Big Bear Boating Opening Day

Big Bear Lake boating season begins again which brings back the thrill of returning to the water. The Big Bear Boating Opening Day event begins all lake activities which include peaceful pontoon cruises and fishing and kayaking and paddleboarding. Visitors can enjoy scenic mountain views while exploring the lake and spending a perfect day outdoors with family and friends.

1-Hour Free Pontoon Rentals & Discounts in Big Bear

Red and white pontoon boat with people enjoying a relaxing outing at Big Bear Lake, surrounded by scenic forested hills.

Destination Big Bear guests can enjoy exclusive boating perks at Holloway’s Marina, including:

20% off pontoon rentals (excluding Saturdays and holidays)
Free 1-hour pontoon ride for lakefront guest who book directly on our website. (Excludes Saturday and Holidays. Limited availability.)

These limited-time perks are available when you book directly with Destination Big Bear and are designed to enhance your Big Bear Lake experience.

Find a Big Bear Cabin Rental

About the Event

The beginning of boating season at Big Bear Lake attracts both tourists and residents who come to the lake for fishing and cruising and all their outdoor activities. Marinas around the lake begin offering boat rentals which include pontoon boats and kayaks and paddleboards. The guests can view mountain landscapes while they travel across the lake. Every boat needs to acquire a Lake Use Permit which requires them to complete a specific inspection process before they can launch.

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Event Highlights

Location: Big Bear Lake, California
Official start of the Big Bear Lake boating season
Boat launches and marina services reopening
Pontoon boats, fishing boats, and watersports rentals available
Kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing activities
Scenic lake cruises with beautiful mountain views
Family-friendly lake activities around the shoreline
Cabin rentals nearby through Destination Big Bear

Which Boat Mariana is Right for You?

Big Bear Marina

Family enjoying Sea-Doo jet ski rentals on Big Bear Lake with Designated Wakesports

Big Bear Designated Wakesports

Pleasure Point Marina

North Shore Landing

Big Bear Boating Opening Day – Big Bear Lake FAQs

1. Do I need a permit to launch a boat on Big Bear Lake?

Answer: Yes. All boats must obtain a Lake Use Permit and pass a quagga mussel inspection before launching.

2. Can I rent a boat if I don’t own one?

Answer: Yes. Several marinas around Big Bear Lake offer rentals including pontoon boats fishing boats kayaks and paddleboards.

3. Is boating season suitable for beginners?

Answer: Yes. Big Bear Lake contains calm areas which serve as ideal practice spaces for beginner boaters and families who want to spend a peaceful day on the water.

Big Bear Boating Opening Day:

Boating season brings excitement back to Big Bear Lake every year. The first day of the lake season starts with peaceful fishing and continues through sunny afternoon boat rides which create lasting memories. Plan your mountain getaway and experience the beauty of Big Bear Lake from the water.

Organizer: Big Bear Municipal Water District
Venue: East Public Launch Ramp
Location: Big Bear Lake, CA
Address: 41911 North Shore Dr, Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
Dates: *April 1, 2026 (*Estimated Opening Day. Please check with Big Bear Municipal Water District and call ahead for the official opening date)
Time: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Tickets: Click here to book your tickets
More Info: Click here

Boating Map of Big Bear Lake

Plan Your Lake Adventure

Big Bear Lake welcomes boaters back as the 2026 boating season begins.The marinas and public launch ramps now operate their services which include boat rentals and fishing boats and pontoon cruises and kayaks and paddleboards.

All visitors must arrive early on opening day and they must ensure their boats possess a Lake Use Permit and their boats complete the required inspection before they can launch.