The Perfect Boating Day On Lake Lanier

The Georgia summer sun is brutal, but Lake Lanier provides the perfect oasis to escape the heat.

When it comes to high temperatures and humidity of summers in Georgia, boating is one of the best ways to cool off. Lucky for the Peach State, it boasts Lake Lanier, a man-made reservoir finished in 1957 approximately 60 miles away from Atlanta.

Lanier was built to provide water to the citizens of the city as well as control navigation and floods. Since then, it has become a popular destination for travelers seeking recreation, and one of these forms is boating.

Birds Eye Shot Of Lake Lanier And Islands
Birds eye shot of Lake Lanier and islands. Image by @baldbeardednomad on Instagram

In order to spend a day on the water, rent a boat or pontoon. One option is Paradise Rental Boats in Port Marina Royale in Gainesville. It offers a large number of different boats to choose from, and all are priced accessibly compared to other boat rentals near Lanier Islands.

Another company is Aqua Sports Adventures in Buford where you can rent boats for four or eight hours. Make sure to call ahead or book online. Once you have acquired your boat rental, be sure to bring lots of sunscreen. While the boat is moving, the breeze will cool you off enough to feel as if you are not burning, but you are.

View From A Boat On Lake Lanier
View from a boat on Lake Lanier. Image by @carolspraker on Instagram

Snacks are also a must! Try to bring foods that won’t spoil sitting in the sun, or keep them in a cooler with the next essentials: drinks. Just remember, the driver of the boat cannot be drinking and driving.

When it comes to music, some boats have radios that play some stations, but if you wish to hear your favorite songs, a bluetooth speaker may be your best option.

Head to your location of boat rental at least thirty minutes early in order to fill out paperwork and any driver’s tests that may have to be done in order for you to receive the go-to for operating your boat.

Lake Lanier During Sunset
Lake Lanier during Sunset. Image by @aunxphotos on Instagram

When on the lake, there is a variety of activities to enjoy, but it starts with swimming. Lake Lanier is warm during the summer months, not to mention, very clear. So it is great to swim in if you are looking to cool off. Another activity is fishing. This requires more patience than others, but it is relaxing nonetheless.

Some boat rentals also offer the option to rent a tube or water skis in case you are feeling more adventurous. Allow your captain to do a few practice rounds of pulling the tube or skis if they have no experience before letting the passengers use them.

Boat Going Toward A Bridge On Lake Lanier
Boat going toward a bridge on Lake Lanier. Image by @mcsmeyer on Instagram

Although there’s an abundance of things to do while on the water, cruising around the lake always brings good vibrations. Sipping an ice cold drink while chilling out, listening to music is the definition of a stress-reliever.

As you wrap up a perfect boat day, check to see where you need to return the boat. Some rental places ask that you pull it into the boat gas station usually near the same location you first got your boat.

View Of A Small Boat During Sunset On lake Lanier
View of a small boat during sunset on lake Lanier. Image by @talkingexcitingly on Instagram

Kennedy Kollar

Content Associate

Kennedy is an entertainment junkie hailing from Pennsylvania. When she is traveling, you can find her searching for the best gluten-free foods as well as matcha and chai teas. She loves immersing herself in new cultures and wishes to visit the less-traveled hidden gems.

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