Lake Shasta Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get to the Lake?
Lake Shasta is located in northern California, just north of the town of Redding. For a detailed map and directions to the different marinas, click here to view a map of the Lake Shasta area.
When do I pick up the boat?
For boats departing from the Jones Valley, Lakeview, or Sugarloaf Marinas, boats can be picked up at 2:00 PM on the first day of your rental. They are due back to the marina at 9:00 AM on your final day.
For boats departing from Silverthorn Marina, boats can be picked up between 3-5 PM on the first day of your rental. They are due back to the marina at 9:00 AM on your final day.
For boats departing from Digger Bay or Bridge Bay, boats can be picked up at 8:00 AM on the first day of your rental. They are due back at the marina at 4:00 PM on your final day.
How many people are allowed on the boat?
For boats departing from the Jones Valley, Lakeview, or Sugarloaf Marinas, the maximum capacity of the houseboats is 18 people while in motion. When the boat is not in motion, there are no restrictions on the number of people you may have on board.
For boats departing from Silverthorn Marina, the maximum capacity of the houseboats is the number of people they sleep. For the Executive, there is a 10 passenger maximum, for the Presidential there is a 16 passenger maximum, for the Queen 2 there is a 20 passenger maximum, and for the Queen 1 there is a 20 passenger maximum.
For boats departing from Digger Bay or Bridge Bay, the maximum number allowed on the Grand Sierra EX and Grand Sierra is 13 people while in motion. The maximum allowed on the Summit is 12 people while in motion, and the Cascade has a maximum of 9 people while in motion.
What will the temperatures be like on my trip?
For detailed air and water temperature information, 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 the Jones Valley, Lakeview, or Sugarloaf Marinas:
At the time of booking, you must pay a security deposit to confirm your reservation of the houseboat. This deposit is fully refundable as long as the boat is returned undamaged. 75 days prior to your trip, the full balance of your rental must be paid.
For boats departing from the Silverthorn Marina:
At the time of booking, you must pay a security deposit to confirm your reservation of the houseboat. This deposit is applied to your full rental fee, which is due 60 days prior to the date of departure during peak season, and 45 days prior to the date of departure during off-peak season. Additionally, a damage deposit is due at the time of rental.
For boats departing from the Digger Bay or Bridge Bay Marinas:
There is a $300 deposit required at the time of reservation. This amount acts as a down payment and applies to your rental fee. Your full rental fee plus a $500 security deposit is due 45 days prior to your scheduled date of departure. This $500 security deposit is fully refundable as long as you return the boat undamaged.
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 Shasta is one of the most popular lakes in the United States. 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 not provided on the houseboats at Shasta. You will need to provide your own.
Are pets allowed on my houseboat?
Pets are allowed on all houseboats for no additional fee on all houseboats except the Corinthian and the Renaissance.
If your pet happens to cause some damage and/or the need for extra cleaning, part of your deposit may be forfeited to cover this additional cost.
Where is the nearest grocery store so I can stock up before my trip?
Redding is located approximately twenty minutes away from Lake Shasta. There you will find many different grocery stores, including Costco, Wal-Mart, and Albertsons. Redding is located right off I-5.
Additionally, there are small convenience stores located at all of the marinas for last minute or forgotten items.
How old do you have to be to rent the houseboats?
For boats departing from Silverthorn, Jones Valley, Lakeview or Sugarloaf:
Charter captain must be at least twenty-five (25) years old. Your party must also have at least two people 25 or older on board.
For boats departing from Digger Bay or Bridge Bay Marinas:
The renter needs to be 21 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 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. And 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 favorite activity for houseboaters. There are several species of fish at every location, including bass, salmon, crappie, trout, catfish, and even sturgeon! The type of fish that are ‘running’ will depend on the season, the weather, water temperature, the moon etc.
All marina stores sell a good variety of bait and tackle for optimizing your chances of catching fish, whether you’re a novice or an expert.
