Fontana Lake offers a variety of boating excursions, from leisurely pontoon joyrides to scenic sunset cruises. While Bryson City is renowned for its hiking trails, it also provides ample opportunities for boating enthusiasts. Are you ready to discover a different side of Bryson City that can only be experienced on the water? Join us as we explore some of our favorite activities for fun in the sun!
Cruise on a Pontoon
1. Almond Boat Park
Almond Boat & RV Park, nestled on the shores of Fontana Lake just ten miles from Bryson City, perfectly blends waterfront adventure with rustic comforts. Its highlight? A well‑equipped pontoon rental fleet—no reservations are needed for hourly or half‑day trips (available after 11 AM), making it easy to spontaneously cruise, fish, or soak in panoramic mountain views. Beyond boating, the park offers 52 full‑hookup RV sites open April through October, where travelers can park, plug in, and unwind lakeside. For a cozy overnight stay, pick from one‑ or two‑bedroom lakefront cottages with full kitchens, porches overlooking the water, and enough space to host up to eight guests—ideal for families or groups seeking a charming Smoky Mountains retreat. Friendly staff, convenient amenities like bait, boat storage, and fishing licenses, and a warm small‑town welcome complete the package.
2. Prince Boat Dock
Prince Boat Dock, tucked into a serene cove of Fontana Lake just a short drive from Bryson City, offers a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation. Their 24-foot Bentley pontoon boats, equipped with 115 HP and ski poles, are available for full-day or half-day rentals—ideal for cruising, fishing, or simply soaking in mountain panoramas. In addition to pontoon boats, the marina provides paddle boards, a dock store with snacks, non-ethanol fuel, ice, bait and tackle, propane exchange, and boat storage in covered and open slips. For a waterside stay, they offer unique floating houseboat rentals—cozy cabins moored along over three miles of US Forest Service shoreline—perfect for an overnight getaway or an extended retreat on the lake. Whether you’re planning a day trip or a multi-night adventure, Prince Boat Dock delivers everything you need for a memorable Fontana Lake experience.
3. Alarka Marina
Alarka Marina, tucked into a serene inlet on Fontana Lake just east of Bryson City, is a full‑service waterfront hub best known for its top-of-the-line pontoon rentals. Guests can choose from brand-new Tritoon models or classic 24‑ft Bentleys—each equipped with life jackets and cushions—for half‑ or full‑day outings, perfect for fishing, cruising, tubing, or soaking up Smoky Mountain scenery. Beyond pontoon boats, Alarka offers single-tube rentals for extra water fun, covered and open boat slips, a dock store stocked with snacks, bait, ice, fuel and oil, plus fishing guides and slips for overnight mooring. A family-owned operation praised for its friendly, expert staff and impeccable service, it’s a one-stop shop for a smooth and memorable day (or more) out on the lake .
4. Fontana Village Marina
Fontana Village Marina, nestled at Fontana Dam just minutes from Bryson City, is your all-season gateway to Fontana Lake, offering a wide variety of boat rentals and services. Their motorized fleet includes spacious 22‑ft pontoon boats—perfect for fishing, family outings, or scenic cruises—as well as bass-ready.. For quieter excursions, you can rent canoes, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, and pedal boats without needing a reservation.Beyond watercraft, the marina supports anglers and adventurers with a full-service dock store (bait, fuel, snacks, apparel), dockage and dry storage options, boat launching, and even backcountry shuttle and hiker-boat services to remote trailheads With amenities like Wi‑Fi, restrooms, and clean‑marina credentials, Fontana Village Marina is a top-tier launchpad for everyone—from casual paddlers to outdoor explorers.
Take a Guided Boat Tour
Guided boat tours on Fontana Lake offer an unforgettable way to explore the serene beauty and storied history of the Smokies. Among the standout experiences, Miss Hazel Cruises departs from Fontana Marina aboard a USCG‑inspected, 22‑seat pontoon vessel known as “Miss Hazel.” These scenic cruises—lasting 1½ hours—bring passengers past the mighty Fontana Dam, into Eagle and Hazel Creeks, and by the sunken town of Proctor, all while a local historian narrates tales of the Appalachian Trail, Cherokee heritage, logging days, and dam construction. Wildlife is often plentiful, with sightings of eagles, bears, and coyotes enhancing the journey
Beyond Miss Hazel, other providers round out the tour scene.
- Fontana Guides operates pontoon trips with customizable options—ranging from wildlife-spotting excursions to laid‑back sunset sails.
- Fontana Lake Cruises offers 2-Person Catamaran Tours on Fontana Lake.
- NOC adds a kayak-based perspective, focusing on secluded coves and intimate wildlife views.
- Carolina Bound Adventures offers canoe, kayak and paddleboard rentals
Altogether, these varied offerings—from history-rich Miss Hazel tours to full-day multi-activity adventures—create a rich tapestry of lake experiences that cater to every pace and interest.
“Water” You Waiting For?
Whether you want to rent a boat or spend your time relaxing on a sunset cruise, Bryson City has it all! Escape into a North Carolina paradise, and experience Bryson City from a whole new perspective than you get on land. Views of trails, mountain peaks, wildlife, and more await you when you play on the water. What are you waiting for? Start planning your trip and make your boat reservations today!
