Chautauqua Lake is a 13,000-acre lake about 17 miles long and up to two miles wide, entirely within Chautauqua County in western New York.
We rent MasterCraft wakesurf boats, Sea-Doo jet skis and water toys on Chautauqua Lake, and everything is ready for you at the lake. Add a captained charter with lessons for every level.
It's up to about 78 feet deep, and almost all of its 41 miles of shoreline is lined with private homes and cottages.
Boat, jet ski and water toy rentals at Chautauqua Lake
Just show up and ride — your boat, jet skis and gear are ready at Chautauqua Lake with no towing required.
- MasterCraft surf boat rentals – big, clean wakes for surfing and wakeboarding at Chautauqua Lake, with boards, skis and tubes on board.
- Jet ski rentals – late-model Sea-Doos for one to three riders, great for cruising Chautauqua Lake or pulling a tube.
- Boat tours with a driver – great for celebrations, families and anyone who wants surf or ski lessons on Chautauqua Lake.
- Water toys and towables – tubes, lily pads and paddle boards for kids and grown-ups alike.
Book Now or call or text 1-888-594-6610 – we answer 7 a.m.–10 p.m. every day.
Chautauqua Lake at a glance
| Location | Chautauqua County |
|---|---|
| Size | About 13,000 acres |
| Length | About 17 miles |
| Width | Up to 2 miles |
| Max depth | About 78 feet |
| Shoreline | About 41 miles |
Best things to do on Chautauqua Lake
- Water skiing and tubing – open water on the main lake.
- Wakesurfing – calm water on still mornings.
- Jet skiing – open water and quiet coves.
- Shoreline cruising – cottages and lakeside towns.
Where to launch at Chautauqua Lake
- Public launches – ramps around the lake.
Watch the local speed limits, usually 45 mph by day and 25 mph at night, and slow to 5 mph near shore. Your rental from us is ready at the lake.
Tips for a great day on Chautauqua Lake
- Mornings are calmest for surfing.
- New York requires an observer at least 10 years old besides the driver when towing.
- Jet skis and towing are daylight-only in New York.
New York boating rules to know
- Every boat needs a wearable life jacket for each person on board. Children under 12 must wear one while the boat is underway unless they're in an enclosed cabin, and everyone on a jet ski or being towed must wear one. Inflatable life jackets don't count for jet skis or towing.
- Towing a skier, wakeboarder or tuber requires an observer at least 10 years old besides the driver, and towing is only allowed between sunrise and sunset.
- Jet skis can only run between sunrise and sunset, the engine cut-off lanyard must be attached to the driver, and some lakes and towns add their own jet ski limits near shore.
- Keep to 5 mph near shore, docks, rafts and anchored boats, and follow each lake's posted speed limits, often 45 mph by day and 25 mph at night.
Map of Chautauqua Lake
Chautauqua Lake rental & boating FAQ
What can I rent at Chautauqua Lake?
Premium MasterCraft surf and ski boats, Sea-Doo jet skis, tubes, lily pads and paddle boards, and captained boat tours with lessons.
Do I have to tow the boat to Chautauqua Lake myself?
No. Your rental is ready for you at Chautauqua Lake, so you don't need a truck or trailer.
Where is Chautauqua Lake?
In Chautauqua County in far western New York, near Jamestown.
Can you jet ski on Chautauqua Lake?
Yes. Jet skiing, waterskiing, wakeboarding and wakesurfing are all popular on Chautauqua Lake.
How big is Chautauqua Lake?
About 13,000 acres, 17 miles long and up to two miles wide.
How deep is Chautauqua Lake?
Up to about 78 feet.