Looking for a boat on Flathead Lake? Tell us your dates and group size. We’ll check what’s available locally and text you an option.
Bigfork Boats is a local boat search service in Bigfork, Montana. We do not own the rental fleet — we find an available pontoon, watersports boat, or jet ski and connect you to the operator for a flat $59 only when the option works for you.
- • Requests are free
- • You see the boat and rental price first
- • Local help from Bigfork
How it works
1
Tell us what works
Send your date, about how many people (max is fine), and boat preference. Flexible? Even better.
2
We check availability
We contact local operators and look for an available boat that fits your group.
3
You decide
We send the boat, schedule, and full rental price. Like it? We’ll make the connection. If not, no charge.
What we can find
Whatever’s actually open. Pick a type — or don’t.
Pontoon / Tritoon
The family day. Shade, space, coolers. Usually mid–high hundreds per day + fuel.
Watersports boat
For tubing, skiing, wakeboarding, or surfing.
Jet ski
One or two people. Quick hits of speed when the big boats are gone.
Your boat search, handled.
Flat $59 — only when we find a boat that works for you. You review the boat and rental price first. If nothing’s open, there’s no charge.
Tell us what you need
Let’s find your boat
Takes about a minute. We’ll take it from here and text you when we have an option.
FAQ
When do I pay?
Only after we find a boat, show you the full rental price, and you decide it works. The boat rental itself is paid directly to the operator. Our service is a flat $59.
What if nothing’s open?
There is no charge. Ask us to text you if a cancellation opens up.
Do you own the boats?
No. We find what’s open and connect you. The shop runs the rental, waiver, and boat payment.
What if my confirmed option becomes unavailable?
If your option becomes unavailable for any reason after payment, we refund the $59 service charge.
What kinds of boats?
Pontoons, watersports boats, jet skis — or whatever’s open. “Anything that floats” works.
How fast do you reply?
As fast as we can dig. Peak summer weekends: expect a text once we’ve checked our people — often same day.
How much do Flathead Lake boat rentals cost?
Operators set rental prices — often a few hundred dollars per day plus fuel, depending on the boat. Our service is a separate flat $59 only when we find a boat that works for you.
Fine print
- Boat rentals and payments are handled directly by the operator.
- Peak weekends go fast — flexibility helps.
- Rates, fuel, tax, deposits, and waivers are set by the shop.
- We may decline requests we can’t reasonably fill.
Flying into Kalispell?
Bigfork Rides offers private airport transfers between Bigfork and Glacier Park International Airport (FCA).
Book a ride →
Bigfork Floats & River Trips
Looking to kick back and drift through Bigfork’s best summer waters? Beyond Flathead Lake boat rentals, the Bigfork area offers some of the most relaxed river floating in Northwest Montana.
The Famous Ferndale Swan River Float
The go-to summer ritual for locals and visitors alike. This calm 4-mile stretch of the Swan River meanders through lush pine forests and quiet hillsides.
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The Route: Put in at the Swan River access points in Ferndale (off Rainbow Drive or South Ferndale Drive) and enjoy a peaceful 1-to-2 hour float down toward the Highway 83 bridge / Clay Cliffs take-out.
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Gear & Tubes: Stop by the Ferndale Market near the river to grab inner tubes, ice, snacks, and local floating advice before heading to the launch.
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Know Before You Float:
- Parking: Park only in designated fishing access lots. Parking along Rainbow Drive is strictly prohibited.
- Safety: Montana state law requires life jackets (PFDs) for every person on the water.
- Pack It Out: Keep our Montana waters pristine by securing trash in dry bags and leaving no trace.
More Local Float & Chill Spots
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North Shore Wading (Flathead Lake): Looking for warm, shallow water? Head to the North Shore during peak daylight hours for waist-deep lounging and warm water wading.
Pro Tip: Go during full daylight to avoid dusk mosquitoes on the trail walk back!
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Echo Lake: Located just 5 minutes north of town, Echo Lake is fed by groundwater rather than glacial runoff, making it the warmest water in the Flathead Valley. Ideal for floating, paddleboarding, or swimming when the big lake gets breezy.
Flathead Lake Boating Destinations
Once you’re on the water, Flathead Lake has classic stops worth knowing — from dock-and-dine spots near Bigfork to Wild Horse Island State Park.
Dock & Dine: Restaurants Accessible by Boat
Looking to grab food or drinks straight from the water? Bigfork Bay and Woods Bay feature awesome dock-and-dine spots on Flathead Lake:
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Marina Cay Resort (Bigfork Bay): Pull right into the slips for food, drinks, and tiki bar vibes.
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The Raven (Woods Bay): Park at the dock for legendary outdoor deck views, craft cocktails, and lakefront dining.
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The Sitting Duck (Woods Bay): Convenient boat parking across the cove for cold beer, pizza, and a classic local watering hole atmosphere.
Boating to Wild Horse Island State Park
Wild Horse Island is a 2,100+ acre state park located on Flathead Lake that is only accessible by boat.
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What to See: Wild horses, world-record Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep, mule deer, and miles of hiking trails.
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Landing Spots: Use public landing areas like Skeeko Bay or Sunset Bay on the island’s interior.
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Pro Tip: Bring plenty of water, solid hiking shoes, and pack out all trash — there are no garbage facilities on the island.
