TONKA” 22' Sun Tracker (60 HP), “THE ERNIE” 18' Bentley (50 HP), “THE JAMAICA” 22' Jamaica (50 HP), “THE MARGE” 21’ Sun Tracker (25 HP), “THE CHAMP” 22’ Crest (25 HP), and “THE PRINCE” 22' Princecraft (115 HP). Many pontoons require a mandatory watercraft rental course for renters 21 and older, and certification issued after completion is valid for 180 days. Rentals support half-day and full-day bookings and accommodate parties ranging from small groups up to fourteen people depending on boat selection. Lake Carlos Marina emphasizes safety through its required rental certification and by maintaining well-equipped, canopy-covered pontoons. Visitors can bring personal music and refreshments on several pontoons. The marina serves recreational boaters, families, and groups seeking guided-free watercraft rentals and self-paced paddling experiences on area waterways. Reservations and course completion are required for some craft; prospective renters should contact Lake Carlos Marina for current availability and booking procedures. The marina's inventory includes both smaller watercraft for individual paddlers and larger boats suitable for family outings and group celebrations throughout the boating season each summer.
Tours Offered
12
Pontoons, kayaks, paddleboards, Bayliner
Certification
Required for pontoons
Mandatory course for renters 21+
Max Capacity
Up to 14
Largest pontoon carries fourteen
Location
Carlos, MN
On Lake Carlos and Long Prairie River
Complete required certification, choose a vessel, and book a half-day or full-day rental to enjoy Lake Carlos and the Long Prairie River.
Complete the Rental Course Before Arrival
Be sure to finish the mandatory watercraft rental course online prior to your trip to streamline check-in and certification.
Keep an Eye Out for Shallow Areas
Watch for submerged logs and shallow spots that can damage the propeller and boat ladder if lowered.
Respect Capacity Limits
Do not exceed the 12-person limit to avoid safety risks and additional fees.
Bring Your Own Cooler and Speaker
Personal coolers and music players are encouraged to enhance your time onboard while keeping the boat clean.
Personal Flotation Device (PFD)
Always have access to a PFD for safety, as required by law.
summer
Sunscreen
Protect skin from sun exposure during long hours on the open water.
summer
Waterproof Speaker
Bring your own for onboard entertainment while cruising.
summer
Cooler with Drinks and Snacks
Stay hydrated and energized by packing refreshments for the trip.
summer