Wine Tours
Après Tours
Kelowna
THINGS TO DO · KELOWNA & WEST KELOWNA
Skip the driving and let a local captain show you the shoreline, hidden coves, and deep waters of Okanagan Lake.
9 boat tours · Updated October 2026Things To Do guide · Go Kelowna
Photo: Neil Elliott · Kelowna Yacht Club via Google
01AT A GLANCE
The details that matter.
Most captains launch from the downtown marina, taking groups past waterfront mansions and the William R. Bennett Bridge. You can book a quick sightseeing trip, schedule an evening sunset sail, or rent an entire pontoon for a private group. Trips cater to families, couples, and large parties wanting a day on the water.
- Best Season
- June to September
- Book Ahead
- Yes, especially weekends
- Departs From
- Downtown, West Kelowna
- Good to know
- Captained charters are popular
01LOCAL PICKS
Cruises & charters
Sunset cruises, private charters and wake-boat days.
Boat Tours
Tiki Time Tours
Kelowna
Boat Tours
Kelowna Lake Tours
Kelowna
Boat Tours
Kelowna Cruises
Kelowna
Boat Tours
Kelownafornia Yacht Charter/Ok Lake Tours
Kelowna
Boat Rentals & Marinas
Kelowna Yacht Club
Kelowna
Guided Tours
Sip & Anchor Luxury Wine Tours & Boat Charters
Kelowna
Boat Rentals & Marinas
Kelowna Boat Charters
Kelowna
Boat Rentals & Marinas
OKGN Boat Rentals Inc.
Kelowna
Boat Rentals & Marinas
Eldorado Yacht Club
Kelowna
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•KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
Getting Out on the Water
A day on Okanagan Lake requires a bit of planning. Here is everything you need to know about booking a captained trip.
The short answer
Start by looking at private charters that let you customize the day. Companies like Kelowna Boat Charters and Sip & Anchor Luxury Wine Tours & Boat Charters supply the captain, so your group can just relax. If you want a themed outing, Tiki Time Tours runs a highly visible Hawaiian-style pontoon.
01See the sights
Sightseeing and Sunsets
Seeing the shoreline from the water gives you a completely different perspective of the city. Sightseeing trips glide past City Park and under the William R. Bennett Bridge. You get a clear view of modern downtown condos and the large lakeside houses in Sailview Bay and Lakeview Heights. Many captains will also point out landmarks, like the bell tower at Mission Hill Winery.
As evening approaches, the light on the surrounding mountains shifts. Sunset trips are generally relaxed and quiet. Kelowna Cruises runs scheduled evening trips, including dinner sailings that work well for a date night.
These scheduled routes usually run for one to two hours. You just sit back and listen to the crew's commentary while taking in the valley views.
Local tips
- Book a late afternoon or evening trip for the best light on the mountains.
- Bring a light jacket or sweater, as the wind picks up after dark.
- Ask your captain to point out the wineries visible from the water.
- Charge your phone before you go.
02Your own boat
Private Captained Charters
Booking a vessel with a captain means nobody in your group needs a boating licence. The crew handles the docking, steering, and finding the best anchorages. This is a common choice for birthdays, bachelorettes, and family gatherings.
Operators like Kelowna Boat Charters and Sip & Anchor Luxury Wine Tours & Boat Charters specialize in these personalized trips. You tell the captain what you want to do. They can find a quiet cove for swimming, cruise the shoreline, or just anchor while you play music. It is your vessel for the booked time, with no strangers aboard.
Charters fit various group sizes, from small runabouts for couples to large pontoons. Operators like OKGN Boat Rentals Inc. maintain large fleets. You can create a completely custom itinerary for a few hours or a full day.
Local tips
- Reserve your spot well in advance for summer weekends and holidays.
- Discuss your ideal day with the company beforehand to get the right vessel.
- Confirm what is included, as most charters cover fuel and safety gear.
- Ask your captain for recommendations on the best swimming spots.
03Good times
Party Pontoons
When the goal is to celebrate, spacious pontoon boats are the go-to option. Many come with upper decks and waterslides, built specifically for larger groups. Stagettes, birthdays, and weekend parties frequent these vessels. With a captain at the helm, everyone can socialize safely.
Tiki Time Tours runs a Hawaiian-themed pontoon that is highly visible on the lake. Sip & Anchor runs a floating nightclub experience with LED lighting and premium sound systems for evening trips. These charters usually come equipped with coolers, ice, and Bluetooth stereos.
You can bring your own drinks and snacks aboard. The captain normally takes you to popular spots where you can anchor, swim, and hang out with other boaters.
Local tips
- Reserve party pontoons early in the season.
- Check the capacity limits to make sure everyone fits comfortably.
- Bring your own playlist, as most stereos connect via Bluetooth.
- Pack your beverages in cans or plastic containers, as glass is rarely permitted.
04Local lore
Ogopogo and Rattlesnake Island
The legend of Ogopogo dates back centuries. It originates from the Syilx Okanagan people's stories of N'ha-a-itk, a sacred spirit of the lake. Settler sightings began in the 1800s, describing a multi-humped, snake-like creature. Proof remains elusive, but the legend is a massive part of local culture.
Many captains will cruise past the creature's supposed home near Rattlesnake Island, just off the shore of Peachland. According to lore, Ogopogo lives in a subterranean cave near Squally Point. Crews often share these famous tales and reported sightings as you pass through this deep section of water.
Rattlesnake Island itself has a strange history. In the 1970s, an entrepreneur named Eddie Haymour tried to build an Arab-themed amusement park on it. He even started a mini-golf course, and you can still see the remnants today. The provincial government halted the project, but the story adds another layer of intrigue. Today, it is part of Okanagan Mountain Park.
Local tips
- Ask your operator if their route goes near Rattlesnake Island.
- Bring binoculars to scan the water.
- Read up on the history of Eddie Haymour before you go.
05Getting aboard
Departure Points
Most operators depart from the downtown core. The primary hub is the Water Street boat launch, located right on the waterfront between the Kelowna Yacht Club and the Delta Grand hotel. This central spot puts you out on the open water just minutes after leaving the dock.
Another key departure point is the Downtown Marina on Bernard Avenue. Some companies also do pick-ups from other public docks, such as the Cook Road launch beside the Eldorado Yacht Club in the Mission neighbourhood. This is handy if you are staying further south.
If you are on the west side of the bridge, the Gellatly Road launch near the West Kelowna Yacht Club is a common pick-up spot. A few operators may even grab you from a private dock if your accommodation is right on the lake.
Local tips
- Arrive a few minutes early to handle paperwork.
- Confirm your exact meeting spot when you book, as multiple launches sit close together.
- Parking downtown gets busy in the summer, so plan to walk a few blocks or use a parkade.
06Good to know
Planning and Weather
The best time to get on the water is from late June through early September. The weather is warm and the lake temperature rises. Always reserve your spot in advance, especially for weekends or holidays. For private charters, booking weeks or even months ahead is a good idea.
Sunscreen is non-negotiable. Pack sunglasses, a hat, a swimsuit, and a towel. Bring a sweater or windbreaker, as the wind chill drops the temperature on the water, especially in the evening. Most charters allow you to bring your own food and drinks, and a cooler with plenty of water is essential.
The weather on Okanagan Lake changes quickly. Mornings are often the calmest, while afternoons bring wind and choppier water. Operators constantly monitor conditions and will reschedule or cancel if it is unsafe. A professional captain knows the safest routes based on the day's wind direction.
Local tips
- Pack drinks in non-glass containers.
- Bring a waterproof bag for your phone and wallet.
- Keep the volume of your portable speaker reasonable to respect others on the water.
- Gratuities for your captain are not included but are standard for good service.
•Insider Access
Let a local take you there.
Tours, rentals, shops and stays run by Kelowna locals, all bookable from their profiles.
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•THE FULL LIST
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Boat Rentals & MarinasKelowna Yacht ClubKelowna Yacht Club, Canada's largest freshwater marina, offers premier moorage, upscale dining, and rentals for members, providing a vibrant lakeside lifestyle in downtown Kelowna.★ 4.5 (700) · KelownaGuided ToursSip & Anchor Luxury Wine Tours & Boat ChartersTour Agency in Kelowna.★ 5 (542) · KelownaBoat ToursTiki Time ToursTour Agency in Kelowna.★ 4.7 (350) · KelownaBoat ToursKelowna Lake ToursTour Agency in Kelowna.★ 4.9 (288) · KelownaBoat Rentals & MarinasKelowna Boat ChartersDiscover Okanagan Lake with private captained boat charters, offering thrilling watersports, relaxing cruises, and custom lake day experiences.★ 5 (219) · KelownaBoat ToursKelowna CruisesTour Agency in Kelowna.★ 4.3 (214) · KelownaBoat Rentals & MarinasOKGN Boat Rentals Inc.OKGN Boat Rentals Inc. specializes in captained boat charters, offering Malibu wake boats and pontoon boats for watersports and relaxed cruising on Okanagan Lake.★ 5 (176) · KelownaBoat Rentals & MarinasEldorado Yacht ClubThe Eldorado Yacht Club, nestled at the luxurious Eldorado Resort, offers premium boat rentals and captained experiences for an upscale and effortless day on Okanagan Lake.★ 4.3 (111) · KelownaBoat ToursKelownafornia Yacht Charter/Ok Lake ToursTour Agency in Kelowna.★ 5 (19) · KelownaWine ToursAprès ToursFull-day Okanagan wine tours to renowned wineries and hidden gems, with picnic lunches along the way.Kelowna•STORIES
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•FAQ
Good to know
No. If you book a trip with a captain, they handle all the driving and licensing requirements. You only need a licence if you are doing a self-drive rental.
