Lake George Water Activities: Water Skiing, Wakeboarding & Banana Boating
Lake George water sports turn a lazy lake day into the most thrilling part of any Lake George Area vacation. Across the lake's 32 miles of shoreline, visitors zip across the water on jet skis, carve wakes behind a ski boat, ride an inflatable tube, or soar above the Adirondacks on a parasail — sometimes all in the same afternoon. Most rentals and rides run from Memorial Day through Labor Day, and no experience is necessary to try almost any of them.
Jet Ski Rentals & Jet Skiing on Lake George
Jet skiing is the fastest way to cover ground on Lake George, and renting one is simple: marinas around Bolton Landing, Diamond Point, and Lake George Village rent personal watercraft by the half hour, hour, or full day all summer long. New York State requires every operator to be at least 14 years old and carry a state boating safety certificate, but most rental companies set their own higher minimums — commonly 18 or older with a valid driver's license to ride solo — and pair first-timers with a guide before sending them out on the open lake. The Lake George Park Commission also limits personal watercraft to the hours of 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. and a 5 mph speed limit within 500 feet of shore, so plan around that if you're hoping for an early or late ride. Chic's Marina, a Bolton Landing fixture for more than 50 years, and Thunderbird Marina in Diamond Point both rent jet skis and boats by the day.
Water Skiing, Wakeboarding & Tubing
Water skiing, wakeboarding, and tubing all work the same way on Lake George — a powerboat does the towing, and a rider follows behind on skis, a board, or an inflatable tube. Several marinas rent boats set up specifically for towing sports, and banana boat rides, where a small group rides one long inflatable behind the boat, are a popular option for families who want the thrill without the balance required for skiing or boarding. New York State requires anyone being towed to wear an approved Type III personal flotation device, along with an observer at least 10 years old riding in the boat to watch the skier or tuber at all times. Brodie's Lakeside Marina & Boat Rentals rents pontoon boats and speedboats well-suited to a day of towing sports on the lake.
Parasailing on Lake George
Parasailing lifts riders hundreds of feet above Lake George, trading the speed of jet skiing for sweeping views of the lake's islands and the Adirondack Mountains beyond. The Lake George Park Commission permits only a limited number of operators to run parasailing trips, so it's concentrated among a few established companies rather than offered at every marina. Parasail Joe's is one of the longest-running operators on the lake, known for some of the longest tow lines on Lake George. Most flights run under two hours door to door, including the boat ride out and back, and riders generally don't need any prior experience or swimming ability, since takeoff and landing happen right from the back of the boat.
Find a Water Sports Outfitter on Lake George
However you want to spend your day on the water, you don't need to own any equipment to do it. Outfitters around Bolton Landing, Diamond Point, and Lake George Village rent jet skis, ski boats, and parasail packages all summer long, and most welcome first-timers with on-the-spot instruction. If you'd rather launch and pilot your own boat instead of renting from an outfitter, the Boat Launches, Marinas & Rentals guide covers public launch sites and the area's full list of marinas.
Featured Outfitters & Rental Companies
Browse local water sports outfitters below to compare rentals, rides, and reservations.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lake George Water Sports
Are jet skis allowed on Lake George?
Yes, personal watercraft are allowed on Lake George, though the Lake George Park Commission sets specific rules for when and how they can be used. Jet skis may only operate between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m., and must stay under 5 mph within 500 feet of shore. Riders also need to be at least 14 years old with a New York State boating safety certificate, and most rental companies require a guide to accompany first-time riders.
Do you need a boating license to rent a jet ski on Lake George?
New York doesn't issue a separate boating license for jet skis. Instead, operators need a boating safety certificate, earned by completing an approved boating safety course online or in person. The certificate doesn't expire, and approved certificates from other states are generally accepted as long as they meet New York's standards. Many marinas can point first-time riders toward a quick online course before their rental.
Where on the lake can you water ski or wakeboard?
You can water ski or wakeboard anywhere on Lake George outside of posted no-wake zones, swimming areas, and the 100-foot buffer required around docks and moorings — in short, anywhere there's open water and room to build speed. Because the lake is large and many of its bays are dotted with islands and moorings, most skiers and riders head for the open stretches of its wider basins rather than narrower channels. Whoever's driving the boat also needs an observer at least 10 years old aboard, specifically to watch the skier or rider at all times.
Do you need to know how to swim for tubing, banana boating, or jet skiing?
Strong swimming skills aren't required for most Lake George water sports, since New York State requires an approved personal flotation device for anyone tubing, water skiing, or riding a personal watercraft. That said, falls are part of the fun on a tube or jet ski, so anyone who's uncomfortable in open water should let the boat operator know beforehand so they can adjust the ride.
Is there a minimum age for parasailing on Lake George?
New York State doesn't set a specific minimum age for parasailing, so it's up to each operator. Most companies on Lake George set their own minimum age, commonly around 5 or 6 years old for tandem flights, along with weight requirements for riders flying solo. Because requirements vary by company, it's worth checking directly with your chosen outfitter when you book.
What happens if the weather isn't good for parasailing?
Parasailing depends on calm wind and water conditions, so flights are sometimes rescheduled if conditions aren't safe that day. Operators typically try to fit guests into another time slot rather than canceling outright, but if you only have one day set aside for parasailing, it's worth booking earlier in your trip in case a reschedule is needed. Rescheduling and refund policies vary by company, so check the specifics when you reserve.
Can you scuba dive in Lake George?
Yes — Lake George is home to several historic shipwrecks open to certified divers through New York's Submerged Heritage Preserve program, including the Land Tortoise radeau, believed to be the oldest intact warship in North America, and the Sunken Fleet of 1758. Diving most of these sites requires registering in advance with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, and some sites have limited daily slots. Check current registration requirements with the DEC before planning a trip, since access and scheduling can change.