FAQ

No, there is no swimming possible from any rental boat on Big Bear Lake as per the lake law. All swimming activities must be conducted within 50 ft of shore, however rental boats must stay in the middle of the 5 mile per hour zone of the lake which is approximately 200-300 ft away from shore and marked with white cylindrical buoys. We will be happy to point out some swimming areas on your map once you have returned from your rental!

No, all rental boats must stay in the middle of the 5 mile per hour zone of the lake which is approximately 200-300 ft away from shore and marked with white cylindrical buoys. The shoreline of Big Bear Lake is beautiful, but even in areas that look sandy or have docks, there are lots of boulders, weeds, and debris that hide just under the surface of the water. The lake level is regularly low, which may render certain docks unusable. To keep you having fun and to keep our boats afloat and running their best, we ask that you respect the distance rules and keep to deeper water. We’re happy to point out our favorite areas that you can enjoy safely - just ask at the dock! 

Yes! However, you must also bring a designated driver who will remain sober. Boaters must follow the same laws as cars, and you can and will get a DUI for driving a boat under the influence. We encourage you to enjoy yourselves responsibly! 

Yes, absolutely! This is one of our top-recommended activities. No restaurant will have better views than your own private boat on the water. Ask us about table rentals if you would like to add one to your rental for this purpose. Additionally, our staff is ready with a list of favorite local eateries if you want to pick up some take-out on your way.

No, unfortunately on Big Bear Lake it is illegal to tow anything behind a rental vessel. However, we do offer this as a charter service with professional drivers and instructors if you want to brush up on your wakeboarding, waterskiing, wakesurfing and more. If you want to get out for some laughs on a tube, we’re plenty happy to book you a tubing charter as well!

No. This is a matter of safety. The majority of collisions that happen on this lake occur between parties who know one another. For this reason, we don’t rent a boat and a waverunner, or more than one boat to parties that know one another, nor do we rent to customers who already have their own vessels on the water. We want all of our guests to have a great time while remaining safe and keeping our rentals in the best possible condition for all of our future guests as well. If we find out that you have violated this rental condition, our policy is to immediately revoke the rental and Lake Patrol will return you to the dock with no refund. We hate to be the bummer, so please be honest and respect this one. 

No. This is a matter of safety. The majority of collisions that happen on this lake occur between parties who know one another. For this reason, we don’t rent a boat and a waverunner, or more than one boat to parties that know one another, nor do we rent to customers who already have their own vessels on the water. We want all of our guests to have a great time while remaining safe and keeping our rentals in the best possible condition for all of our future guests as well. If we find out that you have violated this rental condition, our policy is to immediately revoke the rental and Lake Patrol will return you to the dock with no refund. We hate to be the bummer, so please be honest and respect this one. 

Instead, consider splitting your party and go out on the water in two shifts. We have a small beach area that you are more than welcome to use for the duration of your rental while you wait. Our dockhands will be happy to help you switch out your group at the dock one time during your rental period. 

If you have a significantly larger group, consider chartering our Pirate Ship for a private tour. The Pirate Ship can accommodate up to 25 people, comes with a captain, and a guided tour if you so desire. Call either North Shore Landing or Holloway’s Marina and RV Park or go online at bigbearhollowaysmarina.com for a private charter booking.

You must be 18 or older with a valid driver’s license and credit card to rent or drive any vessels with us. 

We do not set a minimum age so long as the parent or guardian is accompanying the minors. We leave it to your discretion (within reason) as a parent or guardian, though we are happy to discuss potential dangers or risks that you may encounter on the water to help you make your decision. Additionally, we reserve the right to refuse any service if you do not seem to be exhibiting clear and responsible judgement. 

Yes, you do need to present a valid driver’s license at the time of your rental. 

No, you do not currently need a boater card. The state of California is in the process of changing some of these rules, and we will update our website accordingly if the time comes. 

We release your deposit the evening of your rental after the vessel has been safely returned to the dock in the same condition in which it left with you. HOWEVER, please keep in mind that your bank may hold an authorization of funds for an additional length of time (sometimes up to 30 days). We advise that you call your bank to understand their authorization limits and policies prior to your rental. Additionally, we recommend using a credit card for the authorization rather than a debit card to help regain your access to those funds a bit quicker. 

We book your reservation as a time slot, not a duration of time, because we book rentals back to back throughout the day. For example, if you book a 2 hour rental from 2-4pm, then you have reserved the boat only from 2-4pm, and there is likely someone else at the dock ready to pick up the boat for their 4:15 pm reservation. In this case we cannot adjust your time without cutting into theirs. In short, if you are late, you will be cutting into your own rental time. 

We advise that all guests plan to arrive at least an hour ahead of your scheduled rental time, and keep an eye on the traffic. If you are going to be late, give us a call to let us know. We will do everything in our power to accommodate you (short of taking time away from another customer). 

Yes please! Though this is not always a requirement, it is the only way to guarantee your boat, and it will streamline the process to make it easier for everyone. Keep in mind that sometimes we do require a reservation to get onto the property which has helped us in 2020 and 2021 to comply with social distancing requirements and keep everyone comfortable and safe. If you’re unsure whether or not to make a reservation, please look into our cancelation policy, and feel free to give us a call with any questions or if you’re seeking advice. We’re a small, family-run business and we pride ourselves on prioritizing customer satisfaction and safety over sales, so you know you’re always getting the honest scoop from us!

We have enforced strict social distancing onsite, and we are cleaning all office supplies (Clipboards, pens, calculators, registers, computers, and high-touch surfaces with antiviral disinfectant between customers. Additionally, the boats are sprayed and wiped down between each rental (and they sit in the sun with UV radiation all day!). You are more than welcome to bring your own wipes to augment our cleaning if it makes you feel more comfortable. We ask that only one or two people come to the office for the check in process while the rest of the party waits in the car. Additionally, we have limited the number of people that are able to use the beach or docks at the same time. 

Whatever your personal philosophy, we ask that you come with respect, and help us follow the procedures and requirements we must abide to remain open and operational for your enjoyment. Hopefully some time on the water will help alleviate tensions, help you get out of the house and relax!