Wilderness Water Experience — Three-Day Rentals on the Lakes of Grand Traverse & Leelanau

TRAVERSE CITY BOAT TOUR FIELD GUIDE

Wilderness Water Experience — Three-Day Rentals on the Lakes of Grand Traverse & Leelanau

Three-day watercraft rentals from Memories Traverse City covering pontoons, double-deckers, jet skis, kayaks and SUPs, with delivery across Grand Traverse and Leelanau County.

Wilderness Water Experience — Three-Day Rentals on the Lakes of Grand Traverse & Leelanau.

Duration
3 Days
Location
Traverse City
Operator
Memories Traverse City
Category
Boat Tour
Robert Eric Crews
Founder & Editor, The Adventure Collective
Published Verified

Northern Michigan’s inland seas — the lakes of Grand Traverse and Leelanau County — are the setting for a flexible, gear-forward water rental program that puts everything from double-decker pontoons with slides to performance jet skis and quiet kayaks within reach. Whether you want a high-energy day of speed, a family float with room to spread out, or a slow paddle into a hidden cove, the three-day rental option lets you shape the pace and scope of the outing across the region’s well-known lakes.

Highlights

Outing Highlights

THE FLEET

Nine distinct craft — from slides to speed

Choose among a diverse lineup: a 2022 Tahoe 1950 deck boat, double-decker pontoon with waterslides, classic pontoon, three types of jet skis, kayaks and stand-up paddleboards — options that suit families, parties and solo paddlers alike.

THE LAKES

Delivery to Torch, Glen, Leelanau, Crystal and more

The operator delivers rentals to popular launch points throughout Grand Traverse and Leelanau County, making it simple to begin your day directly from well-known lakes such as Torch, Glen, Leelanau and Crystal.

THE OCCASION

Customizable outings: add picnic packages and floats

Book add-ons like picnic packages and water floats to tailor the day for birthdays, family gatherings or a solo escape; rentals are offered in flexible increments, from short stints to multi-day plans.

What the day feels like

How the three-day rental feels

A three-day rental expands a single lake afternoon into a measured visit: mornings for calm paddles or SUP practice, midday for a family pontoon session or slide-driven splash, and late afternoons for a quieter shoreline sweep. The program’s variety of craft lets groups split their time between high-adrenaline jet-ski runs and low-key kayak exploration while staging launches from multiple local lakes.

Suitability

Who it's for

Who this rental suits — and who should plan differently.

1
Active FamiliesIdeal — double-deckers and pontoons provide space and built-in fun (waterslides) for families; pets may join only on pontoon or double-decker vessels and subject to cleaning rules.
2
Thrill-SeekersWell matched — multiple high-performance jet skis and a deck boat are available for speed-focused outings, but operators prohibit alcohol while operating motorized craft and towing sports require approved add-ons.
3
Couples & Solo ExplorersWell suited — kayaks and SUPs support quiet, scenic paddles; note that overnight use of craft requires explicit pre-approval from the operator.
4
Pet OwnersConditional match — pets are permitted only on pontoon and double-decker options and may incur cleaning fees; check vessel selection before booking.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

What to Bring

Sunscreen, towels, water bottles, water shoes or sandals, and a cell phone for emergencies and communication. Bring a cooler or snacks, or book an operator picnic package.

Identification & Deposit

Bring a valid ID and a credit card to cover the damage deposit required at rental time.

Comfort & Safety

Water shoes or sandals and sun protection are recommended; operators offer accessories like floats and picnic add-ons to increase comfort on longer rentals.

Booking Notice

Review cancellation policies before reserving.

Frequently asked questions

Planning Your Outing

How long is the Wilderness Water Experience rental?

This listing is for three-day rentals; the operator also offers rentals in other increments from one hour up to seven days.

Where do I pick up the rental?

The operator delivers to locations throughout Grand Traverse County and Leelanau County, including popular lakes such as Torch, Glen, Leelanau and Crystal.

Can I bring my pet?

Pets are allowed only on pontoon and double-decker options; cleaning fees may apply.

Is alcohol allowed on board?

No — there is no alcohol permitted while operating any motorized vessel.

Can I tow tubes or engage in watersports?

Towing sports are not allowed unless approved add-ons are rented and authorized by the operator.

Can I keep a rental overnight?

Overnight use is not permitted unless pre-approved by the operator.