Lake Lanier Jetski & Watersports
Thu–Sun in season
Jet skis, paddleboards and guided boat tours out of the Lanier Islands area, including sunset cruises. Seasonal hours, so check before you drive.
Buford and Lake Lanier Islands make up the busy south end of the lake, closest to Atlanta. Rentals here lean toward jet skis, pontoons and charters, but you can rent a paddleboard and launch a kayak free near the dam.
Rental outfitters near Buford
Aqua Sports Adventures
Pontoons, deck boats and bowriders by the half or full day. Good first stop for a family boat day or a birthday on the water.
Harbor Landing at Lake Lanier
Boat rentals at the Lanier Islands marina. Parking is shared with the resort and fills fast in summer, so arrive early.
Ride Wake & Surf Co
Captained wake surf and wakeboard charters with coaching. Beginners welcome, and a strong pick for groups and birthdays.
Lake Lanier Luxury Houseboat & Yacht Rentals
Captained houseboats and yachts for parties, company outings, sunset cruises and celebrations of life. Plan weeks ahead for summer Saturdays.
Run a rental business on Lake Lanier?
Basic listings are free. A featured spot puts you at the top of the page that matches what you rent, with call and click tracking and a monthly report.
List or feature your businessWhere to launch near Buford
- Lower Overlook: Free Corps park. By Buford Dam; trails, restrooms, picnic shelters.
- Upper Overlook: Free Corps park. Overlook at Buford Dam.
- Buford Dam Park: Corps fee park ($8). Swim area, fishing pier and the Laurel Ridge Trail.
- Lanier Park: Corps fee park ($8). Swim beach near the dam; no dogs.
- Burton Mill: Hall County fee park ($8). Beach launch beside the swim area; loaner life jackets.
- Van Pugh North: Hall County fee park ($8). Two small beaches, playground, popular ramp.
See every spot on the launch map, or compare Lake Lanier beaches.
Paddling the south end
This is the busiest, deepest part of Lanier. On summer weekends, stay in the coves and off the main channel, or paddle on a weekday morning. Lower and Upper Overlook at Buford Dam are free and pair well with the Laurel Ridge Trail.
Lake Lanier Islands
Lanier Islands is a private resort with its own beach, water park and marina. Expect resort parking and admission. Harbor Landing's lot is shared with the resort and fills early in summer.
Other towns: Cumming · Gainesville · all kayak rentals