Saguaro Lake Boat Rentals: Wakeboat, Jet Ski and Paddleboard Days from Apache Junction
Saguaro Lake is open now for boat and jet ski days from Apache Junction. Canyon Lake is closed for the SRP / Bureau of Reclamation drawdown into late 2026 / early 2027 — Saguaro is not part of that closure. Surf boats and jet skis: pickup-only at our shop, about a 30–35 minute tow to the ramp. See the Canyon Lake closure update (and our fall UTV / drawdown season note when you want dirt instead of water).
One lake, the whole fleet
Saguaro Lake is the closest big-water playground to the East Valley — 1,200 acres of blue water wrapped in red canyon walls, with a full-service marina, wild horses on the shoreline, and room to surf, cruise, and rip. Whatever you’re into, Wave & Ridge has the boat for it.
Lake status: Canyon Lake (Arizona) is closed to the public for an SRP drawdown that began September 2026 and is expected to run ~16 weeks into late 2026 / early 2027. Saguaro Lake remains open — that is where Wave & Ridge water rentals go right now.
Full timeline: Canyon Lake closed 2026 drawdown. Prefer trails while water plans shift? Fall UTV season + Apache Trail drawdown views.
Pick your rental in two minutes
Saguaro Lake boat rentals from Wave and Ridge Jet Ski, Boat, and UTV Rentals come in three shapes. Pick by group and goal:
- Two or three people who want speed: a Sea-Doo Spark 3UP jet ski. Seats up to three. Renter must be 21 or older, and operators 16 or older. Book two skis for a bigger group.
- A group built around surfing, wakeboarding and tubing: the Centurion RI 245 wakeboat. Seats up to 16, with a surf ballast system and tower speakers. Renter must be 25 or older.
- Calm-water floating and exploring coves: stand-up paddleboards. Quiet, simple and good for early mornings.
A full day is 8 hours for the jet ski, the wakeboat and the paddleboards. Every rental is pickup-only from our shop at 724 E Scenic St in Apache Junction, about 30 minutes from Saguaro Lake. See the wakeboat page, the jet ski page and the paddleboard page for details on each.
Every rental is pickup-only from our Apache Junction shop at 724 E Scenic St. We hook you up, walk you through the trailer and brake controller, and send you off with everything you need for the day. No delivery to the lake, no meet-at-the-ramp — just a full tank and the open lake at Saguaro.
Planning the day? Start with the Saguaro Lake boat rental day plan, or read can you rent jet skis at Saguaro Lake.
Wave & Ridge is the closest rental shop to the lake, and our Saguaro Lake boat rentals cover every kind of day out there — the Centurion RI 245 surf boat for wake days, and Sea-Doo Spark jet skis when you want to rip. Book online in minutes, with same-day security deposit release.
Surf and wakeboard behind the Centurion RI 245
Big, clean wakes for surfing and boarding, a full-beam bow for the whole crew, and tower speakers for the soundtrack — pick it up in Apache Junction and tow it to the ramp.
Centurion RI 245
Tournament-grade surf boat with a programmable ballast system that throws a real wave — set it for surf in the morning, dial it back for first-timers after lunch. Seats up to 16 with room to lounge, swim, and run the tube.
$999 / 4 hrs · $1,499 / 8 hrs
Holiday weekends +20%. Refundable $1,500 deposit at pickup, returned same day.
- Boards & tubes included
- Life jackets for all
- Bluetooth tower audio
- Full pickup walkthrough
- Weather protection
- $20 U-Haul comp (4 & 8 hr)
★ 4.9★ on Google · Pickup from Apache Junction · Fuel not included (out full, back full)
Also at Saguaro — jet skis
Want something easier on the wallet? Add a jet ski to your Saguaro Lake day.
Sea-Doo Spark 3UP
Light, nimble, and a blast for first-timers or rippers. Fits 2–3 riders — perfect for chasing wakes and exploring the coves.
21+ to rent · 16+ to operate · life jackets included · refundable $500 deposit
Booking checklist
- Name the renter. Choose the person in your group who meets the age rule for the craft you want, and have their driver's license ready.
- Check live rates and dates on the craft page or our pricing page.
- Reserve online on our booking page. We are open Monday through Saturday.
- Sort your Tonto Pass. You need a Daily Pass plus a Watercraft Use Sticker for each motorized craft, or an annual Discovery Pass. Our Tonto Pass guide explains it.
- Plan to arrive an hour early at the shop for hookup, life-jacket fitting and the walkthrough.
- Confirm your tow vehicle. You tow the rental to Saguaro yourself. See towing info.
Mistakes that cost people their lake day
- Planning around Canyon Lake. It is closed for the SRP drawdown. Every water rental goes to Saguaro.
- Ignoring the age rule until pickup. The renter has to meet it in person with a license.
- Arriving at the shop right at your start time. Hookup and the walkthrough take time, and late starts eat into your day.
- Leaving the Tonto Pass for the ramp. Buy it in town on the way.
- Showing up late on a summer weekend. From April through October the Forest Service says Saguaro can hit boating capacity early on weekends and holidays.
Every rental comes loaded
No add-on menu, no surprises at pickup. Here’s what’s in the price on every boat and jet ski.
Getting to Saguaro Lake
A little local know-how so your day runs smooth from the shop to the ramp.
Book, confirm the renter, pick up an hour early, tow about 30 minutes, display your pass, launch at Saguaro del Norte, ride, and return on time with the craft fueled. For a full hour-by-hour plan, read our Saguaro Lake boat rental day plan.
📍 Where & how far
Saguaro Lake sits in the Tonto National Forest about 30 minutes from our Apache Junction shop — an easy, scenic drive up the Bush Highway. You’ll pick up your rental from us and tow it to the lake.
⛵ The marina & ramp
Saguaro Lake Marina is full-service: paved launch ramps, a fuel dock, a restaurant, store, restrooms, and parking. Unlike the remote lakes, you’ve got everything you need for a full day right there.
The rules on the water
From the Forest Service's Saguaro Lake page:
- Travel counter-clockwise around the lake.
- No motorized craft in the bay in front of Butcher Jones and Saguaro del Norte.
- The east end is no-wake. Watch the buoys.
- No glass containers, and pack out your trash.
- Water levels change, and rocks can sit just under the surface near shore.
🅿 Tonto Pass
The lake is on national forest land, so a Tonto Pass (day-use parking permit) or an America the Beautiful pass is required at the recreation sites. Grab a Tonto Pass online or at local retailers before you head up.
🐎 Wild horses & canyon walls
Keep an eye on the shoreline — Saguaro’s famous wild mustangs roam the surrounding forest and are often spotted from the water, especially early morning. Admire them from a distance and never approach or feed them.
Saguaro Lake rental questions
Is Canyon Lake open, or should I book Saguaro?
Canyon Lake is closed to the public for the SRP / Bureau of Reclamation drawdown (into late 2026 / early 2027). Saguaro Lake is open and is where Wave & Ridge sends boat and jet ski rentals right now. All rentals stay pickup-only in Apache Junction — you tow to Saguaro. Ages: jet ski 21+ to rent / 16+ to operate; surf boat 25+ to rent. Read the closure post for status detail.
How much does it cost to rent a boat or jet ski at Saguaro Lake?
Jet skis start at $199 for 2 hours ($219 for 4 hours, $319 for a full day). The Centurion RI 245 surf boat is $999 for 4 hours or $1,499 for a full day. Holiday weekends carry a 20% surcharge, and a refundable deposit is collected at pickup and returned the same day.
How far is Saguaro Lake from Apache Junction?
Saguaro Lake is about 30 minutes from our Apache Junction shop — a scenic drive up the Bush Highway. All of our rentals are pickup-only: you collect your jet ski or surf boat from us, and we walk you through hooking up the trailer, the brake controller, and launching before you head to the ramp.
What water sports can I do at Saguaro Lake?
Saguaro Lake is perfect for jet skiing, wakesurfing and wakeboarding, swimming, and scenic boating — all skill levels welcome. We rent jet skis and the Centurion RI 245 surf boat, each with life jackets and safety equipment included. Every rental goes out with a full tank; just bring it back full (or pay for the fuel used plus a $20 refueling fee).
Do I need a boating license to rent at Saguaro Lake?
No special boating license is required in Arizona for our rentals. To rent a jet ski you must be 21+ (and 16+ to operate one); the surf boat requires renters to be 25+. We give every renter a full pre-launch walkthrough so you’re confident on the water, whether it’s your first time or your hundredth.
Can I see wild horses at Saguaro Lake?
Yes! One of Saguaro Lake’s signature features is its wild horse population. Free-roaming mustangs live in the surrounding Tonto National Forest and are often seen from the water, especially in early morning or late afternoon. Please observe from a safe distance and never approach or feed them.
What amenities are available at Saguaro Lake Marina?
Saguaro Lake Marina is a full-service destination with a restaurant, store, fuel dock, paved boat launch, restrooms, picnic areas, and parking. Unlike the more remote lakes, you’ll find everything you need for a complete day on the water.
When is the best time to visit Saguaro Lake?
Spring (March–May) and fall (September–November) are ideal, with perfect weather and great water conditions. Summer is hot and busy — book early. Winter is quieter with cooler water. Early-morning starts (7am–noon) get you the calmest water and the fewest crowds.
What if the weather turns on my rental day?
If a storm is forecast for your rental day, contact us before launch and we’ll reschedule at no charge — weather is handled by reschedule, not refund. Once you’re on the water, getting off safely if conditions change is your responsibility. Cancellation terms are shown at checkout before you pay.
How do I book a Saguaro Lake boat rental?
Book online in minutes — choose your boat or jet ski, pick a date, and check out. Prefer to talk? Use the Call button in the header or footer. Cancellation terms are shown at checkout before you pay. On the day, arrive one hour before your start time at 724 E Scenic St, Apache Junction for hookup and a quick safety walk-through.
What is included with a Saguaro Lake boat rental?
All your gear is included at no extra charge — life jackets, tubes, tow ropes, and a Bluetooth speaker — with no hidden fees. Fuel is not included: every rental goes out with a full tank, and you return it full or pay the cost of fuel plus a $20 refueling fee.
Is there a security deposit for Saguaro Lake rentals?
Yes — a refundable security deposit is required at pickup and returned the same day: $500 per jet ski, and $1,500 for the Centurion wakeboat.
What is the best boat to rent on Saguaro Lake for a big group?
The Centurion RI 245 wakeboat, which seats up to 16. The renter must be 25 or older.
Can I rent at Saguaro Lake if I am under 25?
Yes, a jet ski. Jet ski renters must be 21 or older, and operators 16 or older.
Do you deliver boats to Saguaro Lake Marina?
No. All rentals are pickup-only from our Apache Junction shop, and you tow to the lake.
How long is a full-day boat rental?
8 hours for the wakeboat, jet skis and paddleboards.
Your Saguaro Lake day starts here
Pick your boat, pick your date, and we’ll have it ready and hooked up at pickup. Surf, cruise, or rip — the lake’s waiting.
Open Mon–Sat, 7 AM–7 PM • Pickup from 724 E Scenic St, Apache Junction, AZ
Book the Centurion RI 245
Centurion RI 245 · from $999 / 4 hours
Book a Sea-Doo Spark 3UP
Jet ski · from $199 / 2 hours