Rent a houseboat on Lake Powell, at the heart of Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. The 1.25 million-acre geologic playground straddles northern Arizona and southern Utah and boating is the best way to see it.
The 186-mile-long, manmade lake boasts 2,000 miles of soaring red sandstone cliffs, 90 major canyons, and sandy beaches, and is astonishingly beautiful in its desert setting. Houseboating is a safe and easy way for family groups to explore it while unwinding amid the comforts of home.
Our only caveat: water levels. The lake is still recovering from nearly a decade of drought but in the dry years, many of the most beautiful canyons become impassible (except by foot) and some once-accessible areas are full of thick mud.
Water Fun for All Ages with Little Experience Required
Typically, Lake Powell’s amazingly clear blue-green water is everywhere and it is so enticing.
Lake Powell’s crystal-clear blue-green waters are a playground for visitors of all ages. To fully experience the canyons and ensure a fun-filled adventure, most houseboat renters choose to tow a powerboat.
This allows for activities like waterskiing, fishing, and the use of various water toys, including personal watercraft, wakeboards, kneeboards, sprayers, and water trampolines. Safety is paramount, with children under the age of 12 required to wear life jackets at all times when on powerboats, using water toys, or on the exterior of the houseboat.
Never been a pilot? A thorough orientation and training session is given to the boat’s captain who must be at least 18-years-old and have a valid US driver’s license or passport. Additionally, all sailors will receive written information about docking, anchoring, refueling and other naval issues in the form of an instruction manual.
Where to Find a Rental Houseboat
Lake Powell Resorts & Marinas, managed by Aramark, is a concessionaire of the National Park Service that operates two full-service marinas offering houseboat and powerboat rentals, on the north and southwestern sides of the lake.
Marinas sell provisions such as food, beverages, ice, film and fuel, and their staff provides “How-To” lessons, maps (important!), gear, rest rooms, phones and laundry facilities. All houseboats, like the basic 46’ Expedition (sleeping 6), provide a propane range, oven, refrigerator, water heater and space heater, outdoor gas grill, electric light system, bathroom and shower, dishes, utensils and a swim slide.
Making Your Houseboating Dream a Reality
Extras on the new luxury class boats like the 75’ Odyssey (sleeping 16) include six staterooms with queen beds, two pullout double sofa beds, hot tubs, fireplaces, and home theatre systems, rivaling those of a four-star hotel. Note that not all boats are available at each marina. Rates for standard to luxury boats straddle a large range according to size and travel dates, so relatives on almost every budget can afford one. It’s also a fun idea to have your collective families add their floating home to a reunion convoy. Read more about Roger’s Houseboat Reunion here.
Houseboating packages, including lodging, powerboat, and water toys, are available. Additionally, the company runs three nearby RV and campgrounds.
The Antelope Point Marina, located near Page, Arizona, is another option for Lake Powell houseboat rentals and services. Antelope Point was built in partnership with the National Park Service and the Navajo Nation, and provides similar services while highlighting the Native American culture of the area.
If you find this article helpful in planning your visit to Lake Powell, consider checking out these other articles for year-round Western adventures as well:
- Cheap Skiing in Family-Friendly Brighton, Utah
- Exploring Dunwoody Georgia
- Hiking Arizona – The Red Rock Valley of Sedona
- On Horseback at Tanque Verde Guest Ranch, Tucson, Arizona
- Family Road Trip USA: The Grand Canyon from Phoenix to Las Vegas
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