Boat Rentals in Ely, MN

Rental fleets in Ely include Pontoon boats. What is available on the day depends on the company and the season, so it is worth checking a few listings.

June through August is the best time to boat on Shagawa Lake in Ely. Ely’s tourism bureau calls those months the area’s prime family season and places the broader warm-weather window from early June through late September. A Minnesota DNR survey taken in July found Shagawa’s surface water in the low 70s, while winter brings thick lake ice, so dependable open-water outings are mainly a summer and early-fall plan. Rain is common in Ely, so check the day’s forecast before launching and keep alternate plans for wet weather.

Source: Ely Area Tourism Bureau (ely.org)

From Ely, the clearest day boating choices are Shagawa Lake, the White Iron Chain and Fall Lake. Shagawa is the close to town option, with a craggy shoreline, small islands and weed beds. White Iron, Garden, Farm and South Farm form a connected chain bordering the Boundary Waters; put in at the Farm Lake boat landing to reach South Farm, while paddlers can continue toward the North Kawishiwi River. Fall Lake has its own boat landing; part of the lake lies within the Boundary Waters, while the remainder is open to unrestricted boating.

Source: Ely Area Tourism Bureau (ely.org)

Boaters planning an Ely-area day trip can head to Semers Beach Park on Shagawa Lake for sand beaches and picnic tables, Gusty Island on Burntside Lake for a publicly accessible island that will remain undeveloped, or Lake One for paddling among its many bays and islands. Together, they offer a convenient beach stop, an undeveloped island visit and a flexible Boundary Waters day paddle.

Source: Ely Chamber of Commerce (ely.org)

Yes. As of July 1, 2026, Minnesota requires operators age 12 or older who were born after June 30, 2000, to possess a valid watercraft operator’s permit when driving a motorboat or personal watercraft, unless supervised or exempt. Children under 12 cannot operate a personal watercraft or a motorboat over 75 horsepower; they may operate a non-PWC under 75 horsepower with a qualified accompanying operator. Boats with 25 horsepower or less are exempt.

Renters must be at least 18. Adult rental customers can complete a rental course for a 180-day certificate, but resort rentals follow regular permit rules. Qualifying short-term nonresidents and certain licensed maritime operators are exempt. The Minnesota DNR administers the program.

Source: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (dnr.state.mn.us)

The Minnesota rules most recreational boaters need concern life jackets, licensing, sober operation, personal watercraft and invasive species. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources requires an accessible, properly sized, Coast Guard approved life jacket for each person; children under 10 must wear one while underway. All motorized watercraft and nonmotorized craft over 10 feet must be licensed, subject to listed exceptions. Operating a motorboat while impaired is illegal, with a .08 alcohol concentration threshold. Personal watercraft may operate only from 9:30 a.m. until one hour before sunset, and operators under 12 are prohibited. Remove aquatic plants, drain water and keep drain plugs out during transport. Obey marked local no wake restrictions.

Source: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (files.dnr.state.mn.us)

Minnesota sets the rental age in statute: under section 86B.306, a person who rents or leases a motorboat or personal watercraft must be 18 or older. Someone younger may still operate it if they are named as an authorized operator on the rental agreement and hold a valid watercraft operator's permit.

Operating rules are separate. A person of any age may run a motorboat rated 25 horsepower or less that is not a personal watercraft, without a permit. No one under 12 may operate a personal watercraft or a motorboat over 75 horsepower. An accompanying operator must be 21 or older, aboard, within immediate reach of the controls, and permitted or exempt.

Source: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (revisor.mn.gov)

Alongside the boat rentals on this page, Ely has 3 boat clubs, 1 marina and 1 boat dealer.