Boat Rentals in Sunrise Beach, MO

Rental fleets in Sunrise Beach include Deck boats, Jet skis, Pontoon boats, Sailboats and Waverunners. What is available on the day depends on the company and the season, so it is worth checking a few listings.

Late May through September is the best overall time to boat from Sunrise Beach on Lake of the Ozarks’ Osage main channel near Hurricane Deck Bridge. Ameren defines Memorial Day through Labor Day as the lake’s peak recreation season, and the local tourism bureau lists a Sunrise Beach rental and gas dock as seasonal from May through September. By early July, water temperatures can reach the mid-to-upper 80s; August also brings heavy boat traffic.

For shoulder-season boating, choose early May or after Labor Day. Winter and early spring bring lower lake levels as Ameren draws down the reservoir, holds it lower into April, then refills toward its summer target by late May.

Source: Ameren Missouri (ameren.com)

From Sunrise Beach, you can boat Lake of the Ozarks, starting at Shawnee Bend Access and choosing between the Osage Arm’s active main channel and quieter side coves. Shawnee Bend has a boat ramp, courtesy dock and multipurpose dock on the Osage Arm. The main channel is the livelier, open-water choice for cruising, while Lynch Hollow Cove is a no-wake alternative with quiet little bays just off that channel. These connected waters make it easy to launch near Sunrise Beach, cruise the main lake and then slow down in a calmer cove.

Source: Missouri Department of Conservation (mdc.mo.gov)

From Sunrise Beach, boaters can make Lake of the Ozarks day trips to Ha Ha Tonka State Park, Party Cove, Lover’s Leap and Grand Glaize Beach. Ha Ha Tonka’s cove has courtesy docks on the castle ruins and spring sides, making it a practical shore excursion. Party Cove is an anchoring and social stop, while Lover’s Leap suits a scenic cruise. Grand Glaize Beach at Lake of the Ozarks State Park adds a marina and paved boat ramp for a convenient waterside stop.

Source: Missouri State Parks (mostateparks.com)

Yes. Operators born after January 1, 1984 and before January 1, 2006 must carry a boater safety card or boating endorsement when operating a motorized boat or sailboat over 12 feet on the lakes of this state; this includes personal watercraft. The requirement has been in force since 2005. Beginning January 1, 2027 it also covers operators born on or after January 1, 2006, and extends from the lakes to the waters of the state.

Operators under 14 need direct onboard supervision by a parent, guardian, or other person 16 or older. Renters may use a once in a lifetime temporary card valid for up to seven days. Exemptions include qualifying Coast Guard licensees, military members and spouses, approved regatta participants, private waters, and recognized NASBLA credentials. The Missouri State Highway Patrol Water Patrol Division administers the program.

Source: Missouri State Highway Patrol Water Patrol Division (mshp.dps.missouri.gov)

Missouri boaters should carry a U.S. Coast Guard approved wearable life jacket for every person; children under seven must wear one unless inside an enclosed houseboat or cruiser cabin, and everyone on a personal watercraft must wear one. Operating with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08% or more violates Missouri’s excessive BAC boating law. Motorized vessels and sailboats longer than 12 feet generally must be titled and registered. Personal watercraft operators must be at least 14 unless someone age 16 or older is aboard, and nighttime operation requires navigation lights. Observe posted slow, no wake zones. The Missouri State Highway Patrol Water Patrol Division enforces boating laws.

Source: Missouri State Highway Patrol Water Patrol Division (mshp.dps.missouri.gov)

Missouri law permits unsupervised operation of a motorboat or vessel at age 14, but that is not a guaranteed rental age. A person under 14 may operate only under the direct on-board supervision of a parent, guardian or another person age 16 or older, unless the motorboat is moored. For personal watercraft, an operator under 14 must have someone at least 16 aboard.

As of September 29, 2026, Section 306.127 requires a boating safety identification card for vessel operators born after January 1, 1984, and before January 1, 2006, on Missouri lakes. Beginning January 1, 2027, operators born on or after January 1, 2006, must carry one on waters of the state. The rental operator sets its own minimum, so confirm it when booking.

Source: Missouri State Highway Patrol Water Patrol Division (revisor.mo.gov)

Alongside the boat rentals on this page, Sunrise Beach has 6 marinas and 5 boat dealers.