The short answer is: not in the traditional, take an 8 hour course sense. 

Here are the options:

1 One person of your party shows proof of MN Boat Rental Safety Certificate (valid for 180 days) from passing this course prior to arrival: https://www.boaterexam.com/usa/minnesotarental/

2. One person of your party shows proof of a boaters license from Minnesota, another state, the USCG, or Canada

Boat operators (the person who completed one of the above) must provide a valid drivers license for file and be 21 years of age or older. 

See the new 2025 MN Statute 86B.306 for more information. 

The boats hold up to 6 people or 950 lbs (whichever limit you reach first).

If you want to book more than one boat at the same time for your group, please email or call us. 

We are located at Boom Island Park in Minneapolis on the Mississippi River near the lighthouse! 

The water ranges from about 100 – 104 degrees Farenheit. If you get too hot during your rental, you can always turn the heater off or sit on the sun deck!

There are not any jets in the hot tub boats. 

We advise only bringing things that you are ok with getting wet on the boat. There is limited storage on board. 

We do have a small dock box that you can put shoes, towels, and other belongings in while you are out on the water.  

If river levels rise and the current becomes to strong to take out the boats, we will notify you. There are a few options in this scenario:

1. You can hang out at the dock and enjoy the skyline from the comfort of the hot tub boats, without ever taking them out. This comes with a 25% refund. 
2. You can rebook for another time. 
3. You can receive a full refund. 

You can cancel for a full refund 72 hours or more prior to your reservation. Please call or email to do this. Reservations cancelled within 72 hours are usually not eligible for a refund. 

We operate rain or shine. We will shut down for severe weather (like lightning) or unsafe river conditions. 

Yes, we provide life jackets for all passengers and operators. Children are required to wear the life jacket in the boat at all times.

Swimming outside the hot tub boat is prohibited. 

Food is not permitted on the hot tub boat at any time. Boom Island Park is a lovely park for a picnic with family or friends before or after your rental though! 

We use commercial pool products to make sure the water stays clean. We use a rapid, thorough filtering process and test the water before each use to make sure it is clean for each customer. We use clean, municipal water (not Mississippi River water) to fill the boats. 

Yes! Please contact us via email or call and we can help you plan this.

You can take the boats as far downstream on the Mississippi as the Nicollet Island Railway bridge and as far north as the Broadway Street bridge. If you just want to float and not worry about exploring, you can always hang out at the dock or head out to the middle of river channel. 

We have a wonderful view of the downtown Minneapolis skyline from our dock. This portion of the Mississippi is a wonderful blend of nature and city scape.

Yes! We will have a changing room on site. There is also a bathroom within Boom Island Park.

Minneapolis Parks provides paid parking a few steps from our dock in Boom Island Park. 

All vehicles must be out of Boom Island Park parking lot prior to 9pm to avoid a ticket/your car getting locked in for the night by Minneapolis Parks. If you have a booking that runs until 9pm, we suggest parking on the other side of Plymouth Ave on Sibley St and walking across. 

Yes! We give a thorough safety and operating briefing prior to you taking a boat out. The boats are very easy to drive. If you still aren’t comfortable, you can always just hang out at the dock and enjoy the Minneapolis skyline! See the note on the boating license for more information. 

To captain the boat, you must be at least 21 years old. Children ages 13 and up are allowed with a parent or legal guardian. All children must wear a personal floatation device at all times while on the boat. 

We hope to operate March 1 to November 30 (weather dependent).

Yes, if it gets below 20 degrees, we will shut things down. However, renting in the colder months is an awesome experience. The warmth of the water is that much more amazing and the ambiance of the steam rising is quite scenic. 

At your own risk. You can bring a reasonable amount of alcohol on board with you. Hot tubs can make people dehydrated which can be compounded by drinking. All alcohol laws still apply on the water. Including drunk driving. We reserve the right to deny alcohol to be brought on board and limit the amount. Ultimately, it’s your responsibility to make sure you drink safely. Underage drinking is prohibited.

No. You must remain in the boat at all times. Swimming in the river can be dangerous due to current and floating debris. Anyone caught swimming in the river will be asked to leave and fined. 

We operate rain or shine. We will shut down operations for lightning and severe weather. We also will limit where the boats can go based on river levels and water current. If weather affects your experience, we will offer you an opportunity for a refund (full refund available if weather impacts prior to arrival) or to rebook.

Yes. We offer a 20% discount to Military, Veterans, and First Responders – code is mil1st. We also offer a 10% Locals discount – code is locals – to anyone who lives in Minneapolis (please be prepared to provide proof at time of rental).