Enjoy Buffalo’s Waterfront with a Pontoon Boat Rental
There’s something special about summer in Buffalo. The days are long, the sun is warm, and the water practically calls your name. Whether you're looking out over the Niagara River or spending the afternoon along Tonawanda Creek, Western New York has some of the most beautiful boating opportunities around. And one of the best—and easiest—ways to get out and enjoy it all is with a pontoon boat rental.
At Collins Marine, we help people get on the water every season. Whether you're an experienced boater or trying it for the first time, a pontoon boat rental makes it simple, safe, and relaxing to enjoy a day out with friends and family.
If you’ve never considered renting a pontoon before, let’s walk you through why so many people are choosing this option—and why it might be the perfect fit for your next day on the water. You can also check out our Ultimate Pontoon Rental Guide for even more tips.
What Exactly Is a Pontoon Boat?
For those who may not be familiar, a pontoon boat is a flat-deck boat that sits on two or three metal tubes (called pontoons). Those pontoons give the boat excellent stability and buoyancy, making it ideal for cruising, relaxing, and spending time with a group.
Unlike smaller speedboats or fishing boats that cut through the water at high speeds, pontoon boats are designed for comfort. You won’t be bouncing around or worrying about balance—just smooth, easy cruising across calm waters. That’s one of the reasons why so many of our customers tell us they come back to rent a pontoon year after year.
Why Rent a Pontoon Boat?
A boat rental pontoon offers a kind of freedom and simplicity that few other outdoor activities can match. When you step aboard, you’re not just renting a boat—you’re renting your own private floating lounge for the day.
You can pack a cooler, bring your favorite snacks and drinks, load up some fishing gear or water toys, and head out for hours of fun at your own pace. There’s no strict schedule to follow, no crowded beaches to fight for space. It's just you, your crew, and the open water.
For families, pontoons are especially popular because they offer plenty of room to move around. Parents don’t have to constantly worry about kids falling overboard thanks to the boat’s railings and wide, stable deck. Grandparents appreciate the comfort and ease of boarding, and everyone loves having space to spread out and enjoy the day.
You Don’t Need to Be an Expert to Rent - You Just Need Some Experience
One of the biggest concerns for first-timers is whether they’ll be able to handle the boat. While we do request that our renter who will be driving the boat has boating experience, you don’t need a captain’s license to rent a pontoon boat from Collins Marine.
Before you leave the dock, our team gives every renter a full walkthrough of the boat’s controls and safety equipment. We’ll show you how to start and steer the boat, how to dock, how to drop anchor, and review any safety questions you may have. In just a few minutes, most people feel totally comfortable and ready to head out on their own adventure.
Unlike high-speed boats that require more experience, pontoons are designed to be easy to operate. They’re not built for racing—they’re built for cruising, relaxing, and enjoying the water at a leisurely pace.
Explore Some of Buffalo’s Waterways from a New Perspective
Buffalo isn’t just a city—it’s a waterfront town. We’re lucky to have access to some of the most scenic boating routes in Western New York, and a pontoon boat rental gives you the chance to see them from a whole new perspective.
Leaving right from our dock at Collins Marine, you can easily cruise along the Niagara River and Tonawanda Creek. Many renters like to cruise slowly along the shoreline, taking in the views of waterfront homes, lush trees, and local wildlife.
You might spot herons standing at the shoreline, ducks paddling alongside your boat, or even bald eagles soaring overhead. You’ll pass under bridges, wave to other boaters, and find plenty of peaceful little spots where you can drop anchor, jump in for a swim, or enjoy lunch right on the deck.
Make It a Day to Remember
What makes a pontoon boat rental so perfect is how versatile it is. We’ve seen people celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, bachelor and bachelorette parties, and even small weddings out on our pontoons. Others simply gather a few friends or family members for a quiet afternoon of fishing and floating.
Some families make it an annual tradition. Every summer, they return to Collins Marine, rent a pontoon, and spend the day cruising and making memories. It's the kind of low-stress, high-enjoyment experience that appeals to all ages.
A lot of people tell us that renting a pontoon feels a little like taking a mini vacation—without the travel or the hotel bill. You're close to home, but for a few hours, you’re completely unplugged and relaxed on the water.
What to Bring for Your Pontoon Rental
While we provide everything you need for the boat itself—life jackets, safety gear, fuel, and orientation—there are a few things you’ll want to bring along to make your day even better:
- Sunscreen and hats (the sun feels stronger on the water!)
- A cooler with drinks, snacks, or a full picnic
- Towels and swimsuits if you plan to swim
- Your favorite playlist or Bluetooth speaker
- Fishing gear if you'd like to cast a line
- Cameras or smartphones to capture the memories
And of course, don’t forget to bring your sense of adventure.
Our Fleet and Booking Process
At Collins Marine, we take pride in keeping our fleet of pontoon boats clean, comfortable, and well-maintained. We know your safety and enjoyment depend on boats that run well and are easy to operate, so every boat is thoroughly inspected and serviced regularly.
We offer flexible rental options depending on how much time you want to spend on the water—whether that’s a half-day outing or a full day’s adventure. Weekends and holidays tend to book up quickly, so we always recommend making your reservation as early as possible.
Booking your boat rental pontoon is easy. Simply give us a call at 716-875-6000 for more information.
Experience Western New York from the Water
There’s something about being on a boat that allows you to see Buffalo and Western New York from a completely different point of view. The familiar skyline looks a little more peaceful from the water. The breeze feels a little cooler. The pace of the day slows down.
Whether you’re a lifelong Buffalonian or visiting our beautiful region for the first time, a pontoon boat rental from Collins Marine is one of the best ways to take full advantage of our local waterways.
We love seeing the smiles as people return to the dock after a great day on the water. Often, the first thing we hear is: “That was so easy—and so much fun. We’ll be back.”
Ready to Book Your Pontoon Boat Rental?
If you’ve been thinking about spending a day on the water, don’t wait. Summer goes fast, and availability fills up quickly—especially on weekends.
Contact Collins Marine today to book your pontoon boat rental and start planning the perfect summer memory. We’ll get the boat ready. You just bring your people.