Bass Lake Boat Rentals and Watersports - Bass Lake, California

Chris R.

Looks nice place however, be ready to pay hidden fees:
1. They ask for TIP
2. Fuel not included with rentals and it’s not a normal average price per gallons, they have their own gas pump and they set up their price per gallon to anything they want. Last year I was here, gas average price was $4.49 and their pump was at $8.99p/g.
3. Insurance $49 is a must to “THEIR DISCRETION “ for damages up to $7,500 or $1,000 deposit is required per boat/jet ski.
4. Clean place and fun

Nice people….

Jake B.

I would advise exercising serious caution before renting anything from this shop. Our experience here was severely disappointing, and overall really sketchy.

Rental Contract
Overall okay, if not a bit disorganized and confusing. It took a fair amount of time to get the contract. They presented us two options for the deposit: a $25 non-refundable flat fee to not have to think about damages, or a $200 refundable deposit. We were told several times, "but if you choose this option, it might take up to 10 days to get it back." No problem – $200 seems a bit high for a kayaking rental deposit, but we were fine with that. They also took photocopies of our IDs and and credit cards without telling us, which was a bit strange.

Getting Kayaks
Really strange experience. There was a nebulous "wristband" system that half our party got, and half didn't. When we noticed, we went to ask, and then they haphazardly gave us wristbands, which were never used. A while later, eventually we were ushered to an area where we got a safety briefing and then the kayaks by the dock. We were told that when we came back in from the water, we should wait until an employee ushers us back in. Then we were off.

Returning Kayaks
This is where things got weird. On the water we noticed an extremely fast, dangerous jet ski zooming down the water in a slow area. Later, when we came back to return the kayaks, we followed the instructions and waited for an employee to usher us back in. There were about 4 other kayaks already waiting. There were a couple employees at the dock, chatting, not acknowledging the kayaks that were waiting. Eventually, we had to go in, so we just went for it, and one of the employees ran over. No apology, and the plot twist – it turns out he was the speeding jet skier!

We eventually return our gear and equipment (with no employee assistance or directions). We get our gear back from the locker, and are about to leave. One of our party members asks us if we got our deposit back. Confused, we asked an employee. Turns out they wouldn't have given us the deposit back unless we asked. So much for the automatic 10 day period. We asked what would have happened if we forgot, and turns out we would have had to physically come back. We, presumably like many of their clients, are from out of town. So I imagine there are a lot of "mistakes" like this.

Overall
The sketchiest part of this was definitely was them clearly hoping we'd forget to ask for our deposit back. I don't know if this is because the whole shop seemed to be run by teenagers, but I would definitely not return.

diego D.

What a way to spend 4 hours with your friends. From the super nice local police officer who helped us when lost and let us follow her directly to the rental dock to the teenaged kids working the counter and slips, the friendliest chillest people work this lake. Great, patient customer service for a bunch of friends catching up to make up for missed 25th HS reunion (thanks COVID) made this the perfect way to close out a long weekend at Yosemite. Beautiful lake, shores, sights and people. Great times are to be had.

Christina R.

I just wanted to write a quick review on how amazing and how fun it was to come to Bass Lake. Bass Lake boat rentals made it so easy and they were so helpful on our vacation this summer so thank you for that and I definitely will be returning next summer.

Emma S.

We inquired about a pontoon rental before making the 7+ hour drive to Bass Lake. We even received a confirmation email of our pontoon reservation. We received a text from Bass Lake the night before stating they had to cancel our reservation because they are closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Our dad's dream to fish on Bass Lake was shattered. He is a decorated veteran who has worked so hard all of his life that he just wanted to go out on a fishing trip with his family.
We were so disappointed because the Bass Lake Marina website states they are open 365 days a year and we even received multiple email and text confirmations of our reservation.

Steven C.

Bass Lake is a beautiful place! The two stars are giving to the boat rental place, We were treated poorly by one staff who took our boat rental order! We will come back to the lake but probably would never rent a boat from this place again!

Eric W.

The effort put worth by the owners is felt in every degree, all you want or need with precision care despite being extremely busy at times. I'm more and more impressed with every visit

Francis K.

Came here last year on a family vacation. The jet skis were great and great lake , but I have never been treat more poorly by staff in my entire life. One of my friends had left their ID in the car and was discussing wether she should grab it or just ride passenger. (You need to show your ID to get driving privileges) Anyway after about 3 minutes of discussing the clerk gave us attitude saying she doesn't have all day. (There was nobody else in the store) The person showing us the jet skis was very stern and got lippy. I'll give him more of a pass since it was a safety discourse. Finally the young man at the front was showing us how to get on and off , where the keys go. Things like that. Everyone gave him the full attention and respect he deserved but he also had a bad attitude for some reason. I don't know why everyone here had a bad attitude they work on a beautiful lake. After being disrespected by 3 employees my friend had enough and started asking the young man giving us instructions questions on how the bike works , how long does it take to stop , which way does the water shoot , simple things like that and he wasn't able to answer any of the questions. Normally we wouldn't be asking these questions but after being disrespected multiple times my friend had enough. I'm not sure what training these guys go through but being angry at everyone that walks in and not being able to answer any basic questions is not a good way to run the business. We are at a jet ski rental not a military academy. I don't need mean mugged by all the employees. I have enough stress as it is and am coming here to relief stress. Not be treat as if I'm doing something wrong. Perhaps they are the only place within a certain mile radius and think it's ok to be extremely rude to customers.