Waterfront Activities
Open waters of Lake Erie
The lakefront provides the ideal setting for a variety of water activities at Lakeside Chautauqua. Explore opportunities in sailing, kayaking, swimming and fishing, or simply enjoy the beautiful shoreline. A kiddie pool and splash pad overlooking the water’s edge also provide hours of enjoyment for children. Whatever your preference, Lakeside has water activities for all ages.
Home to a 700-foot dock stretching out over the open waters of Lake Erie, Lakeside offers water activities for everyone. Explore opportunities in sailing, kayaking, swimming, paddleboarding, fishing or simply enjoying the beautiful shoreline.
Watercraft Rentals
Rent a sailboat, kayak or paddleboard and enjoy the beautiful shoreline. Whether on your own or together with a partner, boat rentals offer a unique water experience for all ages.
Rental Rates
Lakeside currently has an inventory of 35 various watercrafts within the rental fleet. They’re identified either with “LS” for those provided directly by Lakeside or “S.O.S” if donated to Lakeside by the Society of Old Salts (S.O.S)* community group. The watercraft fleet is owned and managed by Lakeside and is available for the enjoyment of all guests and residents.
Society of Old Salts (S.O.S) members may rent only one watercraft at a time per membership, at no cost; two-hour maximum applies. Rental rates apply for second watercraft rental in the same time slot.
Sailboats
$30-$40 first hour
$20 additional hour
Kayak
$30 first hour
$20 additional hour
Paddle Board
$20 first hour
$15 additional hour
Reserve Your Watercraft Today
Watercraft rentals have a 2-hour maximum time limit and must be reserved in advance.
Visit the Waterfront
Message Us
infocenter@lakesideohio.com
Please note that the Waterfront Rental Center is closed from Labor Day to Memorial Day. Guests are welcome to swim, fish or bring their own kayaks, paddleboards or sailboats to enjoy the water at their own leisure. For additional information, call (419) 798-4461, ext. 266.
Rather Go Sailing?
Rentals, Lessons, and Programs
Watercraft Rental Rules & Regulations
- USCG Approved Life Jacket must be worn at all times.
- You must have an adult, 18 years or older, present to sign a waiver
- All sailors must pass a sailing test with a score of at least 80% at the Waterfront Rental Center and be cleared by the Sailing Staff to rent sailboats
- No person under 12 years of age shall operate any vessel unless under the direct visual and audible supervision of a person who is 18 years of age or older
- Children 8 years or younger must have an adult 18 years or older on board
- No more than two people at a time are permitted on a paddleboard
- Guests may switch kayak and paddleboard users during their rental time, however, rules and regulations apply to all watercraft passengers
Lake Swimming
Lakeside is the ideal location to sunbathe and swim on hot summer days. Relax on the beach or catch some rays on the dock. The beach and dock are open for swimming.
For your safety, please keep the following in mind:
- Swim in buoyed areas only
- No diving or flipping off the dock
- Swim during daylight hours only
- Use the buddy system
- Look-out chairs for authorized personnel only
- Parents & guardians watch your children
- Do no climb on stone breakwalls
- Inflatables only allowed between L & I dock swim area
- No pets on dock
Lifeguards are not on duty. Swimmers should stay within the swim lines at the beach and between the I and L docks. Those with inflatables should use the roped off swim areas between the I and L docks.
Splash Pad & Kiddie Pool
The Splash Pad & Kiddie Pool are open 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Saturday and 12-6 p.m. Sunday for children and families to enjoy.
More places to swim!
Check out the pool at the Grindley Aquatic & Wellness Campus
Wooden Boat Rides & Cruises
The Lakeside Wooden Boat Society offers a variety of options to experience the beauty and rich history of Lake Erie and Lakeside from the seat of beautifully restored wooden boats.
Climb aboard Amazing Grace, a 1937, 32′ Richardson Cruiseabout with bench seating and plenty of shaded space, to feel the breeze, watch the sunset, and make memories to last a lifetime.
30-minute Boat Rides
30-minute Boat Rides depart Monday and Thursday from the end of the L dock from June 1-Aug. 31, 2023. Rides begin at 6 p.m. with the last ride departing at 7:30 p.m. The cost is $26 for adults and $10 for youth (ages 4-12). Maximum 6 passengers.
Hour-long Boat Rides
Hour-long Sunset Cruises depart Monday and Thursday from the end of the L-dock at 8 p.m. and return to Bar Harbor Community Marina. The cost is $40 for adults and $15 for youth (ages 4-12). Each cruise requires a minimum of four passengers, with a maximum of six. Bring your own snacks and non-alcoholic beverages. No glass allowed.
Private Charters
Private Charters are available on either the Amazing Grace or Miss Muffet to celebrate weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, or other special events. Dates and times are dependent on weather and captain availability. Bring your own snacks and beverages or have us cater it.
Amazing Grace: 1 hr cruises $250 (6 person max); 2 hr cruises $450 (6 person max)
Miss Muffet: 1 hr cruise $325 (6 person max); 2 hr cruise $575 (6 person max)
Please contact conference@lakesideohio.com or call 419-798-4461, ext. 279 to book your cruise and discuss your catering needs.
Fishing
Reel in the fun, and experience great fishing in one of the Great Lakes. Catching a Lake Erie perch, walleye or other fresh water fish is sure to make your trip to Lakeside a memorable one. All anglers in Ohio, age 16 and older, require a valid fishing license. Gather your fishing gear and prepare for a great experience at Lakeside Chautauqua.
Fishing licenses and bait available in the Waterfront Rental Center. For information contact infocenter@lakesideohio.com or 419-798-4461, ext. 266.
Summer/Winter Boat Storage
For those planning to store their boat during the summer or winter seasons at the Lakeside Sailing Center, download and return the 2022-23 Boat Storage Agreement (check back for form) with payment to: Lakeside Chautauqua, Attn: Watercraft, 236 Walnut Ave., Lakeside, Ohio 43440.