River Queen Voyages

Rentals from River Queen Voyages include life jackets, safety equipment, dock access and on-site parking. Amenities vary by boat and by season, so confirm what comes with the boat you book.

For state-law purposes, a person must be at least 12 to operate alone a motorized vessel over 8.5 horsepower, while anyone renting a personal watercraft must be at least 16. An operator under 12 must have a supervisor aboard who is at least 18 and able to take immediate control; if that supervisor was born after January 1, 1989, the supervisor also needs a TWRA boating safety certificate. Tennessee residents born after January 1, 1989 operating over 8.5 horsepower need the TWRA certificate; nonresidents in that birth-date group need a NASBLA-approved certificate. The rental operator sets its own minimum, so confirm it when booking.

Source: Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (tn.gov)

Yes, Tennessee requires many recreational operators to carry boating safety certification. Residents born after January 1, 1989, operating vessels over 8.5 horsepower need TWRA certification; nonresidents in that age group may use a NASBLA approved certificate. The rule includes personal watercraft. Operators under 12 need an adult at least 18 aboard who can immediately take control, while anyone under 16 may not rent a personal watercraft.

Motorized boat renters generally receive a TWRA approved safety orientation. Certification exemptions also include engines of 8.5 horsepower or less, sailboats under sail alone, and operation with a qualifying adult aboard. The TWRA app may show certification while awaiting the card; an exam permit alone is not proof. TWRA administers the program.

Source: Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (tn.gov)

From Nashville, you can boat the Cumberland River, the Stones River and J. Percy Priest Lake. Shelby Park and Lock Two launch directly onto the Cumberland for a city river route. Heartland Access launches onto the Stones; that river joins the Cumberland upriver of downtown, so you can continue onto the main river.

For reservoir boating, launch on Percy Priest at Seven Points, Elm Hill or Four Corners. The lower reservoir also has islands with primitive campsites, offering a different day on the water from Nashville’s river routes.

Source: Metro Nashville Parks (nashville.gov)

Boaters from Nashville can head to the downtown East Bank transient dock, Peeler Park at Neely’s Bend, or Cook Day Use Area on J. Percy Priest Lake. The East Bank dock on the Cumberland River is a quick walk from Broadway, restaurants and Nissan Stadium. Peeler Park combines a Cumberland River launch with a pastoral setting and paved, hiking and equestrian trails. Cook Day Use Area draws lake boaters with its sandy swimming beach, picnic areas and playgrounds.

Source: Metro Nashville Parks and Recreation (nashville.gov)