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 Lake Erie shoreline. Whether on your own or together with a partner, boat rentals offer a unique water experience for all ages.
Rental Rates
Waterfront Rentals are closed until the 2024 season begins.
Lakeside has an inventory of 35 watercraft within the rental fleet. They’re identified with “LS” for those provided directly by Lakeside or “S.O.S” if donated by the Society of Old Salts. The fleet is owned and managed by Lakeside and is available for the enjoyment of all guests and residents. S.O.S members may rent only one watercraft at a time per membership, at no cost; a two-hour maximum applies. Rental rates apply for a second watercraft rental in the same timeslot.
Sailboats
$30-$40 first hour
$20 additional hour
Kayak
$30 first hour
$20 additional hour
Paddle Board
$20 first hour
$15 additional hour
Reserve a Watercraft
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 leisure. For additional information, call (419) 798-4461, ext. 266.
Rather Go Sailing?
Rentals, Lessons and Programs
Watercraft Rental Rules & Regulations
- A USCG Approved Life Jacket must be worn at all times
- You must have an adult, ages 18+, 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 a sailboat
- No person under age 12 shall operate any vessel unless under the direct visual and audible supervision of a person who is ages 18+
- Children ages 8 and younger must have an adult, ages 18+, onboard
- 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 on Lake Erie to sunbathe and swim on hot summer days. Relax on the beach or catch some rays from the dock. The beach and swimming on the west side of the Dock are open during the summer. Swim at your own risk.
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 are 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; swim at your own risk. 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
During the summer, 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
During the summer, the Lakeside Wooden Boat Society offers the opportunity to experience the beauty and rich history of Lake Erie and Lakeside from the seat of beautifully restored wooden boats. Climb aboard Miss Muffet, a fully restored 1956, 38-foot Chris Craft Constellation with a large open aft deck for relaxing and a hardtop at the helm for those wanting out of the sun. Feel the breeze, watch the sunset and make memories to last a lifetime.
30-minute Boat Rides
Our 30-minute Wooden Boat Rides depart Monday and Thursday from the end of the L dock during the summer season, weather permitting. 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.
The schedule for the beginning and end of the season will be modified. For the most up-to-date schedule, see the Lakesider newspaper and the registration page.
Hour-long Sunset Cruises
Hour-long Sunset Cruises depart Monday and Thursday from the end of the L dock during the summer season, weather permitting. Rides begin 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 4 passengers, with a maximum of 6. Bring your own snacks and non-alcoholic beverages. No glass allowed.
Private Charters
Private Charters on Lake Erie are available on 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. No glass allowed.
- Miss Muffet: 1-hour cruise $325 (6-person max); 2-hour cruise $575 (6-person max)
Contact infocenter@lakesideohio.com from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day to book your cruise.
Fishing
Reel in the fun and experience great fishing on one of the Great Lakes. Catching a Lake Erie perch, walleye or other freshwater fish is sure to make your trip to Lakeside a memorable one. All anglers in Ohio, ages 16+, require a valid fishing license. Fishing licenses and bait are available at the Waterfront Rental Center, located at the Pavilion. For more info, contact infocenter@lakesideohio.com or (419) 798-4461, ext. 266.
From Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, join Dave Kintner for Fishing 101 from 8-10 a.m. Friday and Saturday, weather permitting. For details, visit lakesideohio.com/calendar.
Summer/Winter Boat Storage
To store your boat during the summer or winter at the Lakeside Sailing Center, download and return a Boat Storage Agreement with payment to: Lakeside Chautauqua, Attn: Watercraft, 236 Walnut Ave., Lakeside, Ohio 43440. Form for 2023-2024 will be available soon.