Business Details
Your Trusted Boat Rental Service in Big Arm, MT
Established to provide premier boating experiences on Flathead Lake, Boat Rentals and Rides has served adventurers since the early 2000s. Our team specializes in offering a diverse fleet of watercraft, including motorized boats, jet skis, kayaks, and pontoons, all maintained to the highest safety standards. Located in Big Arm, Montana, just east of Big Arm Marina, we pride ourselves on exceptional customer service and deep local knowledge of Flathead Lake's unique attractions. With decades of combined experience in recreational boating, our staff ensures every guest receives expert guidance for exploring Wild Horse Island State Park and beyond. We operate seasonally from Memorial Day to Labor Day, offering flexible rental periods and shuttle services to maximize your time on the water.Our commitment to affordability, safety, and environmental stewardship has made us a trusted choice for families, anglers, and outdoor enthusiasts. From first-time paddlers to seasoned boaters, we provide personalized recommendations to match your skill level and interests. Our strategic location adjacent to Wild Horse Island allows immediate access to some of Montana's most breathtaking natural scenery. We maintain partnerships with local tourism boards to enhance visitor experiences through curated activity guides and real-time water condition updates. Every rental includes comprehensive safety briefings and equipment checks to ensure worry-free adventures.
Services
Boat Rentals
Jet Ski Rentals
Kayak Rentals
Pontoon Rentals
Shuttle Service
Camping Trips
Fishing Excursions
Wildlife Tours
Paintball Rentals
UTV Rentals
Highlights and features
- We offer 15+ watercraft types for all skill levels
- Competitive pricing with transparent tax/fuel disclosure
- Immediate access to Wild Horse Island attractions
- Family-friendly rentals with child pricing options
- Expert local knowledge of lake conditions and trails
What people say
Great family experience
Knowledgeable staff
Convenient location
Well-maintained equipment
Scenic routes
Services
Boat Rentals
Our extensive boat rental fleet accommodates all adventure levels. From fishing boats to large pontoons, each vessel receives daily maintenance checks. Expert staff provides operation training and safety equipment. Rentals include fuel cost estimates and recommended route planning for exploring Flathead Lake's landmarks.
Shuttle Service
Scheduled roundtrip transportation to Wild Horse Island operates three daily departures. Certified guides ensure safe passenger loading and provide island navigation tips. Shuttle packages include discounted rental options for post-arrival exploration of hiking trails and wildlife viewing areas.
Kayak Rentals
Single and tandem kayak options available with life jackets and paddles. Expert-recommended routes include Painted Rocks and Cedar Island sightseeing. Rentals include waterproof storage solutions and real-time water condition updates from our on-site staff.
Jet Ski Rentals
High-performance jet skis available for experienced riders. Mandatory safety briefings cover local regulations and emergency procedures. Rental packages include designated riding zones maps highlighting scenic viewpoints and fishing hotspots across Flathead Lake.
UTV Rentals
Polaris RZR rentals available for 4 or 8-hour mountain adventures. Vehicles equipped with GPS trail navigation systems and emergency communication devices. Guided tours include wildlife spotting opportunities and panoramic valley viewpoints accessible only through our exclusive trail partnerships.
Questions
What types of boats are available for rent?
We offer motorized fishing boats, pontoons, jet skis, kayaks, canoes, and stand-up paddleboards with capacities ranging from 900 to 1800 pounds.
Do you offer shuttle service to Wild Horse Island?
Yes, we provide three daily roundtrip shuttle departures (9am, 12pm, 3pm) with child pricing discounts and expert navigation guidance.
What safety equipment is provided?
All rentals include properly-fitted life jackets, safety whistles, and emergency communication devices. Staff conducts safety briefings before each departure.
Can I rent equipment for multiple days?
Our standard rentals operate on 4-8 hour periods, with full-day options available for select watercraft types during peak season.
What payment methods do you accept?
We process reservations via phone or email with major credit cards. Group discounts and family packages available upon request.
Are there age restrictions for rentals?
Children under 16 require adult supervision. Jet ski operators must be 18+ with valid driver's license. Life jackets mandatory for all minors.
Reviews (4)
Joel Woznicki
Aug 17, 2021
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Solid place to get a rental. Fairly priced (and the best deal around according to the gas station attendant), with helpful and friendly staff! We rented a boat to head to wild horse island, and while we only saw a few deer the trip was good. There was some wind, so the staff helped me get the boat docked which was needed with my driving skills!
5/5 would rent again.
5/5 would rent again.
Linda Arrington
Jul 29, 2021
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Staff was friendly and timely. Condition of the boat was the issue. The pontoon ladder was missing so they gave us one to hang over the rail. Not an option for older and heavier people. We had to haul people in. None of the gauges worked so we were afraid to go too fast without knowing RPM's. The cup holders were filthy and some broken through. They are cheaper but you get what you pay for.
Taylor Burt
Jul 22, 2021
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The team worked great to make our afternoon on Flathead lake a great one. They had to change our boat due to someone extending their reservation. It was handled professionally and quickly. The boat was in good shape and handled the day on the water amazingly.
Aaron Robinson
Jul 02, 2021
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5 Stars! What a amazing experience to have. My friend and I have been planning to go Jet skiing for over two years now, and I chose Big Arm Boat Rentals and Rides because of their reviews. Let me tell you, they live up to the expectations. They went over all the safety regulations and gave a quick run through of how the Jet-skis operate for us which was very helpful. Now the Jet skis themselves are FAST! I'm from Arizona and we have much smaller lakes compared to Flathead, and it's hard to find high powered Jet Skis without clearing out your bank. Not only were they very reasonably priced, but
