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Lake Dillon Rental Boats: Rides & Tours with a Captain

RELAX...leave the driving to us!

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Why Ride with LDBR?

Our experienced captains will take you on a relaxing tour and show you the best spots for unprecedented views of the surrounding peaks along with hidden historical gems. As we're out often, we usually know where to spot the wildlife as well. 

 

There are a lot of boat rental options on Lake Dillon. If you are familiar with the lake, the incredible winds, and are comfortable piloting your own rental boat, go for it!  

If you want to relax and not worry about causing expensive damage to your rental boat, LDBR could be a better option.

Lake Dillon is a reservoir that's a flooded valley. This means that there are unpredictable shallow areas in places you wouldn't expect.  A damaged propellor could cost hundreds of dollars, and if you damage the lower drive unit or a pontoon, you'll be looking at thousands of dollars to cover repair costs. 

Additionally, the weather changes rapidly and often includes extreme winds. Docking a boat you're not familiar with during with a strong wind could be recipe for a stressful situation and boat damage.

 

Leave the driving to us!

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Our Dillon Reservoir Tour Boat:

Our FourWinns luxury powerboat was chosen carefully to provide a higher level of comfort for your time on the water than what's available from a taxi-like pontoon boat.  Our boat features a open bow seating area that puts you well above the waves, a wrap-around windshield and a full Bimini top to keep you sheltered from the sun and wind. Seating is limited to 10 adults on our public tours - Outing to Sentinel Island and Full Lake Tour - to help ensure your time on the water is comfortable. Private Captained Charters can accommodate 10-14 passengers depending on ages.

 

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Tour Options

Custom Captained Charter  (2+ hours - private) 

By far our most popular, a private charter can include the same features of the Full Lake Dillon Tour with additional time allowed for anchoring in a quiet cove for lunch or dinner. Another popular option is to spend some time at anchor off the shore adjacent to the Dillon Amphitheater during its summer concert series (concert schedule here and book a charter here!). 

 

We also love hosting engagement photo sessions, anniversary cruises, birthday, corporate outings, and romantic sunset cruises.  Fancy some live music? Let us arrange a local strummer to entertain your group during your cruise. Call us to discuss the possibilities!

 

Full Lake Dillon Tour (3 hours - public)

For those who would like to spend to more time on the water see all of the splendid views that Lake Dillon offers, we'll whisk you away for three hours. The Full Lake Tour includes the same sights as the Outing to Sentinel Island. Plus, we will go deep into the Blue River Arm towards Breckenridge as well as the Snake River Arm and along the $100 Million Mile to view some stunning architecture. From there, we will head to Dillon Marina where we'll make a pit-stop at the public docks if necessary. Here you can take a 15-minute break to stretch your legs, use the washrooms, and pick up some refreshments from the Tiki Bar. Your captain will share the interesting history of the original Town of Dillon, the creation of the dam and the lake along with other notable tidbits about Summit County.

 

Outing to Sentinel Island (2 hours - public)

Take in some of the breathtaking vistas and interesting stories about the history of Summit County and Lake Dillon. This 2-hour charter for up to 10 total passengers will take you to some of our favorite spots on the lake. You'll have expansive open-water vistas of Sentinel Island, Torreys and Grays Peaks, the 10 Mile Range, Buffalo Mountain, and dozens of other soaring peaks. Wildlife sightings along the shores of Heaton Bay could include ospreys, bald eagles, moose, and mule deer. Our morning tours are the quietest and most peaceful time on the water - usually mirror-like this early – and perfect for a relaxing coffee cruise to start your day in Summit County.  Our last tour of the day can offer stunning sunsets over the Gore Range, radiant moonrises, and millions of shimmering stars. 

Sailing Regatta Spectating Tour (90 minutes- public - please call to book)

Join us for incredible close up views of dozens of high-performance sailboat racing machines. Hop on our boat in Frisco Bay Marina and cruise next to and through the racing fleets on the main lake. Bring your camera as getting shots like these is truly a rare opportunity! And the best part - 10% of your fare will be donated to Community Sailing of Colorado's Youth Scholarship Program!

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What to Expect

While all of our tours are intended to be a relaxing escape from life onshore, Lake Dillon Boat Rides intends to provide more than just a boat ride service. The splendors around Lake Dillon warrant professional storytelling. Every tour captain will provide some education and anecdotes about Summit County – its history and present day - as well as interesting facts and figures about the lake itself, the dam, the towns, local businesses, and the flora and fauna of the high country around and in the lake. 

Tours always begin and end at the Frisco Bay Marina transient dock, a/k/a T-Dock - see image below; no exceptions can be made due to our permit restrictions. The tour will depart once all of your party is on-board, and will end at the scheduled end-time.  Tours may be extended if there is not another tour booked after yours.

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What LDBR Provides 

  • A sparkling clean, comfortable, modern and safe luxury powerboat

  • Bluetooth audio - bring your own playlist or enjoy our curated playlists for your lake cruise! 

  • Fuel 

  • PFDs - a/k/a lifejackets for everyone onboard (compulsory for kids 12 and under)

  • A highly skilled and experienced captain so you can relax and enjoy the views

  • Our boat also includes a porta-potti - best for kiddos but works for most adults in a pinch!  

  • A canvas top to provide protection from the intense high country sun 

  • A large cooler (stocked with ice) 

  • A mini-fridge

  • Complimentary seltzer water and snacks

  • The peaceful exhilaration of being on an alpine lake with stunning panoramic views of the surrounding peaks

Location & Parking

You can find Frisco Bay Marina at 267 Marina Road in Frisco.  This location will take you to the marina parking lot. There may be parking spots available in this main lot however you might have had to circle for a bit. Parking is not free and tickets are issued routinely so please do not forget to pay for your parking! If you have a larger group or a lot of provisions, you may wish to drop everyone off at the circle drive in front of the marina office. 

 

 

Please plan to arrive at the marina at least 20 minutes before your scheduled departure time to allow for parking and use of the restrooms.

When you are ready to board the boat for your tour, walk towards the swimming beach. There is a long jetty that extends about 100 yards into the bay between the swimming beach and the private docks where you'll see dozens of sailboat masts. Walk out onto the jetty and look for the single dock opposite the main docks. This is where our boat will be tied up. This lone dock can be seen in the lower right of the image below.   

What to Bring

  • Dress in layers; it's always cooler out on the water

  • Hat and sunglasses + sunscreen

  • Your favorite food and beverage items. We highly encourage you to order carry-out food and beverages from the Island Grill located at Frisco Bay Marina. It's convenient, reasonably priced and quite tasty!

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  • Can we get off the boat during the tour?
    Yes - on the Full Lake Tour, Live Concert, and Private Charters, we'll have the option to make a stop at the Dillon Marina public docks to use the restrooms. Beach/shore access in Dillon is not permitted given the mud and sand conditions and the mess it makes when re-boarding the boat. There are no planned stops during our shorter 2-hour tours. We are unable to beach the boat and let passengers off on any of the islands given limitations of our operating permit.
  • Can we bring our own food and drinks?
    Yes! Please bring anything to eat or drink that you wish.
  • Can we smoke on the boat?
    Absolutely no smoking or vaping of anything is permitted on the boat due to safety and insurance regulations as well as for the comfort of all passengers.
  • Will we still have the tour if it's raining?
    Yes, unless wind conditions are too severe to safely depart the dock. ​
  • What happens if there is lightning?
    If there is lightning within 15 miles of the lake, we'll head back to the marina if we're already out, or, if we have not left the dock, we will wait until the lighting is no longer a threat.
  • What happens if the weather is too severe and we cannot take the tour?
    This is unlikely but possible. We can either reschedule, or LDBR will provide a full refund.
  • What happens if we have to cancel more than 24 hours in advance?
    You will receive a full refund minus the booking fee
  • What happens if we have to cancel less than 24 hours before the scheduled tour time?
    50% of the tour fee can be refunded, or more at the discretion of LDBR.
  • How fast will we go on the tour?
    The tour is intended to be a relaxing one and will accordingly be at a relaxed pace as determined by the Captain and weather conditions. Your Captain may offer a short high-speed run solely at his or her discretion.
  • Can we fish, swim, kayak, paddleboard, or go tubing or do other water sports?
    Unfortunately, no. Our permit to operate only allows us to offer a lake tour, and swimming is not permitted on Lake Dillon given the low water temperatures.
  • Should we bring our cameras and binoculars?
    Absolutely!
  • What kinds of wildlife might we see while on our tour?
    You will very likely encounter bald eagles, osprey, and possibly moose or elk. If the wind is blowing, you'll probably see some local sailors, too.
  • What fees should I expect?
    All Dillon Reservoir and Frisco Bay Marina access fees are built into your fare. Our third-party booking platform charges a 6% service fee. We encourage you to use this service as it is fast, convenient, and secure. Custom tours can be booked by giving us a call, or by booking a Private Charter on our website.
  • Do I have to pay a gratuity fee?
    Lake Dillon Boat Rides, LLC is a privately owned and operated business that has the privilege of operating out of Frisco Bay Marina and on the waters of Dillon Reservoir. Our captains are paid a living wage however tips are greatly appreciated for outstanding service including providing a spic and span and 'ship shape' yacht for your enjoyment. You may select an 18% gratuity at the time you book, or you may opt to wait until the end of your tour to personally deliver a gratuity to your captain.
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