Grand Traverse Bay is an arm of Lake Michigan at Traverse City, about 32 miles long and up to 620 feet deep, and the second-largest bay on the lake after Green Bay.
We rent MasterCraft wakesurf boats, Sea-Doo jet skis and water toys on Grand Traverse Bay, and everything is ready for you at the lake. Add a captained charter with lessons for every level.
The 18-mile Old Mission Peninsula splits it into West Bay and East Bay, both known for clear blue water, sandy shallows and vineyards along the shore.
Boat, jet ski and water toy rentals at Grand Traverse Bay
Your rentals are waiting for you at Grand Traverse Bay, so there's no truck, no trailer and no towing to worry about.
- MasterCraft surf boat rentals – big, clean wakes for surfing and wakeboarding at Grand Traverse Bay, with boards, skis and tubes on board.
- Sea-Doo jet ski rentals – rent one or a pair, including 3-seat models that can tow a tube or skier.
- Boat tours with a driver – great for celebrations, families and anyone who wants surf or ski lessons on Grand Traverse Bay.
- Water toy rentals – add tubes, floating lily pads, paddle boards or a water trampoline to your day.
Book Now or call or text 1-888-594-6610 – we answer 7 a.m.–10 p.m. every day.
Grand Traverse Bay at a glance
| Location | Traverse City |
|---|---|
| Length | About 32 miles |
| Max depth | About 620 feet |
| Arms | West Bay and East Bay |
| Peninsula | Old Mission Peninsula |
| Rivers | Boardman and Elk rivers |
Best things to do on Grand Traverse Bay
- Sandbar stops – turquoise shallows along East Bay.
- Jet skiing – along the Traverse City shoreline.
- Water skiing and tubing – calm mornings in the bay arms.
- Sunset cruises – West Bay sunsets.
Where to launch at Grand Traverse Bay
- Traverse City launches – public ramps on West Bay and East Bay.
- Elk Rapids harbor – a launch on the East Bay shore.
The bay can get choppy when the wind picks up, so plan surf sessions for the morning. Your rental from us is ready at the lake.
Tips for a great day on Grand Traverse Bay
- Mornings are calmest for surfing.
- Michigan requires an observer besides the driver when towing.
- Jet skis can't run between sunset and 8 a.m. in Michigan.
Michigan boating rules to know
- Every boat needs a wearable life jacket for each person on board. Children under 6 must wear one on the open deck whenever the boat is underway, and everyone on a jet ski or being towed must wear one.
- Towing a skier, wakeboarder or tuber requires an observer besides the driver, and the person being towed must wear a life jacket. Towing isn't allowed from one hour after sunset to one hour before sunrise.
- Jet skis can't be operated between sunset and 8 a.m., must stay at slow-no-wake speed within 200 feet of a Great Lakes shoreline, and the engine cut-off lanyard must be attached to the driver.
- Stay at slow-no-wake speed within 100 feet of docks, rafts, swimming areas, moored boats and people in the water, and in shallow water near shore. Many inland lakes also have local slow-no-wake hours, so follow the posted rules at the launch.
Map of Grand Traverse Bay
Grand Traverse Bay rental & boating FAQ
What can I rent at Grand Traverse Bay?
Wakesurf boats, Sea-Doo jet skis, water toys, and private charters with a driver-instructor — everything for a full day on the water.
Do I have to tow the boat to Grand Traverse Bay myself?
No. Your rental is ready for you at Grand Traverse Bay, so you don't need a truck or trailer.
Where is Grand Traverse Bay?
At Traverse City in northwest Lower Michigan, between the Leelanau and Old Mission peninsulas.
Can you jet ski on Grand Traverse Bay?
Yes. Jet skiing, waterskiing, wakeboarding and wakesurfing are all popular on Grand Traverse Bay.
What's the difference between West Bay and East Bay?
They're the two arms of the bay, split by the Old Mission Peninsula. West Bay runs along downtown Traverse City, and East Bay is known for its sandy shallows.
Is Grand Traverse Bay part of Lake Michigan?
Yes. It's the second-largest bay on Lake Michigan.