Monterey M6 Bareboat Charter: Luxury Cruising on Lake Minnetonka

Boat Rental · Excelsior

Bareboat Charter - Monterey M6 (Excelsior)

Skip the chauffeured tour and captain your own luxury day on Lake Minnetonka aboard the Monterey M6. Perfect for groups up to 12, this bareboat rental blends stability, space, and performance for island-hopping, swims, and lakeside dining.

View experience
Duration2–8 hours
LocationExcelsior, Minnesota
OperatorTonka Boat Rentals
Price shownCheck dates

Adventure brief

Bareboat Charter - Monterey M6 (Excelsior)

Skip the chauffeured tour and captain your own luxury day on Lake Minnetonka aboard the Monterey M6. Perfect for groups up to 12, this bareboat rental blends stability, space, and performance for island-hopping, swims, and lakeside dining.

On Lake Minnetonka in Excelsior, Minnesota, Bareboat Charter - Monterey M6 (Excelsior) hands you the wheel of a polished, roomy day cruiser that turns shoreline cruising into an effortless social outing. Docked near 2 Water St in historic Excelsior, the Monterey M6 blends modern lines, abundant seating, and stable hull design so groups up to 12 can glide between bays, pull up to quiet coves, or anchor for a swim with comfort. Lake Minnetonka is a large, glacially formed lake of interconnected bays and more than a dozen small islands; its protected coves, rocky points, and marsh edges host great blue herons, common loons, and seasonal waterfowl.

The M6’s refined details and steady ride make it easy to photograph mirrored water at dawn, line up the bow for sunset cocktails, or run through wake-free channels en route to a favorite shoreline restaurant. Because this is a bareboat rental, operators require two years of boating experience and a valid permit or license for every renter, which keeps outings safer and lets experienced boaters enjoy unstructured days on the water. This is a special piece of the local recreation scene: Excelsior’s downtown sits a short stroll from the docks, so you can mix lake time with cafés, artisanal shops, and lakeside parks.

The M6 stands out here because it combines high-capacity seating and sensible performance without the intimidation of a yacht — ideal for families, groups of friends, or a relaxed day of entertaining. Whether you’re island-hopping with a picnic, casting off from a lakeside lunch, or drifting at dusk to watch osprey lift fish from the surface, the boat’s stable platform and generous deck layout keep everyone involved. Practical details matter: rentals come with an assigned meeting point provided before your rental and accept groups up to 12.

Expect half-day to full-day options that let you tailor how far across the lake you’ll go. Plan to bring sun protection, a cooler, and a simple anchor for quiet swims; if you’re new to Minnetonka’s currents and narrow channels, allow extra time to navigate shallow entrances and watch for weekend traffic. For Minnesotans and visitors alike, a day on the Monterey M6 is an accessible, memorable way to experience Lake Minnetonka’s varied shoreline, abundant wildlife, and easy-going lake culture.

A typical itinerary can include a morning run to secluded coves for a swim, an afternoon lunch tied up at a lakeside dock, and a slow, glassy-speed return for sunset over Excelsior’s harbor. The bareboat format rewards confident skippers: bring charts or a GPS, double-check fuel levels, and brief your party on PFD locations. Reservations are available through the operator’s booking link; confirm the experience requirement and any local rules before you arrive safely.

Adventure tips

Plan your experience.

Curated tips for an optimal adventure.

  1. 01
    License & Experience

    All renters must have a valid boating permit and at least two years of boating experience—bring documentation to check-in.

    essential
  2. 02
    Watch shallow entrances

    Many popular coves have shallow bars; approach slowly and consult charts or GPS when entering narrow channels.

    warning
  3. 03
    Sun protection & hydration

    Open-deck cruising increases sun exposure—wear reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, and bring plenty of water.

    info
  4. 04
    Anchor and etiquette

    Use a lightweight anchor to avoid damaging vegetation and be mindful when tying to public docks—leave room for other boats.

    info
DifficultyEasy
Duration2–8 hours
FitnessMinimal physical exertion required; you should be able to board, move around the deck, and swim if you plan to stop.
Technical skillsBoating experience (2+ years), Valid boating license/permit

Recommended gear

What to bring.

01

USCG-approved life jacket (PFD)

Even if provided, bring a personal PFD that fits—safety first for all ages.

Essential
02

Sunscreen and polarized sunglasses

Protects skin and reduces glare for better visibility and photography.

summerEssential
03

Waterproof dry bag

Keeps phones, cameras, and wallets dry during on-water stops and swims.

04

Non-slip water shoes

Useful for boarding, rocky shoreline landings, and wet decks.

summerEssential

Local insights

Context for the journey.

Hidden gems

Nearby secrets

Explore Gray's Bay and nearby quiet coves on the lake's west arm, Tie up at a lesser-used island to picnic away from crowded docks

Wildlife

Local fauna

Common loon, Great blue heron

History

Historic heritage

Lake Minnetonka’s Dakota-derived name means big water; the lake became a popular resort destination in the late 19th century with steamboats and lakeside hotels.

Conservation

Mindful exploration

Boat users are asked to clean gear to prevent invasive species like zebra mussels; practice 'Clean, Drain, Dry' and respect shoreline vegetation.

Photography tips

Capture the moments

Viewpoints
From the bow facing Excelsior’s shoreline near 2 Water St, Off-shore in the western bays for island panoramas, Along quiet coves where reflections are strongest
Subjects
Lake and island landscapes, Waterfowl and shorebirds, Candid group moments and deck lifestyle
Best times
Golden hour (sunrise/sunset), Mid-morning for clearer skies, Late afternoon for warm light

Frequently asked questions

Before you go.

Do I need a boating license to rent the Monterey M6?

Yes. All renters must present a valid boating permit or license and the operator requires at least two years of boating experience.

How many people can fit on this boat?

The charter accepts groups up to 12 people—confirm exact passenger capacity at booking and follow USCG rules.

Where do I meet for check-in?

The meeting point is provided before your rental; the boat is docked near 2 Water St in Excelsior.

What is the cancellation policy?

Cancellation and refund policies are set by the operator; check the booking link for up-to-date terms before reserving.

Can I fish from the boat?

Yes—fishing is possible from the M6. Carry appropriate licenses and follow local regulations for Lake Minnetonka.

Are pets allowed on board?

Pet policies vary by operator. Contact the booking provider through the referral link to confirm if pets are permitted.

Tonka Boat Rentals

Monterey M6 Bareboat Charter: Luxury Cruising on Lake Minnetonka