This collection of frequently asked questions provides answers to some of the common questions that we get asked about Lake Powell Houseboat Rentals and houseboating on Lake Powell. If you have a question that is not answered below or if you need additional assistance, our friendly Houseboat Rental agents are more than happy to help. Contact us toll-free at 888-454-8828 or submit a request for assistance. We would be delighted to answer all of your questions.
As one of the most popular houseboating lakes in the country, Lake Powell boats can sometimes be booked a year in advance. Some boats are more popular than others but the sooner you make your reservation the better. If you're planning on a holiday vacation you'll want to reserve as soon as possible.
Being flexible with your trip's dates or with the specific houseboat you want to rent can significantly improve your chances of booking. We are sometimes able to help customers get a reservation mere weeks before their trip.
Any time of the year is a good time to go houseboating! The busiest and most popular season of the year is during the Summer months. Indian Summer days and cooler nights can be found during Fall which many of our clients prefer. Springtime is good for viewing wildlife, waterfalls and abundant wildflowers. For those mostly interested in fishing, winter is when fishing at Lake Powell is at its best. Don't worry about being too cold though. All our vessels are climate-controlled with heaters and some of the houseboats even have a fireplace! If you have a tighter budget, a good time to go on a Lake Powell houseboat vacation would be between September and May when rates are significantly lower.
The best way to check availability or to reserve a houseboat is to give us a call at 888-454-8828. One of our reservation agents would be more than happy to check availability for you and answer any questions you might have. When you call, having an idea of when you want to go and what boat you're most interested in will be helpful and allow us to best serve you.
If you would prefer, you are able to contact us online with your availability request and one of our houseboat agents will respond to you with the information you need as soon as possible.
Departures from Bullfrog Marina or Wahweap Marina
To reserve:
Cancellations:
For houseboats from Antelope Point marina:
To reserve:
Cancellations:
Personal watercraft and speedboats are a natural and encouraged companion to a houseboat. We have a large inventory of rentals available, listed on our watercraft page.
Your own speedboat or personal watercraft are allowed on Lake Powell, but you are required to comply with certain rules and conditions.
New regulations for personal watercraft went into effect in 2013
2006 emissions standards set by the EPA for two-stroke engines are now being enforced. NPS rangers will consider operator knowledge, persnal watercraft model, engine type and carburator when evaluating compliance with the 2006 standards. If you are unsure about your personal watercraft's status contact its manufacturer or a mechanic.
Lake Powell is the center of the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area in southern Utah. The southern tip of the lake dips into Arizona near the city of Page. Marinas on this end of the lake, Wahweap and Antelope Point, are best accessed from Las Vegas to the west or Flagstaff from the south. Bullfrog Marina is towards the northern end of the lake and needs to be approached from Salt Lake City, Utah. There is also a local airport in Page which will get you to Wahweap and Antelope Point.
Click here to view a map of Lake Powell and the surrounding areas.
Departing from the Bullfrog and Wahweap Marinas:
Pick up times vary based on houseboat model and will range from 9:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. If the option is available (call for details) you may arrange for a "pre-board" the night before your first day for an extra cost.
Houseboats are due back between 3:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. based on houseboat model.
Departng from the Antelope Point Marina:
Your boat will be available on the first day of your rental, any time after 8 AM. If the option is available (call for details) you may arrange for a "pre-board" the night before your first day for an extra cost.
The boat is due at the marina by 2 PM on the last day of your rental.
As part of the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, Lake Powell is subject to National Park Service rules limiting houseboats to 12 people while in motion. When anchored you may have more on board as many houseboats offer sleeping capacity beyond 12. The easiest way to comply with the rule is to use a powerboat or personal watercraft for the extra people when you need to change locations.
If your group is very large you might consider splitting up among more than one houseboat. We can offer assistance with picking the right option for your situation.
From mid-summer through late fall, Lake Powell is warm and pleasantly cool in the shoulder seasons. Lake Powell water temperatures are too cold for extended swimming without a wesuit between Winter and early to mid-Spring.
View a month-by-month list of temperatures here. This will give you a general idea of what to expect for air and water temperatures.
Driving a houseboat is not that difficult but it is different than driving a car. When you pickup our houseboat, the marina staff will explain how to drive the boat during your orientation. WIthin a few minutes of driving the houseboat, most people are able to get a hand of maneuvering the boat.
No special license is needed to operate our houseboats. Upon your arrival, the rules for operating houseboats on the waterways will be explained.
The renter needs to be 21 years of age with a valid drivers license for any houseboats departing from Antelope Point.
For any houseboats departing from Wahweap Marina or Bullfrog Marina, the renter must be 18 years of age or older with a valid drivers license.
All houseboat rentals come with linens. This includes items such as pillows, blankets, sheets, and bath towels. However, beach towels are an item that you will need to bring with you.
If departing from the Bullfrog Marina, please ask your instructor for linens upon arrival.
Most of the houseboats allow dogs for a non-refundable fee. If your houseboat is departing from Antelope Point Marina, a pet fee of $100 is charged for the duration of the trip. For any boats departing from either Wahweap Marina or Bullfrog Marina, a pet fee of $10 per day is charged. Please keep in mind that pets are not allowed on some of the larger luxury houseboats.
There are a few main grocery stores in Page, Arizona for those departing on a houseboat vacation from Wahweap or Antelope Point Marinas.
For houseboats departing from Bullfrog Marina, the nearest grocery store is located to the north in Price, Utah, which is about two hours away so be sure not to forget anything on your grocery list.
For the most part, seasickness is uncommon on fresh water. There is very little motion because houseboats are on pontoons. If you tend to experience motion sickness however please plan on taking necessary precautions.
Absolutely! Fishing is one of the most popular activities at Lake Powell. The lake offers a variety of fish including Striped Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Catfish, Crappie, Bluegill and Walleye. The marinas have any tackle and bait you may need available for purchase.
You will need to purchase a fishing licens before you arrive at the marina.
Lake Powell's water level rises and falls dramatically each year, but it is still a massive body of water. In the main channel it is 400 feet deep and 150 miles long. With its many canyons and coves it has 2,000 miles of shoreline. Unless you want to spend a lot of time and gas driving all over the lake you probably won't ever see the whole thing.
There are some interesting effects of the different water levels. As they rise more canyons become accessible. As they fall there are more beaches to claim as your own. High or low the changing lake always has different areas to explore. Even the fishing conditions are the best they've been since 1996.
The United States Bureau of Reclamation has declared the height of the year's runoff to be over typically in late May to early June, but late snows and extra cold weather along the Colorado River might keep the water flowing in through July.
