Lake Powell Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get to the Lake?
Lake Powell is located in a large area of protected land near the Utah/Arizona border. There are no nearby large cities. Travelers from eastern states or international destinations often fly into Las Vegas, Nevada (270 miles to the Wahweap Marina), Flagstaff, Arizona (132 miles from the Wahweap Marina), or Salt Lake City, Utah (280 miles from the Bullfrog Marina). The drive to the lake can be quite pleasant; Southern Utah is home to five national parks and countless other scenic areas.
An alternative, if your trip will depart from Wahweap or Antelope Point Marina, is to fly directly into Page, Arizona, via a local carrier.
Click here to view a map of Lake Powell and the surrounding areas.
When do I pick up the boat?
You may pick up your boat any time after 8:00 AM (9:00 AM in the off-season) on the first day of your rental. In some cases, you may arrange for a “pre-board” on the night before; call us for more information.
Your boat is due back at the marina at 2:00 PM on the final day.
How many people are allowed on the boat?
Lake Powell is a National Recreation Area, and the government rules allow for no more than 12 people on a moving houseboat, no matter the size. Groups can comply with this rule by bringing or renting a powerboat for additional members of their party.
Larger groups may want to consider renting an additional houseboat. When the boat is not in motion, there are no restrictions on the number of people you may have onboard.
What will the temperatures be like on my trip?
The lake is warm from mid-summer through late fall and pleasantly cool in the shoulder seasons. Winter and early to mid-spring water temperatures are too cold for extended swimming without a wetsuit.
View a month-by-month list of temperatures here.
How difficult is driving a houseboat?
Driving a houseboat is different than driving a car, but is not that difficult. When you reserve your houseboat, we will send you a video or DVD in the mail with a basic overview of houseboat operations. The marina staff will also walk you through driving the boat when you pick it up. Most people get the hand of maneuvering the boat within a few minutes.
If you’re concerned about your ability to handle the boat, you may arrange for a captain to guide you out of the marina or drive you to a specific destination on the lake.
What is the billing schedule?
For boats departing from Wahweap or Bullfrog:
At the time of booking, you must pay a deposit to confirm your reservation of the houseboat. Sixty (60) days prior to your trip, the full balance of your rental must be paid. The deposit is held throughout your trip, and then refunded once you return the boat undamaged. Cancellations made 60 days or more prior to departure will incur a $100 fee. Cancellations made between 49 and 59 days prior to departure will incur a $500 fee. Cancellations made 44 days or less prior to departure will owe the full rental amount.
For boats departing from Antelope Point:
At the time of booking, you must pay a deposit to confirm your reservation of the houseboat. There is a $50 fee for changes to your reservation made at least 60 days prior to departure. Any rescheduling requests made less than 60 days before your planned departure will be treated as a cancellation of the original reservation. Cancellations made 60 days or more prior to departure are charged a $150 fee. Cancellations from 44-60 days prior to departure will lose the full amount of the damage deposit. Cancellations made 44 days or less prior to departure are charged the entire rental fee.
How do I check availability or reserve a houseboat?
Give us a call at 888-454-8825, and one of our reservation agents will be happy to check availability for you. It’s helpful if you already have an idea of when you want to go and what boat you’re most interested in when you call.
Alternatively, you can contact us online with your availability request, and one of our agents will be happy to get back to you with the information you need.
How early do I need to reserve?
Lake Powell is one of the most popular lakes for houseboating in the country. Some of our boats have been known to book out more than two years in advance. The earlier the better is a good rule to follow, particularly if you have an exact date in mind for your trip, or if you’re planning a trip over a holiday weekend.
However, if you’re flexible with your dates or the exact houseboat model, we can almost always find a trip for you even a few weeks before hand.
Are linens included with my houseboat rental?
Linens are included on all houseboat rentals. This includes sheets, pillows, blankets, and bath towels. You will need to provide your own beach towels.
Are pets allowed on my houseboat?
Pets are allowed on most of the houseboats for a non-refundable fee. For boats departing from Antelope Point Marina, pets are $100 for the duration of the trip. For boats departing from Wahweap or Bullfrog Marina, pets are $10 a day. Some of the larger luxury houseboats do not allow pets.
Where is the nearest grocery store so I can stock up before my trip?
For boats departing from Wahweap or Antelope Point Marinas, there are a few main grocery stores located in Page, Arizona.
For boats departing from Bullfrog Marina, the closest supermarket is located in Price, Utah, which is about two hours away.
How old do you have to be to rent the houseboats?
For boats departing from Antelope Point, the renter needs to be 21 years of age with a valid drivers license.
For boats departing from Wahweap or Bullfrog Marinas, the renter needs to be 18 years of age with a valid drivers license.
Do I need a license to operate the houseboats, or is a skipper provided?
There is no special license needed to operate our houseboats. There are rules for operating houseboats on the waterways, and we will explain them to you upon your arrival.
Will I get seasick on a houseboat?
Houseboats are on pontoons and there is very little motion. Seasickness is basically unheard of on fresh water.
What is the best time of year to go houseboating?
It is always a good time to go houseboating! Summer is the most popular and is the busiest season. Fall offers Indian Summer days and cooler nights. Springtime is good for viewing abundant wildflowers, waterfalls, and wildlife. Winter is favorable for the anglers, when fishing is at its best. The rates are significantly lower between September and May. All our vessels are climate-controlled with air-conditioning and heaters-some even have a fireplace!
Can I fish from the houseboat?
Yes! Fishing is a very popular activity at Lake Powell. You will find a variety of fish including catfish, black crappie, brown and rainbow trout, and carp. Tackle and bait is available at the marinas for purchase.
I’ve heard the lake levels are low—will this impact my trip?
Lake Powell is still a prime houseboating destination at more than 400 feet deep, 150 miles long & with nearly 2,000 miles of shoreline.
- More than enough water to enjoy all of the same houseboating, powerboating and watersport activities you enjoyed in years past.
- A wealth of new and enhanced recreational opportunities this year
- More canyons and beaches to explore for anchoring houseboats, hiking, and picnicking.
- Best fishing conditions since 1996.
The height of this year's runoff into Lake Powell appears to have passed, but U.S. Bureau of Reclamation officials are projecting that late snows and recent, unseasonably cold weather in parts of the Colorado River watershed should produce addition inflow through early July. Current projections call for Lake Powell to top off at 3,607 feet in elevation. That would be the lake's highest elevation mark since August 2003.
